The walls were hidden by a plain hanging
of scarlet cloth; a large telescope stood at the window, a chart of
the heavens was spread out on the table, and piles of books stood
beside it. On the ceiling the signs of the zodiac had been painted,
and some mystical circles had been marked out on the floor. A tall
spare old man with a long white beard was seated at the table. He
rose when Wallenstein entered.
"I cannot but think," the duke said, "that your calculations must
for once have been mistaken, and that there must have been an error
in the hour, for I see not how the destiny of this craftsman, who
seems to be a simple lad, can in any way be connected with mine."
"I have made the calculation three times, your grace," the old man
replied, "and am sure there is no error."
"He was born," Wallenstein said, "at midnight on December 31st, 1613.
Work out his nativity, and see what stars were in the ascendant,
and whether there are any affinities between us."
"I will do so at once," the astrologer said; "by tonight I shall
be able to give your grace the information you require."
"Tonight," the duke said, "we will go over your calculations together
as to our great enterprise. It is all important that there should
be no mistake. I have for a whole year remained inactive because
you told me that the time had not yet come, and now that you say
the propitious moment is approaching would fain be sure that no
error has been committed.
Pages:
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361