Akbar was a benevolent king but he also had an awful temper. One day, he got angry with one of his courtiers. He was so furious that he ordered the guards to behead him the next day. The courtier fell at Birbal’s feet and pleaded, “Birbal! Please save me from the Emperor’s wrath.” Birbal offered him advice. Next day, the courtier stood near the palace gates, where one of the guards saw him. The guard was taking him away when the courtier said, “I want to see the Emperor before I die.” The guard reluctantly agreed. When Akbar saw the courtier, he asked the guard, “I had asked you to behead him. Why is he here?” The courtier knelt in front of Akbar and said, “Your Majesty, you wanted my head. So I decided to bring it to you.” Akbar smiled and said, “Very well. You may keep it with you.”
Birbal Saves a Life
