Something That Can’t Be Stolen
Doeramarthand was the King of Dheerpuri. After his passing, Prince Veerasimha ascended the throne. At that time, he was quite young and, like every young man, more interested in fun and frolic. Fortunately, the ministers of Dheerpuri were loyal and efficient, allowing him to entrust the administration to their capable hands while he often spent his days hunting. In fact, he would venture into the forest with his men and not return for days on end.
One day, Veerasimha was on his way back to the capital when he suddenly decided to spend one more day away from the palace. As he passed through a village, the locals gave him a warm reception. A wealthy landlord of the area invited him to spend the night at his residence, where he extended all comforts befitting a royal guest.
After dinner, during their conversation, the king asked his host, “How old would you be?”
“Oh! I really don’t know, Your Highness,” replied the landlord with a smile. “I could be sixty or seventy.”
“That’s quite old,” remarked Veerasimha. “You must be careful.”
“Your Highness,” said the landlord, “I possess a few acres of farmland, along with some jewelry and money. I am always on guard to ensure that my wealth does not get stolen. However, my consolation is that nobody can rob me of my age! So, I am the least bothered. That’s why I don’t keep track of my age!”
