There were many reasons why Akbar was fond of Birbal. He offered valuable advice, cheered him up and fulfilled all his wishes, no matter how unusual they were. One day, Akbar asked Birbal to bring the most learned person to his court. Birbal agreed. But he had two conditions. He wanted a week’s holiday and five hundred gold coins. Akbar agreed. Birbal distributed the gold coins among the needy people. Then, he spent his time teaching a shepherd boy how to behave in the royal court. After a week, Birbal presented the boy in Akbar’s court. He told Akbar, “Here is the most learned person, Your Majesty.” Akbar asked the boy, “What is special about you? Where do you live?” The boy was quiet. Akbar asked, “Why is he silent?” Birbal said, “His elders have taught him not to speak in front of anyone who is wiser than he.” Akbar was pleased.
The Shepherd Boy
