Birbal was famous in the capital not only for his wit but also for his other unique qualities. One of his qualities was his love for children and their innocence. In fact, he himself was blessed with child-like innocence. This was the quality for which the Emperor used to love him. In the court during heated discussions, he used to be the only one to lighten the atmosphere with the help of his unmatched wit.
One day, Akbar wanted to show his courtiers and ministers this quality of Birbal and prove them why he loved Birbal more than anybody else. He also wanted to teach them that one should always keep one’s inner child-like innocence alive as it brings positivity in life.
So, he planned a fun activity for everyone. The next morning, Akbar ordered all courtiers and ministers to reach the court before Birbal. He ordered his servant to bring a basket of eggs and hand one egg over to each of the persons sitting in the court.
After a few moments, Birbal arrived at the court. Akbar said to him, “Birbal, my friend! I saw a dream last night which I am trying hard to recall. As far as I remember, there is a way through which I can find out who the most honest courtier is. As a matter of fact, I can also see who are honest and who are not.”
Birbal couldn’t completely understand what the Emperor was trying to say. So, he asked, “Your Majesty, how would this be possible?” Akbar explained, “Egg have been placed in the middle of the pond which is in the palace garden. Whosoever succeeds in getting all the eggs out will be the honest courtier.” All courtiers were then ordered to go to the pond and do as they were told. Each of them went to the pond and brought an egg and gave it to the Emperor.
Finally, it was the turn of Birbal. He stepped into the pond and tried to look for the egg. But he couldn’t find one. In fact, he looked for the egg in every corner of the pond. But he failed to locate any egg. Then, he understood that it was the Emperor’s trick to be fool him.
The next moment, he returned to the palace while mimicking a cock. He even made sounds like a cock and imitated its walk. Akbar asked him what he was doing.
Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, I cannot produce an egg. See, I am a cock, not a hen. So, it is not possible for me to produce an egg.” Everyone in the court laughed heartily. Then, Akbar realized that it was not easy to befool Birbal.
