One day a merchant from a neighboring country came to the court of Akbar. The merchant intended to sign an agreement for trade with Akbar. He gave various good reasons for this alliance, but Akbar was rational. He sat unconvinced. Therefore the merchant tried to convince Akbar by giving a personal comment.
The merchant rose and raised his voice, 'O mighty King! You are great, in fact greater than God himself!'
Akbar was a religious king. Though he was mighty and powerful, he never thought of comparing himself (a human) to God Himself. He was furious to hear what the merchant said. He stood up and asked his courtiers, 'Can you explain, why and how I am greater than God Himself?'
The courtiers sat silently. There was fear all around. In fact, no one could say yes or no, as the answer could aggravate the king further. He was silence in the court. Just then Akbar turned to Birbal and asked him, 'Birbal, don't you have something to say?'
Witty Birbal knew that Akbar would ask his view in the matter. He had been putting his thoughts together all this while and now humbly replied, 'My Majesty, the merchant is right. You are greater than God Himself'.
The merchant smiled in arrogance. But Akbar was stunned. He angrily asked Birbal, 'Do you know this means disregard to our Gods?'
Birbal stood with his head bowed before Akbar and said, 'My Majesty, for a while you are greater than God Himself - because there is one thing that only you can do, but God cannot!'
'Tell me what is that?', Akbar loudly asked.
Birbal continued, 'My Majesty, God cannot banish anyone from His kingdom, because the whole Universe is His kingdom. But you can easily expel this agent seeking trade partnership from you Kingdom'.
'Indeed! I can', Akbar said laughing loudly.
The merchant was filled with shame. He walked out of the court and left for his country immediately.
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