Once upon a time there lived a king. One day he sent heralds in all directions, who began shouting to the people:
- Hey, you! Whoever of you lies the best, the king will give him a golden apple!
They began to come to the king from everywhere: princes, children of Nazirs, viziers - in a word, a lot of people, but no one could please the king.
Finally, a poor man came to the king with a large jug in his hand.
- What do you want? - asked the king. - Hello, king! - answered the poor man. “I came to get my money: you owe me a jug of gold.” “Are you lying,” answered the king, “I don’t owe you anything!” “Am I lying?” So give me the golden apple if I'm lying.
The king, realizing his cunning, began to deny:
- No, you're not lying. - If I'm not lying, then pay the debt.
The king, seeing that the liar had won, without saying a word, took out and gave the golden apple to the poor man.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru