A time for asking and a time for giving

Some simpletons will importune you and then ask for a favour. To do better than this, when you petition think people! Understand them if you want their understanding. This reminds me of a story:

Nasreddin was repairing the roof. Not easy when you are beyond your first youth. A neighbour called him from the street.

“Hoça!”

“Yes”

“Please come down, I have something important to talk with you.”

“Can’t wait?”

“It’s urgent!”

The Mullah climbed down from the roof with some pain.

“What is it?”

The neighbour whispered into his ear, confidentially,

“Can you please lend me five silver akce?”

“Come up with me.” said Nasreddin.

The man worked his way up the ladder after him. On the roof he asked again:

“Can I have the money now?”

Nasreddin leaned over and whispered confidentially into his ear:

“I’m so sorry, I don’t have any coins left.”