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kinsfolk on life? Indeed, this man is my uncle and he embraced me and kissed me, weeping, and bade me tell thee of this.” And she answered him, saying, “Yes, O my son, I knew thou hadst an uncle, but he is dead and I know not that thou hast a second uncle.”

As[1] for the Maugrabin enchanter, he went forth at dawn and fell to searching for[2] Alaeddin, for that he might not brook parting from him;[3] and as he went about in the thoroughfares of the city, he came upon the lad, who was playing with the vagabonds, as of his wont. So he went up to him and taking him by the hand, embraced him and kissed him; then he brought out of his purse two dinars and said to Alaeddin, “Go to thy mother and give her these two dinars and say to her, ‘My uncle would fain sup with us; so take these two dinars and make a good supper.’ But first show me once more the way to your house.” “On my head and eyes, O my uncle,” answered Alaeddin and foregoing him, showed him the way to the house. Then the Maugrabin left him and went his way, whilst Alaeddin

  1. Night DXVII.
  2. Burton, “finding out.”
  3. Lit. “He had no longer a heart to part with him,” i.e. he could not bear him out of his sight, Alaeddin being necessary for the achievement of the adventure of the lamp. See post.