In the midst of Life

 'Nasrudin' was preaching in a mosque at the time of the 'Tatar' conquest of Western Asia. He was no supporter of 'Tamerlane.'

'Tamerlane' has heard that the 'Mulla' was against him, and crept into the mosque dressed as a dervish.

'God will strike the Tatars,' Nasrudin announced at the end of his sermon.

'He will not grant your prayer,' said the dervish, stepping forward. 'And why not? asked Nasrudin.

Because you are being punished for what you have done and what you have not done. There is such a thing as cause and effect. How can anyone be punished for doing something which is itself a chastisement?'

'Nasrudin' began to feel uncomfortable; for dervishes are not too trifled with.

'Who are you, and what is your name?' he asked, blustering a little.

'I am a dervish, and my name is 'Timur.'

A number of the congregation now rose, bows and arrows in their hands. They were disguised members of the 'Tatar horde.'

'Does your name end in 'Lame" by any chance?'

'It does,' said the dervish.

'Nasrudin' turned to the congregation, who were petrified with fear; 

'Brethren, we have performed a congregational prayer. Now we shall start the congregational funeral service.'

'Timur the Lame' was so amused that he dismissed the troops and asked 'Nasrudin' to join his Court.