The Candlestick Collection

Akbar had a habit of collecting beautiful candlesticks. He had a special chamber where his collection was displayed. The servants were given strict instructions to be careful while cleaning the room. One day, while a servant was dusting the mantelpiece, one of the candlesticks fell and broke. Akbar was beside himself with rage. He ordered his guards to hang the servant. Birbal wanted to save the servant. He whispered his plan to the servant. Next day, a soldier asked the servant about his last wish. The servant said, “I will tell the emperor about it.” When he was taken to Akbar, he bowed before him and said, “Your Majesty, my last wish is to break all the candlesticks.” Akbar was surprised. “Why?” he thundered. “I want to save all the other servants from death in case a candlestick breaks accidentally.” Akbar realised his mistake and set the servant free.