Page:Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp.djvu/110

68 my brother, be not abashed at me; if so be withal thou carest not to learn a trade, I will open thee a merchant’s shop of the costliest stuffs and thou shalt make thyself acquainted with the folk and shalt give and take and sell and buy and become known in the city.”

When Alaeddin heard these words of his uncle the Maugrabin, to wit, that it was his intent to make him a merchant, a trader, he rejoiced exceedingly, well knowing that all merchants’ apparel is neat and elegant; so he looked at the Maugrabin and smiled and bowed his head, as who should say, “I am content.” The magician, seeing him smile, knew that he was content to be a merchant and said to him, “Since thou art content that I should make thee a merchant and open thee a shop, be a man, O son of my brother, and to-morrow, God willing,