The Emperor Adrian, passing through the streets of Tiberias, noticed a very old man planting a fig tree, and pausing, said to him: —. " Wherefore plant that tree? If thou didst labor in thy youth, thou shouldst now have a store for thy old age, and surely of the fruit of this tree thou canst not hope to eat.*. The old man answered: —. " In my youth I worked, and I still work. With God's good pleasure I may e'en partake of the fruit of this tree I plant.
I am in His hands.". "Tell me thy age," said the emperor. "I have lived for a hundred years.". "A hundred years old, and still expect to eat from the fruit of this tree? ".
"If such be God's pleasure," replied the old man; "if not, I will leave it for my son, as my father left the fruit of his labor for me.". "Well," said the emperor, "if thou dost live until the figs from this tree are ripe, I pray thee let me know of it.".