Once when The King Akbar

Was thinking something deep,

He asked Birbal to write on the wall

Of the room where he use to sleep.

He ordered, "Raja Birbal,

Write something on this wall,

That can bring happiness to me

When I read it during my downfall."

"But it should also bring sadness

To me when I read it,

During my happy times when

Happiness comes to me for a visit."

Birbal thought for a moment

And then wrote a small phrase,

"This time will pass soon."

Expressions changed on Akbar's face.

"Your Majesty, this small line

Will make you happy and sad,

Because to think happiness will pass

It always feels very bad."

"And when sadness approaches you

And you realise it will pass soon,

It will surely comfort you

Like a shadow of a tree at the noon."

"I believe this line is enough

To satisfy your deep need."

"Oh! This line is perfect, trust me."

With a smile, Akbar agreed.

So that's how 'The Clever Birbal'

Proved himself the smartest of all,

And with his great skills, he won

The hearts of the crowd in the hall.