One evening, Akbar, Birbal and several courtiers went for a boat ride. Akbar saw a twig floating by. He picked it up and said, “If any of you crosses this river just by holding this twig, I will make him emperor for a day.” The courtiers felt this was impossible. But Birbal said, “I will do it if you declare me the emperor right now. The courtiers and the soldiers will be mine for today.” Akbar agreed. Birbal took the twig and was about to jump into the river when a courtier shouted, “Stop, Your Majesty!” Birbal tried to jump again, but the soldiers stopped him. Whenever Birbal tried to jump, someone would stop him. After some time, they reached the shore. Akbar said, “You lost, Birbal!” Birbal said, “The courtiers and the soldiers did not let me jump. But I still held the twig while crossing the river. So I won!” Akbar smiled in affirmation.
Emperor for a Day
