Somewhere in the world, is a city called Vardhamana. A very efficient and prosperous merchant, lived there. Knowing his ability, the king appointed him as an administrator of the capital. During his administration, he kept the common people as well the king very happy. One rarely comes across such a person who keeps everyone happy.

In the course of time, the marriage of merchant’s daughter took place. The merchant invited the king and the queen along with the entire court to his house. He entertained them lavishly, gave them presents of clothing etc. and in this way, he showed them great respect.

A servant who used to sweep the floors of the king’s palace, came there too, but uninvited. He sat down on a seat meant for some one else. The merchant caught him by his neck and threw him out. The servant felt insulted and could not sleep all night for thinking,’How can I get the merchant into disfavour with the king and so get even with him? But then, what chance have I, an ordinary fellow, of harming such a powerful person as he is.’ And so he hit upon a plan.

Several days later, early in the morning, when the king was not yet wide awake, the servant was sweeping the floor near his bed and said. ‘Good heavens! The merchant has become so brazen nowadays that he actually dares to embrace the queen!’ When the king heard this, he jumped up and shouted,’Oh you! Is that true? Has the merchant really embraced my queen?’

‘Master,’ replied the servant ‘I was gambling all night and didn’t sleep at all. This morning I feel drowsy. I really don’t know what I’ve been saying. But if I have said anything out of place, please forgive me.’

Jealous, the king thought to himself,’Yes! The servant is allowed to go about freely in the palace and so is the merchant. It is quite possible that the servant has seen the merchant embracing my queen.’

The king’s thoughts were so troubled that, from that day onward, he withdrew his favours from the merchant and, what is more, he forbade him even to enter the palace. The merchant was astounded to see this sudden change in the king’s attitude.

Some time passed. One day, when the merchant wanted to pass through the gateway to the palace, he was stopped by the guards. The servant, who was sweeping the floor, saw this and he said with a smirk,’Ho! Guards! That fellow is the king’s favourite. He can arrest or release people, just as he pleases. He threw me out. Be careful, you may suffer the same fate.’

When the merchant heard this, he thought to himself,’It is surely the servant who has caused all this trouble. Now I understand everything.’ The merchant felt upset and returned home in a very dejected mood. He thought it over and that evening, he invited the servant to his house, flattered him, gave him a pair of garments and said kindly,’My dear friend, it was not because I was angry that I threw you out that day but because it was an impropriety for you to take the seat you took.

It was reserved for a Brahmin. The Brahmin felt insulted, that’s why I had to throw you out. Forgive me.’When the servant saw the clothes, he was very pleased. Full of joy, he said to the merchant,’Sir, now I forgive you. You have expressed your regrets and also honoured me. Once again you shall see the favour of the king and in this way I shall prove to you my cleverness.’ With these words the sweeper went home happily.

Next morning, he went to the palace and started sweeping the floor. When he had made sure that the king was lying half-awake, he said,’The king is really indiscreet, he eats cucumber in the lavatory!’

The king was taken aback to hear this and he shouted,’You! What’s that nonsense you’re talking! It’s only because you’re my servant that I don’t kill you. Have you ever seen me doing such a thing?’

‘Master’, said the servant,’I was gambling last night and didn’t sleep at all. This morning I feel drowsy. I really don’t know what I’ve been saying. But if I’ve said anything out of place, please forgive me.’

When the king heard this, he thought to himself,’Never in my life have I eaten cucumber in the lavatory. If this fool has said something ridiculous about me, surely what he said about the merchant was ridiculous too. It was wrong of me to have insulted the merchant. Besides, without him, the whole administrative system, at the palace and in the city, has become slack.’

When he had considered this carefully, the king invited the merchant to the palace, presented him with jewels and clothing and re-appointed him to his former position.

❖ One should treat one and all, even the lowest with respect.

❖ Don’t listen and take action on subordinate’s verdicts.