Akbar was a popular among his masses. He often went to city and heard the grievances of his people.
One day Akbar went to the main city with Birbal. They rode on their horses, inspecting the local masses and interacted with them now and then for understanding their concerns and problems. While they moved through the city, Akbar saw an old woman carrying a sword.
Akbar said, 'Birbal, do you see the old woman carrying the sword? I wonder why we would be doing this! Indeed it is bold for her age to carry a sword in her hand and walk through this busy marketplace'.
Birbal replied, 'My majesty, let's find out the reason for such unusual thing'.
Akbar and Birbal went near the old woman. Akbar said, 'O blessed woman! I winder why are you carrying this sword in the middle of the market'.
The old woman bowed before Akbar respectfully and replied, 'O Great born ! I am old and wrecked. I am too old to work and need money to sustain. This sword was once possessed by my ancestors. It is a matter of great honor for me that they have fought great battles with this sword. But today, I am alone. I need money and for this I want to sell this sword in the market'.
Akbar asked for the sword. He inspected the sword and found it was old and rusted.
Akbar returned the sword to old woman saying, 'The sword is old and rusted. It is worthless for me!'
The woman looked surprised to hear Akbar. She gazed the sword with open mouth.
Akbar asked the woman why was she surprised so much. The woman was too surprised to answer. So Birbal interrupted and said, 'My Majesty, she is so surprised because today a very common saying is proved wrong'.
Akbar asked surprisingly, 'Birbal, what are you referring to?'
Birbal smiled back and said, 'There is a saying that when iron when comes in contact with Paras Mani it gets converted to gold. It is called the Midas Touch. The rusted sword came in your hands but it is still the same!'
Akbar was contended by Birbal's answer. He smiled pleasingly and send his order to the royal treasurer to replace the rusted iron sword with a golden sword. Akbar and Birbal returned talking about great wars and wondering how old the sword could be.
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