In the Middle East they have a tradition of stories, kind of like Aesop's Fables. These involve a fellow named Nasruddin who is both wise and stupid. One story goes like this:
A man went to Nasruddin in a very distressed state. "Nasruddin!" he said. "I have terrible news! My ox broke through the fence and gored your prize ox! What shall we do?"
Nasruddin became very serious and said, "That ox was worth as much as your house! The matter is clear -- you must pay me immediately!"
The man smiled and said, "In my excitement, I may have told the story badly. You see, Nasruddin, the ox that escaped was yours. And the prize ox which was gored was mine. But, the end result is the same. When will you pay me?"
"Not so fast! exclaimed Nasruddin. "A case like this can be surprisingly complicated! I suggest we take the matter to my brother the magistrate ..."
Nice to see another Nasrudin fan here...