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appeared to him and said, “Seek what thou wilt, for I am thy slave and the slave of whoso hath in his hand the lamp, I and all the slaves of the lamp.” And Alaeddin said to him, “Harkye, I sought of the Sultan to marry his daughter, and he appointed me for[1] three months’ time; however, he abode not by his promise, but gave her to the Vizier’s son, and the latter purposeth to go in [to her] this night. Wherefore I do presently command thee, as thou art a loyal servant of the lamp, that this night, whenas thou seest the bride and bridegroom abed together, thou take them up in their bed [and bring them] hither. This is what I seek of thee.” “Hearkening and obedience,” answered the genie, “and if thou have a service [to require of me] other than this, command me whatsoever thou seekest.” And Alaeddin said to him, “I have no present requirement save that whereof I have bespoken thee.” So the slave disappeared and Alaeddin returned to finish his supper[2] with his mother.
When he deemed it time for the genie’s coming, he arose and entered his chamber; and after a little, the
