The private door, which was just under the princess’s apartment, was soon opened, and Aladdin conducted up into the chamber. It is impossible to express the joy of both at seeing each other, after so cruel a separation. After embracing and shedding tears of joy, they sat down, and Aladdin said, “I beg of you, beloved, tell me what is become of an old lamp which stood upon a shelf in my robing-chamber.”
“Alas!” answered the princess, “I was afraid our misfortune might be owing to that lamp; and what grieves me most is, that I have been the cause of it. I was foolish enough to change the old lamp for a new one, and the next morning I found myself in this unknown country, which I am told is Africa.”
“Princess,” said Aladdin, interrupting her, “you have explained all by telling me we are in Africa. I desire you only to tell me if you know where the old lamp now is.” “The magician carries it carefully wrapt up in his bosom,” said the princess; “and this I can assure you, because he pulled it out before me, and showed it to me in triumph.”
“Princess,” said Aladdin, “I think I have found the means to deliver you and to regain possession of the lamp, on which all my prosperity depends; to execute this design, it is necessary for me to go to the town. I shall return by noon, and will then tell you what must be done by you to help insure success. In the mean time, I shall disguise myself, and I beg that the private door may be opened at the first knock.”
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