The Mulla's Son

Once upon a time, almost four hundred years ago, there lived a king called Akbar. He was such a great king, and he ruled over such a great part of India, that he was called on emperor. Emperor Akbar lived in Delhi. Here he had a huge palace and a strong fort. At his court there were many famous people. There were artists and musicians. There were dancers and poets. There were clever scientists and writer's too. There was also a very funny man at his court. This man's name was Mulla Do Piyaza. Mulla Do Piyaza made the Emperor laugh. When the Emperor was sad he called for the Mulla. Where is my friend Do piyaza? Bring him to me now.' The servants in the court went off in all directions. Soon Mulla Do Piyaza was brought in front of the Emperor. And very soon ofter that the Emperor forgot all his troubles. He rolled about with laughter. Mulla Do Piyaza really was a very funny man. He always had something to say. Nothing surprised him and nothing shocked him. He always had a quick answer for any question. One morning the Mulla said goodbye to his wife and young son. He went off to the court to amuse the king with his clever words and his jokes. While he was at the court his son, who was only six years old, began to behave very badly. He did something naughty. His mother the Mulla's wife, got got very angry with the small boy. You bad boy she shouted and chased him out of the room. The little boy was frightened. He ran to his own room and hid under the bed. His mother knew where he was but she decided to leave him there. The little boy stayed under the bed. He stayed there all through the afternoon, till the evening. Quite late in the evening, Mulla Do Piyaza came home. When he came into the house, his wife told him about their son. Our son behaved very badly, she said I chased him and he ran and hid under his bed. He has been there all day. I am worried about him now but I don't want to go and pull him out. You go to him dear husband. Talk to him sweetly and ask him to come out and have some dinner. Mulla Do Piyaza went immediately to his son's room. He went to the bed and peeped under it. Yes, there was his son, resting peacefully against the wall. The Mulla did not want to frighten his son. He lay on the floor and put his head right under ther bed. The little boy turned towards his father with a bright smile on his face. Hello Father he said Have you been punished too? Never mind. There is plenty of room under here for both of us. Crawl right in and make yourself comfortable. Mulla Do Piyaza had nothing to say. For the first time in his life he found himself speechless! He crawled under the bed and joind his son.