One day, a beggar knocked at the door of Tenali Raman’s house. When Tenali Raman’s wife opened the door, the beggar asked her for alms.
“I’ve nothing to give you,” said Raman’s wife, “Please go!” When Tenali heard her refusing alms to the beggar, he became furious. “Who are you to refuse alms to this man!” he demanded, “I’m the owner of the house!” Thus chastened, his wife fled to her room.
“Thank you, Sir,” said the beggar, happily, “All I asked for was a coin to buy food. I did not know she was not the mistress of the house.” “She’s not! She had no right to refuse you alms. I’m in charge here. Let me tell you something. You’re not getting a paisa from me!” And with that, he slammed the door in the beggar’s face.
