im, and afterward
said: "I do not doubt but that my daughter has told me the truth; but
nevertheless I should be glad to have it confirmed by your son,
therefore go and ask him how it was."

The grand vizier went immediately to his son, communicated what the
sultan had told him, and enjoined him to conceal nothing, but to relate
the whole truth. "I will disguise nothing from you, father," replied the
son, "for indeed all that the princess has stated is true. Yet I must
tell you, that all these experiences do not in the least lessen those
sentiments of love and gratitude I entertain for her; but I must
confess, that notwithstanding all the honour that attends marrying my
sovereign's daughter, I would much rather die than continue in so
exalted an alliance, if I must undergo much longer what I have already
endured. I do not doubt but that the princess entertains the same
sentiments, and that she will readily agree to a separation which is so
necessary both for her repose and mine. Therefore, father, I beg, by the
same tenderness which led you to procure me so great an honour, to
obtain the sultan's consent that our marriage may be declared null and
void."

Notwithstanding the grand vizier's ambition to have his son allied to
the sultan, the firm resolution he saw he had formed to be separated
from the princess caused the father to give his majesty a full account
of what had passed, begging him finally to give his son leave to retire
from the palace, alleging it was not just that the princess should be a
moment longer exposed to so terrible a persecution upon his son's
account.

The grand vizier found no great difficulty to obtain what he asked, as
the sultan had determined upon it already; orders were given to put a
stop to all rejoicings in the palace and town, and expresses despatched
to all parts of his dominions to countermand his first orders; and in a
short time, all merry-making ceased.

This sudden change gave rise both in the city and kingdom to various
speculations and inquiries; but no other account could be given of it,
except that both the vizier and his son went out of the palace much
dejected. Nobody but Aladdin knew the secret, who rejoiced at the happy
success procured by his lamp. Neither the sultan nor the grand vizier,
who had forgotten Aladdin and his request, had the least thought that he
had any concern in the enchantment which caused the dissolution of the
marriage.

Aladdin waited till the