THE FOOLISH KHAN
In ancient times, there lived a rich khan. He had plenty of livestock, but not much wisdom. One day, this khan called his son to him and said:
— My son, I have heard that there lives a wise old woman in the neighboring aul. I want to hear her advice. You go and invite her to me, but do not tell anyone about this.
The son agreed, but immediately told his companions about his father's request and ordered them to bring the old woman. The khan's son met her.
— O wise woman,— he addressed her, — go to the khan and tell us what you hear from him.
The old woman came to the khan. The khan praised her horse for bringing her to him quickly. The wise old woman immediately guessed what kind of person this khan was.
— O khan,— said the old woman,— you are waiting for my advice, so listen. Take a horse that you consider good from your herd, take good care of it, and let a foal approach it while milking. Set aside a part of your vast wealth and help the poor.
Upon hearing such words, the khan became angry with the old woman and shouted:
— I do not need such advice. I need advice that would make me wise!
Then the wise old woman said:
— My khan, if you do something good, it will be for yourself; if you do something bad, it will also be for yourself. If you spit upwards, the spit will return and fall back in your eyes.
The khan became even angrier and shouted:
— What are you babbling about, foolish old woman? There is not a drop of wisdom in your words!
The khan drove the old woman away and said to his wife:
— Take a flatbread, put poison in it, let them catch up with the old woman and give her this flatbread!
The khan's wife put poison in the flatbread and ordered it to be given to the old woman.
On the way, the old woman met the khan's son again, who was hunting with his companions. The khan's son was hungry; he snatched the flatbread from the old woman and ate it. As soon as he swallowed the last piece, he fell dead.
The companions told the khan everything that had happened. Only then did the khan understand the meaning of the old woman's words: he had done a bad deed, and it had turned into misfortune for himself!
Tales