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They say that Mullah Nasrudin, the perplexed Hoca, shameless thief of wisdom, jester of the kings, beggar, judge and scholar, descendant of Esop, brother of Till, rich cousin of Si Djeha, grandfather of Birbal, inimitable jewel of Timur's court, known throughout the whole World that counts, was, once upon a time, a poor but hospitable man, humble teacher in the town of Aksehir. One afternoon a man from Horto, one of his several native villages, paid visit to him and brought a fat duck as a present. The Mullah was exceedingly happy. Without delay he plucked the duck and prepared a delicious soup, which he shared with his guest. The day after, another man came to see the Hodja. He brought no present but he explained: "I am the brother of the man who offered you the duck." "Be welcome" said Nasrudin and invited him to share dinner. Another day passed and another empty-handed visitor knocked at the door. "May you only know youth, prosperity and good health" he said, "I am the cousin of the brother of the man who brought you the duck." The Hodja asked him in and offered him hospitality. Now it happens that one week after that, yet another man came to say: "Be blessed Hodja, I am the neighbour of the cousin of the brother of the man who brought you the duck, and I bring you more greetings". Nasrudin sat him at the guest table and they had a pleasant chat while dinner was prepared. Then, he carried to the table a big pot of boiling water from which he served a large bowl for the visitor. "What is this, Hodja?" exclaimed the man. "This, my friend, is the soup of the soup, of the soup, of the soup, of the duck."

(c) Copyright 1998-2004 Ioan Tenner