Sindbad delivers the gift from Serendib to the caliph. Harun al-Rashid, who ruled Baghdad, listened to the account for a long time. Then he puts a reply into his hands.
It was to be carried to Serendib. This time Sindbad was not going because he wanted to go. Of the seven, this is the one voyage he did not choose.
The way out was uneventful. He delivers the reply and is entertained in that country again. It was the way home that came apart.