"You must learn to understand the writings."

"I want to know living creatures."

The old man looked at the boy with an air of vexation. "Tell me, you
bold son of man, under what sign of the zodiac were you born?"

"Under that of the ox and the ass," answered the boy Jesus.

The man of learning immediately hurried into his cave, lighted his
lamp, and consulted his hieroglyphics. Under the ox and the ass--he
grew afraid. Away with Libra, away with Libra! He investigated yet
again. It stood written on the stone and in the roll. He went out
again, and looked at the boy, but differently from before, uneasily, in
great excitement.

"Listen, boy, I've cast your horoscope."

"What is it?"

"By the ancient and sacred signs I've read your fate. Knowing under
what sign of the zodiac and under which stars you were born, I can
enlighten you as to the fate you go to meet so callously. Do you
desire to know it?"

"If I desire to know it, I will ask my Father."

"Is your father an astrologer?"