Akbar loved to play pranks on his courtiers. One day, it was Birbal’s turn. Before Birbal reached the court, Akbar gave an egg to each courtier and said, “Hide it in the royal courtyard until I ask you for it.” When Birbal arrived, Akbar told him, “Those who bring me eggs from the royal courtyard will be declared my honest courtiers.” One by one, all the courtiers left the court and returned with the egg Akbar had given each of them earlier. In the end, it was Birbal’s turn. He went to the courtyard and couldn’t find any egg and realised that Akbar was playing a prank. He entered the court crowing like a rooster. When Akbar asked for the egg, Birbal said, “Your Majesty, I am a rooster. Hens lay eggs, not roosters.” At this, everyone in the court burst out laughing. Once again, Akbar was pleased with Birbal’s wit.
The Honest ‘Hens’
