A Despot in the East wished to have a great name as a very munificent
prince, so he gave large presents to every one of note that came to his
court, but at the same time his officers had secret orders to waylay
the recipients of his gifts and recover them.
In this manner many a man had been rewarded and plundered. Once a wag
came to court, and amused every one by his drolleries. The King gave
him a great many presents, including a horse. After taking leave of
the King and his courtiers, the Wag bundled up the presents and put
them over his shoulders, and mounting the horse, facing the tail, was
going out. The King asked him why he acted in that manner.
"Sire," said the Wag, "simply to see if your officers were coming
behind, that I may at once hand over the bundle to them and go about my
business."
The Despot was abashed, and stopped giving any more presents, saying:
"_Giving is but giving in vain, when we give to take again_."