The Rehearsal

A certain raja employed a new washerman in his service. One morning, he instructed a palace guard to summon the washerman urgently.

Upon reaching the washerman’s hut, the guard overheard him talking to his donkey. Bewildered, he called a colleague for assistance. Both guards moved closer to listen to what the washerman was saying to the donkey.

“Your Highness, I have put a heavy burden on your back. Pardon me, my king, my patron! If you, my lord, get annoyed with this humble creature, who will take pity on me? I am your slave!”

The guards reported to the raja that the washerman had gone mad. However, when the raja summoned the washerman and spoke with him, he discovered that the man was quite normal.

Surprised, the raja asked, “Were you talking to your donkey with such humility?” The washerman replied, “Your Highness, that is correct. I was practicing humility so that I could speak to you in the proper manner. Pardon me, my king, my patron. If you, my lord, get annoyed with this humble creature, who will take pity on me? I am your slave!”