Page:Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp.djvu/258

212 knowledge thereof.” So Alaeddin lighted down from his stallion and said to them, “Do with me that which the Sultan biddeth you, for that his commandment is upon the head and eyes.” Accordingly the officers shackled him and pinioning him, haled him along in irons and entered the city with him.

The folk, seeing Alaeddin pinioned and shackled with iron, knew that the Sultan was minded to cut off his head, and forasmuch as he was extraordinarily beloved of them, they all gathered together and taking up arms, came forth their houses and followed the troops, so they might see what was to do. When the officers came with Alaeddin to the palace, they entered and told the Sultan, who immediately bade the headsman go and cut off his head. But the commons, hearing of this his commandment, shut the gates of the palace and sent to say to the Sultan, “This very moment we will overthrow the palace upon thee and all who are therein, an the least harm happen to Alaeddin.” So the Vizier went and told the Sultan and said to him, “O King of the Age, all will be over with us forthright; wherefore thou wert best