One night, while making a surprise round of the palace, Emperor Akbar discovered something that greatly displeased him a royal guard had dozed off at his post. His head was bowed, his spear resting beside him, completely unaware of the emperor’s presence.
By morning, the news had reached the court. The guard was brought before Akbar, trembling with fear. Sleeping while on duty was a serious offense, and punishment was expected.
Akbar, stern-faced, addressed Birbal. “What do you say, Birbal? Shouldn’t a man who sleeps while guarding the emperor face severe consequences?”
Birbal stepped forward, calmly observing the frightened guard. Then, with a gentle smile, he said, “Jahanpanah, if I may offer a different view even in sleep, this guard serves you.”
Akbar raised an eyebrow. “In sleep?”
“Yes,” Birbal replied. “The very reason he sleeps so lightly, even at the gates, is because of the weight of your expectations. It is not laziness that closed his eyes, but fatigue born from fear of failing you. His loyalty lies not in the absence of rest, but in the readiness to rise at the slightest sound. Show him mercy today, and his loyalty will double tomorrow.”
Akbar thought for a moment, then chuckled. “You always find the heart of the matter, Birbal.”
The emperor spared the guard, who bowed low, filled with gratitude and renewed loyalty.
Moral:Compassion strengthens loyalty more than punishment ever can.
