An American, an Englishman and a
Frenchman are in Saudi Arabia,
sharing a smuggled crate of booze
when Saudi police rush in and arrest
them. The mere possession of
alcohol is a severe offence in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime of
actually being caught consuming
the booze, they are all sentenced to
death!
However, after many months and
with the help of very good lawyers, they are able to successfully appeal
their sentences down to life
imprisonment. By a stroke of luck, it
was a Saudi national holiday the
day their trial finished, and the
extremely benevolent Sheik decided they could be released
after receiving just 20 lashes each
of the whip. As they were preparing for their
punishment, the Sheik announced: “It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each
of you one wish before your
whipping.” The Englishman was first in line, he
thought for a while and then said “Please tie a pillow to my back. ” This was done, but the pillow only
lasted 10 lashes before the whip
went through. When the
punishment was done he had to be
carried away bleeding and crying
with pain. The Frenchman was next up. After
watching the Englishman in horror,
he said smugly: “Please fix two pillows to my back. ” But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes
before the whip went through
again, and the Frenchman was soon
led away whimpering loudly (as
they do). The American was the last one up,
but before he could say anything,
the Sheik turned to him and said: “You are from a most beautiful part of the world and your culture is one
of the finest in the world. For this,
you may have two wishes !” “Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness”, the American replied. “In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you
give me not 20, but 100 lashes. ” “Not only are you an honourable, handsome and powerful man, you
are also very brave. ” The Sheik said with an admiring look on his
face. “If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your
second wish, what is it to be?” the Sheik asked. The American replied: “Tie the Frenchman to my back. ”