Narrated by Leopoldo Faustino, a Tagalog, who says that the story is popular and common among the people of La Laguna province.  
Juan was a servant in the palace of King Tasio. One day King Tasio heard Juan discussing with the other servants in the kitchen the management of the kingdom. Juan said that he knew more than anybody else in the palace. The king called Juan, and told him to go down to the seashore and catch the rolling waves.
 
“You said that you are the wisest man in the palace,” said the king. “Go and catch the waves of the sea for me.”
 
“That’s very easy, O king!” said Juan, “if you will only provide me with a rope made of sand taken from the seashore.”
 
The king did not know what to answer. He left Juan without saying anything, went into his room, and began to think of some more difficult work.
 
The next day he called Juan. “Juan, take this small bird and make fifty kinds of food out of it,” said the king.
 
“Yes, sir!” said Juan, “if you will only provide me with a stove, a pan, and a knife made out of this needle,” handing a needle to the king, “with which to cook the bird.” Again the king did not know what to do. He was very angry at Juan.
 
“Juan, get out of my palace! Don’t you let me see you walking on my ground around this palace without my consent!” said the king.
 
“Very well, sir!” said Juan, and he left the palace immediately.
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