Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales; Fairy tales -- Arab countries; Folklore -- Arab countries; Tales -- Arab countries
When Aladdin was out of the palace, he looked round him on all sides,
and perceiving a peasant going into the country, hastened after him; and
when he had overtaken him, made a proposal to him to change habits,
which the man agreed to. When they had made the exchange, the countryman
went about his business, and Aladdin to the city. After traversing
several streets, he came to that part of the town where all descriptions
of merchants had their particular streets, according to their trades. He
went into that of the druggists; and going into one of the largest and
best-furnished shops, asked the druggist if he had a certain powder
which he named. The druggist, judging Aladdin by his habit to be very
poor, and that he had not money enough to pay for it, told him he had
it, but that it was very dear; upon which Aladdin penetrating his
thoughts, pulled out his purse, and showing him some gold, asked for
half a drachm of the powder; which the druggist weighed, wrapped up in
paper, and gave him, telling him the price was a piece of gold. Aladdin
put the money into his hand, and returned to the palace, where he waited
not long at the private door. When he came into the princess's
apartment, he said to her: "Princess, perhaps the aversion you tell me
you have for your captor may be an objection to your executing what I am
going to propose; but permit me to say it is proper that you should
dissemble a little, and do violence to your inclinations, if you would
deliver yourself from him.
"If you will take my advice," continued he, "dress yourself this moment
in one of your richest habits, and when the African magician comes, make
no difficulty to give him the best reception; so that he may imagine
time has removed your disgust at his addresses. In your conversation let
him understand that you strive to forget me; and that he may be the
more fully convinced, invite him to sup with you, and tell him you
should be glad to taste of some of the best wines of his country. He
will presently go to fetch you some. During his absence, put into one of
the cups which you are accustomed to drink of, this powder, and setting
it by, charge the slave you may order that night to attend you, on a
signal you shall agree upon, to bring that cup to you. When the magician
and you have eaten and drunk as much as you choose, let her bring you
the cup, and then change cups with him. He will esteem it so great a
favour that he will not refuse, but eagerly quaff it off; but no sooner
will he have drunk, than you will see him fall backward."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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