On the Roof

On the Roof

Nasreddin Hodja’ old house had a leaking roof. One day the Hodja decided to fix it. He borrowed a ladder and with great difficulty climbed up to the roof. Just as he was setting off to work, he heard a knock on the door. He looked down from the edge of the roof and saw a stranger in front of his door.

“I’m up here”, Hodja shouted. When the man looked up: “What is it that you want?” he asked him.

“Please come down,” replied the man, “I have something to say to you.”

Hodja precariously descended down the old ladder. Once on the ground he again asked the man what he wanted.

“Alms”, said the man, “Could you spare some alms?”

Hodja thought for a second and then told the man to come up to the roof with him. Hodja in front, the beggar behind him, both running short on breath, climbed up the ladder. Once on the roof top, Hodja turned to the man and said: “I don’t have any.”