Page:Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp.djvu/223

179 daughter and I accorded him, before thee, [leave to build] a palace on this ground; and he who brought me, to my daughter’s dower, jewels such that no kings possess one thereof, shall he lack ableness to build a palace like this?” When the Vizier heard the Sultan’s speech and understood that he loved Alaeddin greatly, his envy of him increased; withal he availed not to do aught against him, so he was dumb and could make the Sultan no answer.

Meanwhile Alaeddin—seeing that it was high day and that the time was come when he should go to the palace, for that his wedding-festivities were toward and the Amirs and Viziers and chiefs of the state were all with the Sultan, so they might be present at the bridal—arose and rubbed the lamp; whereupon the genie presented himself and said to him, “O my lord, seek what thou wilt, for that I am before thee, at thy service.” Quoth Alaeddin, “I purpose presently to go to the Sultan’s palace, and to-day is the wedding; wherefore I have occasion for ten thousand dinars, which I will have thee bring me.” The slave was absent the twinkling of an eye and returned to him with the money; whereupon Alaeddin arose and taking horse, with his mamelukes behind him and before him, rode to the palace, scattering gold upon the folk, as