The minister of the country of Damas said, "These riches are mine."
On his side the King Haroun-er-Raschid said: "These riches are mine, for my name and that of my child are engraved on these ingots of gold and silver."
The minister said, "Since your Majesty declares that these treasures are yours, we must try this case in a court of justice."
The King of Bagdad answered: "It is well. We will go wherever you wish."
"Very well," said the minister; "let us go then before the King of the country of Roum. That prince has the reputation of being extremely just. Each of us shall plead his cause."
The prince answered: "It is well." The minister replied: "O king of the world, let us start without delay."
So the King Haroun-er-Raschid set out with his son Min-bah-Chahaz, his chief warrior, and his soldiers. The cadi accompanied the prince. On his side, the minister of the country of Damas started, accompanied by his three sons and forty soldiers of the country of Damas. After proceeding some time, they arrived at the city of Roum and entered the fortifications. Each one of them presented himself before the King and pleaded his cause.
The King Haroun-er-Raschid expressed himself as follows: "O king of the world! I present myself before your Majesty to ask your impartial judgment. The minister of the country of Damas brought to Bagdad, among other precious objects, ingots of gold and ingots of silver, on which are engraved my name and that of my daughter, the princess Djouher- Manikam. I seized these, and come to your Majesty to decide my claim to them."
The King of Roum said: "If it pleases God the most high, this affair shall be judged with the best of my powers." The King of Roum continued: "My officers and you, my ministers and chiefs, seek all the divine inspiration to decide the difference existing between the King of Bagdad and the minister of Damas."
The officers bowed low and said: "O my lord, king of the world, whatever they may be, we shall put the commands of your Majesty above our heads and shall carry them out to the letter." And they deliberated on the character of the dispute.
The King of Bagdad declared: "These objects are precious to me, for they bear engraven upon them the names of myself and my child."