An Arab Horse Trader
Once, an
Arab horse traders came to Krishna Deva Raya’s court. He said, “Your Majesty,
see this Arab steed! It is my finest. If you like, I can get more.”
Krishna Deva
Raya replied thoughtfully, “This is the only breed missing from my stable.” The
king saw the beautiful horses standing outside his palace.
Krishna Deva
Raya said impulsively, “I will buy them all!” The trader replied, “I need an
advance of 5000 gold coins. I’ll bring them in two days.”
Two weeks
passed.
Krishna Deva
Raya thought to himself while walking in his garden, “Where is the trader?” He
saw Tenali Raman sitting there, writing on a piece of paper.
Krishna Deva
Raya asked, “What are you writing, Tenali Raman?”
Tenali Raman
replied, “I’m listing the biggest fools in the land.”
Curious,
Krishna Deva Raya said, “Let me have a look.” Tenali Raman handed him the
paper. Krishna Deva Raya was taken aback and angry. “How can my name be at the
top of this list? I’m the king!”
Tenali Raman
retorted, “Whoever gives a stranger 5000 gold coins and thinks that he will
return is a fool, Your Majesty.”
Krishna Deva
Raya asked, “What if he returns?”
Tenali Raman
replied in an instant, “Then I will put his name at the top of the list instead
of yours!”
Krishna Deva
Raya said, “I understand what you’re saying, Tenali. I will always consult you
now on important matters.”