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. This generosity gained him the love
and blessings of the people, and it was common for them to swear by
his head.[46] Thus Aladdin, while he paid all respect to the sultan,
won by his affable behavior and liberality the affection of the
people.
[Footnote 46: There is a trace of this custom in Joseph swearing to
his brethren, "By the life of Pharaoh, ye are spies!"]
Aladdin had conducted himself in this manner several years, when the
African magician, who had for some years dismissed him from his
recollection, determined to inform himself with certainty whether he
perished, as he supposed, in the subterranean cave or not. After he
had resorted to a long course of magic ceremonies, and had formed a
horoscope by which to ascertain Aladdin's fate, what was his surprise
to find the appearances to declare that Aladdin, instead of dying in
the cave, had made his escape, and was living in royal splendor by the
aid of the genie of the wonderful lamp!
On the very next day the magician set out, and traveled with the
utmost haste to the capital of China, where, on his arrival, he took
up his lodgings in a khan.
He then quickly learned about the wealth, charities, happiness, and
splendid palace of Prince Aladdin. Directly he saw the wonderful
fabric, he knew that none but the genies, the slaves of the lamp,
could have performed such wonders, and, piqued to the quick at
Aladdin's high estate, he returned to the khan.
Pages:
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223