The Dead Sheep and the Broken Wall

Once, a shepherd and his neighbour came to Akbar’s court to resolve their fight. The shepherd said, “Your Majesty, my neighbour’s wall fell and my sheep died under it. My neighbour is not paying me for the loss.” The neighbour said, “Your Majesty, it’s the mason’s fault. He did not use quality material to make the wall.” The mason was called to the court. He said, “The labourer mixed extra water to the lime! I’m not to blame.” When the labourer was questioned, he said, “Your Majesty, the waterman poured more water into the dish.” The waterman was called to the court. He said, “The utensil from which I poured the water was really huge, Your Majesty!” Birbal asked, “Where did you get the utensil?” The waterman said, “The shepherd gave it to me!” Birbal said to the shepherd, “You lost your sheep because of your fault!” The shepherd left the court without a word.