have already received, which is, to let me know my crime?" "Your
crime," answered the sultan; "perfidious wretch! Do you not know it?
Come hither, and I will show it you." Aladdin went up, when the sultan,
going before him without looking at him, said: "Follow me;" and then led
him into his closet. When he came to the door, he said: "Go in; you
ought to know whereabouts your palace stood: look round and tell me what
is become of it?"

Aladdin looked, but saw nothing. He perceived the spot upon which his
palace had stood; but not being able to divine how it had disappeared,
was thrown into such great confusion and amazement that he could not
return one word of answer. The sultan, growing impatient, demanded of
him again: "Where is your palace, and what is become of my daughter?"
Aladdin, breaking silence, replied: "Sir, I perceive and own that the
palace which I have built is not in its place, but is vanished; neither
can I tell your majesty where it may be, but can assure you I had no
concern in its removal."

"I am not so much concerned about your palace," replied the sultan; "I
value my daughter ten thousand times more, and would have you find her
out, otherwise I will cause your head to be struck off, and no
consideration shall divert me from my purpose."

"I beg of your majesty," answered Aladdin, "to grant me forty days to
make my inquiries; and if in that time I have not the success I wish, I
will offer my head at the foot of your throne, to be disposed of at your
pleasure." "I give you the forty days you ask," said the sultan; "but
think not to escape my resentment if you fail; for I will find you out
in whatsoever part of the world you may conceal yourself."

Aladdin went out of the sultan's presence with great humiliation, and in
a condition worthy of pity. He crossed the courts of the palace,
hanging down his head, and in such great confusion that he durst not
lift up his eyes. The principal officers of the court, who had all
professed themselves his friends, instead of going up to him to comfort
him, turned their backs to avoid seeing him. But had they accosted him
with an offer of service, they would have no more known Aladdin. He did
not know himself, and was no longer in his senses, as plainly appeared
by his asking everybody he met, and at every house, if they had seen his
palace, or could tell him any news of it. These questions made the
generality believe that Aladdin was mad. Some laughed at him, b