Don't know if its been posted here before but here goes -
> An Australian, a South African and a New Zealand rugby fan
> are all in Arabia, sharing a smuggled crate of booze when,
> all of a sudden, Saudi police rush in and arrest them. The
> mere possession of alcohol is a severe offence in Saudi
> Arabia, so for the terrible Crime of actually being caught
> consuming the booze, they are all sentenced to death!
> However, after many months and with the help of very good
> lawyers, they are able to successfully appeal their
> sentences down to life imprisonment.
>
> By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday the
> day, their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent
> Sheikh decided they could be released after receiving just
> 20 lashes each of the whip. As they were preparing for
> their punishment, the Sheikh announced: "It's my first
> wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each
> of you one wish before your whipping."
>
> The South African was first in line, he thought for a while
> and then said: "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was
> done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip
> went through. When the punishment was done he had to be
> carried away bleeding and crying with pain.
>
> The Australian was next up. After watching the South
> African's Horror he said smugly: "Please fix two pillows to
> my back." But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes
> before the whip went through again and the Australian was
> soon led away whimpering loudly (as they do).
>
> The New Zealander was the last one up, but before he could
> say anything, the Sheikh turned to him and said: "You are
> from a most beautiful part of the world and your culture is
> one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two
> wishes!"
>
> "Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness", the
> Kiwi replied. In recognition of your kindness, my first
> wish is that you give me not 20 lashes but 100 lashes."
>
> "Not only are you an honourable, handsome and powerful man,
> you Are also very brave", the Sheikh said with an admiring
> look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then
> so be it. And your second wish"? "Tie the Australian to my
> back."