The Best Weapon

 Emperor Akbar walked along a brick-paved path that cut through beds of flowers. On either side stood rose plants, sporting white and red and crimson and yellow flowers. Huge dahlias and chrysanthemums provided the backdrop. "If there is a heaven on earth, it is here," the emperor turned to his courtiers.

"Truly said, Shahenshah," all the courtiers agreed, except Birbal. The emperor turned to him. Birbal looked restless. He was examining everything with watchful eyes. He surveyed every nook and corner of the garden. "Birbal!" the Emperor nudged him. "Yes, Shahenshah," Birbal quickly responded. "I said if there is a heaven on earth, it is here. What do you think?" the emperor repeated his comment. "The scene is picture perfect, Shahenshah! No painter can capture this scene on canvas. Yet . . ." Birbal sighed. "You don't agree fully, I think. May I know what is behind your sigh and also the word YET?" the emperor's voice quivered. "Yet one should be alert to the dangers that lie in such settings," Birbal spoke in a calm and collected voice. "Dangers? Are you talking of thorns that often draw blood when one tries to pluck the roses?" "Thorns are the natural defence of the rose plants, Shahenshah," Birbal lowered his voice and added, "Thorns are the least of the dangers in this settings." "Are you scared of snakes in the grass?" the emperor listed yet another danger. "Shahenshah, snakes slither away on hearing the sound of footsteps. They bite only in self-defense," Birbal assured the Emperor. "So, where lies the danger?" the emperor looked totally confused. "Shahenshah, every powerful ruler has plenty of enemies. The enemy could be a near relative who has an eye on the throne. Or he could be the ruler of a neighbouring country who is frightened of the growing power of the ruler. Often the enemy wins over a few courtiers of the powerful ruler with money and gifts. He engages hired killers. They complete their mission, and the ruler becomes a part of history," Birbal explained why he remained alert. Eternal vigilance is the price a ruler has to pay to remain in power," Birbal argued. "Maybe, you've a point there, Birbal."

The emperor sank into deep thought. He was now no longer interested in the flowers. Suddenly he seemed to smell danger in the air. He turned away, quickly, hurrying back to the palace. The courtiers formed the retinue. The emperor headed for the royal court. He moved up the steps and sat on the throne. The courtiers trooped in. The emperor waved his hand. The courtiers took their seats. The emperor seemed lost in thought. Finally he lifted his head and looked at the courtiers. "O learned men, which is the best weapon of defence when one is taken by surprise?" the Emperor asked.

"A fine sword, Shahenshah! A sword, strong and sharp," said a courtier. "Only if the holder of the sword is good at wielding the weapon," Birbal pointed out. "Birbal! You always have a different viewpoint," the emperor grimly reminded him. He turned to the courtiers and asked whether everyone agreed that the sword was the best of weapons. "No," said another courtier. "I would prefer a spear." "Why?" "Alampana! The spear can be hurled at the enemy even from a distance. So, one doesn't have to get close to one's enemy and thus expose oneself to grave danger," he argued.

"If he's quick to strike before his enemy delivers the deadly throw," Birbal countered. "Birbal?" the Emperor snapped at him. "Yes, Shahenshah!" Birbal mewed. "The sword is not good enough for you? Nor is the spear ideal for you. So, which is the weapon you will choose when it comes to self-defence? Is it the cannon?" the emperor demanded an answer. "No. It is not easy to find a cannon when the attack is sudden, unexpected," Birbal replied. "So, which is the ideal weapon, Birbal?" the emperor sounded quite upset. "The ideal weapon, Shahenshah, will be the one that suits the demand of the situation," Birbal smiled. "You think so?" "I'm certain, Shahenshah! A man who shows readiness of mind always finds the ideal weapon for every crisis," Birbal kept on smiling. "Silly," hissed the emperor. The courtiers looked at each other. They were happy to hear the emperor describe the comment of Birbal as silly. How could he be so foolish, they thought! "But, Shahenshah, a time will come when you'll realize how right I am." Birbal stuck to his stand. "You're too sure of yourself, Birbal," the emperor sneered.