22ALADDIN OR THE
use of in his geomantic observations, then sat himself down on his sofa, set it before him, and uncovered it. After he had prepared and leveled the sand which was in it, with an intention to discover whether or not Aladdin died in the subterraneous abode, he cast the points, drew the figures, and formed a horoscope, by which, when he came to examine it he found that Aladdin lived splendidly, was very rich, had married a princess, and was very much honoured and respected.
The magician no sooner understood by the rules of his diabolical art that Aladdin had arrived at that height of good fortune, but he cried out in rage, This poor sorry tailor’s son has discovered the secret and virtue of the lamp! But I will prevent his enjoying it long, or perish in the attempt. He was not a great while deliberating on what he should do, but the next morning mounted a barb which was in his stable, set forwards, and never stopped but just to refresh himself and horse, till he arrived at the capital of China. His first object was to enquire what people said of Aladdin; and, taking a walk through the town, he went to where people of the best distinction met to drink a certain warm liquor. As soon as he sat down, he was presented with a glass of it, which he took; but, listening at the same time to the discourse of the company on each side of him, he heard them talking of Aladdin’s palace. When he had drank off his glass, he joined them; and, asked them particularly what palace that was they spoke so advantageously of. From whence come you said the person to whom he addressed himself: you must certainly be a stranger, not to have seen or heard talk of prince Aladdin’s palace; forgive my ignorance, replied the African magician; I arrived here but yesterday, and came from the farthest part of Africa, where the fame of this palace had not reached when I came away: but my impatience is so great, I will go immediately and see it, if you will do me the favour to show me the way thither.
The person to whom the African magician addressed himself took pleasure in showing him the way to Aladdin’s palace, and he got up, and went thither instantly. When he came to the palace, and examined it on all sides, he doubted not but that Aladdin had made use of the lamp to build it. He knew that none but the genii, the slaves of the lamp, could have performed such wonders; and, piqued to the quick at Aladdin’s happiness and greatness, he returned to the khan where he lodged. The next thing was to know where the lamp was. As soon as he entered his lodging, he took his square box of sand, and after he had performed some operations, he knew that the lamp was in Aladdin’s palace; and so great was his joy at the discovery, that he could hardly contain himself. Well, said he, I shall have the lamp, and I defy Aladdin’s preventing my carrying it off. It was Aladdin’s misfortune at that time to be gone a hunting for eight days, of which only three were expired, which the magician came to know by this means. After he had performed this operation, he went to the master of the khan, entered into discourse with him on different matters, and, among the rest, said, I shall not be easy till I have seen the person to whom this wonderful edifice belongs. That will be no difficult matter, replied the master of the khan; there is not a day passes but he
