he is in the grave I think I ought to endeavour to comfort
myself. These are the motives of the change you see in me; I am resolved
to banish melancholy entirely; and persuaded that you will bear me
company to-night, I have ordered a supper to be prepared; but as I have
no wines but those of China, I have a great desire to taste of the
produce of Africa, and doubt not your procuring some of the best."

The African magician, who had looked upon the happiness of getting so
soon and so easily into the Princess Badroulboudour's good graces as
impossible, could not think of words expressive enough to testify how
sensible he was of her favours: but to put an end the sooner to a
conversation which would have embarrassed him, if he had engaged farther
in it, he turned it upon the wines of Africa, and said: "Of all the
advantages Africa can boast, that of producing the most excellent wines
is one of the principal. I have a vessel of seven years old, which has
never been broached; and it is indeed not praising it too much to say it
is the finest wine in the world. If my princess," added he, "will give
me leave, I will go and fetch two bottles, and return again
immediately." "I should be sorry to give you that trouble," replied the
princess; "you had better send for them." "It is necessary I should go
myself," answered the African magician, "for nobody but myself knows
where the key of the cellar is laid, or has the secret to unlock the
door." "If it be so," said the princess, "make haste back; for the
longer you stay the greater will be my impatience, and we shall sit down
to supper as soon as you return." The African magician, full of hopes
of his expected happiness, rather flew than ran, and returned quickly
with the wine. The princess, not doubting but he would make haste, put
with her own hand the powder Aladdin had given her into the cup set
apart for that purpose. They sat down at the table opposite to each
other, the magician's back toward the buffet. The princess presented him
with the best at the table, and said to him: "If you please, I will
entertain you with a concert of vocal and instrumental music; but as we
are only two, I think conversation may be more agreeable." This the
magician took as a new favour. After they had eaten some time, the
princess called for some wine, drank the magician's health, and
afterward said to him: "Indeed you had a full right to commend your
wine, since I never tasted any so delicious." "