You are yourself aware I had no means of doing so; and yet I tell you--I who have been thus shut up in solitude and study--that within these twenty-four hours your star has become predominant in the horizon, and either the bright book of heaven speaks false, or there must have been a proportionate revolution in your fortunes upon earth.

If nothing has happened within that space to secure your power, or advance your favour, then am I indeed a cheat, and the divine art, which was first devised in the plains of Chaldea, is a foul imposture." "It is true," said Leicester, after a moment's reflection, "thou wert closely immured; and it is also true that the change has taken place in my situation which thou sayest the horoscope indicates." "Wherefore this distrust then, my son ?" said the astrologer, assuming a tone of admonition; "the celestial intelligences brook not diffidence, even in their favourites." "Peace, father," answered Leicester, "I have erred in doubting thee.
Not to mortal man, nor to celestial intelligence--under that which is supreme--will Dudley's lips say more in condescension or apology.

Speak rather to the present purpose.

Amid these bright promises thou hast said there was a threatening aspect.

Can thy skill tell whence, or by whose means, such danger seems to impend ?" "Thus far only," answered the astrologer, "does my art enable me to answer your query.