I went immediately to a workman, and gave him a model for making the stock of a saddle.  When that was done, I covered it myself with velvet and leather, and embroidered it with gold.  I afterwards went to a smith, who made me a bit, according to the pattern I shewed him, and also some stirrups.  When I had all things completed, I presented them to the king, and put them upon one of his horses.  His majesty mounted immediately, and was so pleased with them, that he testified his satisfaction by large presents.  I could not avoid making several others for the ministers and principal officers of his household, who all of them made me presents that enriched me in a little time.  I also made some for the people of best quality in the city, which gained me great reputation and regard.

As I paid my court very constantly to the king, he said to me one day, “Sinbad, I love thee; and all my subjects who know thee, treat thee according to my example.  I have one thing to demand of thee, which thou must grant.”  “Sir,” answered I, “there is nothing but I will do, as a mark of my obedience to your majesty, whose power over me is absolute.”  “I have a mind thou shouldst marry,” replied he, “that so thou mayst stay in my dominions, and think no more of thy own country.”  I durst not resist the prince’s will, and he gave me one of the ladies of his court, noble, beautiful, and rich.  The ceremonies of marriage being over, I went and dwelt with my wife, and for some time we lived together in perfect harmony.  I was not, however, satisfied with my banishment, therefore designed to make my escape the first opportunity, and to return to Bagdad; which my present settlement, how advantageous soever, could not make me forget.

At this time the wife of one of my neighbours, with whom I had contrasted a very strict friendship, fell sick, and died.  I went to see and comfort him in his affliction, and finding him absorbed in sorrow, I said to him as soon as I saw him, “God preserve you and grant you a long life.”  “Alas!” replied he, “how do you think I should obtain the favour you wish me?  I have not above an hour to live.”  “Pray,” said I, “do not entertain such a melancholy thought; I hope I shall enjoy your company many years.”  “I wish you,” he replied, “a long life; but my days are at an end, for I must be buried this day with my wife.  This is a law which our ancestors established in this island, and it is always observed inviolably.  The living husband is interred with the dead wife, and the living wife with the dead husband.  Nothing can save me; every one must submit to this law.”