ncle would
not have taken so much pains, and undertaken so long a journey, if it
had not been to get into his possession this wonderful lamp, which he
preferred before all the gold and silver which he knew was in the halls.
He knew too well the worth of this lamp, not to prefer it to so great a
treasure; and since chance hath discovered the virtue of it to us, let
us make a profitable use of it, without making any great show, and
exciting the envy and jealousy of our neighbours. However, since the
genies frighten you so much, I will take it out of your sight, and put
it where I may find it when I want it. The ring I cannot resolve to part
with; for without that you had never seen me again; and though I am
alive now, perhaps, if it was gone, I might not be so some moments
hence; therefore I hope you will give me leave to keep it, and to wear
it always on my finger. Who knows what dangers you and I may be exposed
to, which neither of us can foresee, and from which it may deliver us?"
As Aladdin's arguments were just, his mother had nothing to say against
them; she only replied, that he might do what he pleased; for her part,
she would have nothing to do with genies, but would wash her hands of
them.

By the next night they had eaten all the provisions the genie had
brought: and the next day Aladdin, who could not bear the thought of
hunger, putting one of the silver dishes under his vest, went out early
to sell it, and addressing himself to a Jew whom he met in the streets,
took him aside, and pulling out the plate, asked him if he would buy it.
The cunning Jew took the dish, examined it, and as soon as he found that
it was good silver, asked Aladdin at how much he valued it. Aladdin, who
knew not its value, and never had been used to such traffic, told him he
would trust to his judgment and honour. The Jew was somewhat confounded
at this plain dealing; and doubting whether Aladdin understood the
material or the full value of what he offered to sell, took a piece of
gold out of his purse and gave it to him, though it was but the sixtieth
part of the worth of the plate. Aladdin, taking the money very eagerly,
retired with so much haste, that the Jew, not content with the
exorbitancy of his profit, was vexed he had not penetrated into his
ignorance, and was going to run after him, to endeavour to get some
change out of the piece of gold; but the lad ran so fast, and had got so
far, that it would have been impossible for him