In accordance with
this suggestion of the vizier, the sultan replied to the mother of
Aladdin: "Good woman, it is true sultans ought to abide by their word,
and I am ready to keep mine, by making your son happy in marriage
with the princess my daughter. But as I cannot marry her without some
further proof of your son being able to support her in royal state,
you may tell him I will fulfill my promise as soon as he shall send me
forty trays of massy gold, full of the same sort of jewels 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 white slaves,
all dressed magnificently. On these conditions I am ready to bestow
the princess my daughter upon 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. On her way home, she laughed within herself at
her son's foolish imagination. "Where," said she, "can he get so many
large gold trays, and such precious stones to fill them? It is
altogether out of his power, and I believe he will not be much pleased
with my embassy this time."
When she came home, full of these thoughts, she told Aladdin all the
circumstances of her interview with the sultan, and the conditions on
which he consented to the marriage. "The sultan expects your answer
immediately," said she; and then added, laughing, "I believe he may
wait long enough!"
"Not so long, mother, as you imagine," replied Aladdin.
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