It happened once upon a time that Mullah Nasruddin encountered a friend he had not seen for years. They greeted each warmly, and began to talk, catching up on all that had happened since last they met.

Finally, the Mullah said, “Friend, to celebrate our reunion I would like to invite you to my house for a dinner of lamb!”

“Nasruddin,” the friend replied, “what an excellent idea! Gladly will I come!”

“Very good,” said the Mullah, “and when you come, please bring the lamb.”