One day, two merchants named Dhanamal and Sonamal came to Akbar’s court. Akbar asked, “What is the matter?” Dhanamal said, “Your Majesty, I had borrowed money from Sonamal and promised to return it within a week. Dhanamal told me that I would have to give him the flesh of my pet peacock if I couldn’t return the money within a week. After three days, I repaid the money, but Sonamal refused the money. After a week had passed, Sonamal came to me and asked for the piece of flesh. I love my pet. Please help me.” Akbar asked Birbal to solve the problem. Birbal told Sonamal, “You mentioned the peacock’s flesh, but you said nothing about blood. You may take a piece of flesh, but not a drop of blood.” Everyone knew this was an impossible task. Akbar punished Sonamal and asked him to pay a fine for refusing the money returned by Dhanamal.
The Merchant’s Pet
