n the stranger, 'and of illustrious title.' The stranger made
a graceful inclination of the head in token of acknowledgment of the
complimentary remarks, and the astrologer proceeded with his mission.

"The celestial signs were ominous of calamity to the stranger, who,
probably observing a sudden change in the countenance of the astrologer,
eagerly inquired what evil or good fortune had been assigned him by the
celestial orbs.

"'To the first part of your inquiry,' said the astrologer, 'I can readily
reply. You have been a favorite of fortune; her smiles on you have been
abundant, her frowns but few; you have had, perhaps now possess, wealth
and power; the impossibility of their accomplishment is the only limit
to the fulfilment of your desires.'"

"'You have spoken truly of the past,' said the stranger. 'I have full
faith in your revelations of the future: what say you of my pilgrimage
in this life--is it short or long?'

"'I regret,' replied the astrologer, in answer to this inquiry, 'to be
the herald of ill, though TRUE, fortune; your sojourn on earth will be
short.'

"'How short?' eagerly inquired the excited and anxious stranger.

"'Give me a momentary truce,' said the astrologer; 'I will consult the
horoscope, and may possibly find some mitigating circumstances.'

"Having cast his eyes over the celestial map, and paused for some
moments, he surveyed the countenance of the stranger with great
sympathy, and said, 'I am sorry that I can find no planetary influences
that oppose your destiny--your death will take place in two years.'

"The event justified the astrologic prediction: George IV. died on May
18, 1830, exactly two years from the day on which he had visited the
astrologer."(8)

This makes a very pretty story, but it hardly seems like occult insight
that an astrologer should have been able to predict an early death of a
man nearly seventy years old, or to have guessed that his well-groomed
visitor "had, perhaps now possesses, wealth and power." Here again,
however, the point of view of each individual plays the governing part
in determining the importance of such a document. To the scientist
it proves nothing; to the believer in astrology, everything. The
significant thing is that it appeared shortly AFTER the death of the
monarch.

On the Continent astrologers were even more in favor than in England.
Charlemagne, and some of his immediate successors, to be sure, attempted
to exterminate them, b