One day The Hodja went to the hammam. Looking at his poor clothes, the workers at the hammam didn't treat him right and gave him torn towels. In spite of the lousy service, Nasreddin Hodja gave them all fat tips when leaving.
The next time Hodja went to the hammam, the workers provided him with excellent service. They gave him the newest towels and massaged his back. However, this time The Hodja left them only small changes. One of the workers ventured to find out why.
`Hodja Effendi, last time you gave us big tips...' he hinted.
`Oh, yes. Those tips were for today's service,' Hodja replied, `today's tips are for my previous visit.'
The following rendition is provided by very dear Ted Mihran. He tells the story as his father used to tell him:
The Hodja went to a turkish bath, but since he was dressed poorly, the attendants said, "Why should we heat the water or perfume the towels. This man will not pay us well." So the Hodja got a cold bath and dried himself with worn-out towels. Upon leaving, he gave the attendants a gold coin. They were very surprised and pleased. So the next time they saw him coming, they gave him the best of service. Steaming hot water, perfumed, fluffy towels, etc. Upon leaving this time, he gave them the smallest copper coin. "What is wrong, Hodja," they asked, "Were you not pleased with your bath." The Hodja replied, "This copper coin is to pay you for the bath I got last time. I have already paid for the bath I got today."