* * * * *
Sir John Malcolm cites a good example of the ready wit of the citizens
of Isfahan, in his entertaining _Sketches of Persia_, as follows: When
the celebrated Haji Ibrahim was prime minister of Persia [some sixty
years since], his brother was governor of Isfahan, while other members
of his family held several of the first offices of the kingdom. A
shop-keeper one day went to the governor to represent that he was unable
to pay certain taxes. "You must pay them," replied the governor, "or
leave the city." "Where can I go to?" asked the Isfahani. "To Shiraz or
Kashan." "Your nephew rules in one city and your brother in the other."
"Go to the Shah, and complain if you like." "Your brother the Haji is
prime minister." "Then go to Satan," said the enraged governor. "Haji
Merhum, your father, the pious pilgrim, is dead," rejoined the undaunted
Isfahani. "My friend," said the governor, bursting into laughter, "I
will pay your taxes, even myself, since you declare that my family keep
you from all redress, both in this world and the next."
* * * * *
The Hebrew Rabbis who compiled the Talmud were, some of them, witty as
well as wise--indeed I have always held that wisdom and wit are cousins
german, if not full brothers--and our specimens of Oriental Wit and
Humour may be fittingly concluded with a few Jewish jests from a scarce
little book, entitled, _Hebrew Tales_, by Hyman Hurwitz: An Athenian,
walking about in the streets of Jerusalem one day, called to a little
Hebrew boy, and, giving him a _pruta_ (a small coin of less value than a
farthing), said: "Here is a pruta, my lad, bring me something for it, of
which I may eat enough, leave some for my host, and carry some home to
my family.
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