They say that we should be careful what we wish for, as it may come true–good advice even for someone as resourceful as Mullah Nasruddin.  It happened once upon a time that Nasruddin became very ill; such things happen to everyone, of course.  He had burning fever, shaking chills, excruciating cramps, a pounding headache, and every bone in his body ached.  What troubled him most, though, were the well meant but tiring visits of his long-winded neighbours, coming to offer advice and sympathy.

Lying in bed and feeling miserable, the Mullah looked out his window and saw a particularly talkative and persistent man heading toward his door. In despair, Nasruddin said “Another torture.  Death, can’t you come now and save me?”

There was a sudden rustling in the corner, and to the Mullah’s astonishment, out of the shadows stepped the Angel of Death.

“Did you call for me, my son?” asked the Angel in a kindly tone.

Thinking quickly, Nasruddin said, “Well, yes, but I was calling for a friend – he’s just arriving!”