One day Akbar asked Birbal, “Birbal, could you tell me how many bracelets are in his wife’s hand?”

Birbal said, “No, Huzoor, I can not.”

“No? Although every day you see your hand, do not know how much bracelets are in his hand. How so?” Akbar said.

Birbal said, “Come into the garden, Your Majesty, and we’ll tell you how it is.

Both fled in a small staircase leading to the garden. After reaching the garden, Birbal asked, “climb up and down the small staircase daily, could tell you how many steps you have?”

Akbar then smiled and changed the subject.