The
Cogia, when he saw Tamerlank do this, said, 'My Emperor, is it not ill
manners to do so?' 'It is not in our country,' said Tamerlank. Forthwith
the Cogia let a ---; and when Tamerlank said, 'Is not that ill manners?'
he replied, 'It is not reckoned so in our country.' The repast being
over, the sherbet was brought; and then the Cogia, getting up, set off on
his way home. 'Why did you break wind in the presence of Timour?' said
the groom. Answered the Cogia, 'When the Imam --- the assembly breaks
up.'
One day the Cogia roasted a goose, and set out in order to carry it to
the Emperor. On the way, feeling very hungry, he cut off one leg and ate
it. Coming into the presence of the Emperor, he placed the goose before
him. On seeing it, Tamerlank said to himself, 'The Cogia is making game
of me,' and was very angry, and demanded, 'How happens it that this goose
has but one foot?' Said the Cogia, 'In our country all the geese have
only one foot. If you disbelieve me, look at the geese by the side of
that fountain.' Now at that time there was a flock of geese by the rim
of the fountain, all of whom were standing on one leg. Timour instantly
ordered that all the drummers should at once play up; the drummers began
to strike with their sticks, and forthwith all the geese stood on both
legs.
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