The Best Translation

In an old comedy routine, a famous film actor receives a telephone call from an advertising agency executive who says, “We want you to pose for a Gilby’s Gin billboard.” To which the actor replies, “I’m afraid I can’t do that. You see, I don’t drink, and even if I did it wouldn’t be gin. It would be dishonest for me to do the ad. I can’t be hypocritical.” The voice on the other end of the line says, “Your fee would be one hundred thousand dollars.” There is a pause, then the actor says, “I’ll think it over.” He then goes to his pastor for counsel. “Can I take the money?” he asks. “It would be morally wrong for you to do the ad,” the pastor advises. So the actor calls the ad man. “Sorry,” he says, I can’t do the ad.” Several weeks later, the actor rides past a billboard in which his pastor appears, holding up a bottle of Gilby’s Gin.