A Rumi Grape Story

In which we learn that a grape by any other name will taste as sweet

A Persian, an Arab a Greek, and a Turk, meeting at a Silk Road oasis, found a coin. They decided to buy some fruit with it that they could share. Almost at once, an argument broke out.

“I want angoor,” said the Persian.

“What’s that? I want enab,” said the Arab.

“I don’t want angoor or enab,” said the Greek. “I want stafilia.”

“I don’t understand any of you,” said the Turk. “I want uzun.”

If a passing scholar familiar with languages had heard their quarrel, he could have put an end to it by saying, “Give me your coin and I will buy something to please you all.” He would have bought a bunch of grapes, which would indeed have pleased them: It was just what each had asked for.