Greater of the Two

In a certain village lived a couple, Ranganath and Ramabai. The husband and wife never tired of quarreling. One issue that frequently sparked disputes between them was whether the husband’s position was superior to the wife’s or vice versa.

One day, they decided to ask a scholar for his opinion on the matter. “Let me tell you a story,” he began, “Once, a couple on their way to a distant place stopped to rest under a tree. The husband laid his head on his wife’s lap and fell asleep.

Suddenly, a large branch from the tree broke off and was about to fall on him. Fortunately, the alert wife raised her arm and redirected the branch away from her husband. Against all odds, the falling branch changed its course and crash-landed on the ground. Now, it is for you to decide who is superior.”

“Of course, it is the wife who possesses such powers,” exclaimed Ramabai.

“Never. It is the husband who commands the services of such a gifted wife!” retorted Ranganath.