The Clever Astrologer

A king of a certain country had the habit of inviting astrologers to his palace to predict the future. If he heard anything disagreeable he would immediately punish the astrologer. If what he heard was pleasant the astrologer would be rewarded handsomely. For fear of their lives, all the astrologers of that country had forecast that only good would happen to the king. 

One day an astrologer from a far off place wandered into the kingdom. He was brought before the king. But no one had warned him of the king’s preference of listening to good feature only. Some of what he said displeased the king. He wanted the astrologer to be beheaded. Well, do you know how long you are going to live? Asked the king.

Sensing danger, the astrologer replied immediately. Of course, Your Majesty. I can see my life coming to an end just three days before your Majesty’s.
Hearing this clever answer the king’s anger disappeared. He rewarded the astrologer and made him one of his courtiers.