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Part II. affirmed, that of an infinite number of predictions so very few proved true, that the truth of those few ought to be looked upon as an effect of chance.

I have formerly been very curious and inquisitive as to futurity, said the King, but I have seen so many false and improbable things, that I am satisfied there is no truth in that pretended art. Not many years since there came hither a man of great reputation in astrology; everybody went to see him; I went among others, but without saying who I was, and I carried with me the duke of Guise and Descars, and made them go in first; nevertheless the astrologer addressed himself first to me, as if he had concluded me to be their master; perhaps he knew me, and yet he told me one thing that was very unsuitable to my character, if he had known me; his prediction was that I should be killed in a duel; he told the duke of Guise, that he should die of a wound received behind; and he told Descars he should be knocked of the head by the kick of a horse; the duke of Guise was a little angry at the prediction, as if it imported he should run away; nor was Descars better pleased to find he was to make his exit by so unfortunate an accident; in a word, we went away all three of us very much out of humour with the astrologer; I don't know what will happen to the duke of Guise and Descars, but there is not much probability of my being killed in a duel; the king of Spain and I have just made peace, and if we had not, I question whether we should have fought, or if I should have challenged him, as the king my father did Charles V.

After the King had related the misfortune that was foretold him, those who had defended astrology abandoned the argument, and agreed there was no credit to be given to it. For my part, said the duke de Nemours aloud, I have the least reason of any man in the world to credit it; and then turning himself to madam de Cleves, near whom he stood, It has been foretold me,