Once there was a man named Ali. He was very funny and was always making fun of the sultan. Everybody knew about Ali’s jokes and the sultan himself, came to know about them. The sultan was very angry and called Ali to the palace. Clever Ali, on reaching the palace, began to sing the sultan’s praises. He loudly praised the sultan’s looks, wealth, and power. The pleased ruler then said to Ali, “Wonderful! You have made me very happy! As a reward you can choose one of these beautiful saddles!” When Ali returned with a donkey’s saddle on his back, everybody asked him what the sultan had said. Ali winked and replied, “The sultan was so pleased that he gave me one of his own robes to wear!” Everyone burst out laughing.