One day, a barber was trimming the mayor’s beard. After he had finished, he remarked, “Your beard is starting to turn grey, sir!” The mayor was angry and ordered that the barber be put in jail for one year. He then turned to a court attendant and asked, “Do you see any grey hair in my beard?” “Almost none at all,” the man replied. “What do you mean ‘almost’!” the mayor yelled. “Guards, take this man to jail and keep him there for two years!” He then turned to another attendant and asked the same question. “Sir, your beard is completely black,” the man replied. “You liar!” the mayor shouted, “Guards! Give him ten lashes and put him in jail for three years.” Finally, he turned to Mulla and said, “Mulla, What colour is my beard?” “Sir, I am colour blind and cannot answer that question,” said Mulla, and he quietly left the palace.
Mulla and the Mayor’s Beard
