Emperor Akbar asked Birbal if it was possible for a man to be the ‘lowest’ and the ‘noblest’ at the same time.
“It is possible,” said Birbal.
“Then bring me such a person,” said the emperor.
Birbal went out and returned with a beggar.
“He is the lowest among your subjects,” he said, presenting him to Akbar.
“That might be true,” said Akbar. “But I don’t see how he can be the ‘noblest’.”
“He has been given the honour of an audience with the emperor,” said Birbal. “That makes him the noblest among beggars.”