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Circle Round Stories, 'The Lumps of Clay' | Ep. 160

'The Lumps of Clay' | Ep. 160

The famous playwright and poet William Shakespeare once wrote: "The truth will out."

What he meant was, in most cases, in one way or another, the truth gets uncovered. And in today's story we'll catch up with a favorite Circle Round character who finds an ingenious way to bring the truth to light.

NARRATOR: Long ago, there lived a mighty emperor. The emperor's sprawling palace held treasures beyond compare: diamonds and pearls, sapphires and rubies, emeralds and amethysts.

But the emperor's greatest treasure was his chief adviser: a clever, cunning man named Birbal.

Birbal was legendary for the sly and skillful ways he solved problems. And not just the emperor's problems! When everyday citizens faced a dilemma or dispute, they often journeyed to the palace to seek Birbal's wisdom and judgment.

One day, Birbal was visited by two women from the capital city: a Jeweler…

JEWELER: Greetings, Birbal!

NARRATOR: …and a Merchant.

MERCHANT: Salutations, Birbal!

NARRATOR: And as the Jeweler explained, the two women were business associates.

JEWELER: The Merchant and I have been working together for some years now. You see, I go about collecting all sorts of jewels, then the Merchant buys them, so she can travel the land and sell them at market. And she's always been a trustworthy colleague and friend! (beat) Until now.

MERCHANT: Oh, no no no!

NARRATOR: The Merchant shot the Jeweler a withering look.

MERCHANT: It's you who's always been a trustworthy colleague and friend! Until now!

JEWELER: That's not true!

MERCHANT: Yes, it is!

JEWELER: Is not!

MERCHANT: Is too!

BIRBAL: Ladies! Ladies! Please!

NARRATOR: Birbal held up his hand. The Jeweler and the Merchant fell silent.

BIRBAL: Jeweler. Since you started to explain your case, I'll allow you to finish. What happened between you and the Merchant?

JEWELER: Well, to be brief: the Merchant stole from me!

MERCHANT: I most certainly did not!

JEWELER: Did too!

BIRBAL: (dramatic throat-clearing to silence them) A-hem!!!!! (beat) Now, Jeweler. Please. Tell me your story.

JEWELER: Well, Your Honor… Yesterday was my birthday. So last night I hosted a dinner party for a handful of friends – including the Merchant. (beat) As it happens, before my guests arrived, I received a new shipment of jewels. And included in this shipment… was a golden elephant.

BIRBAL: A “golden elephant”...?

JEWELER: Yes! A statue of an elephant, made entirely of gold! Not a life-sized statue, of course. More like something you could place on a table, for display. (beat) But oh, it was beautiful! So beautiful that I decided I wouldn't sell it! Instead, I would keep it in my personal collection. (beat) But when I woke up this morning… the golden elephant was missing! I couldn't find it anywhere!

BIRBAL: And you believe the Merchant stole it…?

JEWELER: I sure do! Last night, at my birthday party, I proudly showed the elephant to my guests. And I made it very clear that the statue wasn't for sale. But the Merchant asked if she could hold it to get a better look. And as she handled the twinkling treasure, I swear I saw a glint in her eye. Little did I know, it was a glint of pure greed… Because now the elephant is gone!

NARRATOR: The Jeweler jabbed a finger at the Merchant.

JEWELER: And this woman has it!

MERCHANT: But that's impossible!

JEWELER: No it isn't!

BIRBAL: Ladies! I implore you to behave yourselves, or I'll have this case dismissed.

NARRATOR: Birbal turned to the Jeweler.

BIRBAL: Jeweler. You say you invited a “handful” of guests to your dinner party. How many guests were there?

JEWELER: Well… including the Merchant, there were four guests.

BIRBAL: So given that the Merchant was joined by three other people, how do you know one of the other three didn't steal the golden elephant?

JEWELER: Well that's easy, Your Honor! Whereas the Merchant and I didn't meet until we were all grown up, I've known the other three guests since I was a girl! They've always been my closest friends! They've always had my back.

NARRATOR: Birbal nodded.

BIRBAL: I see… And I thank you for sharing your side of the story, Jeweler. (beat) So now…

NARRATOR: His eyes rested on the Merchant.

BIRBAL: …let's hear your side, Merchant. After all, the Jeweler is accusing you of theft! That's a serious crime! Yet you insist you did not steal the elephant…?

MERCHANT: There's no way I could have, Your Honor! (beat) Because there wasn't an elephant to steal!

NARRATOR: Birbal cocked his head.

BIRBAL: What do you mean ‘there wasn't an elephant to steal'? ?

MERCHANT: Well, the Jeweler did invite me and three other guests to her party last night. (beat) But she never showed us an elephant! We ate dinner, we had birthday cake, then all the guests went home!

BIRBAL: (taking this new information in) Alright…

NARRATOR: Birbal folded his arms.

BIRBAL: So if there was “no elephant,” as you say, then why would the Jeweler accuse you of stealing one?

MERCHANT: Maybe because she's jealous of me! I've been selling her jewels for some time now, and I've made a nice profit! That's how it works when you're a merchant. You buy goods for one price, then you mark them up: you charge more than you paid for them. That's good business!

JEWELER: I'm sorry! “Jealous” of you?!? Puh-leeeeze! I'm not jealous of you! You're jealous of me! Because I wouldn't sell you that golden elephant! And you couldn't make a profit off of it! So you stole it!

MERCHANT: But like I said, there's no way I could have possibly stolen –

BIRBAL: Ladies! (beat) I appreciate you sharing both sides of your story. But before I can make a judgment on this case, I'm going to need a few things. (beat) Guards?

NARRATOR: Birbal snapped his fingers, and a pair of uniformed men snapped to attention.

BIRBAL: Listen, men. I want you to go out and find the other three guests from the Jeweler's birthday party. Bring them to the palace along with three large pieces of cloth, and three big lumps… of clay. (beat) (a bit more slowly, to help listeners get the pun) Once we have the guests, the cloth, and the clay, then maybe… just maybe… the truth will start to take shape.

[THEME MUSIC IN]

NARRATOR: Cloth? Clay? What is Birbal up to? And whose story do you believe: the Jeweler's? Or the Merchant's?

“The truth will out” – or so we hope – after a quick break.

[THEME MUSIC OUT]

[SPONSOR BREAK]

[THEME MUSIC IN]

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Sheir. Today our story is called “The Lumps of Clay.”

[THEME MUSIC OUT]

NARRATOR: When we left off, wise, witty Birbal was presented with a curious case.

A Jeweler had hosted a birthday party for four guests – including her business associate, a Merchant. The Jeweler claimed she had shown her guests her newest acquisition – a golden elephant statue – and the Merchant had stolen it.

The Merchant, on the other hand, claimed there was no golden elephant, and that the Jeweler was just jealous of her success.

After Birbal heard both sides of the story, he asked his guards to bring him the three other party guests, plus three pieces of cloth, and three lumps of clay.

BIRBAL: Thank you, guards! And welcome, guests! If you don't mind, I'd like to ask the three of you some questions. (beat) First. Is it true that last night you attended the Jeweler's birthday party?

NARRATOR: The guests' faces lit up with smiles.

GUEST 1: It's true, Your Honor!

GUEST 2: We attended the Jeweler's birthday party!

GUEST 3: And what a party it was!

BIRBAL: Okay… (beat) And is it true that at this birthday party the Jeweler showed you… a golden elephant?

NARRATOR: The guests' smiles grew wider.

GUEST 1: She did show us a golden elephant, Your Honor!

GUEST 2: We got a nice long look at it!

GUEST 3: And what a beauty it was!

BIRBAL: Alright... (beat) And the Merchant here… did you see her hold the golden elephant in her hands?

NARRATOR: The guests' smiles faded.

GUEST 1: (no longer smiling) Oh, she was holding the golden elephant alright!

GUEST 2: (no longer smiling) She was practically drooling over it!

GUEST 3: (no longer smiling) She said it was the finest statue she'd ever seen, and she knew it would fetch a fortune at the marketplace!

BIRBAL: I see… (beat) And I appreciate your testimony. But we still have a bit more work to do. … Guards?

NARRATOR: Again, Birbal snapped his fingers. Again, the uniformed men snapped to attention.

BIRBAL: Guards, please take our three party guests here and escort them to three separate rooms in the palace.

NARRATOR: The guards did as they were told and ushered the three guests out of Birbal's chamber, down the palace corridor, and into three separate rooms.

When the guards returned, Birbal gave them a nod.

BIRBAL: Thank you, men. Now I want you to bring each guest a piece of cloth, and a lump of clay. Tell each guest to use the clay to sculpt an exact replica of the golden elephant they saw at the Jeweler's house. Tell them to capture as many details as possible. Then tell them to cover their sculpture with cloth, and wait for you to come back and get them. Tell them they have exactly one hour to complete their task.

NARRATOR: The guards bustled out of the room and delivered each guest the cloth, the clay, and Birbal's instructions.

Ten minutes went by… then thirty… and finally, after one hour had passed, the guards led the three party guests back to Birbal's chamber. Each guest was holding their cloth-covered clay in their hands.

BIRBAL: Welcome back, friends! Now let's take a look at those clay elephants of yours! At the count of three, I want you to remove your cloths. Ready? One… two… three!

NARRATOR: As the guests pulled their cloths away from their sculptures, the Jeweler's face fell.

JEWELER: Oh no!

NARRATOR: But the Merchant's face broke into a grin.

MERCHANT: Oh yes!

NARRATOR: And do you know why?

Well, the clay sculptures the party guests held in their hands… they were all very different!

Oh, sure, each one looked more or less like an elephant. But the first elephant was small, about the size of an orange, with its trunk hanging down toward the ground.

The second elephant was bigger, the size of a grapefruit, with its trunk sticking straight out from its body.

And the third elephant was even bigger – the size of a cantaloupe, say – with its trunk twisting and curving up to the sky!

Not only that, but the first sculpture had tusks… the second sculpture was missing a tail… and the third sculpture showed the elephant rearing up on its hind legs!

There was a gleam in Birbal's eye as he looked at the Jeweler.

BIRBAL: Well, Jeweler… You did say your three friends have ‘always had your back.' (beat) But in this case, they backed you up on an out-and-out lie!

NARRATOR: Birbal gestured toward the clay elephants.

BIRBAL: It's clear from these three very different sculptures that there was no golden elephant! You made the whole story up, just to ruin the Merchant's good name! But now, because of your dishonesty, I'm afraid you've ruined nobody's name but your own! (beat) This case is dismissed!

NARRATOR: The Jeweler threw up her hands and stomped out of Birbal's chamber in a huff.

JEWELER: (ad-lib leaving in a huff)

NARRATOR: The Merchant, on the other hand, stayed behind and thanked Birbal for proving her innocence.

Because, once again, the brilliant advisor had used his legendary wit and wisdom, cunning and cleverness to help the truth take shape.

'The Lumps of Clay' | Ep. 160 Die Lehmklumpen" | Ep. 160 'Τα κομμάτια του πηλού' | Ep. 160 Los terrones de arcilla' | Ep. 160 Les morceaux d'argile - Ép. 160 粘土の塊」|Ep.160 "Bryły gliny" | Ep. 160 'Os Pedaços de Barro' | Ep. 160 "Куски глины" | Эп. 160 'The Lumps of Clay' | Ep. 160 泥块》 | 第 160 集 '粘土塊' | EP。 160

The famous playwright and poet William Shakespeare once wrote: "The truth will out." Der berühmte Dramatiker und Dichter William Shakespeare schrieb einmal: "Die Wahrheit wird ans Licht kommen".

What he meant was, in most cases, in one way or another, the truth gets uncovered. Was er meinte, war, dass in den meisten Fällen auf die eine oder andere Weise die Wahrheit ans Licht kommt. And in today's story we'll catch up with a favorite Circle Round character who finds an ingenious way to bring the truth to light. Und in der heutigen Geschichte treffen wir auf eine Lieblingsfigur der Runde, die einen genialen Weg findet, die Wahrheit ans Licht zu bringen.

**NARRATOR:** Long ago, there lived a mighty emperor. The emperor's sprawling palace held treasures beyond compare: diamonds and pearls, sapphires and rubies, emeralds and amethysts. Der weitläufige Palast des Kaisers barg unvergleichliche Schätze: Diamanten und Perlen, Saphire und Rubine, Smaragde und Amethyste.

But the emperor's greatest treasure was his chief adviser: a clever, cunning man named Birbal. Aber der größte Schatz des Kaisers war sein wichtigster Berater: ein kluger, gerissener Mann namens Birbal.

Birbal was legendary for the sly and skillful ways he solved problems. And not just the emperor's problems! Und nicht nur die Probleme des Kaisers! When everyday citizens faced a dilemma or dispute, they often journeyed to the palace to seek Birbal's wisdom and judgment. Wenn die Bürger mit einem Dilemma oder Streit konfrontiert waren, reisten sie oft zum Palast, um Birbals Weisheit und Urteil zu erbitten.

One day, Birbal was visited by two women from the capital city: a Jeweler…

**JEWELER:** Greetings, Birbal!

**NARRATOR:** …and a Merchant. ...und ein Kaufmann.

**MERCHANT:** Salutations, Birbal!

**NARRATOR:** And as the Jeweler explained, the two women were business associates. Und wie der Juwelier erklärte, waren die beiden Frauen Geschäftspartnerinnen.

**JEWELER:** The Merchant and I have been working together for some years now. JEWELER: Der Kaufmann und ich arbeiten schon seit einigen Jahren zusammen. You see, I go about collecting all sorts of jewels, then the Merchant buys them, so she can travel the land and sell them at market. Ich sammle nämlich alle möglichen Juwelen, und die Händlerin kauft sie, damit sie durch das Land reisen und sie auf dem Markt verkaufen kann. And she's always been a trustworthy colleague and friend! Und sie war immer eine vertrauenswürdige Kollegin und Freundin! (beat) Until now. (Beat) Bis jetzt.

**MERCHANT:** Oh, no no no!

**NARRATOR:** The Merchant shot the Jeweler a withering look. Der Händler warf dem Juwelier einen vernichtenden Blick zu.

**MERCHANT:** It's you who's always been a trustworthy colleague and friend! MERCHANT: Du bist es, der immer ein vertrauenswürdiger Kollege und Freund gewesen ist! Until now!

**JEWELER:** That's not true!

**MERCHANT:** Yes, it is!

**JEWELER:** Is not!

**MERCHANT:** Is too!

**BIRBAL:** Ladies! Ladies! Please!

**NARRATOR:** Birbal held up his hand. Birbal hielt seine Hand hoch. The Jeweler and the Merchant fell silent. Der Juwelier und der Kaufmann verstummten.

**BIRBAL:** Jeweler. Since you started to explain your case, I'll allow you to finish. Da Sie begonnen haben, Ihren Fall zu erläutern, werde ich Sie ausreden lassen. What happened between you and the Merchant? Was ist zwischen Ihnen und dem Händler passiert?

**JEWELER:** Well, to be brief: the Merchant stole from me! JEWELER: Nun, um es kurz zu machen: Der Händler hat mich bestohlen!

**MERCHANT:** I most certainly did not! MERCHANT: Das habe ich ganz sicher nicht!

**JEWELER:** Did too!

**BIRBAL:** (dramatic throat-clearing to silence them) A-hem!!!!! BIRBAL: (dramatisches Räuspern, um sie zum Schweigen zu bringen) A-hem!!!!! (beat) Now, Jeweler. Please. Tell me your story.

**JEWELER:** Well, Your Honor… Yesterday was my birthday. JEWELER: Nun, Euer Ehren... Gestern war mein Geburtstag. So last night I hosted a dinner party for a handful of friends – including the Merchant. (beat) As it happens, before my guests arrived, I received a new shipment of jewels. (Beat) Bevor meine Gäste eintrafen, erhielt ich zufällig eine neue Lieferung von Juwelen. And included in this shipment… was a golden elephant.

**BIRBAL:** A “golden elephant”...?

**JEWELER:** Yes! A statue of an elephant, made entirely of gold! Die Statue eines Elefanten, ganz aus Gold! Not a life-sized statue, of course. More like something you could place on a table, for display. Eher etwas, das man auf einen Tisch stellen kann, um es auszustellen. (beat) But oh, it was beautiful! So beautiful that I decided I wouldn't sell it! So schön, dass ich beschlossen habe, es nicht zu verkaufen! Instead, I would keep it in my personal collection. Stattdessen würde ich es in meiner persönlichen Sammlung behalten. (beat) But when I woke up this morning… the golden elephant was missing! I couldn't find it anywhere!

**BIRBAL:** And you believe the Merchant stole it…? BIRBAL: Und Sie glauben, dass der Händler es gestohlen hat...?

**JEWELER:** I sure do! Last night, at my birthday party, I proudly showed the elephant to my guests. Gestern Abend, bei meiner Geburtstagsfeier, habe ich den Elefanten stolz meinen Gästen gezeigt. And I made it very clear that the statue wasn't for sale. Und ich habe sehr deutlich gemacht, dass die Statue nicht zum Verkauf steht. But the Merchant asked if she could hold it to get a better look. Aber die Händlerin fragte, ob sie es halten dürfe, um es besser sehen zu können. And as she handled the twinkling treasure, I swear I saw a glint in her eye. Und als sie den funkelnden Schatz anfasste, schwöre ich, dass ich ein Glitzern in ihren Augen sah. Little did I know, it was a glint of pure greed… Because now the elephant is gone! Ich konnte ja nicht ahnen, dass es sich dabei um ein Glitzern reiner Gier handelte... Denn jetzt ist der Elefant weg!

**NARRATOR:** The Jeweler jabbed a finger at the Merchant.

**JEWELER:** And this woman has it!

**MERCHANT:** But that's impossible!

**JEWELER:** No it isn't!

**BIRBAL:** Ladies! I implore you to behave yourselves, or I'll have this case dismissed. Ich bitte Sie inständig, sich zu benehmen, oder ich werde die Klage abweisen lassen.

**NARRATOR:** Birbal turned to the Jeweler. Birbal wandte sich an den Juwelier.

**BIRBAL:** Jeweler. You say you invited a “handful” of guests to your dinner party. Sie sagen, Sie hätten eine "Handvoll" Gäste zu Ihrer Dinnerparty eingeladen. How many guests were there?

**JEWELER:** Well… including the Merchant, there were four guests.

**BIRBAL:** So given that the Merchant was joined by three other people, how do you know one of the other three didn't steal the golden elephant? BIRBAL: Woher wissen Sie, dass nicht einer der drei anderen den goldenen Elefanten gestohlen hat, wenn drei weitere Personen bei dem Händler waren?

**JEWELER:** Well that's easy, Your Honor! Whereas the Merchant and I didn't meet until we were all grown up, I've known the other three guests since I was a girl! Während der Kaufmann und ich uns erst kennengelernt haben, als wir schon erwachsen waren, kenne ich die anderen drei Gäste, seit ich ein Mädchen war! They've always been my closest friends! They've always had my back. Sie haben mir immer den Rücken gestärkt.

**NARRATOR:** Birbal nodded.

**BIRBAL:** I see… And I thank you for sharing your side of the story, Jeweler. (beat) So now… (Beat) Und jetzt...

**NARRATOR:** His eyes rested on the Merchant. Sein Blick ruhte auf dem Händler.

**BIRBAL:** …let's hear your side, Merchant. BIRBAL: ...lassen Sie uns Ihre Seite hören, Merchant. After all, the Jeweler is accusing you of theft! Der Juwelier beschuldigt Sie nämlich des Diebstahls! That's a serious crime! Das ist ein schweres Verbrechen! Yet you insist you did not steal the elephant…? Dennoch bestehen Sie darauf, dass Sie den Elefanten nicht gestohlen haben...?

**MERCHANT:** There's no way I could have, Your Honor! MERCHANT: Das hätte ich nicht tun können, Euer Ehren! (beat) Because there wasn't an elephant to steal! (Beat) Weil es keinen Elefanten zu stehlen gab!

**NARRATOR:** Birbal cocked his head. Birbal legte den Kopf schief.

**BIRBAL:** What do you mean ‘there wasn't an elephant to steal'? ?

**MERCHANT:** Well, the Jeweler did invite me and three other guests to her party last night. MERCHANT: Nun, die Juwelierin hat mich und drei andere Gäste gestern Abend zu ihrer Party eingeladen. (beat) But she never showed us an elephant! (Beat) Aber sie hat uns nie einen Elefanten gezeigt! We ate dinner, we had birthday cake, then all the guests went home! Wir aßen zu Abend, es gab Geburtstagskuchen, und dann gingen alle Gäste nach Hause!

**BIRBAL:** (taking this new information in) Alright… BIRBAL: (nimmt diese neue Information auf) In Ordnung...

**NARRATOR:** Birbal folded his arms. Birbal verschränkte die Arme.

**BIRBAL:** So if there was “no elephant,” as you say, then why would the Jeweler accuse you of stealing one? BIRBAL: Wenn es also "keinen Elefanten" gab, wie Sie sagen, warum sollte der Juwelier Sie dann beschuldigen, einen gestohlen zu haben?

**MERCHANT:** Maybe because she's jealous of me! MERCHANT: Vielleicht, weil sie eifersüchtig auf mich ist! I've been selling her jewels for some time now, and I've made a nice profit! Ich verkaufe ihre Juwelen schon seit einiger Zeit und habe einen schönen Gewinn gemacht! That's how it works when you're a merchant. So funktioniert es, wenn Sie ein Händler sind. You buy goods for one price, then you mark them up: you charge more than you paid for them. Sie kaufen eine Ware zu einem bestimmten Preis und erhöhen dann den Preis: Sie verlangen mehr, als Sie für die Ware bezahlt haben. That's good business!

**JEWELER:** I'm sorry! “Jealous” of you?!? "Eifersüchtig" auf dich?!? Puh-leeeeze! I'm not jealous of you! You're jealous of me! Because I wouldn't sell you that golden elephant! Denn ich würde Ihnen den goldenen Elefanten nicht verkaufen! And you couldn't make a profit off of it! So you stole it!

**MERCHANT:** But like I said, there's no way I could have possibly stolen –

**BIRBAL:** Ladies! (beat) I appreciate you sharing both sides of your story. (Beat) Ich schätze es, dass Sie beide Seiten Ihrer Geschichte erzählen. But before I can make a judgment on this case, I'm going to need a few things. Aber bevor ich mir ein Urteil über diesen Fall bilden kann, brauche ich ein paar Dinge. (beat) Guards?

**NARRATOR:** Birbal snapped his fingers, and a pair of uniformed men snapped to attention. Birbal schnippte mit den Fingern, und ein paar Uniformierte schritten zur Tat.

**BIRBAL:** Listen, men. BIRBAL: Hört zu, Männer. I want you to go out and find the other three guests from the Jeweler's birthday party. Bring them to the palace along with three large pieces of cloth, and three big lumps… of clay. Bringt sie in den Palast, zusammen mit drei großen Stücken Stoff und drei großen Klumpen... Ton. (beat) (a bit more slowly, to help listeners get the pun) Once we have the guests, the cloth, and the clay, then maybe… just maybe… the truth will start to take shape. (Beat) (etwas langsamer, damit die Zuhörer das Wortspiel besser verstehen) Wenn wir erst einmal die Gäste, den Stoff und den Lehm haben, dann wird vielleicht... nur vielleicht... die Wahrheit langsam Gestalt annehmen.

**[THEME MUSIC IN]**

**NARRATOR:** Cloth? Clay? What is Birbal up to? And whose story do you believe: the Jeweler's? Und wessen Geschichte glauben Sie: die des Juweliers? Or the Merchant's?

“The truth will out” – or so we hope – after a quick break.

**[THEME MUSIC OUT]**

**[SPONSOR BREAK]**

**[THEME MUSIC IN]**

**NARRATOR:** Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Sheir. Today our story is called “The Lumps of Clay.”

**[THEME MUSIC OUT]**

**NARRATOR:** When we left off, wise, witty Birbal was presented with a curious case. Als wir aufhörten, wurde der kluge, witzige Birbal mit einem seltsamen Fall konfrontiert.

A Jeweler had hosted a birthday party for four guests – including her business associate, a Merchant. Eine Juwelierin hatte eine Geburtstagsfeier für vier Gäste ausgerichtet, darunter ihr Geschäftspartner, ein Kaufmann. The Jeweler claimed she had shown her guests her newest acquisition – a golden elephant statue – and the Merchant had stolen it. Die Juwelierin behauptete, sie habe ihren Gästen ihre neueste Errungenschaft - eine goldene Elefantenstatue - gezeigt und der Händler habe sie gestohlen.

The Merchant, on the other hand, claimed there was no golden elephant, and that the Jeweler was just jealous of her success. Die Händlerin hingegen behauptete, es gäbe keinen goldenen Elefanten, und der Juwelier sei nur neidisch auf ihren Erfolg.

After Birbal heard both sides of the story, he asked his guards to bring him the three other party guests, plus three pieces of cloth, and three lumps of clay. Nachdem Birbal beide Seiten der Geschichte gehört hatte, bat er seine Wachen, ihm die drei anderen Partygäste sowie drei Stücke Stoff und drei Tonklumpen zu bringen.

**BIRBAL:** Thank you, guards! And welcome, guests! If you don't mind, I'd like to ask the three of you some questions. Wenn Sie nichts dagegen haben, würde ich Ihnen drei gerne ein paar Fragen stellen. (beat) First. Is it true that last night you attended the Jeweler's birthday party? Stimmt es, dass Sie gestern Abend auf der Geburtstagsparty des Juweliers waren?

**NARRATOR:** The guests' faces lit up with smiles. Die Gesichter der Gäste erhellten sich mit einem Lächeln.

**GUEST 1:** It's true, Your Honor! GAST 1: Es ist wahr, Euer Ehren!

**GUEST 2:** We attended the Jeweler's birthday party! GAST 2: Wir waren bei der Geburtstagsparty des Juweliers!

**GUEST 3:** And what a party it was! GAST 3: Und was für eine Party das war!

**BIRBAL:** Okay… (beat) And is it true that at this birthday party the Jeweler showed you… a golden elephant? BIRBAL: Okay... (beat) Und ist es wahr, dass der Juwelier dir auf dieser Geburtstagsfeier einen goldenen Elefanten gezeigt hat?

**NARRATOR:** The guests' smiles grew wider. Das Lächeln der Gäste wurde breiter.

**GUEST 1:** She did show us a golden elephant, Your Honor! GAST 1: Sie hat uns einen goldenen Elefanten gezeigt, Euer Ehren!

**GUEST 2:** We got a nice long look at it! GAST 2: Wir haben einen schönen langen Blick darauf geworfen!

**GUEST 3:** And what a beauty it was! GAST 3: Und was für eine Schönheit das war!

**BIRBAL:** Alright... (beat) And the Merchant here… did you see her hold the golden elephant in her hands? BIRBAL: Also gut... (Beat) Und die Händlerin hier... hast du gesehen, wie sie den goldenen Elefanten in den Händen hielt?

**NARRATOR:** The guests' smiles faded. Das Lächeln der Gäste verblasste.

**GUEST 1:** (no longer smiling) Oh, she was holding the golden elephant alright! GAST 1: (lächelt nicht mehr) Oh, sie hatte den goldenen Elefanten in der Hand!

**GUEST 2:** (no longer smiling) She was practically drooling over it! GAST 2: (lächelt nicht mehr) Sie hat geradezu danach gesabbert!

**GUEST 3:** (no longer smiling) She said it was the finest statue she'd ever seen, and she knew it would fetch a fortune at the marketplace! GAST 3: (lächelt nicht mehr) Sie sagte, es sei die schönste Statue, die sie je gesehen habe, und sie wisse, dass sie auf dem Markt ein Vermögen einbringen würde!

**BIRBAL:** I see… (beat) And I appreciate your testimony. BIRBAL: Ich verstehe... (Beat) Und ich weiß Ihre Aussage zu schätzen. But we still have a bit more work to do. Aber wir haben noch ein bisschen mehr Arbeit vor uns. … Guards?

**NARRATOR:** Again, Birbal snapped his fingers. Wieder schnippte Birbal mit den Fingern. Again, the uniformed men snapped to attention. Wieder schalteten die Uniformierten ihre Aufmerksamkeit ein.

**BIRBAL:** Guards, please take our three party guests here and escort them to three separate rooms in the palace. BIRBAL: Wachen, bitte nehmt unsere drei Partygäste hier und bringt sie in drei verschiedene Räume des Palastes.

**NARRATOR:** The guards did as they were told and ushered the three guests out of Birbal's chamber, down the palace corridor, and into three separate rooms. Die Wachen taten, wie ihnen geheißen, und geleiteten die drei Gäste aus Bibals Gemach, den Palastkorridor hinunter und in drei separate Räume.

When the guards returned, Birbal gave them a nod.

**BIRBAL:** Thank you, men. Now I want you to bring each guest a piece of cloth, and a lump of clay. Jetzt möchte ich, dass ihr jedem Gast ein Stück Stoff und einen Klumpen Ton bringt. Tell each guest to use the clay to sculpt an exact replica of the golden elephant they saw at the Jeweler's house. Sagen Sie jedem Gast, dass er mit der Knete eine genaue Nachbildung des goldenen Elefanten formen soll, den er im Haus des Juweliers gesehen hat. Tell them to capture as many details as possible. Sagen Sie ihnen, sie sollen so viele Details wie möglich festhalten. Then tell them to cover their sculpture with cloth, and wait for you to come back and get them. Sagen Sie ihnen dann, dass sie ihre Skulptur mit einem Tuch bedecken und warten sollen, bis Sie zurückkommen und sie holen. Tell them they have exactly one hour to complete their task. Sagen Sie ihnen, dass sie genau eine Stunde Zeit haben, um ihre Aufgabe zu erfüllen.

**NARRATOR:** The guards bustled out of the room and delivered each guest the cloth, the clay, and Birbal's instructions. Die Wachen verließen eilig den Raum und übergaben jedem Gast das Tuch, den Lehm und Birbals Anweisungen.

Ten minutes went by… then thirty… and finally, after one hour had passed, the guards led the three party guests back to Birbal's chamber. Zehn Minuten vergingen... dann dreißig... und schließlich, nachdem eine Stunde vergangen war, führten die Wachen die drei Partygäste zurück in Birbals Kammer. Each guest was holding their cloth-covered clay in their hands. Jeder Gast hielt seinen mit einem Tuch bedeckten Ton in der Hand.

**BIRBAL:** Welcome back, friends! Now let's take a look at those clay elephants of yours! Und jetzt schauen wir uns mal deine Knetelefanten an! At the count of three, I want you to remove your cloths. Wenn ich bis drei gezählt habe, möchte ich, dass Sie Ihre Kleidung ablegen. Ready? Sind Sie bereit? One… two… three!

**NARRATOR:** As the guests pulled their cloths away from their sculptures, the Jeweler's face fell.

**JEWELER:** Oh no!

**NARRATOR:** But the Merchant's face broke into a grin.

**MERCHANT:** Oh yes!

**NARRATOR:** And do you know why?

Well, the clay sculptures the party guests held in their hands… they were all very different!

Oh, sure, each one looked more or less like an elephant. But the first elephant was small, about the size of an orange, with its trunk hanging down toward the ground. Aber der erste Elefant war klein, etwa so groß wie eine Orange, und sein Rüssel hing zum Boden herab.

The second elephant was bigger, the size of a grapefruit, with its trunk sticking straight out from its body.

And the third elephant was even bigger – the size of a cantaloupe, say – with its trunk twisting and curving up to the sky!

Not only that, but the first sculpture had tusks… the second sculpture was missing a tail… and the third sculpture showed the elephant rearing up on its hind legs!

There was a gleam in Birbal's eye as he looked at the Jeweler. Birbals Augen funkelten, als er den Juwelier ansah.

**BIRBAL:** Well, Jeweler… You did say your three friends have ‘always had your back.' BIRBAL: Nun, Juwelier... Sie sagten, dass Ihre drei Freunde "immer hinter Ihnen gestanden haben". (beat) But in this case, they backed you up on an out-and-out lie! (Beat) Aber in diesem Fall haben sie Sie mit einer glatten Lüge unterstützt!

**NARRATOR:** Birbal gestured toward the clay elephants. Birbal gestikulierte in Richtung der Elefanten aus Ton.

**BIRBAL:** It's clear from these three very different sculptures that there was no golden elephant! BIRBAL: Aus diesen drei sehr unterschiedlichen Skulpturen wird deutlich, dass es keinen goldenen Elefanten gab! You made the whole story up, just to ruin the Merchant's good name! Sie haben die ganze Geschichte erfunden, nur um den guten Namen des Händlers zu ruinieren! But now, because of your dishonesty, I'm afraid you've ruined nobody's name but your own! Aber jetzt haben Sie durch Ihre Unehrlichkeit leider nur Ihren eigenen Namen ruiniert! (beat) This case is dismissed! (beat) Die Klage wird abgewiesen!

**NARRATOR:** The Jeweler threw up her hands and stomped out of Birbal's chamber in a huff. Die Juwelierin warf die Hände hoch und verließ wütend Birbals Gemach.

**JEWELER:** (ad-lib leaving in a huff) JEWELER: (geht verärgert weg)

**NARRATOR:** The Merchant, on the other hand, stayed behind and thanked Birbal for proving her innocence. Der Händler hingegen blieb zurück und dankte Birbal dafür, dass er ihre Unschuld bewiesen hatte.

Because, once again, the brilliant advisor had used his legendary wit and wisdom, cunning and cleverness to help the truth take shape. Denn wieder einmal hatte der brillante Berater seinen legendären Witz und seine Weisheit, seine Gerissenheit und Klugheit eingesetzt, um der Wahrheit auf die Sprünge zu helfen. زیرا یک بار دیگر مشاور باهوش از هوش و خرد افسانه ای، حیله گری و زیرکی خود استفاده کرده بود تا به حقیقت کمک کند.