Page:Arabian Nights Entertainments (1728)-Vol. 4.djvu/14

When the Vizier Shemſeddin Mohammed heard his siſter-in-law ſay that the Maker of the Tart, brought by the Eunoch, muſt needs be Bedreddin Haſſan, he was over-joy’d; but reflecting that his Joy might prove groundleſſ, and in all likelihood the Conjecture of Noureddin’s widow was falſe, Madam, ſaid he, why are of that mind? Do you think there may not be a Paſtry-Cook in the world, that knows how to make Cream-Tarts as well as your Son? I own, replied ſhe, there may be Paſtry-Cooks that can make as good Tarts as he; but foraſmuch as I make them after a peculiar manner, and no Body but my Son is let into the Secret, it muſt abſolutely be he that made this. Come, my Brother, added ſhe in Tranſport, let’s call up Mirth and Joy; we have at laft found what we have been ſo long looking for. Madam, ſaid the Vizier in Anſwer, I treat you to moderate your Impatience, for we ſhall quickly know the bottom of it. All we have to do is to bring the Paſtry-Cook hither; and then you and my Daughter will readily diſtinguiſh whether ’tis Bedreddin or not. But you muſt both be hid, ſo as to have a View of Bedreddin while he cannot ſee you; for I would not have our Interview and mutual Diſcovery laid at Damaſcus. My Deſign is to delay the Diſcovery till we return to Cairo, where I propoſe to regale you with very agreeable Diverſion.

This ſaid, he left the Ladies in their Tent, and retired to his own; where he called for Fifty of his Men, and ſaid to them; “Take each of you a Stick in your Hands, and follow Schaban, who will conduct you to a Paſtry-Cook’s in this City. When you arrive there, break and daſh in pieces all you find in the Shop: If he asks you why you commit that Diſorder, only ask him again if it was not he that made the Cream Tart, that was brought from his Houſe. If he fays he is the Man, ſeize his Perſon, fetter him: and bring him along with you; but take care you do not beat him, nor do him the leaſt Harm, Go and loſe no Time.