An Englishman an Australian and a Frenchman were sharing a smuggled crate of
booze when, all of a sudden, 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 Sheikh decided they could be released
after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh 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 Australian 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 Australian 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 Englishman was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the
Sheikh 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 Englishman
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 Sheikh 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 Sheikh asked.
"Tie the Frenchman to my back."