When Akbar saw Birbal, his favourite minister, walking to the court, he was annoyed. He asked, “Birbal, why are you walking? Where are your horses?” Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, my wife and her cousins have taken the horses. They have gone to visit relatives.” Akbar summoned the stable-boy and ordered him to give Birbal a horse. The stable-boy chose the weakest horse. The horse was sick and reached Birbal’s stable in great pain. At night, the horse died. Next day, Birbal walked to the court. When Akbar asked him about the horse, Birbal said, “Your Majesty, the horse you gave me was so fast that he reached heaven last night.” Akbar scolded the stable-boy and said, “Why did you give Birbal a sick horse? You shall be whipped.” Birbal said, “Please pardon him, Your Majesty.” The stable-boy was ashamed. He thanked Birbal for saving him and chose a handsome horse for Birbal.
Birbal and the Stable-Boy
