supposed to be the same that once contained the soul of Pythagoras.
I therefore passed to the next alcove, the shelves of which were
covered with a miscellaneous collection of curiosities such as are
usually found in similar establishments. One of the first things
that took my eye was a strange-looking cap, woven of some substance
that appeared to be neither woollen, cotton, nor linen.

"Is this a magician's cap?" I asked.

"No," replied the virtuoso; it is merely Dr. Franklin's cap of
asbestos. But here is one which, perhaps, may suit you better. It
is the wishing-cap of Fortunatus. Will you try it on?"

"By no means," answered I, putting it aside with my hand. "The day
of wild wishes is past with me. I desire nothing that may not come
in the ordinary course of Providence."

"Then probably," returned the virtuoso, "you will not be tempted to
rub this lamp?"

While speaking, he took from the shelf an antique brass lamp,
curiously wrought with embossed figures, but so covered with
verdigris that the sculpture was almost eaten away.

"It is a thousand years," said he, "since the genius of this lamp
constructed Aladdin's palace in a single night. But he still
retains his power; and the man who rubs Aladdin's lamp has but to
desire either a palace or a cottage."

"I might desire a cottage," replied I; "but I would have it founded