that time have travelled into the Indies, Persia, Arabia, Syria,
and Egypt, and afterward crossed over into Africa, where I took up
my abode. At last, as it is natural for a man, I was desirous to
see my native country again, and to embrace my dear brother; and
finding I had strength enough to undertake so long a journey, I
made the necessary preparations, and set out. Nothing ever
afflicted me so much as hearing of my brother's death. But God be
praised for all things! It is a comfort for me to find, as it
were, my brother in a son who has his most remarkable features."

The African magician, perceiving that the widow wept at the
remembrance of her husband, changed the conversation, and turning
toward her son, asked him, "What business do you follow? Are you
of any trade?"

At this question the youth hung down his head, and was not a
little abashed when his mother answered, "Aladdin is an idle
fellow. His father, when alive, strove all he could to teach him
his trade, but could not succeed; and since his death, notwithstanding
all I can say to him, he does nothing but idle away his
time in the streets, as you saw him, without considering
he is no longer a child; and if you do not make him ashamed of it,
I despair of his ever coming to any good. For my part, I am
resolved, one of these days, to turn him out of doors, and let him
provide for himself."

After these words Aladdin's mother burst into tears; and the
magician said, "This is not well, nephew; you must think of
helping yourself, and getting your livelihood. There are many
sorts of trades. Perhaps you do not like your father's, and would