y, I made the necessary
preparations, and set out. Nothing ever afflicted me so much as
hearing of my brother's death. But God be praised for all things! It
is a comfort for me to find, as it were, my brother in a son, who has
his most remarkable features."

The African magician, perceiving that the widow wept at the
remembrance of her husband, changed the conversation, and turning
toward her son, asked him, "What business do you follow? Are you of
any trade?"

At this question the youth hung down his head, and was not a little
abashed when his mother answered, "Aladdin is an idle fellow. His
father, when alive, strove all he could to teach him his trade, but
could not succeed; and since his death, notwithstanding all I can say
to him, he does nothing but idle away his time in the streets, as you
saw him, without considering he is no longer a child; and if you do
not make him ashamed of it, I despair of his ever coming to any good.
For my part, I am resolved, one of these days, to turn him out of
doors, and let him provide for himself."

After these words, Aladdin's mother burst into tears; and the magician
said, "This is not well, nephew; you must think of helping yourself,
and getting your livelihood. There are many sorts of trades; perhaps
you do not like your father's, and would prefer another; I will
endeavor to help you. If you have no mind to learn any handicraft, I
will take a shop for you, furnish it with all sorts of fine stuffs and
linens; and then with the money you make of them you can lay in fresh
goods, and live in an honorable way. Tell me freely what you think of
my proposal; you shall always find me ready to keep my word."

This plan just suited Aladdin, who hated work. He told the magician he
had a greater inclination to that business than to any other, and that
he should be much obliged to him for his kindness. "Well, then," said
the African magician, "I will carry you with me to-morrow, clothe you
as handsomely as the best merchants in the city, and afterward we will
open a shop as I mentioned."

The widow, after his promise of kindness to her son, no longer doubted
that the magician was her husband's brother. She thanked him for his
good intentions; and after having exhorted Aladdin to render himself
worthy of his uncle's favor, she served up supper, at which they
talked of several indifferent matters; and then the magician took his
leave and retired.

He came again the next day, as he had