4 ALADDIN OR THE
propriety, as he was a native of Africa, and had been but two days come from thence.
Whether the African magician, who was a good physiognomist, had observed in Aladdin’s countenance something which was absolutely necessary for the execution of the design he came about, he inquired artfully about his family, who he was, and what were his inclinations; and when he had learned all he desired to know, he went up to him, and taking him aside from his comrades, said to him, Child, was not your father called Mustapha the tailor? —Yes, sir, answered Aladdin, but he has been dead a long time.
At these words, the African magician threw his arms about Aladdin’s neck, and kissed him several times with tears in his eyes. Aladdin, who observed his tears, asked him, What made him weep? Alas! my son, cried the African magician with a sigh, how can I forbear? I am your uncle; your good father was my own brother. I have been a great many years abroad traveling, and now I am come home with the hopes of seeing him, you tell me he is dead. I assure you it is a sensible grief to me to be deprived of the comforts I expected. But it is some relief to my affliction, that as far as I can remember him, I knew you at first sight, you are be like him; and I see I am not deceived.
Aladdin, who had never heard of any brother of his father’s, stood like one stupified, till his pretended uncle pulled out two pieces of gold, and gave them to him, bidding him run home and desire his mother to get a supper ready, as he intended to spend a few hours with his beloved sister-in-law that very evening. Aladdin, having pointed out the house, hastened home with the gold and the tidings to his mother, who was no less amazed than himself. She had never heard her husband mention more than one brother, and that one was also a tailor, and had died before Aladdin was born. She could not, however, doubt the word of a gentleman who had sent her two pieces of gold; so she went joyfully to market, where she bought excellent provisions. The magician came at the appointed time, loaded with wine, and all sorts of fruit which he brought for a dessert; and having saluted his dear sister-in-law, as he called her, made choice of a place, and sat down, he said to Aladdin’s mother: My good sister, I am very much afflicted at the hearing of my brother’s death, for whom I always had a brotherly love and friendship. But God be praised for all things! it is a comfort to me to find him again in a son, who has his most remarkable features.
The African magician, perceiving that Aladdin’s mother began to weep at the remembrance of her husband, changed the discourse, and turning towards Aladdin, asked him his name. I am called Aladdin, said he, Well, Aladdin, replied the magician, what business do you follow? Are you of any trade?
At this question, Aladdin hung down his head, when his mother made answer, Aladdin is an idle fellow; his father, when alive, strove all he could to teach him his trade, but could not succeed; and since his death, notwithstanding all that I can say to him, he does nothing but idle away his time in the streets as you saw him, without considering he is no longer child; and if you do not make him ashamed of it, and make him leave
