352 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

also to march before him with the others, three on one side and
three on the other. He then presented the six female slaves to
his mother; telling her that they were for her, and would for
the future consider her as their mistress, and that the dresses
they had in their hands were for her use.

Aladdin mounted his horse, and began his march in the exact
order that has been mentioned. The streets through which he
passed were in an instant filled with crowds of people, who
made the air resound with their acclamations, their shouts of
admiration, and benedictions, particularly when the six slaves
who carried the purses threw handfuls of gold on all sides. He
at length arrived at the palace, where everything was ready for
his reception.

As soon as the sultan perceived Aladdin, he was not more
surprised at seeing him more richly and magnificently clothed
than he was himself, than most unexpectedly astonished at the
propriety of his manner, his beautiful figure, and a certain air of
grandeur, very far removed from the degraded state in which
his mother appeared in his presence. His astonishment, how-
ever, did not prevent him from rising and quickly descending
two or three steps of his throne, in order to prevent Aladdin
from throwing himself at his feet, and to embrace him with the’
most evident marks of friendship and affection. After this
civility, Aladdin again endeavoured to cast himself at the
sultan’s feet, but he held his hand, and compelled him to
ascend and sit between him and his grand vizier. The sultan
made a sign, and the air was immediately filled with the sound
of trumpets, hautboys, and tymbals, and the sultan conducted
Aladdin into a magnificent saloon, where a great feast was
served up. The sultan and Aladdin eat by themselves; the
grand vizier and nobles of the court, each according to their
dignity and rank, waited upon them during their repast. The
sultan, who had his eyes always fixed upon Aladdin, so great
was the pleasure he derived from seeing him, entered into con-
versation on a variety of different topics.

When the repast was over, the sultan ordered the grand
judge of his capital to attend, and commanded him to draw
up, and instantly write out a contract of marriage between the
Princess Badroulboudour and Aladdin.

When the judge had drawn out the contract with all the