he has sufficient jewels for the purpose, or
that he will not complete it at the first opportunity."

Aladdin, who had left the sultan to go and give some orders, returned
just as the vizier had finished his remark. "Son," said the sultan to
him, "this hall is the most worthy of admiration of any in the world;
there is only one thing that surprises me, which is, to find one of the
windows unfinished. Is it from the forgetfulness or negligence of the
workmen, or want of time, that they have not put the finishing stroke to
so beautiful a piece of architecture?" "Sir," answered Aladdin, "it was
for none of these reasons that your majesty sees it in this state. The
omission was by design; it was by my orders that the workmen left it
thus, since I wished that your majesty should have the glory of
finishing this hall." "If you did it with this intention," replied the
sultan, "I take it kindly, and will give orders about it immediately."
He accordingly sent for the most considerable jewellers and goldsmiths
in his capital.

Aladdin then conducted the sultan into the saloon where he had regaled
his bride the preceding night. The princess entered immediately
afterward, and received her father with an air that shewed how much she
was satisfied with her marriage. Two tables were immediately spread with
the most delicious meats, all served up in gold dishes. The sultan was
much pleased with the cookery, and owned he had never eaten anything
more excellent. He said the same of the wines, which were delicious; but
what he most of all admired were four large buffets, profusely furnished
with large flagons, basins, and cups, all of massy gold, set with
jewels.

When the sultan rose from table, he was informed that the jewellers and
goldsmiths attended; upon which he returned to the hall, and shewed them
the window which was unfinished: "I sent for you," said he, "to fit up
this window in as great perfection as the rest; examine well, and make
all the despatch you can."

The jewellers and goldsmiths examined the three and twenty windows with
great attention, and after they had consulted together they returned and
presented themselves before the sultan, when the principal jeweller,
undertaking to speak for the rest, said: "Sir, we are all willing to
exert our utmost care and industry to obey your majesty; but among us
all we cannot furnish jewels enough for so great a work." "I have more
than are necessary," said the sultan; "come to