Prognosticon

it is easily gathered. This one thing I know, and I affirm it constantly: many men will die entirely from various and manifold diseases of the nature of Mars.

On the state of fertility. Chapter nine.

And if all astrologers, led by many firm reasons, have unanimously predicted an abundance of grain, yet I do not judge that they are to be condemned by the usurers, whom may the gods destroy. Let such most wicked men answer me a little: when is there a greater expectation of gathering fruit anywhere among the nations in the days of our life? What of the harvest itself, crushing the harvesters themselves with a certain incredible thickness and magnitude, while it was still being cut in the fields with the sickle; it fostered and recreated the spirits of the farmers more and more daily. I would wish them to accept that this divine science errs, is mistaken, and is deceived in its causes, although their effects are sometimes weakened and hindered because of an inconvenient and needy matter. And indeed, it is no wonder. For the action of active things, as Aristotle writes, occurs in a well-disposed patient. Furthermore, it is not to be thought, says Ptolemy in the Tetrabiblos original: "in tetramerismo", that celestial bodies proceed inevitably over their significations, like those things that truly happen by divine providence. This, therefore, is not to be ascribed to the fault of astrologers, but to the most wicked crimes of men. Thus, the gods above are often accustomed to mock the vain prayers of mortals because of their crimes in many ways and in many forms. But however the matter may have stood, we contend with a preamble and affirm that this year, to the usurers against their will, and to none of the gods for free, but to the delights of demons, and then finally to wives, sons, and relatives, will be excessively useless, and will bring us an abundance of wheat and beans. We also signify a mediocrity of honey, oil, barley, and nuts. We do not assert ultimate fertility. Sugar, saffron, and vegetables will be consumed by this very force because of the immense heat. But if in this place I have been deserving, which god forbid such a great error of mind, I concede and permit these most wicked usurers to rush upon me in droves, if it pleases God, to tear apart all astrological books, and to consume them completely in fire.

On the state of princes. Kings. Dukes. Counts. Chapter x.

Charles, most powerful King of the French and best of Christians, will experience a doubtful and varied fortune this year. For the Moon, which rules and disposes of the French nation, as astrologers report, relying on physical reasons, is wonderfully afflicted and contaminated by Mars, who is most troublesome to it. It is also overshadowed by the diameter of Saturn in the asterisk of prevention, and is covered in the house of death. It is, therefore, no wonder that this king, so good, just, and holy, should be finished this year by a grave illness and danger