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king might be to what was going on, it was impossible for him to decide the right time for

every action. They suggested that the king should have a council of wise men who would help
him to fix the proper time for everything.

But then again, some others opined that some things could not wait, hence had to be decided
at once. But in order to know that, one must know beforehand what was going to happen. In

order to know the right time for every action, one must consult magicians!
For the second question too, there were varied answers. Some said the people and the king

most needed were his councillors; others, the priests; others, the doctors; while some said
the warriors were the most necessary.

To the third question, as to what the most important occupation was, some replied that
the most important thing in the world was science. Others said it was skill in warfare, and

others, again that it was religious worship.

The king agreed with none of them,
and gave the reward to none. But still
wishing to find the right answers to

his questions, he decided to consult
a hermit, widely renowned for his
wisdom.

The hermit received none but common
folk. So the king put on simple clothes,

and went alone to meet the hermit.
When he went there, the hermit was
digging the ground in front of his hut.

Seeing the king, he greeted him and

went on digging.

The hermit was frail and weak and
each time he stuck his spade into the ground and turned a little earth, he breathed heavily.

The king went up to him and said “I have come to you, O’wise hermit to ask you to answer
three questions. How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people

I most need, and to whom I should therefore, pay more attention? And, what affairs are the
most important and need my first attention?”

The hermit listened to the king, but answered nothing. He continued to dig the earth. “You
are tired,” said the king. “Let me take the spade and work a while for you”. “Thanks!” said the
hermit, and giving the spade to the king, he sat down on the ground.

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