Once upon a time, there was a King who used to call writers, poets and musicians from all over the world to see him. The King loved to hear their stories, poems and music. Though the King liked all, one of them was his favourite. His name was Mahamood. Everyone in the kingdom called him Mahamood, the Fool of the King, because he could make the King laugh. But still there was one thing that the King did not like about Mahamood. He used to eat a lot. The King thought that his favourite Mahmood would die soon if he ate so much. The King assembled all his servants and ministers and ordered them not to give Mahamood anything to eat for one full day. All of them agreed with the King and one of them said, “You are right. He is too fat.” So, the next day Mahamood was not given a place to sit at the King’s table.
The Bread
Mahamood went to the wall and stood there. He thought, ‘The servants will soon bring me something to eat and drink.’ Sadly, the servants did not bring him anything. Poor Mahamood was very hungry. Hiding from everyone, one of the servants dropped a little loaf of bread near him and Mahamood quickly picked it up. He thought that he would eat it when the King would not be looking at him. After the dinner, the poets read their poems and the musicians played. The King enjoyed the beautiful dance of the dancers. Now, Mahamood thought that it was the right time to eat the loaf of bread as the King was busy watching the dancers. But the King was watching Mahamood all the time. At once, he asked the musicians to stop. He called Mahamood and asked, “I got to know that you have a donkey. From where did you get it?” “I bought it in Tripoli, my King!” answered Mahamood. “Oh, I see,” said the King.
After a while, the musicians started playing again and the dancers danced. Now, Mahamood thought to eat his loaf of bread. But the King again called him nearer and said, “How much did you pay for your donkey?” Mahamood quickly hid the bread in his pocket and answered. “Sixteen gold coins.” The King continued talking to him throughout the afternoon. At last, evening came. Mahamood was very hungry and tired. He could not tolerate hunger now. Mahamood rushed to the kitchen, but it was late so the kitchen was locked and Mahamood had only his small loaf of bread to eat. He ate it up and went to his room. As he was hungry, he could not sleep. Then, he ran and knocked at the King’s door. The King got furious and asked, “Who is knocking at my door so late?” “O, King,” said Mahamood, “I am sorry, but I came to tell you that I did not buy my donkey in Tripoli, but in Benghazi.” The King thanked him and ordered him to go away.
After a few minutes, Mahamood again knocked at the King’s door. “O my King, I came to tell you that I told you a lie this afternoon. I paid twenty gold coins for the donkey, not sixteen.” The King was fuming with anger and said, “You fool! I will get you beheaded for your stupid tales about the donkey and give your body to the jackals!” Mahamood listened to the King and smiled. Then he said, “Oh, yes; I know that. But before I die may I say my last wish? Only one wish!” Thereupon, the King asked him his last wish. “My last wish is to have a good dinner.” The King understood Mahamood’s trick. He laughed and ordered his servants to bring the best food for Mahamood. The King and Mahamood sat down to eat. They ate their fill and laughed till morning. After that day, Mahamood was never without food. He was always happy and smiling.
