the jewels
the day before, wrapped in two napkins, one finer than the other, which
was tied at the four corners for more easy carriage, and set out for the
palace. When she came to the gates, the grand vizier, the other viziers,
and most distinguished lords of the court, were just gone in; but,
notwithstanding the great crowd of people who had business there, she
got into the divan, a spacious hall, the entrance into which was very
magnificent. She placed herself just before the sultan, grand vizier,
and the great lords, who sat in council, on his right and left hand.
Several causes were called, according to their order, pleaded and
adjudged, until the time the divan generally broke up, when the sultan
rising, returned to his apartment, attended by the grand vizier; the
other viziers and ministers of state then retired, as also did all those
whose business had called them thither; some pleased with gaining their
causes, others dissatisfied at the sentences pronounced against them,
and some in expectation of being heard the next sitting.

Aladdin's mother, seeing the sultan retire, and all the people depart,
judged rightly that he would not sit again that day, and resolved to go
home. When Aladdin saw her return with the present, he knew not what to
think, and in fear lest she should bring him some ill news, had not
courage to ask her any questions; but she, who had never set foot into
the sultan's palace before, and knew not what was every day practised
there, freed him from his embarrassment, and said to him: "Son, I have
seen the sultan, and am very well persuaded he has seen me too; for I
placed myself just before him; but he was so much taken up with those
who attended on all sides of him, that I pitied him, and wondered at his
patience. At last I believe he was heartily tired, for he rose up
suddenly, and would not hear a great many who were ready prepared to
speak to him, but went away, at which I was well pleased, for indeed I
began to lose all patience, and was extremely fatigued with staying so
long. But there is no harm done; I will go again to-morrow; perhaps the
sultan may not be so busy."

Though his passion was very violent, Aladdin was forced to be satisfied,
and to fortify himself with patience. He had at least the satisfaction
to find that his mother had got over the greatest difficulty, which was
to procure access to the sultan, and hoped that the example of those she
saw speak to him would embolden