Page 11 - Child's own book
P. 11

When  Aladdin  found  that  he  was  immured  alive  in  this
                          cavenij he sat down on the steps* and remained there two days ;
                          on  the  third  day he  clasped  his hands  together  in terror  and
                          despair at  his unfortunate condition.        In joining his hands, he
                          rubbed the ring which  the  magician  had  given  him ;  and  im­
                          mediately a genius of awful stature stood before him.  u W hat
                          wouldst thou  have with me V1  said  the  terrific  form  :  “  I  am
                          ready  to obey thee as thy slave, whilst thou dost possess the ring
                          that  is  on.  thy  finger."   Aladdin  said,  u Whoever thou  art,
                           deliver me  from this place, if thou  art able.”  He had no sooner
                          spoken,  than the  earth  opened>  and  he  found  himself  at  the
                          place  where  the  magician  had  performed  his  incantations.
                           Aladdin returned  home  as fast  as  he could,  and  related  to his
                           mother  all  that  had  happened  to  him  ;  she  naturally  uttered
                           imprecations against the  vile magician ;  and  lamented that she
                          had no food to give her eon,  who  had not  tasted  any  for  three
                           days.    Aladdin then showed her the lamp, and  said,  e* Mother,
                           I  will take this  lamp  and  sell  it  to  buy us  food;  but  3  think
                           if  I  were to  clean  it  first,  it would  fetch a  better price.”  He
                           therefore  sat  dq>wnt and  began to  rub it  with  sand  and  water.
                           Immediately  an  awful  genius  appeared,  and  said,  *'* What
                                                       wouldst  thou  have ?  I  am  ready  to
                                                       obey  thee as thy slave, and as  the slave
                                                       of all who may possess the  lamp in thy
                                                       hand."  A [add in said, “  I hunger :  bring
                                                       me  food.”      The  genius  disappeared,
                                                       but in  an  instant  returned  with  some
                                                       delicate viands, on twelve silver plates;
                                                       he placed  them on  the table  and van­
                                                       ished*     Aladdin  and  hte  mother  sat
                           down  and  ate  heartily.      The  victuals  lasted  them  until  the
                           next night;  when Aladdin took the plates and sold them.               As
                           they lived with frugality the money kept them some time.
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