This was published on the groaners listserv. The author is unknown.

A oracle and a sorceress both lived in a Middle East country.

While the sorceress claimed great powers, she was never able to demonstrate them. Because of this, the soothsayer constantly ridiculed her in public. This caused her reputation to suffer and she lived in poverty because she could make no money from her unique talent.

Then, one day, the seer ridiculed her in a particularly vicious way. Thoroughly incensed, the sorceress hurled a curse at him. Instantly, he became a large seagull.

Remarked a bystander, “That’s the first time she’s ever been able to tern a prophet!”

Reminds me of the mean little boy who left no tern unstoned.

The masseuse who left no stern untoned.

Or the angry opera singer who left no tone unsterned. We sure didn’t like the tenor of his ways.

Regretfully, Howell (Gwin).