Birbal and his daughter were in the spice market, when a man came to him and said, “Are you the famous Birbal from Akbar’s court?” Birbal said, “Yes, I am.” The man said, “I have heard great tales about your generosity. I have come all the way from a distant city just to meet you. Throughout my journey, I met people who said you are very kind and fulfil everyone’s wish.” Birbal understood that the man was flattering him. Birbal said, “I feel great after meeting you, dear gentleman. Will you be going home by the same route?” The man replied, “Yes, sir.” Birbal said, “Please tell everyone on your way back that the tales of my generosity are untrue.” The man understood that Birbal would not be influenced by his sweet talk. Sometimes, people try to fool others with flattery. But Birbal knew how to deal with such people.
Birbal and the Flatterer
