No Mice

An old woman wished to see the king. At the gate, the clerk demanded to know the nature of her message so he could relay it to the king.

“I have no food,” said the woman.

“The king is in no mood to hear such things today. Consider telling him something else,” advised the clerk.

“I’m poor—that is what I propose to say,” replied the woman.

“Did I not mention that the king appears grave today? Nothing serious should be spoken to him!” the clerk shouted.

“Alright,” said the woman, “tell him that there are no mice in my house.”

This statement might amuse the king, as he would understand its implication, commented the clerk. He then went in to inform the king of the woman’s message.

“I understand what she means to convey. She has no food in her house; that is why no mice come there,” said the king. He ensured that the woman left feeling satisfied.