The laughable stories collected by Mâr Gregory John Bar Hebræ

STORIES OF CLOWNS AND SIMPLETONS. 1 43
more simple than he, replied, "I do not know of a certainty,
"but a year ago I think we celebrated the fifth day of
"the week of the Mysteries on the third day."
DLIII. The friend of another fool had promised to
send him some grapes from his vineyard, and when
he delayed in doing so, the fool put some of his urine
into a glass and sent it to a physician, and said, "See
"if this sheweth any sign of grapes being sent to me
"during the next few days."
DLIV. Another simpleton said, "I understand every-
"thing, I know even how mustard may be obtained from
"figs, and how a bottle in the shape of an acorn may
^
have never yet known him
"be made out of wood, but I
"that made holes collectively."
DLV. A certain governor set out to go and worship
in Jerusalem, and he was hastening on with all speed
that he might arrive there while the festival was being
celebrated. And a silly man said to him, "Why dost
'thou kill the horses and the people who are with thee?
"Send on [in advance] and let them know of thy coming
"in Jerusalem, so that they may delay the festival and
"may not hurry on too fast."
DLVI. The daughter of another simpleton died, and
when he was asked how old she was, he replied, "I
"do not know exactly, but she was born at the time
"when oranges were plentiful."
DLVII. Another fool being mounted on an ass that
would not travel under him swore that he would give
him no barley that night. Nevertheless having come
to his house and the evening having fallen, he said to
'
I. e., Kli^aLa, a rare word; see my Thomas of Marga, Vol. i.
1-
P- 3S3. 17-