nasredin.blogspot.com


The ageing Tamerlane sent after his favourite jester Nasrudin to come and tease his wits with some more words of amazing truth. "Tell me Hodja, by your white beard", he said, "what do I need to do to be remembered as a great ruler?" "You have all the gifts in the universe but only need a little more patience, O Lord of the Fortunate Conjunction of the Planets" replied Hoca. "I see" said the Emir, "and what else do I need?" " To keep your calm and composure, Serene master" continued Nasrudin. "So!" said Timur, "and what else?" "Never to grow tired to listen, O, ear of the one God" "Is that all?" "More than everything to be patient my King" "This is enough!" "Patience and an even temper will lay the world at your feet, Incomparable one!" The Khan grew red in the face and shouted: "You mock me, worm? How many times will you repeat the same plain thing? You imply I am too dumb to understand? Guards! Let's see what else he has in his head!" "You see what I mean?" whispered Hoca, "I only repeated a simple piece of good advice a couple of times and you already lost patience".

(c) Copyright 1998-2004 Ioan Tenner