The Governor of Iraq

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There was once a governor of Iraq, who went out with his companions and then felt that he would like to be by himself for a time.

He sent everyone away and sat thinking. Before long an old man of the ‘Ilj tribe came along and the governor asked him where he came from.

“From that nearby village’, said the ancient.

“And what of your rulers?”

“God remove them from all good and also those who appointed them!”

“Do you know who I am?”

“No”.

“I am the governor!”

The old man said: “And do you know who I am?’

“No”, said the governor.

“I am the well-known lunatic of the ‘Ilj, and do not know what I am saying twice a day!’

The governor laughed and gave him a present.