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consort with the folk, especially with the merchants, so thou mayst learn of them merchandry, since this is become thy craft.”
Then he took him again and showed him the city and the mosques and all the sights of the place; after which he carried him to a cook’s shop, where the morning-meal was set before them in silver platters. So they ate and drank till they had enough and going forth, fared on, whilst the Maugrabin proceeded to show Alaeddin the pleasaunces and fine buildings,[1] going in with him to the Sultan’s palace and showing him all the fair and fine quarters[2] [of the city]; after which he carried him to the Khan of the stranger merchants, where he himself lodged. and invited certain of the merchants who were in the Khan. Accordingly they came and sat down to supper, and he informed them that this was his brother’s son and that his name was Alaeddin. Then, after they had eaten and drunken, the night being now come, the Maugrabin arose and taking Alaeddin, carried him back to his mother.
When she saw her son as he were one of the merchants, her wit fled [and she waxed] sorrowful for gladness and
