Birbal sits on Akbar's throne

       Emperor Akbar had several ministers in his royal court. Birbal was one of  them. Akbar linked and respected Birbal the most as he admired Birbal's wit and wisdom. He also appreciated Birbal's deep knowledge of human nature.
     
              No wonder Birbal was the only courtier who was allowed to crack jokes even at the expense of the Emperor. Of course, Birbal was wise and shrewd enough to know his limits. So never offended the Emperor.
               One day Birbal said to himself, "I wish to sit on the Emperor's throne once, just to see what it is like." So he strode into the royal hall where the throne was kept. He looked around and checked that nobody was nearby. Then he walked up to the Emperor's throne and sat on it.
              Just then another minister happened to pass by the door of the royal hall. He happened to peep in and was shocked to see Birbal sitting prettily on the throne. The minister's anger knew no bounds.
              "Birbal has no business to sit on the throne," he said to himself. "Let me first teach him a lesson. Then I will report the matter to the Emperor."
              He walked up to the throne and caught hold of Birbal. He tried to pull Birbal from the throne, but Birbal remained glued to his seat. Now the minister was furious. He pounced on Birbal and rained blows upon blows on him. Birbal, unable to bear the pain, began shouting for help.
              So loud was the noise that the Emperor himself came running in to see what the uproar was all about.
              "What is all this noise about?" Akbar wanted to know.
              "Please, your Majesty," said the minister in an apologetic voice. "This time Birbal, has gone rather too far, sir. He has actually sat on your sacred throne! This is the height of arrogance and stupidity. This is simply intolerable! He must be punished immediately for challenging your authority," he said in an agitated voice.
                The Emperor turned to Birbal and said, "Why did you sit on my throne, Birbal? Would you like to say anything in defence of your deed?"
                 "Your Majesty," replied Birbal, "I meant no disrespect to you by doing so. You know that i have a greatest love and respect for you. I am too small and humble a man to challenge the mighty Akbar. If anything is to be blamed, it is my idle curiosity. I just wanted to see hoe it would feel to sit on your throne."
                 "Well," interrupted Akbar, "How did it feel?"
                 "Your Highness, I sat there only for a few minutes but I realised what it is really like!" he replied. He pointed to the bruises he had suffered all over his body in the scuffle with the minister, and said ,"I have suffered enough for it. You, sir, suffering day in and day out."
                  The Emperor was delighted with Birbal's clever reply. He patted Birbal on his back for his witty as well as wise answer. But the poor minister who had attacked Birbal and complained against him could not hide his sense of shame. He slipped away quietly, unnoticed by both Akbar and Birbal.