The Cunning of an Astrologer

An astrologer once foretold something disagreeable to the King. The next day, the King sent for the astrologer. While the old man was waiting for the King’s words, the King said, "I know the fate of others; tell me what will be your own, and how long will you live?"

The astrologer, who now began to fear some danger, answered with great presence of mind, "I know my fate, and I am certain that I shall die three days before your majesty."

The King did not want to throw the astrologer out of the window. He took particularly good care of him.