4 ALADDIN} OR, THE

‘When Aladdin found that he was immured alive in this
cavern, he sat down on the steps, and remained there two days ;
on the third day he clasped his hands together in terror and
despair at his unfortunate condition. In joining his hands, he
rubbed the ring which the magician had given him ; and im-
mediately a genius of awful stature stood before him. ‘“ What
wouldst thou have with me?” said the terrific form: “I am
ready to obey thee as thy slave, whilst thou dost possess the ring
that is on thy finger.” Aladdin said, “ Whoever thou art,
deliver me from this place, if thou art able.” He had no sooner
spoken, than the earth opened, and he found himself at the
place where the magician had performed his incantations.
Aladdin returned home as fast as he could, and related to his
mother all that had happened to him ; she naturally uttered
imprecations against the vile magician ; and lamented that she
had no food to give her son, who had not tasted any for three
days. Aladdin then showed her the lamp, and said, “ Mother,
I will take this lamp and sell it to buy us food; but I think
if I were to clean it first, it would fetch a better price.” He
therefore sat down, and began to rub it with sand and water.
Immediately an awful genius appeared, and said, “ What
wouldst thou have? I am ready to
obey thee as thy slave, and as the slave
\ of all who may possess the lamp in thy

hand.” Aladdin said, “ I hunger : bring
me food.” The genius disappeared,
but in an instant returned with some
delicate viands, on twelve silver plates;
: he placed them on the table and van-
ished. Aladdin and his mother sat
down and ate heartily. The victuals lasted them until the
next night ; when Aladdin took the plates and sold them. As
they lived with frugality the money kept them some time.