Nasruddin was bringing a gift of coconuts to the emperor when another courtier stopped him.
"Give him apricots instead," he whispered to Nasruddin. "Ripe apricots. As ripe as possible. Trust me."
Nasruddin heeded the courtier's advice and returned with a tray of apricots.
"For you, O Great One!" said Nasruddin.
The emperor, however, was in a foul mood. "What kind of gift is this!" he shouted as he pelted Nasruddin with apricots.
"Thanks be to God!" shouted Nasruddin. "Thanks be to God!"
"Why are you thanking God like that?" Tamerlane asked.
"I'm thanking God those are apricots instead of coconuts."
Inspired by: Mulla's Donkey and Other Friends by Mehdi Nakosteen
Notes: This story is on p. 89 of the book. Nakosteen tells this story with cucumbers and apricots as a gift for the mayor, but I changed it to coconuts and apricots as a gift for Tamerlane.
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