A ROBBER who had plundered¹ a Merchant of one thousand pieces of
gold was taken before the Cadi, who asked him if he had anything to
say why he should not be decapitated.

  "Your Honour," said the Robber, "I could do no otherwise than take
the money, for Allah made me that way."

  "Your defence is ingenious and sound," said the Cadi, "and I must
acquit² you of criminality.  Unfortunately, Allah has made me so
that I must also take off your head - unless," he added,
thoughtfully, "you offer me half of the gold; for He made me weak
under temptation."

  Thereupon the Robber put five hundred pieces of gold into the
Cadi's hand.

  "Good," said the Cadi.  "I shall now remove but one half your head. 
To show my trust in your discretion³ I shall leave intact the half
you talk with."

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