Her mother did not believe her in the least,
but bade her rise and consider it an idle dream.
The following night exactly the same thing happened, and next
morning, on the Princess's refusing to speak, the Sultan
threatened to cut off her head. She then confessed all, bidding
him ask the Vizier's son if it were not so. The Sultan told the
Vizier to ask his son, who owned the truth, adding that, dearly
as he loved the Princess, he had rather die than go through
another such fearful night, and wished to be separated from her.
His wish was granted, and there was an end of feasting and rejoicing.
When the three months were over, Aladdin sent his mother to
remind the Sultan of his promise. She stood in the same place as
before, and the Sultan, who had forgotten Aladdin, at once
remembered him, and sent for her. On seeing her poverty the
Sultan felt less inclined than ever to keep his word, and asked
his Vizier's advice, who counselled him to set so high a value on
the Princess that no man living would come up to it. The Sultan
than turned to Aladdin's mother, saying: "Good woman, a sultan
must remember his promises, and I will remember mine, but your
son must first send me forty basins of gold brimful of jewels,
carried by forty black slaves, led by as many white ones,
splendidly dressed.
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