The Five Elephants

Once, Emperor Akbar gave Birbal five elephants. Birbal thanked the emperor and took them home. After some days, Birbal went to the marketplace to sell the elephants. One of Akbar’s guards saw this and complained to Akbar. Akbar was angry. He said, “How can he sell the gifts that I have given him?” He took his guards and went to the marketplace where Birbal was. He shouted, “Birbal! You have disrespected me. Why are you selling these elephants?” Birbal bowed and said, “No, Your Majesty, I respect you. I didn’t want to hurt you, so I accepted them. I cannot afford to feed such mighty beings at home. I want to sell them and buy five cows. They will give milk and, with each glass that I drink, I will bless you.” Akbar calmed down. He ordered his guards to take away the elephants. Then he gifted Birbal five cows instead.