After embracing and shedding tears of joy, they
sat down, and Aladdin said, "I beg of you, princess, to tell me what
is become of an old lamp which stood upon a shelf in my robing
chamber."
"Alas!" answered the princess, "I was afraid our misfortune might be
owing to that lamp; and what grieves me most is that I have been the
cause of it. I was foolish enough to exchange the old lamp for a new
one, and the next morning I found myself in this unknown country,
which I am told is Africa."
"Princess," said Aladdin, interrupting her, "you have explained all
by telling me we are in Africa. I desire you only to tell me if you
know where the old lamp now is."
"The African magician carries it carefully wrapped up in his bosom,"
said the princess; "and this I can assure you, because he pulled it
out before me, and showed it to me in triumph."
"Princess," said Aladdin, "I think I have found the means to deliver
you and to regain possession of the lamp, on which all my prosperity
depends. To execute this design, it is necessary for me to go to the
town. I shall return by noon, and will then tell you what must be done
by you to insure success. In the meantime, I shall disguise myself,
and I beg that the private door may be opened at the first knock."
When Aladdin was out of the palace, he looked round him on all sides,
and perceiving a peasant going into the country, hastened after him.
When he had overtaken him, he made a proposal to him to change
clothes, which the man agreed to.
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