Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Ali’s Wit and the Sultan’s Award

Long ago in Arabia, there lived a man named Ali renowned for his ability to tell jokes and entertain his friends. His specialty was mimicking the sultan and the ministers of the land, which made him quite famous. One day, word of Ali’s jests reached the sultan’s ears. Learning that a common man was making fun of him, the sultan was incensed. He ordered his soldiers, “Bring Ali to the court immediately. I will teach him a lesson he won’t forget.” The soldiers wasted no time and apprehended Ali, presenting him before the sultan. Ali, before the sultan could speak, bowed respectfully and greeted him. “Sultan, I am deeply honored to be in your presence. I have longed to meet you. Your wisdom and charisma have left a profound impression on me. In fact, I have composed a poem in your honor. Would you permit me to recite it for

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves A man named Ali Baba worked as a woodcutter in the distant past. He had very little money. Ali Baba was cutting wood by the side of a mountain when he suddenly became aware of the sound of hooves approaching. Ali Baba was so curious that he decided to climb a tree. When he got to that spot, he observed forty soldiers riding horses in the direction of the mountain. Masks were worn by them. Ali Baba mused, “Hmm, these must be robbers,” when he saw the people. The criminals halted their pursuit directly in front of the peak. After dismounting from the horse, their chieftain walked up to a massive rock that was located at the base of the mountain. Then, while reaching his hands out in front of him, he said, “OPEN SESAME!” And with a grating sound, the rock gradually shifted