It happened once upon a time that the wazir of a certain sultan came to advise him that he was about to receive a visit from a shameless flatterer. “It is well known, majesty,” said the wazir, “that he makes his living by approaching the rich and powerful, and through exaggerated praise and flattery persuading them to part with gifts of land and money. Therefore, it is a duty to warn you to be on your guard.”

“Let him come,” said the sultan. “I’m too hard-headed for such tricks.”

When the man came, he first recited an elaborate verse of poetry praising the sultan’s qualities, and then fell at his feet. “It is an honour beyond any hope to be in the same room as the most powerful of monarchs,” he said from the carpet. “My humble eyes are blinded by the glory and radiance of your presence, majesty, and your grace and charm are like the breeze at dawn that flows from the gardens of paradise…”

The man went on in this way for some time, and when he stopped to draw breath the wazir took the opportunity to whisper to the sultan, “Did I not warn you, majesty?”

“Don’t worry,” the sultan replied, “I’m on my guard. The moment he starts to flatter me, I will have him thrown out of the throne room – but so far he has only spoken the truth!”