In days gone by there was a judge who had a very smart servant. On many occasions when the judge conducted trials, he sat in a corner of the hall and observed the proceedings.
And behind the judge, he often said, “If I had an opportunity to sit in my master’s chair, I can also judge like him.”
The servant’s boasting reached the judge’s ears. Curious he asked the servant to sit in the chair, of course, disguised as a respectable old man, wearing a false beard and donning costly clothes.
The judge announced to his court, “Here is my old friend, a retired judge, who will take my place while I attend to some important business.” But he remained behind the screen.
There was a small case to be tried. A fellow had stolen a fowl.
The fake judge heard the complaint and said, “Go and steal another fowl!” Turning to the guards, he said, “Don’t neglect to arrest him after he has stolen the second fowl! I shall then pronounce my judgment!”
Everybody in the court sat amazed. The real judge came out of his hiding and led the fake judge away into his private room. There he asked the servant, “What kind of judgement was that? Why must the fellow steal once again?”
“Master, a few days ago a fellow had been accused of stealing two fowls. You had fined him one silver coin. Now, as you know, there is no half silver coin available, How could have I fine the fellow a full silver coin unless he had stolen two fowls?”
The judge heaved a sigh.
“Enough. Take off the beard and the judge’s robe!” he said.
