When the king heard the truth, he felt embarrassed for his earlier decision. He asked his soldiers, "He is a potter, who has deceived me by pretending to be a warrior. Drive him away from the army!"
The potter fell on his knees, and pleaded to the king, "O King, please do not do this. Have mercy on me, for I am sure I will be able to prove my bravery on the battleground. Please give me a chance to prove my worth."
The king replied, "You may have excellent qualities, and you may be brave. But you do not possess the qualities required on the battleground. When the other warriors will come to know that you are only a potter, they will ridicule you. You will get yourself killed on the battleground! It is better if you leave, and return to your home."
The potter understood the king's advice, and left the palace immediately.
The wise indeed say:
Continue being what you are, else you pay for it.
