Page:Arabian Nights (Sterrett).djvu/241

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When Aladdin was out of the palace, he looked round and perceiving a peasant going into the country, hastened after him; and when he had overtaken him, made a proposal to him to change clothes, to which the man agreed. When they had made the exchange, the countryman went about his business, and Aladdin entered the neighboring city. After traversing several streets, he came to that part of the town where the merchants and artisans had their particular streets according to their trades. He went into that of the druggists; and entering one of the largest and best furnished shops, asked the druggist for a certain powder.

The druggist, judging Aladdin by his habit to be very poor, told him he had it, but that it was dear; upon which Aladdin pulled out his purse, and showing him some gold, asked for half a dram of the powder; which the druggist weighed and gave him, telling him the price was a piece of gold. Aladdin put the money into his hand, and hastened to the palace, which he entered at once by the private door. When he came into the princess’s apartment, he said to her, “Princess, you must take your part in the scheme which I propose for our deliverance. You must overcome your aversion to the magician, and assume a friendly manner toward him, and ask him to oblige you by partaking of a supper in your apartments. Before he leaves, ask him to exchange cups with you, which he, gratified at the honor, will gladly do, when you must give him the cup containing this powder. On

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