Four Travellers and the Grapes

‘Abdu’l-Bahá told another story pointing out the necessity of one common language: “At the city gate four travellers sat, a Persian, a Turk, an Arab and a Greek. They were hungry and wanted their evening meal. So one was selected to buy for them all. But among them they could not agree as to what should be bought. The Persian said ángúr, the Turk ‘uzúm, the Arab wanted ánib and the Greek clamoured for staphylion, green and black.

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They quarrelled and wrangled and almost came to blows in trying to prove that the particular desire of each was the right food. When all of a sudden there passed a donkey ladened with grapes. Each man sprang to his feet and with eager hands pointed out: ‘See ‘uzúm!’ said the Turk. ‘See ánib!’ said the Arab. ‘See ángúr!’ said the Persian. And the Greek said, ‘See staphylion!’ Then they bought their grapes and were at peace.”

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