Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp by Unknown
page 137 of 244 (56%)
page 137 of 244 (56%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
his mother back to spin at her wheel, like as she did erst, and
as for him, it shall cost him [FN#556] his life." Then he returned to the khan in a woeful state of chagrin and colour and despite, for envy of Alaeddin, and [FN#557] taking his geomantic instruments, [FN#558] smote his [tablet of] sand, so he might learn where the lamp was, and found that it was in the palace and not with Alaeddin; [FN#559] whereat he rejoiced with an exceeding joy and said, "Now it will be an easy matter for me to bereave this accursed of his life and I have a way to come at the lamp." Accordingly he went to a coppersmith and said to him, "Make me so many [FN#560] lamps [FN#561] and take of me their worth in full; [FN#562] but I will have thee despatch them quickly." "Hearkening and obedience," replied the smith and falling to work on them, speedily despatched them for him. When they were finished, the Maugrabin paid him their price, even that which he sought, and taking the lamps, carried them to the khan, where he laid them in a basket and fell to going round about in the markets and thoroughfares of the city and crying out, "Ho! who will barter an old lamp for a new lamp?" When the folk heard him crying this, they laughed at him and said, "Certes, this man is mad, since he goeth about, bartering new lamps for old." Moreover, people [FN#563] followed him and the street-boys caught him up from place to place [FN#564] and laughed at him. However, he fended not himself neither took heed of this, but ceased not to go round about the city till he came under Alaeddin's palace, where he fell to crying his loudest, whilst the children called after him, "Madman! Madman!" Now as fate willed it, the Lady Bedrulbudour was in the kiosk and hearing one crying out and the boys calling after him and |
|