f of the empire, and governors of
provinces of the first rank; but the chief of the mace-bearers, who
waited on him by the sultan's order, prevented him, and attended him to
the grand hall of audience, where he helped him to dismount. The
officers formed themselves into two ranks at the entrance of the hall.
The chief put Aladdin on his right hand, and through the midst of them
led him to the sultan's throne.

As soon as the sultan perceived Aladdin, he was no less surprised to see
him more richly and magnificently habited than ever he had been himself,
than struck at his good mien, fine shape, and a certain air of
unexpected dignity, very different from the meanness of his mother's
late appearance.

But, notwithstanding, his amazement and surprise did not hinder him from
rising off his throne, and descending two or three steps, quickly enough
to prevent Aladdin's throwing himself at his feet. He embraced him with
all possible demonstrations of joy at his arrival. After this civility
Aladdin would have thrown himself at his feet again; but he held him
fast by the hand, and obliged him to sit close to the throne.

Aladdin then addressed the sultan, saying: "I receive the honour which
your majesty out of your great condescension is pleased to confer; but
permit me to assure you that I know the greatness of your power, and
that I am not insensible how much my birth is below the lustre of the
high rank to which I am raised. I ask your majesty's pardon for my
rashness, but I cannot dissemble that I should die with grief were I to
lose my hopes of seeing myself united to the divine princess who is the
object of my wishes."

"My son," answered the sultan, embracing him a second time, "you would
wrong me to doubt for a moment of my sincerity: your life from this
moment is too dear to me not to preserve it, by presenting you with the
remedy which is at my disposal."

After these words, the sultan gave a signal, and immediately the air
echoed with the sound of trumpets, hautboys, and other musical
instruments: and at the same time he led Aladdin into a magnificent
hall, where was laid out a most splendid collation. The sultan and
Aladdin ate by themselves, while the grand vizier and the great lords of
the court, according to their dignity and rank, sat at different tables.
The conversation turned on different subjects; but all the while the
sultan took so much pleasure in looking at his intended son-in-law, that
he hardly e