A LIST OF FOOLS

One day, Emperor Akbar asked Birbal to prepare a list of fools. Birbal worked very hard and started making the list.

Meanwhile, a trader came to Emperor Akbar with the best breed of horses. The Emperor paid the exorbitant price demanded by the trader and purchased all the horses from him. Besides, the Emperor also gave him a huge amount in advance to bring more horses when he came the next time.

Birbal completed the task assigned to him by Akbar. He presented the list of fools to Emperor Akbar. The Emperor was shocked to see his own name right at the top of the list. He said angrily, "Birbal! How dare you put my name at the top of this list of fools? Do you believe that I am a fool?"

Birbal smiled and calmly said, "Your Majesty, you paid a big sum of money as an advance to a horse trader whom you don't even know well. Isn't that great folly? This is the reason why I have put your name first in the list of fools."

Akbar realized that Birbal was right. He also realized that he should not have given a big sum of money as an advance to a stranger. Yet he argued, "But won't he come back with horses of a good breed?"

Birbal said, "In that case he will the biggest fool on earth. If he returns with the horses, I will delete your name from the list and put the trader's name instead. Your Majesty, I have also written my own name in this list of fools."

Surprised, Akbar said, "Why have you written your name in the list as well?"

Birbal said, "Because, Your Majesty, I have wasted my precious time in making this list of fools. I could have utilized this time in doing some better work."

Emperor Akbar was pleased with Birbal's ready wit and wisdom. He gave him a handsome reward.