One evening, Akbar and Birbal were enjoying a stroll in the garden Akbar said, “Birbal! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a person who becomes an emperor is allowed to reign forever?” Birbal said, “Yes, Your Majesty! That sounds great. But there is a problem.” Akbar asked, “What is it?” Birbal said, “If such a rule was to be followed, you would never have been our emperor.” Akbar was taken aback. “Why do you say that, Birbal?” he asked. Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, if your grandfather who was previously the emperor, ruled forever, your father could not have succeeded to the throne. In turn, you would also have lost the chance to become the emperor. How can you forget that Your Majesty is the grandson of your grandfather?” Akbar praised Birbal’s logic and common sense. He said, “The thought never crossed my mind, Birbal. You are so wise!”
Ruling Forever
