174 9 The Story of Aladdin ;

uncle, and supply the place of your father, and you ought to
make no reply. But, child,’ added he, softening, ‘do not be afraid
of anything; for I shall not ask anything of you, except that you
should obey me punctually, if you would reap the advantages which I
intended you should.’ These fair promises calmed Aladdin’s fears
and resentment; and when the magician saw that he was come
to himself, he said to him: ‘You see what I have done by virtue
of my incense, and the words I pronounced. Know, then, that
under this stone there is hidden a treasure, which is destined to
be yours, and which will make you richer than the greatest
monarch in the world: this is so true, that no other person but
yourself is permitted to touch this stone, and to pull it up and
go in; for I am forbidden ever to touch it, or to set foot in this
treasure when 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
the 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 hoid 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 magi-
cian; ‘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.