Emperor Akbar wanted his courtiers to be like Birbal. One day, he said, “Birbal, tell us how wise people should conduct themselves.” Birbal began his speech. But he noticed that the courtiers were busy talking to one another. So he fell silent for a few moments. Then he said, “There was a beautiful lady. She was travelling with a parrot and an eel.” There was silence across the court. Everyone started listening to Birbal in rapt attention. Birbal continued, “Soon, they reached a river. The parrot flew over the river, while the eel swam across it.” Then Birbal resumed his speech on wise people. All the courtiers said, “What about the beautiful lady? How did she cross the river?” Birbal replied, “She was a goddess and will remain so. You want to hear an unnecessary story, but not words of wisdom.” Akbar praised Birbal for his presence of mind.
Words of Wisdom
