ung man happened to come before a pastry-cook's
shop, and went into it to avoid the rabble.

This pastry-cook had formerly been captain to a troop of Arabian
robbers, who plundered the caravans; and though he was become a
citizen of Damascus, where he behaved himself to every one's
satisfaction, yet he was dreaded by all who knew him; wherefore,
as soon as he came out to the rabble who followed Buddir ad Deen,
they dispersed.

The pastry-cook asked him who he was, and what brought him
thither. Buddir ad Deen told him all, not concealing his birth,
nor the death of his father the grand vizier. He afterwards gave
him an account why he had left Bussorah; how, after he had fallen
asleep the night following upon his father's tomb, he found
himself when he awoke at Cairo, where he had married a lady; and
at last, in what amazement he was, when he found himself at
Damascus, without being able to penetrate into all those
wonderful adventures.

"Your history is one of the most surprising," said the pastry-cook;
"but if you will follow my advice, you will let no man know those
matters you have revealed to me, but patiently wait till heaven thinks
fit to put an end to your misfortunes. You shall be welcome to stay
with me till then; and as I have no children, I will own you for my
son, if you consent; after you are so adopted, you may freely walk the
city, without being exposed any more to the insults of the rabble."

Though this adoption was below the son of a grand vizier, Buddir ad
Deen was glad to accept of the pastry-cook's proposal, judging it the
best thing he could do, considering his circumstances. The cook
clothed him, called for witnesses, and went before a notary, where he
acknowledged him for his son. After this, Buddir ad Deen lived with
him under the name of Houssun, and learned the pastry-trade.

While this passed at Damascus, the daughter of Shumse ad Deen
awoke, and finding Buddir ad Deen gone, supposed he had risen
softly for fear of disturbing her, but would soon return. As she
was in expectation of him, her father the vizier, (who was vexed
at the affront put upon him by the sultan) came and knocked at
her chamber-door, to bewail her sad destiny. He called her by her
name, and she knowing him by his voice, immediately got up, and
opened the door. She kissed his hand, and received him with so
much pleasure in her countenance, that she surprised the vizier
who expected to find her drowned in tears, and as