The Astrologer

Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the Number of thy Days is great?

Job xxxviii. 21.

Thou, by contemplating a Sphere
Which Heav’n’s bright Face does show,
Events which shall to others chance,
Pretendest to foreknow.

Tell me, if thou of Fates to come
A skilful Prophet art,
When to the Tomb the Hand of Death
Shall urge thee to depart?

Behold the Sphere, which to thy View
My Right-Hand now does hold,
By that the Fate which thou shalt find
May better be foretold.