It happened once upon a time that Mullah Nasruddin was invited to have a meal at the home of the local magistrate. This was very unusual, as it was known all through the area that the magistrate was extraordinarily stingy, and that his hospitality was of the most meagre kind. When Nasruddin received the invitation, he felt certain that the magistrate must want to ask for some favour.

Just as Nasruddin had expected, the meal was scarcely more than thin soup, bread and water. As they were finishing, the magistrate said to Nasruddin, “Mullah, you have a relation who raises those lean greyhounds, that are as fast as the wind. Such fine hunting dogs! I would like one of those – perhaps you could bring me one.”

Because it is not wise to be on the wrong side of the magistrate, Nasruddin agreed. A few days later, he returned to the home of the magistrate leading a dog – though it was not a lean greyhound, but an old spaniel as round as a barrel.

The magistrate said, “Mullah, what are you thinking? This is not a lean dog!”

Nasruddin replied, “Be patient, your honour. In your house, it inevitably will be lean.”