When The Child Cries

 

Birbal comes out of yet another tricky situation, thanks to his wit.

Emperor Akbar had a large number of courtiers. Most of them were such flatterers that one wondered if they had honey on their tongues! They never missed an opportunity to please the Emperor. They never differed with him, but agreed with him even when he said something absurd or silly.

Their attitude amused Birbal who thought that the courtiers were more servile than pet dogs. But would the outspoken Birbal keep his opinion to himself" Of course not! He made his thoughts known publicly. Many courtiers felt angry. "Withdraw the charge! We are not dogs!" they protested. "I know, I know," said Birbal who was quite amused. "Then why do you compare us with dogs" they asked in anger.

"I'm sorry. I failed to notice one difference," said Birbal chuckling. "The dog has a tail where one ought to find it. You have the tail where the tongue ought to be. So you wag your tongue when the Emperor is around. You nod your heads even when his ideas and statements are wrong. You have no courage to differ with him! All of you are cowards!"
.
"You're insulting us," said a courtier. "This has gone on for too long," said another. "It's time you stop abusing us," said a third. "My friends, truth hurts," said Birbal. "If you're so sure of yourself, prove that you can be bolder than us,? challenged one of the courtiers. "I'm willing," Birbal nodded his head. "If you fail, will you publicly confess that you were wrong"  they asked in unison. "Suits me," said Birbal with a broad smile.

One of the courtiers thought of a clever plan to put Birbal to test. It was the code of Royal Court that the courtiers reach before the Emperor and stayed as long as he did. No one stayed away from the court without prior permission. He dared Birbal to stay away from the Royal Court the next day without permission.

Birbal thought for a moment. He knew that the Emperor would certainly take offence. But he decided to go for the dare. He said, "one, I will stay away from the court." The jealous courtiers left the place feeling happy. They thought they would soon see the end of Birbal?s influence at the Royal Court .