The King and the Astrologer
How to Study
Read the Model Story that is best for you, or use the Writing Outline to write your own story.
Short Version
Once there was a king. He always wanted to know about his future.
One day, a famous astrologer came to the capital. The king called him and asked about his future. The astrologer told him something unpleasant.
The king became very angry and ordered his men to kill the astrologer. Before they took him away, the king suddenly asked, “How long will you live?”
The astrologer quickly thought of a clever answer. He said, “The stars say that I will die only one week before you die.”
The king became very afraid. He thought, “If this man dies, I may die one week later.”
So, he changed his order. He told his men to let the astrologer go and never bring him back.
Moral: Quick thinking can save a person from danger.
Expanded Version
Once there was a king who always wanted to know what would happen in the future. He listened carefully to anyone who claimed to understand the stars.
One day, a famous astrologer came to the capital. People said that he could tell what would happen in a person’s life.
The king called the astrologer to the palace and asked him to speak about the king’s future.
The astrologer studied his charts and then gave an answer that the king did not like. The words made the king very angry.
In his anger, the king ordered his guards to take the astrologer away and kill him.
The astrologer became frightened, but he did not lose his presence of mind.
Before the guards took him away, the king suddenly asked, “You say you can tell the future. Then tell me this: how long will you live?”
The astrologer quickly understood that his answer could save or end his life.
He calmly replied, “Your Majesty, according to the stars, I will die only one week before you die.”
The king was shocked. He thought, “If this man dies today, perhaps I will die one week later.”
His anger changed to fear.
At once, the king cancelled his order. He told the guards to release the astrologer and make sure that no harm came to him.
The astrologer left the palace safely because he had used his intelligence at the right moment.
Moral: Quick thinking can save a person from danger.