Akbar and Birbal Story

One day ,emperor akbar came to the court. his face looked a little grim.akbar sat on his throne and looked at the courtiers as if he was angry. they all trembled with fear and wondered. what was worng.''o god what happened toup set you?''raja todaramal,one of the ''nine gems''of his court asked akbar.''when i was coming to court,someone pulled my moustache. he spread his spittle all over my facealso.tell me how should he be punished?''akbar asked. ''he should be arrested at once!''acouritr said.''he should be beaten soundlyand his head should bechopped off''said another.''whatmade him pull the emperor's moustache and spite on his face!i think that he should be banished fromthe empire''_declared a courtier.''he should be made to walk on hot coals''suggested another.during allthis excited talk, birbal remained calm.he even smiled when he heardthe courtierd talking .akbarlooked at him ''well, birbal!tell me,what should be done to the offender'',he said.''o lord!you should hug the person and pat the hands wich pulled your moustache. you should put a sweet in the mouth which spat at you!''birbal smiled and repalied. ''what nonsense he is taking!'' the courtiers exclaimed.''yes birbal always says the oppsite ofwhat we says,you should not listen to him''.argued a courtier.but akbar looked calm.''birbal,yourreply is quite storng. can you explain why you gave that advice?''he asked.birbal laughted and said,''raja1!who else would be bold enough to pull your moustache and spit on your facebut your baby prince when you lifted him inyour arms?the child pulled your moustache.when you were about to kiss rosyckeeks, he spread spittle on your face as he laughed.so, who else can you punish him except by holding his hand and hugging him?''birbal explained. ''you are right, as usual, birbal!''akbar exclaimed. he told the court what birbal hadsaid had really taken place.the offender was the baby prince. the cotriers felt ashamedof themselves for not thinkingg deeply before replying.