LESSON 37 THE WONDERFUL LAMP

THE WONDERFUL LAMP

ONCE upon a time, a number of boys were playing in the streets of Pekin, the capital of China. A stranger stood for some time watching the game, till the boys stopped for a moment, then, addressing one of their number, he said,

Aladdin, was not your father called Mustapha?

Yes, sir, answered the boy, "but he has been dead a long time."

On hearing this, the stranger pretended to be overcome with grief, and hid his face in his cloak. Then, with tears in his eyes, he said,

I am your uncle. Your father was my brother. I knew you at first sight, you are so like him. I was looking for you, to tell you that I had discovered a wonderful lamp. It is hidden in a mountain outside the city, and it has the power to make any one who possesses it the richest man in the world. Now, while I know where to find it, I cannot go into the cave, because I am too old. If you will go with me, and do as I tell you, I will give you half of what I get, and your mother will not need to work so hard to obtain a living."

Aladdin thought that this was a splendid chance to make his fortune, so he accepted the offer at once, and walked out of the city along with the stranger. The boy really believed that this man was his uncle. Such, however, was not the case. The stranger was a wicked African magician ［1］ , who only meant to make use of Aladdin to serve his own purpose, and obtain all the riches for himself.

It was getting dark when they reached a mountain, about three miles from the city. Here they stopped, and the magician began to dance round the rock, muttering strange words, and throwing his arms about in such a wild manner that the boy could hardly keep from laughing. Presently a rumbling noise was heard, and a huge mass of rock fell out of the mountain.

Put this ring on your finger, said the magician, "it will keep you from all harm. This is the cave of which I spoke. Inside the opening you will find a ladder, which will take you down to the chamber where the magic lamp is burning. Blow out the light, and bring the lamp to me as quickly as you can."

Aladdin felt rather afraid, for the cave was very dark, but he boldly entered and made his way to the chamber where the lamp was burning. He at once secured it as directed, and as he came down from the terrace ［2］ he stopped in the garden to observe the trees, which were loaded with rich fruit of different colours.

Some of the fruit was entirely white, some as clear as crystal, some red, some green, some blue, and some purple. These various fruits were really valuable diamonds and precious stones, some of which Aladdin gathered and brought away in two new purses provided for him by his uncle for that purpose.

When he again reached the mouth of the cave, he found the magician waiting for him. The man demanded the lamp at once, but Aladdin refused to give it up until he made his way out of the cave. Finding he could not terrify the lad, the magician stood back, spoke some words in an unknown tongue, and instantly the opening in the mountain was filled up.

When Aladdin found that he was shut in, he was in a terrible fright, and cried bitterly, for he could see no way of escape. As he sat wondering what would become of him, he happened to rub the ring on his finger against his sleeve. At once the cave was filled with light, and a strange person stood before him.

I am the Slave of the Ring, said the stranger bowing, "and I am at your service to do whatever you command."

Help me out of this cave, said Aladdin, and a moment later he found himself on the very spot where he had first entered the cave, but there was no sign of an opening, nor any disturbance of the earth.

When Aladdin reached home, he found his mother in great anxiety ［3］ , "For," said she,"I have not slept a wink all night for worrying about you."

Never mind, mother, he said, "you will never have to work again. I am going to be the richest man in the world." Then he told his mother what had happened, and showed her the lamp for which he had gone through so many dangers.

His mother called the lamp a dirty looking thing, and proceeded at once to rub it, with the intention of improving its appearance. As she did so, the door opened, and in walked a genie ［4］ . He was taller and more terrible looking than the one who had appeared to Aladdin in the cave.

What do you want with me? asked the genie. "I am the Slave of the Lamp, and have come in answer to your summons, to obey your commands."

I am hungry, said Aladdin, "bring me something to eat."

ALADDIN DISCOVERS THE LAMP

The genie disappeared at once, and in an instant returned with a large tray holding a number of dishes, which contained the most delicious kinds of food. All these he placed on a carpet, and then disappeared. Aladdin and his mother had never in their lives tasted such dainties, and they ate till they were satisfied.

One day, as Aladdin was walking about the town, he heard an order proclaimed ［5］ , commanding the people to close their houses while the Princess, the Sultan's ［6］ daughter, passed on her way to the bath, as is the custom in Eastern countries.

Aladdin, however, had made up his mind to see the beautiful face of the Emperor's daughter. Hiding himself at a place where she would pass, he saw the Princess and her ladies, without being seen himself. Returning home, Aladdin desired his mother to go to the palace, and ask the Emperor if he would allow him to marry his daughter.

By the help of the Slave of the Lamp, Aladdin obtained a large sum of money, and became so very rich that he was able to give the Princess beautiful presents of diamonds and precious stones. After this, the marriage took place, and Aladdin was treated as the Emperor's son.

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［1 ］ magician: One who performs strange and wonderful acts; an enchanter.

［2 ］ terrace: A raised flat bank of earth.

［3 ］ anxiety: State of being worried; mental suffering.

［4 ］ genie: A magic spirit.

［5 ］ proclaimed: Announced, given out publicly.

［6 ］ Sultan: An Eastern ruler.