Tenali Rama's Death

One day, Tenali Rama was bitten by a snake. Knowing that his end was near, he sent a messenger to call the emperor. But the emperor did not take the messenger seriously, as he thought Rama was trying to fool him. As a result, the emperor was not present when Rama breathed his last.

Upon learning that his dear friend was indeed no more, the emperor was devastated. "O Rama," he lamented, "you have made me laugh so many times. I thought this was yet another of your pranks; otherwise, I would have come to your side at once. Now you have left me all alone and heartbroken."

Rama's death upset not just the emperor but the whole kingdom. Tenali Rama died several centuries ago, but his wit and eloquence live on in the hearts of lakhs of people even today.