310th story

Haji, was an apprentice to a tailor.

One day, his master brought a bowl of honey into the shop, intending to step out for a short while.

Before leaving, the master warned Haji seriously, “There is poison in this bowl. Do not touch it, or you will die.”

Haji replied carelessly, “What concern is that of mine?”

Satisfied, the master left the shop.

As soon as the master was gone, Haji took a patch of cloth that had been entrusted to him for repair and gave it to a money-changer.

With the little money he received, he bought a piece of bread. Then, without hesitation, he sat down and ate the entire bowl of honey with the bread, leaving not a single drop behind.

When the master returned, he asked for the patch of cloth. Haji said, “Do not strike me, master, until I tell you the truth. While I was distracted, a thief stole the patch. I became terrified that you would come back and beat me for it. In my fear, I decided to drink the poison so that by the time you arrived, I would already be dead.”

Then he added calmly, “That poison which was in the bowl—I ate all of it. And as you can see, I am still alive. Now, the rest is for you to decide.”

Fear, foolishness, and dishonesty often lead people to commit far greater mistakes than the ones they are trying to hide. Sometimes, an excuse can be more damaging—and more ridiculous—than the original fault.