A new ruler had just conquered Mulla Nasruddin’s town. He asked Mulla, “I want an honorary title for myself with the word ‘God’ in it, just like other conquerors such as ‘From God,’ ‘God’s Warrior,’ ‘God’s Soul,’ and ‘One-With-God.’ Do you have any suggestions for me?” “How about ‘God-Forbid’?” said Mulla and ran away before he was punished. After many months, the ruler forgot about the incident and asked Mulla again, “If I were a slave, how much would I cost?” “Five hundred Thankas,” Mulla answered. The ruler shouted, “Just the clothes I’m wearing right now are worth five hundred Thankas!” “Yes, I factored the clothes into my price,” said Mulla, and he vanished again. After many weeks, the ruler called Mulla and said, “You are known to be a liar and exaggerator. Tell me a lie without thinking, and I will reward you with fifty Thankas.” “Fifty Thankas? You just promised me a hundred Thankas!” said Mulla, and he escaped once again.
Mulla and the New Ruler
