It happened once that Bahlool, known to the world as Bahlool the mad, was sitting in the cemetery in the company of some stray dogs, when a minister of the court of the Khalif Haroun al Rashid came walking by. Looking with contempt at Bahlool, he said sarcastically, “What a fine sight. It is not at all surprising that our Khalif, in his wisdom, has made you the minister of dogs and pigs!”

Immediately Bahlool replied, “You have confirmed my authority over you, so take care, and do not disobey my commands.”