Nasreddin Hodja was once brought before a judge by a man to whom he owed some money.
The creditor said to the judge:
“This man owes me 500 dinars which are long overdue.
I request your excellency to order him to pay me immediately, without further delay.”
“I do owe him money,” said Nasreddin Hodja, “and I intend to pay him. I’ll sell my cow and horse if necessary, but it’ll take time.”
“He is lying,” said the other man.
“He doesn’t have a cow or horse or anything of value for that matter. I am told he doesn’t even have food in his house!”
“When he knows I am so poor, O Judge,” said Nasreddin Hodja, “ask him how he expects me to pay him immediately.”
The judge dismissed the case.
