Page:Arabian Nights (Sterrett).djvu/222

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

When Aladdin gave these commands to the genie, the sun was set. The next morning at daybreak the genie presented himself, and, having obtained Aladdin’s consent, transported him in a moment to the palace he had made. The genie led him through all the apartments, where he found officers and slaves, habited according to their rank and the services to which they were appointed. The genie then showed him the treasury, which was opened by a treasurer, where Aladdin saw large vases of different sizes, piled up to the top with money, ranged all round the chamber. The genie thence led him to the stables, where were some of the finest Arabian horses in the world, and the grooms with them; from thence they went to the storehouses, which were filled with all things necessary, both for food and ornament.

When Aladdin had examined every portion of the palace, and particularly the hall with the four-and-twenty windows, and found it exceeded his expectations, he said, “Genie, there is one thing wanting, a fine carpet for the princess to walk upon from the sultan’s palace to mine. Lay one down immediately.” The genie disappeared, and Aladdin saw what he desired executed in an instant. The genie then returned, and carried him back to his own home.

When the sultan’s porters came early that morning to open the gates, they were amazed to find what had been an unoccupied square filled with a magnificent palace, and a

184