Nilmani was the king’s washerman. He often had the royal garments in his custody for cleaning them. And he was in the habit of donning the royal garments at night and enjoying a Stroll on the deserted city streets. Once in a while somebody would see Nilmani and mistake him to be a royal personage and salute him. Nilmani enjoyed that very much.
One day a stranger, looking like a hermit, passed by Nilmani. The stranger cast a stern look at him but showed no respect towards him. That infuriated Nilmani. He challenged the stranger, saying, “You must be a burglar in the guise of a holy man. Tell me, who are you?”
“Who are you?” asked the holy man in return.
“Can’t you see? I’m the king!” answered Nilmani. “I see!” said the stranger casting another stern look at Nilmani. Then he resumed walking.
Suddenly Nilmani realised that the stranger was none other than the king himself in disguise. He trembled. But there was no time to lose. He must do something to save himself from the king’s wrath. He fell at the king’s feet and said, “O holy man, you are endowed with divine vision!”
“What made you think so?” asked the king.
“I pretended to be the king. Anybody else would have looked awe-struck. But you did not care. That means you could see that I am only the king’s washerman, enjoying a bit of fun alone at night!” said Nilmani.
The king smiled and went away.
