Answer» - Emperor Akbar: (With a serious expression.) I have a question for all of you. What should be the punishment for someone who pulls my moustache.
- One Nobleman: Flog him! Give him fifty lashes of the whip.
- Second Nobleman: That’s not enough. Put him in jail without food and water.
- Third Nobleman: Whip him! Beat him up! Fourth Nobleman: Hang him!
- Fifth Nobleman: Cut off his offending hands.
- Akbar: What do you say Birbal? What is your opinion.
- Birbal: In my opinion, given of peace to the world, the offender should be given his favourite sweetmeats.
- Courtiers: Raja Birbal, are you out of your mind? Give sweetmeats for such a grave offence.
- Birbal: Yes, who would be so bold as to pull the Emperor’s moustache? Only his own grandson.
(Akbar burst out laughing as it was exactly what had happened in the morning.)
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