k into his own country。〃
Zhuge Liang listened to the end； then； without a word； he fell in a swoon。 He recovered after a time； but he was broken。
He said； 〃My mind is all in confusion。 This is a return of my old illness； and I am doomed。〃
Ill as he was； Zhuge Liang that night went forth from his tent to scan the heavens and study the stars。 They filled him with fear。
He returned and said to Jiang Wei； 〃My life may end at any moment。〃
〃Why do you say such a thing？〃
〃Just now in the Triumvirate constellation the Guest Star was twice as bright as usual； while the Host Star was darkened； the supporting stars were also obscure。 With such an aspect I know my fate。〃
〃If the aspect be as malignant as you say； why not pray in order to avert it？〃 replied Jiang Wei。
〃I am in the habit of praying；〃 replied Zhuge Liang； 〃but I know not the will of God。 However； prepare me forty…nine guards and let each have a black flag。 Dress them in black and place them outside my tent。 Then will I from within my tent invoke the Seven Stars of the North。 If my master…lamp remain alight for seven days； then is my life to be prolonged for twelve years。 If the lamp goes out； then I am to die。 Keep all idlers away from the tent； and let a couple of guards bring me what is necessary。〃
Jiang Wei prepared as directed。
It was then the eighth month； mid…autumn； and the Milky Way was brilliant with scattered jade。 The air was perfectly calm； and no sound was heard。 The forty…nine men were brought up and spaced out to guard the tent； while within Zhuge Liang prepared incense and offerings。 On the floor of the tent he arranged seven lamps； and； outside these； forty…nine smaller lamps。 In the midst he placed the lamp of his own fate。