diff --git a/include/mapnik/box2d_impl.hpp b/include/mapnik/box2d_impl.hpp
index 7f3e9d1e7..9df14e177 100644
--- a/include/mapnik/box2d_impl.hpp
+++ b/include/mapnik/box2d_impl.hpp
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@ T box2d<T>::operator[] (int index) const
     case -1:
         return maxy_;
     default:
-        throw std::out_of_range("index out of range, max value is 3, min value is -4 ");
+        throw std::out_of_range(std::string("index out of range, max value is 3, min value is -4 "));
     }
 }