The king of Persia had heard many stories of Birbal’s wit and wisdom. He wanted to know whether Birbal was indeed intelligent and was eager to meet him. So he sent his messenger with a special invitation to visit Persia. Birbal accepted the invitation. When Birbal reached the king’s court, he saw six kings sitting on six thrones. All the kings looked exactly the same. Birbal was amazed to see this. Then he understood that the king of Persia wanted to test him. Without much thought, Birbal bowed before the real king. The king was impressed. He asked Birbal, “Dear Birbal, how did you know I’m the king?” Birbal replied, “All the others were looking at you, as if awaiting further instructions, but only you looked straight ahead, just as a leader does. Only a king looks ahead with confidence, while his subjects look up to him for advice.”
Six Kings of Persia
