The Shopkeepers
Two shopkeepers were bitter rivals. Their
stores were directly across the street from each other, and they would spend
each day keeping track of each other's business. If one got a customer, he would
smile in triumph at his rival.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, "I
will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will
receive twice as much. Would you be rich? You can be very rich, but he will be
twice as wealthy. Do you wish to live a long and healthy life? You can, but his
life will be longer and healthier. What is your desire?" The man frowned,
thought for a moment, and then said, "Here is my request: Strike me blind in one
eye!"