“The Caliph listened attentively to my words, and then, giving me a present, he allowed me to depart.  I returned home swiftly to my family and friends, and when I had sold my treasures and given much to the poor, I lived in such peace and happiness that my evil adventures soon seemed like a far-off dream.”

So Sindbad finished the story, and bade his guests return the next evening as usual.  And next day, when all the guests were once more seated at the table and had finished their feasting, Sindbad began the story of his last voyage.

“I had now made up my mind that nothing would tempt me to leave my home again, and that I would seek for no more adventures.

“One day, however, as I was feasting with my friends, one of my servants came to tell me that a messenger from the Caliph awaited my pleasure.

“‘What is thy errand?’ I asked when the messenger was presented to me.

“‘The Caliph desires thy presence at once,’ answered the messenger.

“Thus was I obliged to set out immediately for the palace.

“‘Sindbad,’ said the Caliph, when I had bowed myself to the ground before him, ’I have need of thy services.  I desire to send a letter and a gift to the King of Serendib, and thou shalt be the bearer of them.’

“Then indeed did my face fall, and I became pale as death.

“‘Commander of the Faithful,’ I cried, ’do with me as thou wilt, but I have made a vow never to leave my home again.’

“Then I told him all my adventures, which caused him much astonishment.  Nevertheless, he urged me to do as he wished, and seeing that there was no escape, I consented.

“I set sail at the Caliph’s command, and after a good voyage I at last reached the island of Serendib, where I received a hearty welcome.  I told the officers of the court what my errand was, and they led me to the palace, where I bowed myself to the ground before the great King.

“‘Sindbad,’ he said kindly, ’thou art welcome.  I have often thought of thee, and wished to see thy face again.’

“So I presented the Caliph’s letter, and the rich present he had sent, which pleased the King well.  When a few days had passed, I begged to be allowed to depart, and after receiving many gifts I once more set sail for home.

“But alas! the return journey began badly.  We had not sailed many days, when we were pursued by pirates, who captured the ship, and took prisoners all those who were not killed.  I, among others, was carried ashore and sold by a pirate to a rich merchant.

“‘What is thy trade?’ asked the merchant when he had bought me.

“‘I am a merchant,’ I answered, ‘and know no trade.’

“‘Canst thou shoot with a bow and arrow?’ asked my master.

“This I said I could do, and putting one in my hand he led me out to a great forest and bade me climb into a high tree.

“‘Watch there,’ he said, ’until thou shalt see a herd of elephants pass by.  Then try to shoot one, and if thou art fortunate, come at once and tell me.’