The Right Time

Veerpal was the ruler of a small territory in the kingdom of Avanti. He paid tributary taxes to King Suvarnasen.

Once, Veerpal rebelled against his king. Suvarnasen ordered his general to prepare the army for an expedition against Veerpal.

”My Lord, it is the rainy season; this is not the right time for a military expedition,” said the general.

“Any time is the right time for war,” replied the king.

The king was surprised to see the prince making an observation.

“Why are you watching the trees in the rainy season?” asked the king.

“I want the fruits quickly,” replied the prince.

”Are you mad? How can the fruits grow before the right time?” asked the king.

”Since any time is the right time for a war, I thought any moment could be the right time for the mango tree to bear fruit,” said the prince.

The king withdrew his order, contemplating the wisdom of the prince’s words.