Just when Mushfiqi was talking with the padishah on the terrace of the palace, a herald entered:
“Sir, can I present Mushfiki with your decree in your presence?”
- Hand it over!
Having unrolled the scroll, Mushfiqi read the decree by which the padishah appointed him chief of the donkeys. As was the custom of all officials who received an appointment, Mushfiqi applied a seal to his eyes, sealing the padishah’s signature, stuck a scroll into the folds of his turban and, rising from his seat, made three deep bows to the padishah. But then he walked around the padishah and sat down on the terrace next to him.
“I see you are pleased with your new position,” said the padishah, “I just don’t understand why you sat above me?”
“By your gracious command, sir,” answered Mushfiqi, “you have placed yourself at my disposal.” Therefore, according to the literal meaning of the decree, I have the right to this place.
- Mushfiki! - the padishah was indignant, - you are not only arrogant, but also stupid. I don’t know if you yourself are even an inch away from the donkey?
Mushfiqi quickly measured the distance between himself and the padishah:
“Exactly, Your Majesty, exactly an inch!”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru