The Thief at the Fair

One day, Akbar said to his courtiers, “I grant you all a day’s holiday to visit the annual fair.” Everyone thanked Akbar and left for the fair. Birbal went to the fair along with his family. There, Birbal saw a learned man. The man was actually a thief. He befriended Birbal. Soon, he was awestruck with Birbal’s good nature and decided not to rob him. The robber said, “Sir, I am not a learned man. I wanted to rob you.” Birbal gave the thief some money. The thief said, “You are good to me even after knowing who I really am! Please offer some advice on life.” Birbal said, “Speak only the truth,” and he left. The thief was bewildered that Birbal did not ask him to stop robbing. He heeded Birbal’s advice. Soon, he gave up robbing as well. Thus, through his wisdom, Birbal helped a thief become a good man.