The Other Way

Once upon a time, there was a zamindar—a landlord who was cruel and arrogant. One day, he visited a village and confronted a poor man for not paying his dues.

“I will pay you by the next season,” said the poor man, hoping to buy some time. But the zamindar replied sternly, “Pay me now or be whipped.”

As the zamindar prepared to punish the man, the king’s minister happened to pass by. The zamindar rushed to complain about the poor man.

”You cannot call a zamindar a donkey!” the minister reprimanded the zamindar as he turned to leave.

”There is no such restriction,” replied the minister with a smile. The poor man thanked him and added, “As soon as I am released, I shall refer to my donkey as zamindar.”