Nasruddin Stories - The First Banquet (retold by Nasruddin)

One day, it happened that someone said something to someone, who said
something to someone else, who somehow formed the impression I was an
important person. The result of this chain of folly was that I was
invited to be the guest of honor at a banquet.
I was puzzled but honored to be given such an invitation. At
theappointed day I presented myself at the door of the banquet hall.I
had walked all day in my usual simple garb to get to the city in which
the banquet was being held, and I suppose I could have used some
freshening up. At any rate, the guards at the door took one look at me
and barred the door.
"But I'm Nasruddin, the guest of honor!"
"Of course you are!" the guards laughed. One bent toward me and said,
"And I am the caliph himself!" At whichthey both roared with laughter.
Still chuckling, they said, "Go away, old man, and don't let us seeyou
here again!"
I obliged them with the first part of their request. The banquet hall
was located on the city square, and I recognized a friend's house on
the opposite side. I walked there and knocked. My friend answered.
"Nasruddin!" he embraced me and we gave each other warm greetings and
gratitude to Allah, glorious and merciful is He, for this meeting. I
came right to the point.
"Do you remember that red brocade coat you wanted to give me last
year?" I asked.
"Certainly! It still hangs in my closet, waiting for you. Are you
ready to receive it?"
"With gratitude," I replied. "Do you have other plans for it?"
"What do you mean, Nasruddin?" he asked.
"I just wondered if you would like the coat back after I have borrowed it?"
"Oh, no, Nasruddin! It is yours to keep and do with what you wish!"
"Just so, my friend. Thank you." I visited for a brief while, then
received the coat and put it on. I made my apologies and departed back
across the square, adorned with a dazzling brocade coat with gold
brade and colored stones lining the epaulets. The buttons were ivory,
the fastenings were jet black. All in all, I was a wonderful sight.
The guards bowed low at my approach, and ushered me into the banquet
hall. The table was richly laid, and all the guests were there.
Someone showed me to a seat at the head of the table, and
announced"The august, the wise, the true Nasruddin!" I sat, and
everyone else sat at the same moment.
They all watched expectantly, waiting to see what the guest of honor
would do. The first course was soup. When it was served, all eyes were
on me. I picked up my bowl of soup and stood, holding it high. Then I
poured the soup down the front of my coat.
The guests were astounded. A gasp arose so that the air was almost
sucked from the room. Then they broke into remonstrations and shouts.
"What are you doing! What are you thinking!"
When it was quiet enough so I could speak,I addressed my coat. "O
coat, I hope you have enjoyed that delicious soup. It is clear that it
is you who are welcome here, not I!"

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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