The Silent Flute

One day in the royal court, a proud musician arrived and bowed deeply before Emperor Akbar. With great confidence, he declared, “Your Majesty, I possess a gift unlike any other. When I play my flute, even the birds stop to listen and many weep from the emotion in my music.”

The court gasped in awe. Some were impressed, others skeptical. Akbar, always curious about extraordinary talent, smiled and said, “Very well. You shall perform tomorrow morning in the palace gardens, where birds are plenty. Let us all witness this miracle.”

The next morning, the court assembled under the clear sky amidst chirping birds and blooming flowers. The musician stood tall and lifted his flute. He began to play soft, flowing melodies echoed across the garden.

But as he played, the birds nearby didn’t stop or cry. In fact, they flapped their wings and flew away, one by one, startled or indifferent.

A few courtiers chuckled quietly. Akbar raised an eyebrow.

Before anyone could speak, Birbal stepped forward calmly and said, “Music, like all true talent, needs no bold promises. If it is truly powerful, it moves hearts on its own without boasting. Let the music speak, not the musician.”

The musician lowered his flute, his pride humbled. He bowed low before Birbal and the emperor, accepting the truth in silence.

Akbar nodded with a knowing smile. “Wise as always, Birbal.”

Moral: True talent shines through action, not self-praise.