Once there was a king who was very much fond of knowing his future from astrologers. A good astrologer happened to stop at his capital on his way to Benaras. The king called on him to his palace. Then, he wanted to know his future and the astrologer said something unpleasant. At this the king got furious and condemned him to death as a punishment. But before taking him to the prison, the king said to him, "How long would you live?" With a ready wit he said, "The stars declare that I shall die only a weak before your Majesty." At this the king turned pale as dead and shouted, "Drive this wretch away, let him not come again."