One day, as I was treating some of my friends,
one of my servants came and told me that an officer of the caliph
asked for me. I rose from the table, and went to him. 'The caliph,'
said he, 'has sent me to tell you that he must speak with you.' I
followed the officer to the palace, where, being presented to the
caliph, I saluted him by prostrating myself at his feet. 'Sinbad,'
said he to me, 'I stand in need of you; you must do me the service
to carry my answer and present to the King of Serendib. It is but
just I should return his civility.'
This command of the caliph to me was like a clap of thunder.
'Commander of the Faithful,' replied I, 'I am ready to do whatever
your majesty shall think fit to command me; but I beseech you most
humbly to consider what I have undergone. I have also made a vow
never to go out of Bagdad.' Here I took occasion to give him a
large and particular account of all my adventures, which he had the
patience to hear out.
As soon as I had finished, 'I confess,' said he, 'that the things
you tell me are very extraordinary, yet you must for my sake
undertake this voyage which I propose to you. You have nothing to
do but to go to the Isle of Serendib, and deliver the commission
which I give you.
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