The emperor asked Tenali Rama whether a person could be distinguished despite being a beggar. Rama said yes.
"Then bring such a person to me," commanded the emperor.
The next day, Rama arrived at court with a beggar and presented him before the emperor.
Rama said, "Emperor, this man is a destitute beggar."
"I can see that, but in what way is he distinguished?"
"Today, this poor man had the good fortune of seeing the emperor. Doesn't that make him distinguished?"
The emperor was speechless. He rewarded Tenali Rama for his intelligence. He also gave the beggar a bag of gold coins so he could live happily.