A medieval astrologer prophesied to a king that his favorite mistress would soon die. Sure enough, the woman died a short time later. The king was outraged at the astrologer, certain that

 A medieval astrologer prophesied to a king that his favorite mistress would soon die.

Sure enough, the woman died a short time later.

The king was outraged at the astrologer, certain that his words had somehow caused her death. Furious, he summoned the astrologer to his throne room.

King: “You! You predicted my mistress would die—and then she did! That must mean you’re a fraud or a sorcerer! Either way, I should have you executed!”

The astrologer gulped but quickly thought of a way to save himself.

Astrologer: “Your Majesty, before you pass judgment… may I ask one thing?”

The king narrowed his eyes. “Speak.”

The astrologer took a deep breath. “Since I seem to predict deaths so well… I wonder… when will I die?”

The king smirked. “Ha! That’s easy. Right now! Guards, take him to the gallows!”

But just as the guards stepped forward, the astrologer raised a hand dramatically.

Astrologer: “Ah! But, Your Majesty, my visions tell me something important! I cannot die today! No, no! Because my fate is mysteriously linked… to YOURS! Yes, my King, I will die exactly three days before you do!”

The king’s face went pale.

The guards hesitated.

The king gulped. “Wait… what did you say?”

Astrologer: “Oh yes, Sire. If I perish today, well… history has shown my predictions are always right. So…”

The king immediately jumped up from his throne. “Cancel the execution! Give this man a royal suite! Feed him grapes! Bring him a personal guard! If anyone lays a FINGER on him, they shall suffer greatly!”

From that day on, the astrologer was treated like royalty, given the best food, the finest clothes, and personal protection at all times.

And so, he lived a long, comfortable life… all thanks to one very well-timed prophecy.