Astrologer Frightened Louis Into Mercy

According to one traditional story, French king Louis XI plotted to kill a court astrologer who correctly predicted a death in his court, fearing he'd done it himself. Before proceeding, Louis challenged the man to predict when he would die. Realizing the king's intention, the astrologer replied, "I shall die just three days before your Majesty." The answer frightened the superstitious Louis into sparing his life.

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