The nearer the sultan approached Aladdin's palace, the more he was
struck with its beauty; but when he entered it, when he came into the
hall and saw the windows, enriched with diamonds, rubies, emeralds,
all large perfect stones, he was completely surprised, and said to his
son-in-law, "This palace is one of the wonders of the world; for where
in all the world besides shall we find walls built of massy gold and
silver, and diamonds, rubies, and emeralds composing the windows? But
what most surprises me is that a hall of this magnificence should be
left with one of its windows incomplete and unfinished."
"Sire," answered Aladdin, "the omission was by design, since I wished
that you should have the glory of finishing this hall."
"I take your intention kindly," said the sultan, "and will give orders
about it immediately."
After the sultan had finished this magnificent entertainment, provided
for him and for his court by Aladdin, he was informed that the
jewelers and goldsmiths 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 dispatch
you can."
The jewelers and goldsmiths examined the 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 jeweler, undertaking to speak for the rest,
said, "Sire, we are all willing to exert our utmost care and industry
to obey you; but among us all we cannot furnish jewels enough for so
great a work.
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