"Which will prove most firm and true," answered the Astrologer, boldly. "I would desire no greater triumph of art over ignorance, than that prediction and its accomplishment will afford. I told thee he would be faithful in any honourable commission – Hath he not been so? – I told thee he would be scrupulous in aiding any evil enterprise – Hath he not proved so? If you doubt it, go ask the Bohemian, Hayraddin Maugrabin."
The King here coloured deeply with shame and anger.
"I told thee," continued the Astrologer, "that the conjunction of planets under which he set forth, augured danger to the person – and hath not his path been beset by danger? – I told thee that it augured an advantage to the sender – and of that thou wilt soon have the benefit."
"Soon have the benefit!" exclaimed the King; "Have I not the result already, in disgrace and imprisonment?"
"No," answered the Astrologer, "the End is not as yet – thine own tongue shall ere long confess the benefit which thou hast received, from the manner in which the messenger bore himself in discharging thy commission."
"This is too – too insolent," said the King, "at once to deceive and to insult – But hence! – think not my wrongs shall be unavenged. – There is a Heaven above us!."
Galeotti turned to depart. "Yet stop," said Louis – "thou bearest thine imposture bravely out – Let me hear your answer to one question, and think ere you speak. – Can thy pretended skill ascertain the hour of thine own death?"
"Only by referring to the fate of another," said Galeotti.
"I understand not thine answer," said Louis.
"Know then, O King," said Martius, "that this only I can tell with certainty concerning mine own death, that it shall take place exactly twenty-four hours before that of your Majesty.[53] "