Before Aladdin went home to his mother, he called at a baker’s,

bought a loaf, changed his money, and went home, and gave the rest

to his mother, who went and bought provisions enough to last them

some time. After this manner they lived, till Aladdin had sold the

twelve plates, one at a time, to the Jew, for the same money; who,

after the first time, durst not offer him less, for fear of losing

so good a chap. When he had sold the last plate, he had recourse to

the basin, which weighed ten times as much as the plate, and would

have carried it to his old purchaser, but that it was too large and

cumbersome; therefore he was obliged to bring him home with him to

his mother’s, where, after the Jew had examined the weight of the

basin, he laid down ten pieces of gold, with which Aladdin was very

well satisfied.

They lived on these ten pieces in a frugal manner a pretty while;

and Aladdin, who had been used to an idle life, left off playing

with young lads of his own age ever since his adventure with the

African magician. He spent his time in walking about, and talking

with people with whom he had got acquainted. Sometimes he would stop

at the most capital merchants’ shops, where people of distinction

met, and listen to their discourse, by which he gained some little

knowledge of the world.

When all the money was spent, Aladdin had recourse again to the

lamp. He took it in his hand, looked for the same place where his

mother had rubbed it with the sand, and rubbed it also, and the

genie immediately appeared, and said, What wouldst thou have? I am

ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those who have

that lamp in their hands; I, and the other slaves of the lamp. I am

hungry, said Aladdin; bring me something to eat. The genie

disappeared, and presently returned with a basin, and the same

number of covered plates, &c. and set them down on a table, and

vanished again.

Aladdin’s mother, knowing what her son was going to do, went out

at that time about some business, on purpose to avoid being in the

way when the genie came; and when she returned, which was in a short

time, and found the table and sideboard so furnished a second time,

was almost as much surprised as before, at the prodigious effect of

the lamp. However, she sat down with her son, and when they had

eaten as much as they had a mind to, she set enough by to last them

two or three days.

As soon as Aladdin found that their provisions and money were spent,

he took one of these plates, and went to look for his Jew chapman

again; but passing by a goldsmith’s shop, who had the character of

a very fair and honest man, the goldsmith perceiving him, called to

him, and said, My lad, I have often observed you go by, loaded as

you are at present, and talk with such a Jew, and then come back

again empty-handed. I imagine that you carry something that you sell

to him; but perhaps you do not know what a rogue he is, and that he

is the greatest rogue among all the Jews, and is so well known, that

nobody will have any thing to do with him. What I tell you is for

your own good. If you will show me what you now carry, and it is to

be sold, I will give you the full worth of it; or I will direct you

to other merchants who will not cheat you.

The hopes of getting more money for his plate induced Aladdin to

pull it from under his coat, and show it to the goldsmith. The old

man, who at first sight saw that it was made of the finest silver,

asked him if he had sold any such as that to the Jew, and Aladdin

told him plainly that he had sold him twelve such, for a piece of

gold each. What a villain! cried the goldsmith; but, added he, my

son, what is past cannot be recalled. By showing you the value of

this plate, which is of the finest silver we use in our shops, I

will let you see how much the Jew has cheated you.

The goldsmith took a pair of scales, weighed the plate, and after he

had told Aladdin how much an ounce of fine silver contained and was

worth, he demonstrated to him that his plate was worth by weight

sixty pieces of gold, which he paid him down immediately. If you

dispute my honesty, said he, you may go to any other of our trade,

and if he gives you any more, I will be bound to forfeit twice as

much; for we gain only the fashion of the plate that we buy, and

that the fairest dealing Jews do not.

Aladdin thanked him for his good advice, so greatly to his

advantage, and never after went to any other person, but sold him

all his plates and the basin, and had as much for them as the weight

came to.

Though Aladdin and his mother had an inexhaustible treasure of money

in their lamp, and might have whatever they had a mind to whenever

they pleased, yet they lived with the same frugality as before,

except that Aladdin went more neat: as for his mother, she wore no

clothes but what she earned by her spinning cotton. After their

manner of living, we may easily suppose, that the money Aladdin had

sold the plates and basin for was sufficient to maintain them some

time. They went on for many years by the help of the produce

Aladdin, from time to time, made of his lamp.

During this time, Aladdin frequented the shops of the principal

merchants, where they sold cloth of gold and silver, and linens,

silk stuffs, and jewellery, and oftentimes joining in their

conversation, acquired a complete knowledge of the world, and

assumed its manners. By his acquaintance among the jewellers, he

came to know that the fine fruit which he had gathered when he took

the lamp, were not coloured glass, but stones of extraordinary

value. For as he had seen all sorts of jewels bought and sold in

their shops, but none that were so beautiful or so large as his, he

found, that instead of coloured glass, he possessed an inestimable

treasure; but had the prudence not to say any thing of it to any

one, not even to his mother.

One day as Aladdin was walking about the town, he heard an order of

the sultan’s published, for all people to shut up their shops and

houses, and keep within doors, while the princess Badroulboudour,

[97] the sultan’s daughter, went to the baths and back again.

This public order inspired Aladdin with a great curiosity to see the

princess’s face, which he could not do without getting into the

house of some acquaintance, and through a window; but this did not

satisfy him, when he considered that the princess, when she went to

the baths, had a veil on; but to gratify his curiosity, he presently

thought of a scheme which succeeded; that was, to place himself

behind the door of the bath, which was so situated that he could not

fail of seeing her face.

Aladdin had not waited long before the princess came, and he could

see her plainly through a chink of the door without being seen. She

was attended with a great crowd of ladies, slaves, and eunuchs, who

walked on each side and behind her. When she came within three or

four paces from the door of the baths, she took off her veil, and

gave Aladdin an opportunity of a full look at her.

Till then Aladdin, who had never seen any woman’s face but his

mother’s, who was old, and never could boast of any such features,

thought that all women were like her, and could hear people talk of

the most surprising beauties without being the least moved; for

whatever words are made use of to set off the merit of a beauty,

they can never make the same impression as the beauty herself.

But as soon as Aladdin had seen the princess Badroulboudour, his

sentiments were very much changed, and his heart could not withstand

all those inclinations so charming an object inspires. The princess

was the most beautiful brunette in the world; her eyes were large,

lively, and sparkling; her looks sweet and modest; her nose was of a

just proportion and without a fault; her mouth small, her lips of a

vermilion red, and charmingly agreeable symmetry; in a word, all the

features of her face were perfectly regular. It is not therefore

surprising that Aladdin, who had never seen, and was a stranger to

so many charms, was dazzled, and his senses quite ravished with such

an assemblage. With all these perfections, the princess had so

delicate a shape, so majestic an air, that the sight of her was

sufficient to inspire respect.

After the princess had passed by Aladdin, and entered the baths, he

remained some time astonished, and in a kind of ecstacy, retracing

and imprinting the idea of so charming an object deeply in his mind.

But at last considering that the princess was gone past him, and

that when she returned from the bath her back would be towards him,

and then veiled, he resolved to quit his post and go home. But when

he came there, he could not conceal his uneasiness so well but that

his mother perceived it, and was very much surprised to see him so

much more thoughtful and melancholy than usual; and asked him what

had happened to him to make him so, or if he was ill. Aladdin

returned her no answer, but sat carelessly down on the sofa, and

remained in the same condition, full of the image of the charming

Badroulboudour. His mother, who was dressing supper, pressed him no

more. When it was ready, she set it on the table before him; but

perceiving that he gave no attention to it, she bid him eat, and had

much ado to persuade him to change his place; and when he did, he

ate much less than usual, and all the time cast down his eyes, and

observed so profound a silence, that she could not possibly get the

least word out of him in answer to all the questions she put, to

find the reason of so extraordinary an alteration.

After supper, she asked him again, why he was so melancholy, but

could get no information, and he determined to go to bed rather than

give her the least satisfaction. Without examining how Aladdin,

passed the night, his mind full as it was with the beautiful charms

of the princess Badroulboudour, I shall only observe, that as he sat

next day on the sofa, over against his mother, as she was spinning

cotton, he spoke to her in these words: I perceive, mother, that my

silence yesterday has very much troubled you; I was not, nor am I

sick, as I fancy you believed; but I can tell you, that what I felt

then, and now endure, is worse than any disease. I cannot tell well

what ails me; but doubt not what I am going to tell you will inform

you.

It was not known in this quarter of the town, and therefore you

could know nothing of it, that the princess Badroulboudour, the

sultan’s daughter, was to go to the baths after dinner. I heard

this as I walked about the town, and an order was issued, that, to

pay all the respect that was due to that princess, all the shops

should be shut up in her way thither, and every body keep within

doors, to leave the streets free for her and her attendants. As I

was not then far from the bath, I had a great curiosity to see the

princess’s face; and as it occurred to me that the princess, when

she came nigh the door of the bath, would pull her veil off, I

resolved to get behind that door. You know the situation of the

door, and may imagine that I must have a full view of her, if it

happened as I expected. The princess threw off her veil, and I had

the happiness of seeing her lovely face with the greatest

satisfaction imaginable. This, mother, was the cause of my

melancholy and silence yesterday; I love the princess with so much

violence, that I cannot express it; and as my lively passion

increases every moment, I cannot live without the possession of the

amiable princess Badroulboudour, and am resolved to ask her in

marriage of the sultan her father.

Aladdin’s mother listened with attention to what her son told her:

but when he talked of asking the princess Badroulboudour in marriage

of the sultan, she could not help bursting out into a loud laugh.

Aladdin would have gone on with his discourse, but she interrupted

him: Alas! child, said she, what are you thinking of? you must be

mad to talk so.

I assure you, mother, replied Aladdin, that I am not mad, but in my

right senses: I foresaw that you would reproach me with this folly

and extravagance; but I must tell you once more, that I am resolved

to demand the princess Badroulboudour of the sultan in marriage, and

your remonstrances shall not prevent me.

Indeed, son, replied the mother seriously, I cannot help telling

you, that you have quite forgot yourself; and if you would put this

resolution of yours in execution, I do not see who you can get to

venture to propose it for you. You yourself, replied he immediately.

I go to the sultan! answered the mother, amazed and surprised. I

shall take care how I engage in such an affair. Why, who are you,

son, continued she, that you can have the assurance to think of your

sultan’s daughter? Have you forgot that your father was one of the

poorest tailors in the capital, and that I am of no better

extraction? and do not you know, that sultans never marry their

daughters but to princes, sons of sultans like themselves?

Mother, answered Aladdin, I have already told you that I foresaw all

that you have said, or can say: and tell you again, that neither

your discourse nor your remonstrances, shall make me change my mind.

I have told you that you must ask the princess Badroulboudour in

marriage for me: it is a favour I desire of you, with all the

respect I owe you; and I beg of you not to refuse me, unless you

would rather see me in my grave, than by so doing give me new life.

The good old woman was very much embarrassed, when she found Aladdin

so obstinately persisting in so foolish a design. My son, said she

again, I am your mother, who brought you into the world, and there

is nothing that is reasonable but I would readily do for you. If I

was to go and treat about your marriage with some neighbour’s

daughter, whose circumstances were equal with yours, I would do it

with all my heart; and then they would expect you should have some

little estate or fortune, or be of some trade. When such poor folks

as we are have a mind to marry, the first thing they ought to think

of, is how to live. But without reflecting on the meanness of your

birth, and the little merit and fortune you have to recommend you,

you aim at the highest pitch of fortune; and your pretensions are no

less than to demand in marriage the daughter of your sovereign, who

with one single word, can crush you to pieces. I say nothing of what

respects yourself. I leave you to reflect on what you have to do, if

you have ever so little thought. I come now to consider what

concerns myself. How could so extraordinary a thought come into your

head, as that I should go to the sultan, and make a proposal to him,

to give his daughter in marriage to you? Suppose I had, not to say

the boldness, but the impudence to present myself before the sultan,

and make so extravagant a request, to whom should I address myself

to be introduced to his majesty? Do you not think the first person I

should speak to would take me for a mad woman, and chastise me as I

should deserve? Suppose there is no difficulty in presenting myself

to an audience of the sultan, as I know there is none to those who

go to ask justice, which he distributes equally among his subjects;

I know too that to those who ask some favour, he grants it with

pleasure when he sees it is deserved, and the persons are worthy of

it. But is that your case? and do you think you have deserved the

favour you would have me ask for you? are you worthy of it? What

have you done to deserve such a favour? What have you done either

for your prince or country? How have you distinguished yourself? If

you have done nothing to merit so great a favour, nor are worthy of

it, with what face shall I ask it! How can I open my mouth to make

the proposal to the sultan? His majestic presence and the lustre of

his court would presently silence me, who used to tremble before my

late husband your father, when I asked him for any thing. Here is

another reason, my son, which you do not think of, which is, nobody

ever goes to ask a favour of the sultan without a present; for by a

present, they have this advantage, that if for some particular

reasons the favour is denied, they are sure to be heard. But what

presents have you to make? And if you had any that was worthy of the

least attention of so great a monarch, what proportion could it bear

to the favour you would ask? Therefore, reflect well on what you are

about, and consider, that you aspire to a thing which is impossible

for you to obtain.

Aladdin heard very calmly all that his mother could say to endeavour

to dissuade him from his design, and after he had weighed her

representation in all points, made answer: I own, mother, it is

great rashness in me to presume to carry my pretensions so far; and

a great want of consideration, to ask you with so much heat and

precipitancy to go and make the proposal of my marriage to the

sultan, without first taking proper measures to procure a favourable

reception, and therefore beg your pardon. But be not surprised, that

through the violence of my passion I did not at first sight see

every thing that was necessary to be done, to procure me that

happiness I seek after. I love the princess Badroulboudour beyond

all you can imagine; or rather I adore her, and shall always

persevere in my design, of marrying her; which is a thing I have

determined and resolved on. I am obliged to you for the hint you

have given me, and look upon it as the first step I ought to take to

procure me the happy success I promise myself.

You say, it is not customary to go to the sultan without a present,

and that I have nothing worthy of his acceptance. As to what you say

about the present, I agree with you, and own that I never thought of

it; but as to what you say, that I have nothing fit to present him

with, do not you think, mother, that what I brought home with me

that day on which I was delivered from an inevitable death, may be

an agreeable present? I mean those things you and I both took for

coloured glasses; but now I am undeceived, and can tell you that

they are jewels of an inestimable value, and fit for the greatest

monarchs. I know the worth of them by frequenting the jewellers’

shops; and you may take my word for it, all the jewels that I saw in

the most capital jewellers’ shops were not to be compared to those

we have, either for size or beauty, and yet they value them at an

excessive price. In short, neither you nor I know the value of ours;

but be it as it will, by the little experience I have, I am

persuaded that they will be received very favourably by the sultan:

you have a large porcelain dish fit to hold them; fetch it, and let

us see how they will look, when we have ranged them according to

their different colours.

Aladdin’s mother fetched the china dish, and he took the jewels

out of the two purses in which he had kept them, and placed them in

the dish. But the brightness and lustre they had in the day-time,

and the variety of the colours, so dazzled the eyes both of mother

and son, that they were astonished beyond measure; for they had only

seen them by the light of the lamp: for though Aladdin had seen them

hang on the trees like fruit, beautiful to the eye, yet as he was

but a boy, he did not take much notice of them; but looked on them

only as trinkets.

After they had admired the beauty of this present some time, Aladdin

said to his mother, Now you cannot excuse yourself from going to the

sultan, under the pretext of not having a present to make him, since

here is one which will gain you a favourable reception.

Though Aladdin’s mother, notwithstanding the beauty and lustre of

the present, did not believe it so valuable as her son esteemed it,

she thought it might nevertheless be agreeable to the sultan, and

found that she could not have any thing to say against it, but was

always thinking of the request Aladdin wanted her to make to the

sultan by favour of his present. My son, said she, I cannot conceive

that your present will have its desired effect, and that the sultan

will look upon me with a favourable eye; and I am sure that if I

attempt to acquit myself on this message of yours, I shall have no

power to open my mouth; and therefore I shall not only lose my

labour, but the present, which you say is so extraordinary, and

shall return home again in confusion, to tell you that your hopes

are frustrated. I have told you the consequence, and you ought to

believe me; but, added she, I will exert my best endeavour to please

you, and wish I may have power to ask the sultan as you would have

me; but certainly he will either laugh at me, or send me back like a

fool, or be in so great a rage, as to make us both the victims of

his fury.

She used a great many more arguments to endeavour to make him change

his mind; but the charms of the princess Badroulboudour had made too

great an impression on his heart to dissuade him from his design.

Aladdin persisted in desiring his mother to execute his resolution,

and she, as much out of tenderness as for fear he should be guilty

of a greater piece of extravagance, condescended to his request.

As it was now late, and the time of day for going to the sultan’s

palace was passed, it was put off till the next. The mother and son

talked of different matters the remaining part of the day; and

Aladdin took a great deal of pains to encourage his mother in the

task she had undertaken to go to the sultan; while she,

notwithstanding all his arguments, could not persuade herself she

could ever succeed; and it must be confessed she had reason enough

to doubt. Child, said she to Aladdin, if the sultan should receive

me as favourably as I wish for your sake, and should hear my

proposal with calmness, and after this kind reception should think

of asking me where lie your riches and your estate, (for he will

sooner inquire after these than your person,) if, I say, he should

ask me the question, what answer would you have me return him?

Let us not be uneasy, mother, replied Aladdin, about what may never

happen. First, let us see how the sultan receives, and what answer

he gives you. If it should so fall out, that he desires to be

informed of all that you mention, I have thought of an answer, and

am confident that the lamp, which hath subsisted us so long, will

not fail me in time of need.

Aladdin’s mother could not say any thing against what her son then

proposed; but reflected that the lamp might be capable of doing

greater wonders than just providing victuals for them. This

consideration satisfied her, and at the same time removed all the

difficulties which might have prevented her from undertaking the

service she had promised her son with the sultan; when Aladdin, who

penetrated into his mother’s thoughts, said to her, Above all

things, mother, be sure to keep the secret, for thereon depends the

success we have to expect; and after this caution, Aladdin and his

mother parted to go to bed. But violent love, and the great prospect

of so immense a fortune, had so much possessed the son’s thoughts,

that he could not rest as well as he could have wished. He rose at

day-break, and went presently and awakened his mother, pressing her

to get herself dressed to go to the sultan’s palace, and to get in

first, as the grand vizier, the other viziers, and all the great

officers of state, went in to take their seats in the divan, where

the sultan always assisted in person.

Aladdin’s mother did all her son desired. She took the china dish,

in which they had put the jewels the day before, tied up in two

napkins, one finer than the other, which was tied at four corners

for more easy carriage, and set forwards for the sultan’s palace,

to the great satisfaction of Aladdin. When she came to the gates,

the grand vizier, and the other viziers and most distinguished lords

of the court, were just gone in; and, notwithstanding the crowd of

people who had business at the divan was extraordinary great, she

got into the divan, which was a large spacious hall, the entry into

which was very magnificent. She placed herself just before the

sultan, grand vizier and the great lords, who sat in that council,

on his right and left hand. Several causes were called, according to

their order, and pleaded and adjudged, until the time the divan

generally broke up, when the sultan rising, dismissed the council,

and returned to his apartment, attended by the grand vizier; the

other viziers and ministers of state returned, as also did all those

whose business called them thither; some pleased with gaining their

causes, others dissatisfied at the sentences pronounced against

them, and some in expectation of theirs being heard the next sitting.

Aladdin’s mother, seeing the sultan rise and retire, and all the

people go away, judged rightly that he would not come again that

day, and resolved to go home. When Aladdin saw her return with the

present designed for the sultan, he knew not at first what to think

of her success, and in the fear he was in lest she should bring him

some ill news, he had not courage enough to ask her any questions,

till his mother, who had never set foot into the sultan’s palace

before, and knew not what was every day practised there, freed him

from his embarrassment, and said to him, with a great deal of

simplicity, Son, I have seen the sultan, and am very well persuaded

he has seen me too; for I placed myself just before him, and nothing

could hinder him from seeing me; but he was so much taken up with

all those who talked on all sides of him, that I pitied him, and

wondered at his patience to hear them. At last I believe he was

heartily tired, for he rose up suddenly, and would not hear a great

many who were ready prepared to speak to him, but went away, at

which I was very well pleased, for indeed I began to lose all

patience, and was extremely tired with staying so long. But there is

no harm done; I will go again to-morrow; perhaps the sultan may not

be so busy.

Though Aladdin’s passion was very violent, he was forced to be

satisfied with this excuse, and to fortify himself with patience. He

had at least the satisfaction to find that his mother had got over

the greatest difficulty, which to procure access to the sultan, and

hoped that the example of those she saw speak to him would embolden

her to acquit herself better of her commission when a favourable

opportunity offered to speak to him.

The next morning she went to the sultan’s palace with the present,

as early as the day before, but when she came there; she found the

gates of the divan shut, and understood that the council sat but

every other day, therefore she must come again the next. This news

she carried to her son, whose only relief was to guard himself with

patience. She went six times afterwards on the days appointed,

placed herself always directly before the sultan, but with as little

success as the first time, and might have perhaps come a thousand

times to as little purpose, if the sultan himself had not taken a

particular notice of her: for it is very probable that only those

who came with petitions approached the sultan, and each pleaded

their cause in its turn, and Aladdin’s mother was not one of them.

That day, at last, after the council was broke up, when the sultan

was returned to his own apartment, he said to his grand vizier, I

have for some time observed a certain woman, who comes constantly

every day that I go into council, and has something wrapped up in a

napkin: she always stands up from the beginning to the breaking up

of the council, and affects to place herself just before me. Do you

know what she wants?

Sir, replied the grand vizier, who knew no more than the sultan what

she wanted, but had not a mind to seem uninformed, your majesty

knows that women often form complaints on trifles; perhaps this

woman may come to complain to your majesty, that somebody has sold

her some bad flour, or some such trifling matter. The sultan was not

satisfied with this answer, but replied, If this woman comes again

next council-day, do not fail to call her, that I may hear what she

has to say. The grand vizier made answer by kissing his hand, and

lifting it up above his head, signifying his willingness to lose it

if he failed.

By this time Aladdin’s mother was so much used to go to the

council, and stand before the sultan, that she did not think it any

trouble, if she could but satisfy her son that she neglected nothing

that lay in her power to please him: so the next council-day she

went to the divan, and placed herself before the sultan as usual;

and before the grand vizier had made his report of business, the

sultan perceived her, and compassionated her for having waited so

long, he said to the vizier, before you enter upon any business,

remember the woman I spoke to you about: bid her come near, and let

us hear and despatch her business first. The grand vizier

immediately called the chief of the officers, who stood ready to

obey his commands; and pointing to her, bid him go to that woman,

and tell her to come before the sultan.

The chief of the officers went to Aladdin’s mother, and at a sign

he gave her, she followed him to the foot of the sultan’s throne,

where he left her, and retired to his place by the grand vizier.

Aladdin’s mother, by the example of a great many others whom she

saw salute the sultan, bowed her head down to the carpet, which

covered the steps of the throne, and remained in that posture till

the sultan bid her rise, which she had no sooner done, than the

sultan said to her, Good woman, I have observed you to stand a long

time, from the beginning to the rising of the divan; what business

brings you here?

At these words, Aladdin’s mother prostrated herself a second time;

and when she got up again, said, Monarch of monarchs, before I tell

your majesty the extraordinary and almost incredible business which

brings me before your high throne, I beg of you to pardon the

boldness or rather impudence of the demand I am going to make, which

is so uncommon, that I tremble, and am ashamed to propose it to my

sultan. In order to give her the more freedom to explain herself,

the sultan ordered every body to go out of the divan but the grand

vizier, and then told her that she might speak without restraint.

Aladdin’s mother, not content with this favour of the sultan’s

to save her the trouble and confusion of speaking before so many

people, was notwithstanding for securing herself against his anger,

which, from the proposal she was going to make, she was not a little

apprehensive of; therefore resuming her discourse, she said, I beg

of your majesty, if you should think my demand the least injurious

or offensive, to assure me first of your pardon and forgiveness.

Well, replied the sultan, I will forgive you, be it what it will,

and no hurt shall come to you: speak boldly.

When Aladdin’s mother had taken all these precautions, for fear of

the sultan’s anger, she told him faithfully how Aladdin had seen

the princess Badroulboudour, the violent love that fatal sight had

inspired him with, the declaration he had made to her of it when he

came home, and what representations she had made to dissuade him

from a passion, no less injurious, said she, to your majesty, as

sultan, than to the princess your daughter. But, continued she, my

son, instead of taking my advice and reflecting on his boldness, was

so obstinate as to persevere in it, and to threaten me with some

desperate act, if I refused to come and ask the princess in marriage

of your majesty; and it was not till after an extreme violence on

myself, I was forced to have this complaisance for him, for which I

beg your majesty once more to pardon not only me, but forgive

Aladdin my son, for entertaining such a rash thought as to aspire to

so high an alliance.

The sultan hearkened to this discourse with a great deal of

mildness, without showing the least anger or passion; but before he

gave her any answer, he asked her what she had brought tied up in

that napkin. She took the china dish, which she had set down at the

foot of the throne before she prostrated herself before him; she

untied it, and presented it to the sultan.

The sultan’s amazement and surprise were inexpressible, when he

saw so many large, beautiful, and valuable jewels, collected in one

dish. He remained for some time motionless with admiration. At last,

when he had recovered himself, he received the present from

Aladdin’s mother’s hand, and crying out in a transport of joy,

How rich and now beautiful! After he had admired and handled all the

jewels, one after another, he turned about to his grand vizier, and

showing him the dish, said, Look here, and confess that your eyes

never beheld any thing so rich and beautiful before. The vizier was

charmed. Well, continued the sultan, what sayest thou to such a

present? Is it not worthy of the princess my daughter? And ought I

not to bestow her on one who values her at so great a price.

These words put the grand vizier into a strange agitation. The

sultan had some time before signified to him his intention of

bestowing the princess his daughter on a son of his; therefore he

was afraid, and not without grounds, that the sultan, dazzled by so

rich and extraordinary a present, might change his mind. Thereupon,

going to him, and whispering him in the ear, he said to him, Sir, I

cannot but own the present is worthy of the princess; but I beg of

your majesty to grant me three months before you come to a

resolution. I hope, before that time, my son, on whom you have had

the goodness to look with a favourable eye, will be able to make a

nobler present than Aladdin, who is an entire stranger to your

majesty.

The sultan, though he was very well persuaded that it was not

possible for the vizier to provide so considerable a present for his

son to make the princess, yet he hearkened to him, and granted him

that favour. So turning about to Aladdin’s mother, he said to her,

Good woman, go home, and tell your son that I agree to the proposal

you have made me; but I cannot marry the princess my daughter till

some furniture I design for her be got ready, which cannot be

finished these three months; but at the expiration of that time come

again.

Aladdin’s mother returned home much more overjoyed than she could

have imagined, for she looked upon her access to the sultan as a

thing impossible; and besides, she had met with a favourable answer,

instead of the refusal and confusion she expected. From two

circumstances, Aladdin, when he saw his mother return, judged that

she brought him good news; the one was, that she returned sooner

than ordinary, and the next was, the gaiety of her countenance.

Well, mother, said he to her, may I entertain any hopes, or must I

die with despair? When she had pulled off her veil, and had sat

herself down on the sofa by him, she said to him, Not to keep you

long in suspense, son, I will begin by telling you, that instead of

thinking of dying, you have every reason to be very well satisfied.

Then pursuing her discourse, she told him, how that she had an

audience before every body else, which made her come home so soon;

the precautions she had taken lest she should have displeased the

sultan, by making the proposal of marriage between him and the

princess Badroulboudour, and the favourable answer she had from the

caliph’s own mouth; and that, as far as she could judge, the

present wrought that powerful effect. But when I least expected it,

said she, and he was going to give me an answer, the grand vizier

whispered him in the ear, and I was afraid might be some obstacle to

his good intention towards us.

Aladdin thought himself the most happy of all men, at hearing of

this news, and thanked his mother for all the pains she had taken in

the pursuit of this affair, the good success of which was of so

great importance to his peace. Though, through his impatience to

enjoy the object of his passion, three months seemed an age, yet he

disposed himself to wait with patience, relying on the sultan’s

word, which he looked upon to be irrevocable. But all that time he

not only counted the hours, days, and weeks, but every moment. When

two of the three months were past, his mother one evening going to

light the lamp, and finding no oil in the house, went out to buy

some, and when she came into the city, found a general rejoicing.

The shops, instead of being shut up, were open, drest with foliage,

every one striving to show their zeal in the most distinguished

manner. The streets were crowded with officers in habits of

ceremony, mounted on horses richly caparisoned, each attended by a

great many footmen. Aladdin’s mother asked the oil-merchant what

was the meaning of all those doings. Whence came you, good woman,

said he, that you don’t know that the grand vizier’s son is to

marry the princess Badroulboudour, the sultan’s daughter,

to-night? She will presently return from the baths; and these

officers that you see are to assist at the cavalcade to the palace,

where the ceremony is to be solemnized.

This was news enough for Aladdin’s mother. She ran till she was

quite out of breath home to her son, who little suspected any such

thing. Child, cried she, you are undone! you depend upon the

sultan’s fine promises, but they will come to nothing. Aladdin was

terribly alarmed at these words. Mother, replied he, how do you know

the sultan has been guilty of a breach of promise? This night,

answered the mother, the grand vizier’s son is to marry the

princess Badroulboudour. She then related how she had heard it; so

that from all circumstances, he had no reason to doubt the truth of

what she said.

At this account Aladdin was thunder-struck. Any other man would have

sunk under the shock; but a secret motive of jealousy soon roused

his spirits, and he bethought himself of the lamp, which had till

then been so useful to him; and without venting his rage in empty

words against the sultan, the vizier, or his son, he only said,

Perhaps, mother, the vizier’s son may not be so happy to-night as

he promises himself: while I go into my chamber a moment, do you go

and get supper ready. She accordingly went about it, and she guessed

that her son was going to make use of the lamp, to prevent, if

possible, the consummation of the marriage.

When Aladdin had got into his chamber, he took the lamp, and rubbed

it in the same place as before, and immediately the genie appeared,

and said to him, What wouldst thou have? I am ready to obey thee as

thy slave, and the slave of all those who have that lamp in their

hands; I and the other slaves of the lamp. Hear me, said Aladdin;

thou hast hitherto brought me whatever I wanted as to provisions;

but now I have business of the greatest importance for thee to

execute. I have demanded the princess Badroulboudour in marriage of

the sultan her father; he promised her to me, but only asked three

months time; and instead of keeping that promise, has this night,

before the expiration of that time, married her to the grand

vizier’s son. I have just heard this, and have no doubt of it.

What I ask of you is, That as soon as the bride and bridegroom are

in bed, you bring them both hither in their bed. Master, replied the

genie, I will obey you. Have you any other commands? None at

present, answered Aladdin; and then the genie disappeared.

Aladdin went down stairs, and supped with his mother, with the same

tranquillity of mind as usual; and after supper, talked of the

princess’s marriage as of an affair wherein he had not the least

concern; and afterwards returned to his own chamber again, and left

his mother to go to bed; but he, for his part, sat up till the genie

had executed his orders.

In the mean time, every thing was prepared with the greatest

magnificence in the sultan’s palace to celebrate the princess’s

nuptials; and the evening was spent with all the usual ceremonies

and great rejoicings till midnight, when the grand vizier’s son,

on a signal given him by the chief of the princess’s eunuchs,

slipped away from the company, and was introduced by that officer

into the princess’s apartment, where the nuptial bed was prepared.

He went to bed first, and in a little time after, the sultaness,

accompanied by her own women, and those of the princess, brought the

bride, who, according to the custom of new married ladies, made

great resistance. The sultaness herself helped to undress her, put

her into bed by a kind of violence, and, after having kissed her,

and wished her good-night, retired with all the women, and the last

who came out shut the door.

No sooner was the door shut, but the genie, as the faithful slave of

the lamp, and punctual in executing the commands of those who

possessed it, without giving the bridegroom the least time to caress

his bride, to the great amazement of them both, took up the bed, and

transported it in an instant into Aladdin’s chamber, where he set

it down.

Aladdin, who waited impatiently for this moment, did not suffer the

vizier’s son to remain long in bed with the princess. Take this

new-married man, said he to the genie, and shut him up in the house

of office, and come again to-morrow morning after day-break. The

genie presently took the vizier’s son out of bed, and carried him

in his shirt whither Aladdin bid him; and after he had breathed upon

him, which prevented his stirring, he left him there.

Great as was Aladdin’s love for the princess Badroulboudour, he

did not talk much to her when they were alone; but only said, with a

passionate air, Fear nothing, adorable princess; you are here in

safety: for, notwithstanding the violence of my passion, which your

charms have kindled, it shall never exceed the bounds of the

profound respect I owe you. If I have been forced to come to this

extremity, it is not with any intention of affronting you, but to

prevent an unjust rival’s possessing you, contrary to the sultan

your father’s promise in favour of me.

The princess, who knew nothing of these particulars, gave very

little attention to what Aladdin could say. The fright and amazement

of so unexpected an adventure had put her into such a condition,

that he could not get one word from her. However, he undressed

himself, and got into the vizier’s son’s place, and lay with his

back to the princess, putting a sabre between himself and her, to

show that he deserved to be punished, if he attempted any thing

against her honour.

Aladdin, very well satisfied with having thus deprived his rival of

the happiness he had flattered himself with enjoying that night,

slept very quietly, though the princess Badroulboudour never passed

a night so ill in her life; and if we consider the condition the

genie left the grand vizier’s son in, we may imagine that the new

bridegroom spent it much worse.

Aladdin had no occasion the next morning to rub the lamp to call the

genie; he came at the hour appointed, and just when he had done

dressing himself, and said to him, I am here, master; what are your

commands? Go, said Aladdin, fetch the vizier’s son out of the

place where you left him, and put him into his bed again, and carry

it to the sultan’s palace, from whence you brought it. The genie

presently returned with the vizier’s son. Aladdin took up his

sabre, the bridegroom was laid by the princess, and in an instant

the nuptial bed was transported into the same chamber of the palace

from whence it had been brought. But we must observe that all this

time the genie never appeared either to the princess or the grand

vizier’s son. His hideous form would have made them die with fear.

Neither did they hear any thing of the discourse between Aladdin and

him; they only perceived the motion of the bed, and their

transportation from one place to another; which we may well imagine

was enough to frighten them.

As soon as the genie had set down the nuptial-bed to its proper

place, the sultan, curious to know how the princess his daughter had

spent the wedding-night, opened the door to wish her good morning.

The grand vizier’s son, who was almost perished with cold, by

standing in his shirt all night, and had not had time to warm

himself in bed, no sooner heard the door open, but he got out of

bed, and ran into the wardrobe, where he had undressed himself the

night before.

The sultan went to the bed-side, kissed the princess between the

eyes, according to custom, wishing her a good-morrow, and asked her,

smiling, how she had passed the night. But lifting up her head, and

looking at her more earnestly, he was extremely surprised to see her

so melancholy, and that neither by a blush nor any other sign she

could satisfy his curiosity. She only cast at him a sorrowful look,

expressive of great affliction or great dissatisfaction. He said a

few words to her; but finding that he could not get a word from her,

he attributed it to her modesty, and retired. Nevertheless, he

suspected that there was something extraordinary in this silence,

and thereupon went immediately to the sultaness’s apartment, and

told her in what a state he found the princess, and how she received

him. Sir, said the sultaness, your majesty ought not to be surprised

at this behaviour; all new-married people always have a reserve

about them the next day; she will be quite another thing in two or

three days time, and then she will receive the sultan her father as

she ought; but I will go and see her, added she; I am very much

deceived if she receives me in the same manner.

As soon as the sultaness was dressed, she went to the princess’

apartment, who was still in bed. She undrew the curtain, wished her

good-morrow, and kissed her. But how great was her surprise when she

returned no answer; and looking more attentively at her, she

perceived her to be very much dejected, which made her judge that

something had happened, which she did not understand. How comes it,

child, said the sultaness, that you do not return my caresses? Ought

you to treat your mother after this manner? And do you think I do

not know what may have happened in your circumstances? I am apt to

believe you do not think so, and something extraordinary has

happened: come, tell me freely, and leave me no longer in a painful

suspense.

At last the princess Badroulboudour broke silence with a great sigh,

and said, Alas! madam, most honoured mother, forgive me if I have

failed in the respect I owe you. My mind is so full of the

extraordinary things which have befallen me this night, that I have

not yet recovered my amazement and fright, and scarce know myself.

Then she told her, how the instant after she and her husband were in

bed, the bed was transported into a dark dirty room, where he was

taken from her and carried away, where she knew not, and she was

left alone with a young man, who after he had said something to her,

which her fright did not suffer her to hear, laid himself down by

her, in her husband’s place, but first put his sabre between them;

and in the morning her husband was brought to her again, and the bed

was transported back to her own chamber in an instant. All this,

said she, was but just done, when the sultan my father came into my

chamber. I was so overwhelmed with grief, that I had not power to

make him one word of answer; therefore I am afraid that he is

offended at the manner in which I received the honour he did me; but

I hope he will forgive me, when he knows my melancholy adventure,

and the miserable state I am in at present.

The sultaness heard all the princess told her very patiently, but

would not believe it. You did well, child, said she, not to speak of

this to your father: take care not to mention it to any body for you

will certainly be thought mad if you talk at this rate. Madam,

replied the princess, I can assure you I am in my right senses: ask

my husband, and he will tell you the same story. I will, said the

sultaness; but if he should talk in the same manner, I shall not be

better persuaded of the truth. Come, rise, and throw off this idle

fancy: it will be a fine story indeed, if all the feasts and

rejoicings in the kingdom should be interrupted by such a vision. Do

not you hear the trumpets sounding, and drums beating, and concerts

of the finest music? Cannot all these inspire you with joy and

pleasure, and make you forget all the fancies you tell me of? At the

same time the sultaness called the princess’s women, and after she

had seen her get up, and set her at her toilet, she went to the

sultan’s apartment, and told him that her daughter had got some

odd notions in her head, but that there was nothing in them.

Then she sent for the vizier’s son, to know of him something of

what the princess had told her; but he, thinking himself highly

honoured to be allied to the sultan, resolved to disguise the

matter. Son-in-law, said the sultaness, are you as much infatuated

as your wife? Madam, replied the vizier’s son, may I be so bold as

to ask the reason of that question? Oh! that is enough, answered the

sultaness; I ask no more, I see you are wiser than her.

The rejoicings lasted all that day in the palace, and the sultaness,

who never left the princess, forgot nothing to divert her, and

induce her to take part in the various diversions and shows; but she

was so struck with the idea of what had happened to her that night,

that it was easy to see her thoughts were entirely taken up about

it. Neither was the grand vizier’s son’s affliction less, but

that his ambition made him disguise it, and nobody doubted but he

was a happy bridegroom.

Aladdin, who was well acquainted with what passed in the palace,

never disputed but that the new-married couple were to lie together

again that night, notwithstanding the troublesome adventure of the

night before; and therefore, having as great an inclination to

disturb them, he had recourse to his lamp, and when the genie

appeared, and offered his service, he said to him, The grand

vizier’s son and the princess Badroulboudour are to lie together

again to-night: go, and as soon as they are in bed, bring the bed

hither, as thou didst yesterday.

The genie obeyed Aladdin as faithfully and exactly as the day

before: the grand vizier’s son passed the night as coldly and

disagreeably as before, and the princess had the mortification again

to have Aladdin for her bedfellow with the sabre between them. The

genie, according to Aladdin’s orders, came the next morning, and

brought the bridegroom and laid him by his bride, and then carried

the bed and new-married couple back again to the palace.

The sultan, after the reception the princess Badroulboudour had

given him that day, was very anxious to know how she passed the

second night, and if she would give him the same reception, and

therefore went into her chamber as early as the morning before. The

grand vizier’s son, more ashamed and mortified with the ill

success of this last night, no sooner heard him coming, but he

jumped out of bed, and ran hastily into the wardrobe. The sultan

went to the princess’s bed-side, and after the caresses he had

given her the former morning, bid her good morrow. Well, daughter,

he said, are you in a better humour than you was yesterday morning?

Still the princess was silent, and the sultan perceived her to be

more troubled, and in greater confusion than before; he doubted not

but that something very extraordinary was the cause; but provoked

that his daughter should conceal it, he said to her, in a rage, with

his sabre in his hand, Daughter, tell me what is the matter, or I

will cut off your head immediately.

The princess, more frightened at the menaces and tone of the enraged

sultan, than at the sight of the drawn sabre, at last broke silence,

and said, with tears in her eyes, My dear father and sultan, I ask

your majesty’s pardon if I have offended you, and hope, that out

of your goodness and clemency you will have compassion on me, when I

have told you, in what a miserable condition I have spent this last

night and the night before.

After this preamble, which appeased and affected the sultan, she

told him what had happened to her in so moving a manner, that he,

who loved her tenderly, was most sensibly grieved. She added, If

your majesty doubts the truth of this account, you may inform

yourself from my husband, who, I am persuaded, will tell you the

same thing.

The sultan immediately felt all the extreme uneasiness so surprising

an adventure must have given the princess. Daughter, said he, you

are very much to blame for not telling me this yesterday, since it

concerns me as much as yourself. I did not marry you with an

intention to make you miserable, but that you might enjoy all the

happiness you deserve and might hope for from a husband, who to me

seemed agreeable to you. Efface all these troublesome ideas out of

your memory; I will take care and give orders that you shall have no

more such disagreeable and insupportable nights.

As soon as the sultan had got back to his own apartment, he sent for

the grand vizier. Vizier, said he, have you seen your son, and has

he not told you any thing? The vizier replied, No. Then the sultan

related all that the princess Badroulboudour had told him, and

afterwards said, I do not doubt but that my daughter has told me the

truth; but nevertheless I should be glad to have it confirmed by

your son; therefore go and ask him how it was.

The grand vizier went immediately to his son, and communicated to

him what the sultan had told him, and enjoined him to conceal

nothing from him, but to tell him the whole truth. I will disguise

nothing from you, father, replied the son, for indeed all that the

princess says is true; but what relates particularly to myself she

knows nothing of. After my marriage, I have passed two such nights

as are beyond imagination or expression; not to mention the fright I

was in, to feel my bed lifted up four times, and transported from

one place to another, without being able to guess how it was done.

You shall judge of the miserable condition I was in, to pass two

whole nights in nothing but my shirt, standing in a kind of privy,

unable to stir out of the place where I was put, or to make the

least movement, though I could not perceive any obstacle to prevent

me. Yet I must tell you that all this ill usage does not in the

least lessen those sentiments of love, respect, and gratitude I

entertain for the princess, and of which she is so deserving; but I

must confess, that notwithstanding all the honour and splendour that

attends my marrying my sovereign’s daughter, I would much rather

die, than live longer in so great an alliance, if I must undergo

what I have already endured. I do not doubt but that the princess

entertains the same sentiments, and that she will readily agree to a

separation, which is so necessary both for her repose and mine.

Therefore, father, I beg you, by the same tenderness you had for me

to procure me so great an honour, to get the sultan’s consent that

our marriage may be declared null and void.

Notwithstanding the grand vizier’s ambition to have his son allied

to the sultan, the firm resolution he saw he had formed to be

separated from the princess, made him not think it proper to propose

to him to have a little patience for a few days, to see if this

disappointment would not have an end; but left him to go and give

the sultan an account of what he had told him, assuring him that all

was but too true, without waiting till the sultan himself, whom he

found pretty much disposed to it, spoke of breaking the marriage, he

begged of him to give his son leave to retire from the palace;

alleging for an excuse, that it was not just that the princess

should be a moment longer exposed to so terrible a persecution upon

his son’s account.

The grand vizier found no great difficulty to obtain what he asked.

From that instant the sultan, who had determined it already, gave

orders to put a stop to all rejoicings in the palace and town, and

sent expresses to all parts of his dominions to countermand his

first orders; and, in a short time, all rejoicings ceased.

This sudden and unexpected change gave rise both in the city and

kingdom to various speculations and inquiries; but no other account

could be given of it, except that both the vizier and his son went

out of the palace very much dejected. Nobody but Aladdin knew the

secret. He rejoiced within himself for the happy success procured

for him by his lamp, which now he had no more occasion to rub, to

produce the genie to prevent the consummation of the marriage, which

he had certain information was broken off, and that his rival had

left the palace. But, what is most particular, neither the sultan

nor the grand vizier, who had forgot Aladdin and his request, had

the least thought that he had any hand in the enchantment which

caused the dissolution of the marriage.

Nevertheless, Aladdin waited till the three months were completed,

which the sultan had appointed for the consummation of the marriage

between the princess Badroulboudour and himself; but the next day

sent his mother to the palace, to remind the sultan of his promise.

Aladdin’s mother went to the palace, as her son had bid her, and

stood before the divan in the same place as before. The sultan no

sooner cast his eyes upon her, but he knew her again, and remembered

her business, and how long he had put her off: therefore when the

grand vizier was beginning to make his report, the sultan

interrupted him, and said, Vizier, I see the good woman who made me

the present some months hence; forbear your report till I have heard

what she has to say. The vizier then looking about the divan,

presently perceived Aladdin’s mother, and sent the chief of the

officers for her.

Aladdin’s mother came to the foot of the throne, and prostrated

herself as usual, and when she rose up again, the sultan asked her

what she would have. Sir, said she, I come to represent to your

majesty, in the name of my son Aladdin, that the three months, at

the end of which you ordered me to come again, are expired; and to

beg you to remember your promise.

The sultan, when he took this time to answer the request of this

good woman the first time he saw her, little thought of hearing any

more of a marriage, which he imagined must be very disagreeable to

the princess, when he only considered the meanness and poverty of

Aladdin’s mother in her dress, not above the common run: but this

summons for him to be as good as his word was somewhat embarrassing

to him; he declined giving an answer till he had consulted his

vizier, and signified to him the little inclination he had to

conclude a match for his daughter with a stranger, whose fortune he

supposed to be very mean indeed.

The grand vizier freely told the sultan his thoughts on the matter,

and said to him, In my opinion, sir, there is an infallible way for

your majesty to avoid a match so disproportionable, without giving

Aladdin, were he better known to your majesty, any cause of

complaint; which is, to set so high a value upon the princess, that

were he never so rich, he could not come up to. This is the only way

to make him desist from so bold, not to say, rash an undertaking,

which he never weighed before he engaged in it.

The sultan approving of the grand vizier’s advice, turned about to

Aladdin’s mother, and after some reflection, said to her, Good

woman, it is true sultans ought to be as good as their words, and I

am ready to keep mine, by making your son happy by the marriage of

the princess my daughter. But as I cannot marry her without some

valuable consideration from your son, you may tell him I will fulfil

my promise as soon as he shall send me forty basins of massy gold,

brim-full of the same things you have already made me a present of,

and carried by the like number of black slaves, who shall be led by

as many young and handsome well-made white slaves, all dressed

magnificently. On these conditions I am ready to bestow the princess

my daughter on him; therefore, good woman, go and tell him so, and I

will wait till you bring me his answer.

Aladdin’s mother prostrated herself a second time before the

sultan’s throne, and retired. In her way home she laughed within

herself at her son’s foolish imagination. Where, said she, can he

get so many such large gold basins, and enough of that coloured

glass to fill them? Must he go again to that subterraneous abode,

the entrance into which is stopped up, and gather them off the

trees? But where will he get so many such slaves as the sultan

requires? It is altogether out of his power, and I believe he will

not be well satisfied with my embassy this time. When she came home,

full of these thoughts, she said to her son, Indeed, child, I would

not have you think any farther of your marriage with the princess

Badroulboudour. The sultan received me very kindly, and I believe he

was well inclined to you; but if I am not very much deceived, the

grand vizier has made him change his mind, as you will guess from

what I have to tell you. After I had represented to his majesty that

the three months were expired, and begged of him to remember his

promise, I observed that he whispered with his grand vizier before

he gave me this answer. Then she gave her son an exact account of

what the sultan said to her, and the conditions on which he

consented to the match. Afterwards she said to him, The sultan

expects your answer immediately; but continued she, laughing, I

believe he may wait long enough.

Not so long, mother, as you imagine, replied Aladdin; the sultan is

mistaken if he thinks by this exorbitant demand to prevent my

entertaining thoughts of the princess. I expected greater

difficulties, and that he would have set a higher price upon that

incomparable princess. But I am very well pleased; his demand is but

a trifle to what I could have done for her. But while I think of

satisfying his request, go and get us something for dinner, and

leave the rest to me.

As soon as Aladdin’s mother was gone out to market, Aladdin took

up the lamp, and rubbing it, the genie appeared, and offered his

service as usual. The sultan, said Aladdin to him, gives me the

princess his daughter in marriage: but demands first of me forty

large basins of massy gold, brimfull of the fruits of the garden

from whence I took this lamp you are slave to; and these he expects

to have carried by as many black slaves, each preceded by a young

handsome well-made white slave, richly clothed. Go, and fetch me

this present as soon as possible, that I may send it to him before

the divan breaks up. The genie told him his command should be

immediately obeyed, and disappeared.

In a little time afterwards, the genie returned with forty black

slaves, each bearing on his head a basin of massy gold of twenty

marks weight, full of pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, all

larger and more beautiful than those presented to the sultan before.

Each basin was covered with a silver stuff, embroidered with flowers

of gold: all these, and the white slaves, quite filled the house,

which was but a small one, and the little court before it, and the

little garden behind. The genie asked Aladdin if he had any other

commands? Aladdin telling him that he wanted nothing farther then,

the genie disappeared.

When Aladdin’s mother came from market, she was in a great

surprise to see so many people and such vast riches. As soon as she

had laid down her provisions, she was going to pull off her veil;

but Aladdin prevented her, and said, Mother, let us lose no time:

but before the sultan and the divan rise, I would have you return to

the palace, and go with this present, as the dowry he asked for the

princess Badroulboudour, that he may judge by my diligence and

exactness of the ardent and sincere zeal I have to procure myself

the honour of this alliance. Without waiting for his mother’s

making a reply, Aladdin opened the street-door, and made the slaves

walk out; a white slave followed always by a black one with a basin

on his head. When they were all got out, the mother followed the

last black slave, and he shut the door, and then retired to his

chamber, full of hopes that the sultan, after this present, which

was such as he required, would at length receive him as his

son-in-law.

The first white slave that went out of the house made all the

people, who were going by and saw him, stop; and before they were

all got out of the house, the street was crowded with spectators,

who ran to see so extraordinary and noble a sight. The dress of each

slave was so rich, both for the stuff and the jewels, that those who

were dealers in them valued each at no less than a million of money;

besides the neatness and propriety of the dress, the good grace,

noble air, and delicate shape and proportion of each slave, was

unparalleled; their grave walk at an equal distance from each other,

the lustre of the jewels, which were large, and curiously set in

their girdles of massy gold, in beautiful symmetry, and those

ensigns of precious stones in their hats, which were of so

particular a taste, put the crowds of spectators into so great

admiration, that they could not be weary of gazing at them, and

following them with their eyes as far as possible; but the streets

were so crowded with people that none could move out of the spot

they stood on. As they were to pass through a great many streets to

go to the palace, a great part of the city had an opportunity of

seeing them. As soon as the first of these slaves arrived at the

palace-gate, the porters formed themselves into order, and took him

for a king, by the richness and magnificence of his habit, and were

going to kiss the hem of his garment; but the slave, who was

instructed by the genie, prevented them, and said, We are only

slaves; our master will appear at a proper time.

Then this slave, followed by the rest, advanced into the second

court, which was very spacious, and in which the sultan’s

household was ranged during the sitting of the divan. The

magnificence of the officers, who stood at the head of their troops,

was very much eclipsed by the slaves who bore Aladdin’s present,

of which they themselves made a part. Nothing was ever seen so

beautiful and brilliant in the sultan’s palace before; and all the

lustre of the lords of his court was not to be compared to them.

As the sultan, who had been informed of their march, and coming to

the palace, had given orders for them to be admitted when they came,

they met with no obstacle, but went into the divan in good order,

one part filing to the right and the other to the left. After they

were all entered, and had formed a great semi-circle before the

sultan’s throne, the black slaves laid the basins on the carpet,

and all prostrated themselves, touching the carpet with their

foreheads, and at the same time the white slaves did the same. When

they all rose again, the black slaves uncovered the basins, and then

all stood with their arms crossed over their breasts with great

modesty.

In the mean time Aladdin’s mother advanced to the foot of the

throne, and having paid her respects, said to the sultan, Sir, my

son Aladdin is sensible this present, which he has sent your

majesty, is much below the princess Badroulboudour’s worth; but

hopes, nevertheless, that your majesty will accept of it, and make

it agreeable to the princess, with the greater confidence that he

has endeavoured to conform to the conditions you were pleased to

impose on him.

The sultan was not able to give the least attention to this

compliment of Aladdin’s mother. The moment he cast his eyes on the

forty basins, brim-full of the most precious, brilliant, and

beautiful jewels he had ever seen, and the fourscore slaves, who

appeared, by the comeliness of their persons, and the richness and

magnificence of their dress, like so many kings, he was so struck,

that he could not recover from his admiration; but, instead of

answering the compliment of Aladdin’s mother, addressed himself to

the grand vizier, who could not any more than the sultan comprehend

from whence such a profusion of riches could come. Well, vizier,

said he aloud, who do you think it can be that has sent me so

extraordinary a present, and neither of us know? Do you think him

worthy of the princess Badroulboudour, my daughter?

The vizier, notwithstanding his envy and grief to see a stranger

preferred to be the sultan’s son-in-law before his son, durst not

disguise his sentiments. It was too visible that Aladdin’s present

was more than sufficient to merit his being received into that great

alliance; therefore, adopting the sultan’s sentiments, he returned

this answer: I am so far, sir, from having any thoughts that the

person who has made your majesty so noble a present is unworthy of

the honour you would do him, that I should be bold to say he

deserved much more, if I was not persuaded that the greatest

treasure in the world ought not to be put in a balance with the

princess, your majesty’s daughter. This advice was applauded by

all the lords who were then in council.

The sultan made no longer hesitation, nor thought of informing

himself whether Aladdin was endowed with all the qualifications

requisite in one who aspired to be his son-in-law. The sight alone

of such immense riches, and Aladdin’s diligence in satisfying his

demand, without starting the least difficulty on the exorbitant

conditions he had imposed on him, easily persuaded him that he could

want nothing to render him accomplished, and such as he desired.

Therefore, to send Aladdin’s mother back with all the satisfaction

she could desire, he said to her, Good woman, go and tell your son

that I wait to receive him with open arms and embrace him; and the

more haste he makes to come and receive the princess my daughter

from my hands, the greater pleasure he will do me.

As soon as Aladdin’s mother retired, overjoyed as a woman in her

condition must be, to see her son raised beyond all expectations to

such great fortune, the sultan put an end to the audience for that

day; and, rising from his throne, ordered that the princess’s

eunuchs should come and carry those basins into their mistress’s

apartment, whither he went himself to examine them with her at his

leisure. The fourscore slaves were not forgotten, but were conducted

into the palace; and some time after, the sultan, telling the

princess Badroulboudour of their magnificent appearance, ordered

them to be brought before her apartment, that she might see through

the lattices he exaggerated not in his account of them.

In the mean time, Aladdin’s mother got home, and showed in her air

and countenance the good news she brought her son. My son, said she

to him, you have now all the reason in the world to be pleased: you

are, contrary to my expectations, arrived at the height of your

desires, and you know what I always told you. Not to keep you too

long in suspense, the sultan, with the approbation of the whole

court, has declared that you are worthy to possess the princess

Badroulboudour, and waits to embrace you, and conclude your

marriage; therefore you must think of making some preparations for

that interview, that may answer the high opinion he has formed of

your person; and after the wonders I have seen you do, I am

persuaded nothing can be wanting. But I must not forget to tell you,

the sultan waits for you with great impatience, therefore lose no

time to go to him.

Aladdin, charmed with this news, and full of the object which

possessed his soul, made his mother very little reply, but retired

to his chamber. There, after he had rubbed his lamp, which had never

failed him in whatever he wished for, the obedient genie appeared.

Genie, said Aladdin, I want to bathe immediately; and you must

afterwards provide me the richest and most magnificent habit ever

worn by a monarch. No sooner were the words out of his mouth, but

the genie rendered him, as well as himself, invisible, and

transported him into a bath of the finest marble of all sorts of

colours; where he was undressed, without seeing by whom, in a neat

and spacious hall. From the hall he was led to the bath, which was

of a moderate heat, and he was there rubbed and washed with all

sorts of scented water. After he had passed through several degrees

of heat, he came out, quite a different man from what he was before.

His skin was clear, white, and red, and his body lightsome and free;

and when he returned into the hall, he found, instead of his own, a

suit, the magnificence of which very much surprised him. The genie

helped him to dress, and when he had done, transported him back to

his own chamber, where he asked him if he had any other commands?

Yes, answered Aladdin; I expect you should bring me as soon as

possible a horse, that surpasses in beauty and goodness the best in

the sultan’s stables, with a saddle, bridle, and housing, and

other accoutrements, worth a million of money. I want also twenty

slaves, as richly clothed as those who carried the present to the

sultan, to walk by my side, and follow me, and twenty more such to

go before me in two ranks. Besides these, bring my mother six women

slaves to wait on her, as richly dressed at least as any of the

princess Badroulboudour’s, each loaded with a complete suit fit

for any sultaness. I want also ten thousand pieces of gold in ten

purses. Go, and make haste.

As soon as Aladdin had given these orders, the genie disappeared,

and presently returned with the horse, the forty slaves, ten of whom

carried each a purse with one thousand pieces of gold, and six women

slaves, each carrying on their head a different dress for

Aladdin’s mother, wrapped up in a piece of silver stuff, and

presented them all to Aladdin.

Of the ten purses Aladdin took but four, which he gave to his

mother, telling her those were to supply her with necessaries; the

other six he left in the hands of the slaves who brought them, with

an order to throw them by handfuls among the people as they went to

the sultan’s palace. The six slaves who carried the purses he

ordered likewise to march before him, three on the right hand and

three on the left. Afterwards he presented the six women slaves to

his mother, telling her they were her slaves, and that the dresses

they had brought were for her use.

When Aladdin had thus settled matters, he told the genie he would

call for him when he wanted him, and thereupon the genie

disappeared. Aladdin’s thoughts now were only of answering, as

soon as possible, the desire the sultan had shown to see him. He

despatched one of the forty slaves to the palace, with an order to

address himself to the chief of the officers, to know, when he might

have the honour to come and throw himself at the sultan’s feet.

The slave soon acquitted himself of his message, and brought for

answer that the sultan waited for him with impatience.

Aladdin immediately mounted his horse, and began his march in the

order we have already described; and though he never was on a

horse’s back before, he appeared with such extraordinary grace,

that the most experienced horsemen would not have taken him for a

novice. The streets through which he was to pass were almost

instantly filled with an innumerable concourse of people, who made

the air echo with their acclamations, especially every time the six

slaves who carried the purses threw handfuls of gold into the air on

both sides. --Neither did these acclamations and shouts of joy come

only from those who scrambled for the money, but from a superior

rank of people, who could not forbear applauding publicly

Aladdin’s generosity. Not only those who knew him once when he

played in the streets like a vagabond, did not know him again; those

who saw him but a little while before hardly knew him, so much were

his features altered: such were the effects of the lamp, as to

procure by degrees to those who possessed it, perfections agreeable

to the rank the right use of it advanced them to. Much more

attention was paid to Aladdin’s person than to the pomp and

magnificence of his attendants, which had been taken notice of the

day before, when the slaves walked in procession with the present to

the sultan. Nevertheless the horse was very much admired by good

judges, who knew not how to discern his beauties, without being

dazzled with the jewels and richness of the furniture: and when the

report was every where spread about, that the sultan was going to

give the princess Badroulboudour in marriage to him, nobody regarded

his birth, nor envied his good fortune, so worthy he seemed of it.

When he arrived at the palace, every thing was prepared for his

reception; and when he came to the second gate, he would have

alighted from off his horse, agreeable to the custom observed by the

grand vizier, the generals of the armies, and governors of provinces

of the first rank; but the chief of the officers, who waited on him

by the sultan’s order, prevented him, and attended him to the

council hall, where he helped him to dismount; though Aladdin

opposed him very much, but could not prevail. The officers formed

themselves into two ranks at the entrance of the hall. The chief put

Aladdin on his right hand, and through the midst of them led him to

the sultan’s throne.

As soon as the sultan perceived Aladdin, he was no less surprised to

see him more richly and magnificently clothed than ever he had been

himself, than surprised at his good mien, fine shape, and a certain

air of unexpected grandeur, very different from the meanness his

mother appeared in.

But notwithstanding, his amazement and surprise did not hinder him

from rising off his throne, and descending two or three steps quick

enough to prevent Aladdin’s throwing himself at his feet. He

embraced him with all the demonstrations of friendship. After this

civility, Aladdin would have cast himself at his feet again; but he

held him fast by the hand, and obliged him to sit between him and

the grand vizier.

Then Aladdin, resuming the discourse, said, I receive, sir, the

honour which your majesty, out of your great goodness is pleased to

confer on me; but permit me to tell you, that I have not forgotten

that I am your slave; that I know the greatness of your power, and

that I am not insensible how much my birth is below the splendour

and lustre of the high rank to which I am raised. If any way,

continued he, I could have merited so favourable a reception, I

confess I owe it merely to the boldness which chance inspired me to

raise my eyes, thoughts, and desires to the divine princess, who is

the object of my wishes. I ask your majesty’s pardon for my

rashness, but I cannot dissemble, that I should die with grief if I

should lose my hopes of seeing them accomplished.

My son, answered the sultan, embracing him a second time, you would

wrong me to doubt for a moment of my sincerity: your life from this

moment is too dear to me not to preserve it, by presenting you with

the remedy which is at my disposal. I prefer the pleasure of seeing

and hearing you before all your treasure added to mine.

After these words the sultan gave a signal, and immediately the air

echoed with the sound of trumpets and hautboys, and other musical

instruments: and at the same time the sultan led Aladdin into a

magnificent hall, where there was prepared a noble feast. The sultan

and Aladdin eat by themselves, the grand vizier and the great lords

of the court, according to their dignity and rank, waited all the

time. The conversation turned on different subjects; but all the

while the sultan took so great a pleasure in seeing him, that he

hardly ever took his eyes off him; and throughout all their

conversation Aladdin showed so much good sense, as confirmed the

sultan in the good opinion he had of him.

After the feast, the sultan sent for the chief judge of his capital,

and ordered him to draw up immediately a contract of marriage

between the princess Badroulboudour his daughter, and Aladdin. In

the mean time the sultan and he entered into another conversation on

various subjects, in the presence of the grand vizier and the lords

of the court, who all admired the solidity of his wit, the great

ease and freedom wherewith he delivered himself, and the beautiful

thoughts, and his delicacy in expressing them.

When the judge had drawn up the contract in all the requisite forms,

the sultan asked Aladdin if he would stay in the palace, and

solemnize the ceremonies of marriage that day. To which he answered,

Sir, though great is my impatience to enjoy your majesty’s

goodness, yet I beg of you to give me leave to defer it till I have

built a palace fit to receive the princess in; I therefore desire

you to grant me a convenient spot of ground near your palace, that I

may come the more frequently to pay my respects to you, and I will

take care to have it finished with all diligence. Son, said the

sultan, take what ground you think proper; there is land enough

before my palace; but consider, I cannot then see you so soon united

with my daughter, which would complete my joy. After these words he

embraced Aladdin again, who took his leave with as much politeness

as if he had been bred up and had always lived at court.

Aladdin mounted his horse again, and returned home in the same order

he came, with the acclamations of the people, who wished him all

happiness and prosperity. As soon as he dismounted, he retired to

his own chamber, took the lamp, and called the genie as before, who,

in the usual manner, made him a tender of his service. Genie, said

Aladdin, I have all the reason in the world to commend your

exactness in executing hitherto punctually whatever I have asked you

to do; but now, if you have any regard for the lamp your mistress,

you must show, if possible, more zeal and diligence than ever. I

would have you build me, as soon as you can, a palace over against

and at a proper distance from the sultan’s, fit to receive my

spouse the princess Badroulboudour. I leave the choice of the

materials to you, that is to say, porphyry, jasper, agate, lapis

lazuli, and the finest marble of the most varied colours, and of the

rest of the building. But I expect, that in the highest story of

this palace you shall build me a large hall with a dome, and four

equal fronts; and that, instead of layers of bricks, the walls be

made of massy gold and silver, laid alternately; that each front

shall contain six windows, the lattices of all which, except one,

which must be left unfinished and imperfect, shall be so enriched

with art and symmetry, with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, that

they shall exceed every thing of the kind that has ever been seen in

the world. I would have an inner and outer court before this palace,

and a curious garden; but above all things take care that there be

laid in a place which you shall point out to me, a treasure of gold

and silver coin. Besides, this palace must be well provided with

kitchens, and offices, store-houses, and rooms to keep choice

furniture in, for every season of the year. I must have stables full

of the finest horses, with their equerries and grooms, and hunting

equipage. There must be officers to attend the kitchens and offices,

and women slaves to wait on the princess. You understand what I

mean; therefore go about it, and come and tell me when all is

finished.

By the time Aladdin had instructed the genie with his intentions

respecting the building of his palace, the sun was set. The next

morning by break of day, Aladdin, whose love for the princess would

not let him sleep, was no sooner up, but the genie presented

himself, and said, Sir, your palace is finished; come and see bow

you like it. Aladdin had no sooner signified his consent, but the

genie transported him thither in an instant, and he found it so much

beyond his expectation, that he could not enough admire it. The

genie led him through all the apartments, where he met with nothing

but what was rich and magnificent, with officers and slaves, all

dressed according to their rank and the services to which they were

appointed. Then the genie showed him the treasury, which was opened

by a treasurer, where Aladdin saw heaps of purses, of different

sizes, piled up to the top of the ceiling, and disposed in most

pleasing order. The genie assured him of the treasurer’s fidelity,

and thence led him to the stables, where he showed him some of the

finest horses in the world, and the grooms busy in dressing them;

from thence they went to the store-houses, which were filled with

all necessary provisions, both for the food and ornament of the

horses.

When Aladdin had examined the palace from top to bottom, and

particularly the hall with the four-and-twenty windows, and found it

much beyond whatever he could have imagined, he said to the genie,

Genie, no one can be better satisfied than I am; and indeed I should

be very much to blame if I found any fault. There is only one thing

wanting, which I forgot to mention; that is, to lay from the

sultan’s palace to the door of the apartment, designed for the

princess, a carpet of fine velvet for her to walk upon. The genie

immediately disappeared, and Aladdin saw what he desired executed

that minute. Then the genie returned and carried Aladdin home,

before the gates of the sultan’s palace were opened.

When the porters, who had always been used to an open prospect, came

to open the gates, they were amazed to find it obstructed, and to

see a carpet of velvet spread for a great way. They did not

immediately see what it meant; but when they could discern

Aladdin’s palace distinctly, their surprise was increased. The

news of so extraordinary a wonder was presently spread through the

palace. The grand vizier, who came soon after the gates were open,

was no less amazed than other people at this novelty, but ran and

acquainted the sultan, and endeavoured to make him believe it to be

all enchantment. Vizier, replied the sultan, why will you have it to

be enchantment? You know, as well as I, that it is Aladdin’s

palace, which I gave him leave to build, to receive my daughter in.

After the proof we have had of his riches, can we think it strange

that he should build a palace in so short a time? He has a mind to

surprise us, and let us see what wonders are to be done with ready

money every day. Confess sincerely with me that that enchantment you

talk of proceeds from a little envy. The hour of going to council

put an end to the conversation.

When Aladdin had been conveyed home, and had dismissed the genie, he

found his mother up, and dressing herself in one of those suits that

were brought her. By the time the sultan came from the council,

Aladdin had prepared his mother to go to the palace with her slaves,

and desired her, if she saw the sultan, to tell him she came to do

herself the honour to attend the princess towards evening to her

palace. Accordingly she went; but though she and the women slaves

who followed her were all dressed like sultanesses, yet the crowd

was nothing near so great, because they were all veiled, and had

each an upper garment on, agreeable to the richness and magnificence

of their habits. As for Aladdin, he mounted his horse, and took

leave of his paternal house for ever, taking care not to forget his

wonderful lamp, by the assistance of which he had reaped such

advantages, and arrived at the utmost height of his wishes and went

to the palace in the same pomp as the day before.

As soon as the porters of the sultan’s palace saw Aladdin’s

mother, they went and informed the sultan, who presently ordered the

bands of trumpets, cymbals, drums, fifes, and hautboys, placed in

different parts of the palace, to play and beat, so that the air

resounded with concerts, which inspired the whole city with joy: the

merchants began to adorn their shops and houses with fine carpets

and cushions, and bedeck them with boughs, and prepare illuminations

against night. The artists of all sorts left their work, and the

people all repaired to the great space between the sultan’s and

Aladdin’s palace; which last drew all their attention, not only

because it was new to them, but because there was no comparison

between the two buildings. But their amazement was, to comprehend by

what unheard-of miracle, so magnificent a palace should be so soon

built, it being apparent to all that there were no prepared

materials, or any foundations laid, the day before.

Aladdin’s mother was received in the palace with honour, and

introduced into the princess Badroulboudour’s apartment, by the

chief of the eunuchs. As soon as the princess saw her, she went and

saluted her, and desired her to sit down on her sofa; and while her

women made an end of dressing her, and adorned her with the jewels

Aladdin had presented her with, a noble collation was served up. At

the same time the sultan, who had a mind to be as much with his

daughter as possible before he parted with her, came and paid her

great respect. Aladdin’s mother had often talked to the sultan, in

public, but he had never seen her with her veil off, as she was

then; and though she was somewhat advanced in years, she had the

remains of a good face, which showed what she had been in her youth.

The sultan, who had always seen her dressed very meanly, not to say

poorly, was surprised to find her as richly and magnificently

clothed as the princess his daughter. This made him think Aladdin

equally prudent and wise in whatever he undertook.

When it was night, the princess took her leave of the sultan her

father; their adieus were tender, and accompanied with tears. They

embraced each other several times, and at last the princess left her

own apartment, and set forward for Aladdin’s palace, with his

mother on her left hand, followed by a hundred women slaves, dressed

with surprising magnificence. All the bands of music, which played

from the time Aladdin’s mother arrived, joined together, led the

procession, followed by a hundred chiaoux, and the like number of

black eunuchs, in two files, with their officers at their head. Four

hundred of the sultan’s young pages carried flambeaux on each

side, which, together with the illuminations of the sultan’s and

Aladdin’s palaces, made it as light as day.

In this order the princess walked on the carpet, which was spread

from the sultan’s palace to Aladdin’s, preceded by bands of

musicians, who, as they advanced, joining with those on the terraces

of Aladdin’s palace, formed a concert, which, extraordinary and

confused as it appeared, increased the joy not only of the crowd

assembled in the great square, but of all that were in the two

palaces, the town, and a great way round about it.

At length the princess arrived at the new palace. Aladdin ran with

all imaginable joy to receive her at the entrance of the apartment

appointed for him. His mother had taken care to point him out to the

princess, in the midst of the officers that surrounded him, and she

was charmed with his person as soon as she saw him. Adorable

princess, said Aladdin to her, accosting her, and saluting her

respectfully, if I have the misfortune to have displeased you by my

boldness in aspiring to the possession of so lovely a princess, and

my sultan’s daughter, I must tell you, that you ought to blame

your bright eyes and charms, not me. Prince, (as I may now call

you,) answered the princess, I am obedient to the will of my father;

and it is enough for me to have seen you, to tell you that I obey

without reluctance.

Aladdin, charmed with so agreeable and satisfactory an answer, would

not keep the princess standing after she had walked so far, which

was more than she was used to do; but took her by the hand, which he

kissed with the greatest demonstrations of joy, and led her into a

large hall, illuminated with an infinite number of wax candles,

where, by the care of the genie, a noble feast was served up. The

plates were of massy gold, and contained the most delicate meats.

The vases, basins, and goblets, with which the beaufet was

furnished, were gold also, and of exquisite workmanship, and all the

other ornaments and embellishments of the hall were answerable to

this great wealth. The princess, dazzled to see so much riches

collected in one place, said to Aladdin, I thought, prince, that

nothing in the world was so beautiful as the sultan my father’s

palace; but the sight of this hall alone is sufficient to show I was

deceived.

Then Aladdin led the princess to the place appointed for her, and as

soon as she and his mother were sat down, a band of the most

harmonious instruments, accompanied with the voices of beautiful

ladies, began a concert, which lasted without intermission to the

end of the repast. The princess was so charmed, that she declared

she never heard any thing like it in the sultan her father’s

court; but she knew not that these musicians were fairies chosen by

the genie, slave of the lamp.

When the supper was ended, and the table taken away, there entered a

company of dancers, who danced according to the custom of the

country, several figure dances, ending with a dancing man and woman,

who performed their parts with surprising lightness and agility, and

showed all the address they were capable of. About midnight,

Aladdin, according to the custom of that time in China, rose up and

presented his hand to the princess Badroulboudour to dance with her,

and to finish the ceremonies of their nuptials. They danced with so

good a grace, that they were the admiration of all the company. When

they left off, Aladdin did not let the princess’s hand go, but led

her to the apartment where the nuptial bed was prepared. The

princess’s women helped to undress her, and put her to bed;

Aladdin’s officers did the same by him, and then all retired. Thus

ended the ceremonies and rejoicings at the marriage of Aladdin with

the princess Badroulboudour.

The next morning when Aladdin awaked, his valets-de-chambre

presented themselves to dress him, and brought him another habit as

rich and magnificent as that he wore the day before. Then he ordered

one of the horses appointed for his use to be got ready, mounted

him, and went in the midst of a large troop of slaves to the

sultan’s palace. The sultan received him with the same honours as

before, embraced him, placed him on the throne near him, and ordered

in breakfast. Aladdin replied, I beg your majesty will dispense with

me from accepting that honour to-day; I came to ask you to come and

take a repast in the princess’s palace, attended by your grand

vizier, and all the lords of your court. The sultan consented with

pleasure, rose up immediately, and as it was not far off, went

thither on foot, with Aladdin on his right hand, the grand vizier on

his left, preceded by the chiaoux and principal officers of his

palace, and followed by all the great lords of his court.

The nearer the sultan approached Aladdin’s palace, the more he was

struck with its beauty, but was much more amazed when he entered it;

and could not forbear breaking out into exclamations of approbation.

But when he came into the hall with the four-and-twenty windows,

into which Aladdin had invited him, and had seen the ornaments, and,

above all, cast his eyes on the windows, enriched with diamonds,

rubies, emeralds, all large perfect stones; and when Aladdin had

observed to him, that it was as rich on the outside, he was so much

surprised, that he remained some time motionless. After he recovered

himself, he said to his vizier, Is it possible that there should be

such a stately palace so nigh my own, and I be an utter stranger to

it till now? Sir, replied the grand vizier, your majesty may

remember that the day before yesterday you gave Aladdin, whom you

accepted for your son-in-law, leave to build a palace over against

your own, and that very day at sun-set there was no palace on this

spot, and yesterday I had the honour first to tell you that the

palace was built and finished. I remember it, replied the sultan,

but never imagined that the palace was one of the wonders of the

world; for where in all the world besides shall we find walls built

of courses of massy gold and silver, instead of courses of brick,

stone, or marble; and diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, set thick

about the windows! There never was any thing mentioned like it in

this world before.

The sultan would examine and admire the beauty of all the windows,

and counting them, found that there were but three-and-twenty

windows that were so richly adorned, and he was greatly astonished

that the twenty-fourth was left imperfect. Vizier, said he, for that

minister made a point of never leaving him, I am surprised that a

hall of this magnificence should be left thus imperfect. Sir,

replied the grand vizier, without doubt Aladdin only wanted time to

finish this window like the rest; for it is not to be supposed but

that he has sufficient jewels for it, and that he will set about it

the first opportunity.

Aladdin, who had left the sultan to go and give some orders,

returned just as the vizier had given that prince his supposed

reasons. Son, said the sultan to him, this hall is the most worthy

of admiration of any hall in the world: there is only one thing that

surprises me, which is, to find one of the windows unfinished. Is it

from the forgetfulness or negligence of the workmen, or want of

time, that they have not put the finishing stroke to so beautiful a

piece of architecture? Sir, answered Aladdin, it was for none of

there reasons that your majesty sees it in this condition. The thing

was done by design, and it was by my orders that the workmen left it

thus, since I had a mind that your majesty should have the glory of

finishing this hall, and the palace also together, and I beg of you

to approve of my good intention, that I may remember the favours I

have received from you. If you did it with this intention, replied

the sultan, I take it kindly, and will give orders about it

immediately. He accordingly sent for the most considerable jewellers

and goldsmiths in his capital.

In the mean time the sultan went out of this hall, and Aladdin led

him into that where he had regaled the princess Badroulboudour on

their wedding day. The princess came immediately afterwards, and

received the sultan her father, with an air that showed how much she

was satisfied with her marriage. Two tables were immediately spread

with the most delicious meats, all served up in gold dishes. The

sultan, princess, Aladdin, and the grand vizier, sat down at the

first, and all the lords of the court at the second, which was very

long. The sultan was very much pleased with the meats, and owned he

had never eaten any thing more excellent. He said the same of the

wines, which were delicious; but what he most of all admired were

four large beaufets, profusely furnished with large flagons, basins,

and cups, all of massy gold, set with jewels. He was besides charmed

with several bands of music, which were ranged along the hall, and

formed most agreeable concerts.

When the sultan rose from table, he was informed that the jewellers

and goldsmiths he had sent for attended; upon which he returned to

the hall, and showed them the window which was unfinished: I sent

for you, said he, to fit up this window in as great perfection as

the rest; examine them well, and make all the despatch you can to

make them all alike.

The jewellers and goldsmiths examined the other three-and-twenty

windows with great attention, and after they had consulted together,

to know what each could furnish, they returned, and presented

themselves before the sultan, whose principal jeweller, undertaking

to speak for the rest, said, Sir, we are all willing to exert our

utmost care and industry to obey your majesty; but among us all we

cannot furnish jewels enough for so great a work. I have more than

are necessary, said the sultan; come to my palace, and you shall

choose what are fitting.

When the sultan returned to his palace, he ordered his jewels to be

fetched out, and the jewellers took a great quantity, particularly

those which Aladdin had made him a present of, which they soon used,

without making any great advance in their work. They came again

several times for more, and in a month’s time had not finished

half their work. In short, they used all the jewels the sultan had

of his own, and borrowed of the vizier, and yet the work was not

half done.

Aladdin, who knew that all the sultan’s endeavours to make his

window like the rest were in vain, and that he never could compass

it with credit, sent for the jewellers and goldsmiths, and not only

bid them desist from their work, but ordered them to undo what they

had begun, and to carry all their jewels back to the sultan and to

the vizier. They undid in a few hours what they had been six weeks

about, and retired, leaving Aladdin alone in the hall. He took the

lamp which he carried about him, and rubbed it, and presently the

genie appeared. Genie, said Aladdin, I ordered thee to leave one of

the four-and-twenty windows of this hall imperfect, and thou hast

executed my commands punctually; now I would have thee make it like

the rest. The genie immediately disappeared. Aladdin went out of the

hall, and returning soon after into it, he found the window, as he

wished it to be, like the others.

In the mean time the jewellers and goldsmiths reached the palace,

and were introduced into the sultan’s presence; where the first

jeweller presenting the jewels which he had brought back, said in

the name of all the rest, Sir, your majesty knows how long we have

been upon the work you was pleased to set us about, in which we used

all imaginable industry. It was far advanced, when Aladdin obliged

us not only to leave off, but to undo what we had already begun, and

bring your majesty your jewels back. The sultan asked them if

Aladdin gave them any reason for so doing, and they answering that

he had given them none, he ordered a horse to be brought to him

presently, which he mounted, and rode to Aladdin’s palace with

some few attendants on foot by his side. When he came there, he

alighted at the staircase, which led up to the hall with the

twenty-four windows, and went directly up to it, without giving

previous notice to Aladdin; but it happened that at that very

juncture Aladdin was opportunely there, and had just time to receive

him at the door.

The sultan, without giving Aladdin time to complain obligingly of

his not giving him notice, that he might have acquitted himself with

the more duty and respect, said to him, Son, I come myself to know

the reason why you left so noble and magnificent a hall as this is

imperfect.

Aladdin disguised the true reason, which was, that the sultan was

not rich enough in jewels to be at so great an expense, but said, It

is true your majesty saw this hall unfinished, but I beg of you now

to see if anything is wanting.

The sultan went directly to the window which was left imperfect, and

when he found it like the rest, he fancied that he was mistaken, and

examined the two windows on each side, and afterwards all the

four-and-twenty; and when he was convinced that the window, which

several workmen had been so long about, was finished in so short a

time, he embraced Aladdin, and kissed him between his eyes. My son,

said he, what a man you are to do such surprising things always in

the twinkling of an eye! there is not your fellow in the world: the

more I know you, the more I admire you.

Aladdin received these praises from the sultan with a great deal of

modesty, and replied in these words: Sir, it is a great honour to me

to deserve your majesty’s good-will and approbation, and I assure

you I shall study to deserve them more.

The sultan returned to his palace as he came, but would not let

Aladdin go back with him. When he came there, he found his grand

vizier waiting for him, to whom he related the wonder he had been a

witness of with the utmost admiration, and in such terms as left

that minister no room to doubt but that the fact was as the sultan

related it; though he was the more confirmed in his belief that

Aladdin’s palace was the effect of enchantment, as he told the

sultan the first moment he saw it. He was going to repeat the same

thing again, but the sultan interrupted him, and said, You told me

so once before; I see, vizier, you have not forgot your son’s

marriage to my daughter. The grand vizier plainly saw how much the

sultan was prepossessed, and therefore avoided any disputes, and let

him remain in his own opinion. The sultan, as certain as he rose in

a morning, went into the closet to look at Aladdin’s palace, and

would go many times in a day to contemplate and admire it.

All this time Aladdin did not confine himself in his palace, but

took care to show himself once or twice a week in the town, by going

sometimes to one mosque, and sometimes to another, to prayers, or to

pay a visit to the grand vizier, who affected to pay his court to

him on certain days, or to do the principal lords of the court the

honour to return their visits, after he had regaled them at his

palace. Every time he went out he caused two slaves, who walked by

the side of his horse, to throw handfuls of money among the people

as he passed through the streets and squares, which were generally

on those occasions crowded. Besides, no one came to his palace gates

to ask alms, but returned satisfied with his liberality. In short,

he so divided his time, that not a week passed but Aladdin went

either once or twice a hunting, sometimes in the environs of the

city, sometimes farther off; at which time the villages through

which he passed felt the effects of his generosity, which gained him

the love and blessings of the people; and it was common for them to

swear by his head. In short, without giving the least umbrage to the

sultan, to whom he paid all imaginable respect, it might be said

that Aladdin, by his affable behaviour and liberality, had won the

affections of the people, and was more beloved than the sultan

himself. With all these good qualities, he showed a courage and a

zeal for the public good which could not be sufficiently applauded.

He gave sufficient proofs of both in a revolt on the borders of that

kingdom: for he no sooner understood that the sultan was levying an

army to disperse the rebels, but he begged the command of it, which

he found no difficulty to obtain. As soon as he was at the head of

the army, he marched against the rebels with so much expedition,

that the sultan heard of the defeat of the rebels before he had

received an account of his arrival in the army. And though this

action rendered his name famous throughout the kingdom, it made no

alteration in his disposition, but he was as affable after his

victory as before.

Aladdin had behaved himself after this manner several years, when

the African magician, who undesignedly had been the instrument of

raising him to so high a pitch of fortune, bethought himself of him

in Africa, whither, after his expedition, he returned; and though he

was almost persuaded that Aladdin died miserably in the

subterraneous abode where he left him, yet he had the curiosity to

inform himself about his end with certainty; and as he was a great

geomancer, he took out of a cupboard a square covered box, which he

made use of in his geomantic observations, then sat himself down on

his sofa, set it before him, and uncovered it. After he had prepared

and levelled the sand which was in it, with an intention to discover

whether or no Aladdin died in the subterraneous abode, he cast the

points, drew the figures, and formed a horoscope, by which, when he

came to examine it, he found that Aladdin, instead of dying in the

cave, had escaped out of it, lived splendidly, was very rich, had

married a princess, and was very much honoured and respected.

The magician no sooner understood by the rules of his diabolical art

that Aladdin had arrived to that height of good fortune, but a

colour came into his face, and he cried out in a rage. This poor

sorry tailor’s son has discovered the secret and virtue of the

lamp! I believed his death to be certain, but find too plainly he

enjoys the fruit of my labour and study. But I will prevent his

enjoying it long, or perish in the attempt. He was not a great while

deliberating on what he should do, but the next morning mounted a

barb which was in his stable, set forwards, and never stopped but

just to refresh himself and horse, till he arrived at the capital of

China. He alighted, took up his lodging in a khan, and staid there

the remainder of the day and the night, to refresh himself after so

long a journey.

The next day his first object was to inquire what people said of

Aladdin; and, taking a walk through the town, he went to the most

public and frequented places, where people of the first distinction

met to drink a certain warm liquor, which he had drank often when he

was there before. As soon as he sat down, he was presented with a

glass of it, which he took; but, listening at the same time to the

discourse of the company on each side of him, he heard them talking

of Aladdin’s palace. When he had drank off his glass, he joined

them; and taking this opportunity, asked them particularly what

palace that was they spoke so advantageously of. From whence come

you? said the person to whom he addressed himself: you must

certainly be a stranger, not to have seen or heard talk of prince

Aladdin’s palace, (for he was called so after his marriage with

the princess Badroulboudour.) I do not say, continued the man, that

it is one of the wonders of the world, but that it is the only

wonder of the world, since nothing so grand, rich, and magnificent,

was ever seen. Certainly you must have come from a great distance

not to have heard of it; it must have been talked of all over the

world. Go and see it, and then judge whether I have told you more

than the truth. Forgive my ignorance, replied the African magician;

I arrived here but yesterday, and came from the farthest part of

Africa, where the fame of this palace had not reached when I came

away. For the affair which brought me hither was so urgent, that my

sole object was to get here as soon as I could, without stopping any

where, or making any acquaintance. But I will not fail to go and see

it; my impatience is so great, I will go immediately and satisfy my

curiosity, if you will do me the favour to show me the way thither.

The person to whom the African magician addressed himself, took a

pleasure in showing him the way to Aladdin’s palace, and he got up

and went thither instantly. When he came to the palace, and had

examined it on all sides, he doubted not but that Aladdin had made

use of the lamp to build it. Without attending to the inability of

Aladdin, a poor tailor’s son, he knew that none but the genies,

the slaves of the lamp, the attaining of which he had missed, could

have performed such wonders; and, piqued to the quick at Aladdin’s

happiness and greatness, he returned to the khan where he lodged.

The next thing was to know where the lamp was; if Aladdin carried it

about with him, or where he kept it; and this he was to discover by

an operation of geomancy. As soon as he entered his lodging, he took

his square box of sand, which he always carried with him when he

travelled, and after he had performed some operations, he knew that

the lamp was in Aladdin’s palace; and so great was his joy at the

discovery, that he could hardly contain himself. Well, said he, I

shall have the lamp, and I defy Aladdin’s preventing my carrying

it off, and making him sink to his original meanness, from which he

has taken so high a flight.

It was Aladdin’s misfortune at that time to be gone a hunting for

eight days, of which only three were expired, which the magician

came to know by this means. After he had performed this operation,

which gave him so much joy, he went to the master of the khan,

entered into discourse with him on indifferent matters, and among

the rest, told him he had been to see Aladdin’s palace; and after

exaggerating on all that he had seen most surprising and most

striking to him and all the world, he added, But my curiosity leads

me farther, and I shall not be easy till I have seen the person to

whom this wonderful edifice belongs. That will be no difficult

matter, replied the master of the khan; there is not a day passes

but he gives an opportunity when he is in town, but at present he is

not at home, and has been gone these three days on a hunting match,

which will last eight.

The magician wanted to know no more: he took his leave of the master

of the khan, and returning to his own chamber, said to himself, This

is an opportunity I ought by no means to let slip, but will make the

best use of it. To that end he went to a maker and seller of lamps,

and asked for a dozen of copper lamps. The master of the shop told

him he had not so many by him, but if he would have patience till

the next day, he would get him so many against any time he had a

mind to have them. The magician appointed his time, and bid him take

care that they should be handsome and well polished. After promising

to pay him well, he returned to his inn.

The next day the magician called for his twelve lamps, paid the man

his full price for them, put them in a basket which he brought on

purpose, and with the basket hanging on his arm, went directly to

Aladdin’s palace; and when he came near it, he began crying. Who

will change old lamps for new ones? As he went along, he gathered a

crowd of children about him, who hooted at him, and thought him, as

did all who chanced to be passing by, mad or a fool, to offer to

change new lamps for old ones.

The African magician never minded all their scoffs and hootings, or

all they could say to him, but still continued crying, Who will

change old lamps for new ones? He repeated this so often, walking

backwards and forwards about the princess Badroulboudour’s palace,

that the princess, who was then in the hall with the four-and-twenty

windows, hearing a man cry something, and not being able to

distinguish his words, by reason of the hooting of the children and

increasing mob about him, sent one of her women slaves down to know

what he cried.

The slave was not long before she returned, and ran into the hall,

laughing so heartily, that the princess could not forbear herself.

Well, gigler, said the princess, will you tell me what you laugh at?

Madam, answered the slave, laughing still, who can forbear laughing

to see a fool, with a basket on his arm, full of fine new lamps, ask

to change them for old ones? the children and mob, crowding about

him so that he can hardly stir, make all the noise they can by

deriding him.

Another woman slave nearing this, said, Now you speak of lamps, I

know not whether the princess may have observed it, but there is an

old one upon the cornice, and whoever owns it will not be sorry to

find a new one in its stead. If the princess has a mind, she may

have the pleasure to try if this fool is so silly as to give a new

lamp for an old one, without taking any thing for the exchange.

The lamp this slave spoke of was Aladdin’s wonderful lamp, which

he, for fear of losing it, had laid upon the cornice before he went

hunting; which precaution he made use of several times before, but

neither the princess, the slaves, nor the eunuchs, had ever taken

notice of it. At all other times but hunting he carried it about

him, and then, indeed, he might have locked it up; but other people

have been guilty of as great oversights, and will be so to the end

of time.

The princess Badroulboudour, who knew not the value of this lamp,

and the interest that Aladdin, not to mention herself, had to keep

it safe from every body else, entered into the pleasantry, and bid

an eunuch take it, and go and make the exchange. The eunuch obeyed,

went out of the hall, and no sooner got to the palace gates, but he

saw the African magician, called to him, and showing him the old

lamp, said to him, Give me a new lamp for this.

The magician never doubted but this was the lamp he wanted. There

could be no other such in this palace, where all was gold or silver.

He snatched it eagerly out of the eunuch’s hand, and, thrusting it

as far as he could into his breast, offered him his basket, and bid

him choose which he liked best. The eunuch picked out one, and

carried it to the princess Badroulboudour; but the exchange was no

sooner made, than the palace rung with the shouts of the children,

deriding the magician’s folly.

The African magician gave every body leave to laugh as much as they

pleased; he stayed not long about Aladdin’s palace, but made the

best of his way, without crying any longer, New lamps for old ones.

His end was answered, and by his silence he got rid of the children

and the mob.

As soon as he got out of the square between the two palaces, he

skulked down the streets which were the least frequented; and having

no more occasion for his lamps or basket, set all down in the midst

of a street where nobody saw him; then scouring down another street

or two, he walked till he came to one of the city gates, and

pursuing his way through the suburbs, which were very long, he

bought some provisions before he left the city, got into the fields,

and turned into a road, which led to a lonely remote place, where he

stopped for a time to execute the design he came about, never caring

for his horse, which he left at the khan, but thinking himself

perfectly compensated by the treasure he had acquired.

In this place the African magician passed the remainder of the day,

till the darkest time of night, when he pulled the lamp out of his

breast, and rubbed it. At that summons the genie appeared, and said,

What wouldst thou have? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and

the slave of all those who have that lamp in their hands; both I and

the other slaves of the lamp. I command thee, replied the magician,

to transport me immediately, and the palace which thou and the other

slaves of the lamp have built in this town, such as it is, and with

all the people in it, to such a place in Africa. The genie made no

reply, but, with the assistance of the other genies, the slaves of

the lamp, transported him and the palace entire immediately to the

place he appointed in Africa; where we will leave the magician,

palace, and the princess Badroulboudour, to speak of the surprise of

the sultan.