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LostInParadise's avatar

What would you have said?

Asked by LostInParadise (31905points) March 7th, 2010

I just read a wonderful example of someone thinking quickly on his feet and I would like to share it with you in the form of a question.

Louis XIV was a believer in astrology. One of his courtiers used horoscopes to predict the death of someone at court and turned out to be correct. The King was afraid that someone with that kind of power might undermine his control, so he decided to have the courtier killed. He had the man brought before him and said something to the effect of, “I see you are a master of astrology. Tell me what fate befalls you and when it will happen.”

The courtier not only guessed what the King was planning but managed to save his life. What might he have answered?

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7 Answers

janbb's avatar

“I see that I am going to be killed right after your death.”

babaji's avatar

“Today by your hand i will die, but even knowing this before i came here, i had to come to warn you that your people will rise up and storm your castle in two days time, if you are here , the fire will take your life, so you must take your safety.”

john65pennington's avatar

“Sir, i see a beautiful woman in your future. she will arrive on a white horse and has many chests filled with gold hidden somewhere in her country. she will be your next bride. her treasures will be your treasures, but only under one condition…........the beautiful woman is my sister. she is the Queen of Corinth and does not hear or talk. I am her brother. i am the only person that can translate her words to you, in order seek her treasures. therefore, my life should be spared for the sake of your gold”.

Parrappa's avatar

“You smell funny”

galileogirl's avatar

Dieu seul le sait

filmfann's avatar

“I am to be killed the same day as your death.”

LostInParadise's avatar

@janbb and @filmfann got it right. He was a tad more subtle though. He said the King’s death would follow his by 3 days.

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