The ships arrived at last, and my patron, himself having made choice of the ship wherein I was to embark, loaded half of it with ivory on my account, laid in provisions in abundance for my passage, and besides obliged me to accept a present of some curiosities of the country of great value.  After I had returned him a thousand thanks for all his favours, I went aboard.  We set sail, and as the adventure which procured me this liberty was very extraordinary, I had it continually in my thoughts.

We stopped at some islands to take in fresh provisions.  Our vessel being come to a port on the main land in the Indies, we touched there, and not being willing to venture by sea to Bussorah, I landed my proportion of the ivory, resolving to proceed on my journey by land.  I made vast sums of my ivory, bought several rarities, which I intended for presents, and when my equipage was ready, set out in company with a large caravan of merchants.  I was a long time on the way, and suffered much, but endured all with patience, when I considered that I had nothing to fear from the seas, from pirates, from serpents, or from the other perils to which I had been exposed.

All these fatigues ended at last, and I arrived safe at Bagdad.  I went immediately to wait upon the caliph, and gave him an account of my embassy.  That prince said he had been uneasy, as I was so long in returning, but that he always hoped God would preserve me.  When I told him the adventure of the elephants, he seemed much surprised, and would never have given any credit to it had he not known my veracity.  He deemed this story, and the other relations I had given him, to be so curious, that he ordered one of his secretaries to write them in characters of gold, and lay them up in his treasury.  I retired well satisfied with the honours I received, and the presents which he gave me; and ever since I have devoted myself wholly to my family, kindred, and friends.

Sinbad here finished the relation of his seventh and last voyage, and then addressing himself to Hindbad, “Well, friend,” said he, “did you ever hear of any person that suffered so much as I have done, or of any mortal that has gone through so many vicissitudes?  Is it not reasonable that, after all this I should enjoy a quiet and pleasant life?” As he said this, Hindbad drew near to him, and kissing his hand, said, “I must acknowledge, sir, that you have gone through many imminent dangers; my troubles are not comparable to yours:  if they afflict me for a time, I comfort myself with the thoughts of the profit I get by them.  You not only deserve a quiet life, but are worthy of all the riches you enjoy, because you make of them such a good and generous use.  May you therefore continue to live in happiness and joy till the day of your death!” Sinbad gave him one hundred sequins more, received him into the number of his friends, desired him to quit his porter’s employment, and come and dine every day with him, that he might have reason to remember Sinbad the voyager.