The Copper Coin

One evening, as Tenali Rama was leaving the emperor's court, a copper coin fell out of his pocket. Unfortunately, it was the only coin he had with him, so he began to look for it. 

The royal priest, who was jealous of Rama, never missed an opportunity to belittle him. "Your Majesty, see how miserly Rama is," he said. "Despite all you have given him, he is searching for a mere copper coin."

There were still people in the court moving about who had not yet left.

Rama bowed to the emperor and said, "The priest is mistaken; I'm searching for the coin not because of its monetary value. Your image is engraved on one of its sides, and I don't want anyone to step on it."

The emperor was so pleased with Rama's reply that he immediately took off his diamond ring and presented it to Rama.