After the Khalif orders that Sinbad and Omar be executed, his advisor, Jiddah, persuades him to meet with Murad, the ambassador to Tamerlane, a Tartar leader whose forces are threatening to invade Baghdad. Murad boldly informs the Khalif that the Tartars will soon be storming the city and demands that he and his men be entertained in the meantime.
The Khalif, after ordering Sinbad and Omar's execution, is persuaded by his advisor Jiddah to meet with Murad, the ambassador from Tamerlane, a powerful Tartar leader whose army is threatening to capture Baghdad. Murad bluntly informs the Khalif that the Tartars will soon attack the city and asks to be entertained while he waits.