THE MOST LEARNED PERSON

Emperor Akbar asked Birbal, "You have shown that there are many fools in my empire. Now I want to meet the most learned person in My Empire.

Birbal said, "I will get the most learned person to meet you, My Lord."

Birbal then went to a shepherd's hut. He knew that the shepherd had a small boy. He brought the boy to his house. The boy was dirty and was wearing toun clothes. He was given a bath and dressed in clean clothes.

Birbal said to the boy, "You must remember that you have to stay quiet. Whatever happens, just don't speak."

Then Birbal took the boy to Akbar's court. Birbal bowed before Akbar and said, "Your Majesty, I have brought this child. He is the most learned person in your empire."

Akbar did not believe that a young boy could be so learned. So he decided to test his intelligence.

Akbar asked, "Where do you live. How did you become the most learned person at such a young age?

But the boy kept quiet. Akbar asked the questions again. The boy did not answer which angered Akbar so much that he shouted, "Are you deaf or are you dumb?

Why don't you answer?"

Birbal intervened, "Your Majesty, he is quiet because he is learned."

Akbar asked, "What do you mean?"

Birbal said, "This boy is learned and so he knows that silence is golden."

Akbar said, "But I am asking his questions. Why doesn't he reply?"

Birbal said, "The boy knows that he should not speak before those who are elder and wiser than him."

Akbar asked, "Is this why the boy is not talking?"

Birbal said, "Your Majesty, you are an emperor. The boy has been taught by his elders not to speak before an emperor. His learning and upbringing teaches him to obey his elders. So he is quiet as he is following what he has learnt."

Akbar nodeded his head. He agreed that a learned person would show respect to his elders. So he believed that the boy was leaned. Akbar was happy with the boy and gave him many gifts. Birbal then took the boy back to his parents.