Page:Fairy tales from the Arabian nights.djvu/433

 it is opened; so you must without fail execute what I tell you, for it is a matter of great consequence both to you and to me.'

Aladdin, amazed at all he saw and heard the magician say of ihe treasure, which was to make him happy for ever, forgot what was past, and rising up, said to the magician: 'Well, uncle, what is to be done? Command me; I am ready to obey you.'

'I am overjoyed, child,' said the African magician, embracing him, ' to see you make the resolution: come, take hold of the ring, and lift up that stone.'

'Indeed, uncle,' replied Aladdin, 'I am not strong enough to lift it; you must help me.'

'You have no occasion for my assistance,' answered the magician; 'if I help you, we shall not be able to do anything; you must lift it up yourself; take hold of the ring, only pronounce the names of your father and grandfather, then lift it up, and you will find it will come easily.' Aladdin did as the magician bade him, and raised the stone with a great deal of ease, and laid it on one side.

When the stone was pulled up, there appeared a cavity of about three or four feet deep, with a little door, and steps to go down lower.

'Observe, my son,' said the African magician, 'what I am going to say to you: go down into that cave, and when you are at the bottom of those steps you will find a door open, which will lead you into a large vaulted place, divided into three great halls, in each of which you will see four large brass vessels placed on each side, full of gold and silver; but take care you do not meddle with them. Before you go into the first hall, be sure to tuck up your gown, and wrap it well about you, and then go through the second into the third without stopping. Above all take care that you do not touch the walls, so much as with your clothes; for if you do, you will die instantly. At the end of the third hall, you will find a door which leads into a garden planted with fine trees loaded with fruit; walk direct across the garden by a path which will lead you to five steps that will bring you upon a terrace, where you will see a niche before you, and in that niche a lighted lamp. Take the lamp down, and put it out;