Story 22 - The Loyal Gardener
One day Akbar was stumbled on a rock in his garden while taking a
stroll. He was not in a good mood already, and then this fall. He got very angry and
ordered for the gardener's arrest and execution.
The next day, at the time of execution, the gardener was asked
what his last wish was. He requested for an audience with the Emperor. His wish was
granted and he was brought in the Court. When he came near the throne, he loudly cleared
the throat and spat at the feet of the Emperor. The Emperor demanded to know why did he do
such a thing. The gardener did this on Birbal's advice, so Birbal stepped forward in the
gardener's defense.
He said, "There could be no person more loyal than this
unfortunate gardener. Fearing that you ordered him for hanging for a small reason, he went
out of his way to give you a genuine reason for ordering him to be hanged."
The Emperor realized his mistake and set him free.
The
End
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