335 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

As Aladdin had once before seen a similar appearance in the
cavern, he did not either lose his presence of mind or his judg-
ment. Seizing the lamp, he answered in a firm tone of voice,
“JT am hungry—bring me something to eat.” The genius disap-
peared, and returned the moment after with a large silver basin,
which he carried on his head, and twelve covered dishes of the
same material, filled with the nicest meats, properly arranged,
and six loaves as white as snow upon as many plates; two
bottles of the most excellent wine, and two silver cups in his
hand. He placed them all upon the sofa, and instantly van-
ished.

All this passed in so short a time that Aladdin’s mother had
not recovered from fainting before the genius had disappeared.

His mother was extremely astonished when she beheld the
large basin, the twelve dishes, the six loaves, the two bottles of
wine, and two cups, and perceived the delicious odour that ex-
haled from them.

During the repast, the mother of Aladdin could not help
stopping frequently to look at and admire the basin and dishes ;
although she was not quite sure whether they were silver or any
other metal, so little was she accustomed to things of this sort ;
nor, indeed, was her son better informed than herself.

After supper the next evening, nothing remained of the provi-
sions which the genius had brought. The following morning,
Aladdin, who did not like to wait till hunger compelled him,
took one of the silver plates under his robe and went out early,
in order to sell it. He addressed himself to a Jew whom he
happened to meet. Aladdin took him aside, and shewing him
the plate, asked kim if he would buy it.

The Jew, who was both clever and cunning, took the plate,
and gave Aladdin a piece of gold, which was exactly worth
one seventy-second part of the value of the plate, and offered it
to Aladdin.

They thus continued to live in an economical manner, till
Aladdin had sold all the twelve dishes, one after the other, to
the same Jew, exactly as he had done the first, when they found
they wanted more money. When the money for the last plate
was expended, Aladdin had recourse to the basin, which was at
least ten times as heavy as any of the others, and for which ke
received ten pieces of gold.