The Quarrelling Neighbours

Jumman and Imam were Birbal’s neighbours. One day, Jumman complained to Akbar that Imam had stolen brinjals from his field. But Imam said, “Your Majesty, I took the brinjals with the permission of Jumman’s field. Akbar asked, “Can you explain yourself?” Imam said, “Before plucking a brinjal, I asked, ‘O Field! Shall I pluck one brinjal?’ The field said, ‘Why pluck just one? Take twelve.’ So I took a dozen brinjals. The field gave me the brinjals.” Birbal whispered in Akbar’s ear. Then he said loudly, “Imam, you’re right. Come with me.” Birbal took him to the royal well. A few guards pushed Imam into the bucket tied to the well and lowered him into it. Birbal asked, “O Well, how many times should I dip him?” “Twelve times!” he said, pretending to hear the well. Imam said, “Please let me go! I’m sorry for stealing the brinjals!” Akbar punished Imam.