It happened once upon a time that the mighty king Haroun al Rashid heard that Bahlool the Fool had committed a terrible heresy, proclaiming himself to be God.

“Bring this fool to me immediately,” the king said.

Soon Bahlool stood before the throne.

“Don’t you know that there is terrible justice waiting for anyone who utters heresy?” the king demanded.

“Really?” asked Bahlool.

“Yes,” said the king. “Just last month I hanged a man for declaring that he was a prophet.”

“You were right to do so,” said Bahlool, “for I did not send him.”