Page 15 - Child's own book

should be solemnised that day. To which he answered, “ Sir,
I beg your permission to defer* it until I have built a palace,
suitable to the dignity of the princess; and I therefore entreat
you farther to grant me a convenient spot of ground near your
own palace ; and I will take care to have it finished with the
utmost expedition/* « Son,” said the sultan, “ take what
ground you think proper.” After which he again embraced
Aladdin, who respectfully took leave and returned home.
He retired to his chamber, took his lamp and summoned the
genius as usual, “ Genius,” said he, 14 build me a palace near
the sultan's fit for the reception of my spouse the princess ;
but, instead of stone, let the walls be formed of massy gold and
silver, laid in alternate rows ; and let the interstices be enriched
with diamonds and emeralds. The palace must have a delight­
ful garden, planted with aromatic shrubs and plants, bearing
the most delicious fruits and beautiful flowers. But in par­
ticular let there be an immense treasure of gold and silver
coin. The palace, moreover, must be well provided with
offices, store-houses, and stables full of the finest horses, and
attended by equerries, grooms, and hunting equipage,” By
the dawn of the ensuing morning, the genius presented himself
to Aladdin, and said, “ Sir, your palace is finished ; come and
see if it accords with your wishes/’ He had no sooner signified
his readiness to behold it, than the genius instantly conveyed
him thither. " He found that it surpassed all his expectations.
The officers and slaves were all dressed according to their rank
and services. The genius then showed him the treasury * in
which he saw heaps of bags full of money, piled up to the very
ceiling. The genius then conveyed Aladdin home, before the hour
arrived at which the gates of the sultan’s palace were opened.
When the porters arrived at the gates of the royal mansion,
they were amazed to see Aladdin’s palace. The grand vizier,