A man said his prayers and then began his
supplications, desiring to enter Paradise and to
be delivered from the fire of Hell. An old woman,
who happened to be in his rear, and heard him,
said: "O Lord, cause me to share in whatever he
supplicates for." The man, who had listened, then
said: "O Lord, hang me on a gibbet, and cause me
to die of scourging." The hag continued: "O Lord,
pardon me and preserve me from what he asked for."
The man then turned to her and said: "What a
wonderfully-unpleasant partner this is! She desires
to share with me in all that gives rest and pleasure,
but refuses to be my partner in distress and misery."