Reading the Dream

The king dreamt an interesting dream. He was sure that all his courtiers would be amazed when he recounted it to them.

However, by the time he arrived at the court, the king had forgotten the content of the dream. He tried to recollect it but was unsuccessful.

He asked his astrologers to try to determine the meaning of his dream. When they informed him that no law in astrology could enable them to do so, the king grew annoyed. He then summoned other scholars, promising a handsome cash reward for anyone who could uncover the dream’s details.

One scholar boldly asked, “My lord, if I were to win the reward, could you tell me how I should spend the money?”

“How could I?” replied the king.

“My lord, you are awake, and so am I. If you, with your wakeful mind, cannot articulate what is in your mind, how do you expect us—who were asleep—to know what was happening to you while you were also asleep?” asked the scholar.

With this clever insight, the king looked pleased and rewarded the scholar for his wit.