Laughter at Death

One day, a stranger entered the court of Prince Yan of China. He impressed the Prince with his stature, gait, and style of speaking. He appeared to be a very wise man.

“I know the formula for a potion that will make you immortal,” he confided to the Prince. “I can teach this formula to one of your trusted courtiers.”

The Prince was thrilled by this revelation. He chose a young scholar and asked him to learn the formula from the stranger. The stranger was lodged in the best royal guest house and was provided with anything he desired, particularly an array of delicious dishes. He certainly loved to eat well.

However, he indulged a bit too much and ultimately died from overeating. “Have you learned the formula?” the Prince asked the scholar.

“No, Your Majesty, there was no…”

“Put this fellow to death!” the angry Prince commanded.

The scholar was led to the execution ground, where he began to laugh uncontrollably.

“Why are you laughing?” asked the Prince, puzzled.

“Now that I am going to die, I have no fear to ask you a question: If the stranger knew the potion for immortality, why should he die?” said the scholar.

The embarrassed Prince had no answer. The scholar was executed while still laughing, but the Prince himself forgot how to laugh for the rest of his life. Ultimately, everyone laughed at him.