Chapter 87

Prophecy

Prophecy, prophets, oracles and divination; foretelling the future.

848 passages · 353 principal · Covers the 49 volumes of primary texts

Prophecy, in the books gathered here, covers every claim to know what has not yet happened. That includes the oracle at Delphi and the Sibyl’s cave, the seer reading the flight of eagles, the dream that warns a sleeper, the astrologer casting a nativity, the bard foretelling the ruin of a dynasty, and the Hebrew prophet whose words Christian apologists read as fulfilled in Christ. The idea is great because it joins several large questions. One is about knowledge: can the future be known, and by what faculty? Another is about God: is foreknowledge his alone? A third is about fate: can a foretold doom be escaped? The last is about evidence: can fulfilled prediction prove a revelation true? Tragedians and historians, saints and skeptics, poets and peasants take up these questions, and their answers seldom agree.

The first dispute concerns the source of foreknowledge. Pascal states the strictest view. He holds that God alone can declare things to come, so that foretelling is itself the proof of divinity, and no idol or ordinary writer can do it^1,2,3. Even pagan religion grants this in part. Aeschylus’s Apollo insists that his prophetic seat never spoke anything but what Zeus commanded⁴. Lessing observes that miracles and prophecy impressed the Jews only once they recognised them as belonging to God alone⁵.

Against this stands a natural account of prediction. Cicero trusts his own powers of divination, drawn from study and experience. He sets his record of foretelling the war’s disasters against augury by birds and sacred chickens, and he reads the future from Caesar’s character and the state of affairs^6,7,8. Hobbes makes the distinction formal. True foresight belongs to God, but naturally the best prophet is the best guesser⁹. Browne likewise calls the foretelling of natural effects prognostication, not prophecy¹⁰. The moderns extend the natural side. Darwin ventures a forecast of which species will prevail¹¹. Taine supposes that if historical forces could be measured, the character of a future civilization could be deduced from them^12,13. Channing, more modest, disclaims any gift of foretelling the results of great social change¹⁴. Milton dramatizes the dispute when Satan argues that prediction requires human means and Christ refuses the argument¹⁵.

A third view places prophecy in inspiration. Euripides links prophecy to frenzy, in which the god speaks the future¹⁶. Virgil’s Sibyl is seized by Apollo and transformed in voice and frenzy¹⁷. Hobbes, however, denies that Moses and Abraham prophesied by possession; God spoke to them by voice, vision or dream^18,19. Socrates’ divine sign belongs to neither type. It is an inward voice he has heard since childhood, and it forbids but never commands²⁰. Pascal turns inspiration inward: to prophesy is to speak of God from immediate feeling rather than outward proof²¹. The Romantics carry this further. Sidney recalls that the Roman word *vates* meant both poet and prophet^22,23. Shelley calls poets mirrors of the shadows that futurity casts on the present, though not prophets “in the gross sense”^24,25. Emerson declares the spirit of prophecy innate in every man²⁶.

The oracles of the gods hold the ancient imagination. Aeschylus traces Delphi’s oracle back through Earth and Themis²⁷. Herodotus derives the oracles of Dodona and Ammon from two temple women of Thebes²⁸. Socrates’ whole mission begins when the Pythian prophetess says no one is wiser than he. He then treats her answer as a riddle to be tested rather than a command^29,30. Herodotus records oracles that are fulfilled against expectation. Psammetichos doubts the promise of bronze men from the sea until armoured Ionians land³¹. Amasis trusts the oracles that convicted him of theft and scorns those that absolved him³².

The great tragic test is Oedipus. Jocasta argues that mortals have little skill in prophecy and vows to count all oracles as naught, because Laius was not killed by his son, as she believes, and Polybus has died a natural death^33,34,35. The play refutes her. Later authors stress the oracles’ ambiguity and deceit. Dante sets his ancestor Cacciaguida’s plain answer against the dark speech of pagan oracles³⁶. Hobbes lists oracles, Sibyls, augury and dreams as vain conceits that feed on fear and ignorance³⁷. Milton has the oracles fall dumb at Christ’s birth, and he has the Son say that God replaces them with an inward oracle, the Spirit of Truth^38,39. Browne marvels that the wise passed over the oracles’ cessation so lightly⁴⁰.

The seer stands between heaven and the city. Homer’s Halitherses and Theoclymenus read bird omens of Odysseus’s return^41,42. Aeschylus’s Calchas reads the eagles and the hare, and his foreknowledge is fore-sorrow^43,44. Teiresias is the type of the seer who serves the state. His prophecies, the chorus says, have never failed Thebes⁴⁵. Yet the seer meets scorn. Oedipus mocks Teiresias as a mountebank who sees clearly only for pay and suspects he was suborned^46,47. Creon charges that seers love gold⁴⁸, and in the *Bacchae* Teiresias is accused of inventing gods and signs for profit⁴⁹. These charges are sometimes just. Demosthenes suspects the Pythia was bribed for Philip⁵⁰, and Hume describes Alexander the false prophet deceiving the Paphlagonians and even Marcus Aurelius⁵¹. Cassandra suffers the opposite fate. Her prophecy is true, but no one believes it^52,53,54. Christ’s saying that no prophet is accepted in his own country gives that fate a name⁵⁵.

Omens and portents make up most of popular divination. Prometheus claims to have taught men to read dreams, bird flights and entrails⁵⁶. Plutarch’s generals wait on favourable sacrifices before battle^57,58, and the Germans of Tacitus divine by lots and sacred horses⁵⁹. Prodigies crowd the histories: a palm springing at Caesar’s statue, a comet after his murder, sweating statues before Antony’s war^60,61,62. Shakespeare’s Horatio recalls the same signs⁶³. Shrewd men use them. Themistocles stages prodigies and interprets the wooden walls to suit his policy⁶⁴. Caesar puts a Scipio at the head of his army to claim an oracle for himself⁶⁵. Edward reinterprets his fall on landing as a good token⁶⁶.

Scorn is ancient too. Eurymachus says not all birds are birds of fate⁴¹, and the Utopians despise divination by birds⁶⁷. Pascal explains that eclipses seem to foretell misfortune only because misfortunes are common⁶⁸. Bacon judges popular prophecies to be winter talk that does mischief⁶⁹. Browne, on the other hand, thinks the omens that come before the ruin of states may be warnings from good angels⁷⁰. Among sailors and peasants the signs persist: the corposant read for weather⁷¹, the cheucau’s cry that governs the Chilotans⁷². Haskell reports presentiments before battle that never proved untrue⁷³.

Dreams raise the same debate in miniature. Chaucer’s Chauntecleer cites Macrobius, Daniel and Joseph, and tells of murdered men and shipwrecks foretold in dreams. He concludes that no one should be reckless of dreams^74,75. The sagas repeat the pattern: wives dream of bears, rivers and blood, and their husbands explain the dreams away to their ruin^76,77. Plutarch records Calpurnia’s dream before Caesar’s murder, and Decimus Brutus mocking the diviners⁷⁸. Interpretation is an art in itself. Joseph reads the king’s dream as seven years of plenty and seven of famine⁷⁹. Brahmans read the queen’s dream as foretelling a Buddha⁸⁰, and Malory’s hermits expound the knights’ visions⁸¹. Dante holds that dreams near dawn presage truth⁸². Augustine’s Monica is careful. She claims to distinguish God’s revelations from the dreams of her own soul⁸³. Walton cites Donne’s vision of his wife and her stillborn child, confirmed to the hour⁸⁴.

Astrology meets a sharper refutation. Augustine first trusts the astrologers, but the story of Firminus convinces him otherwise. A master’s son and a slave born under the same stars had opposite destinies, as did the twins Esau and Jacob, so true predictions come by chance and not by art^85,86. Dante sets the diviners in Hell with their heads twisted backward⁸⁷. Dryden notes that Augustus believed in the art and that he himself does not⁸⁸. Comedy exposes the fraud: Jonson’s Subtle reads palms and foreheads for gain^89,90, and Pliny’s Regulus feigns astrology to win a legacy⁹¹. Burns, by contrast, records the Halloween charms of the peasantry with affection, as a passion for prying into futurity^92,93.

In epic and tragedy, prophecy marks out the course of destiny. Teiresias foretells Odysseus’s trials and a gentle death from the sea⁹⁴. Odysseus shares Circe’s warnings so that, knowing them, his men may escape⁹⁵, which suggests that foreknowledge allows some choice. Virgil’s Jove foretells the line from Ascanius to Caesar, and the Sibyl foretells wars on the Tiber^96,97. Dante’s shades foretell his exile and the bitter bread of others^98,99. Gray’s bard and Cowper’s Druid foretell the fall and rise of dynasties and of Britain^100,101. Renan traces a Celtic messianism that waits for Arthur’s return¹⁰².

The darker strand is the deceiving prophecy. Banquo warns that instruments of darkness tell truths in order to betray¹⁰³. Macbeth finally curses the fiends who keep their promises to the ear and break them to hope¹⁰⁴. Calderón goes further. Basilio misreads the stars and imprisons his son, and so creates the savage the stars predicted^105,106. Here the fulfilment of a prophecy may be the prophet’s own work. Bacon offers the skeptic’s explanation: men note the hits, forget the misses, and forge most prophecies after the event¹⁰⁷.

The most sustained argument in these books treats fulfilled prophecy as the proof of revelation. Luke presents Christ as one who fulfils Moses and the prophets and who foretells his own Passion and Peter’s denial^108,109. Peter reads Joel and David as foretelling the Spirit and the resurrection¹¹⁰. Pascal builds an apology on this ground. Prophecies proved true by events are solid proofs of Christ’s divinity¹¹¹. Anyone may call himself a prophet, but no impostor can bring his predictions to fulfilment¹¹². A whole people testified for four thousand years to a single event^113,114. Every sign coincided at the Messiah’s advent, including Daniel’s seventy weeks and the departure of the sceptre from Judah^115,116. He follows Daniel’s visions of kingdoms in historical detail^117,118,119.

Pascal’s argument has a paradoxical turn. The Jews kept the books incorrupt and yet rejected Christ, so they fulfilled the prophecies they preserved and serve as witnesses above suspicion^120,121. The obscurity of prophecy is part of the design. Prophecies with two meanings prove that Christ has come¹²². God foretold the time clearly and the blessings obscurely, so that the good understand while the wicked read them as promises of material goods¹²³. The obscurities were themselves foretold¹²⁴. Pascal even concedes that prophecies and miracles are not absolutely convincing, only reasonable to believe¹²⁵.

The skeptics press exactly here. Hobbes allows that a divine calling may be attested by true prophecy, but only because prophecy is itself a miracle¹²⁶. Hume agrees that prophecies are real miracles and can prove revelation only as such¹²⁷. Since he notes how often such marvels are forged¹²⁸, the concession leaves prophecy as exposed as miracles are. Rousseau demands that a person witness both the prediction and the event and know that the match was no accident. Without that, prophecy proves nothing^129,130. Lessing thinks the proof matters less now¹³¹, and Emerson finds prophecy relegated to ancient history¹³².

The scriptural traditions also describe the prophet’s office. Paul ranks prophecy among the Spirit’s gifts and prefers it to tongues because it lays bare the unbeliever’s heart¹³³. Thomas à Kempis and Penn, however, count prophecy as nothing without grace or charity^134,135. The Koran presents a line of apostles who are warners: Noah, Hud, Salih and Shuaib, each called a liar by his own people^136,137. It insists that Muhammad is neither soothsayer nor madman but a mortal messenger and the “Seal of the Prophets”^138,139,140. Pascal answers that Christ was foretold and Mahomet was not¹⁴¹. In the Buddhist writings, Dipamkara foretells Sumedha’s Buddhahood ages in advance¹⁴². Machiavelli gives a political reading: armed prophets have triumphed and unarmed ones, like Savonarola, have been destroyed¹⁴³.

Last come the predictions of the end. Luke’s Christ foretells Jerusalem’s fall and cosmic signs¹⁴⁴, but he says the times are reserved to the Father¹⁴⁵. Browne accordingly calls the fixing of the day madness, since every age has thought the end was near^146,147.

Several questions remain open across these books. The natural forecaster and the inspired seer have never been cleanly separated, since Cicero’s reasoned guesses and Taine’s laws invade ground once kept for gods. Whether a foretold fate leaves room for freedom divides Odysseus’s useful warnings from Oedipus’s inescapable oracle and Calderón’s self-made doom. Whether obscurity counts for prophecy or against it divides Pascal from Rousseau. Shelley and Emerson make prophecy an attribute of every visionary soul, and in doing so may enlarge the idea or dissolve it.

Passages cited (147)

Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 239read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 240read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 240–241read · scan
Aeschylus, The Furies, Vol. 8, p. 147–148read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Education of the Human Race, Vol. 32, p. 194–195read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of Cicero, Vol. 9, p. 160–161read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of Cicero, Vol. 9, p. 161read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of Cicero, Vol. 9, p. 161–163read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of Leviathan, Vol. 34, p. 320–321read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, Vol. 3, p. 266–268read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species, Vol. 11, p. 505read · scan
Hippolyte Taine, Introduction to the History of English Literature, Vol. 39, p. 425read · scan
Hippolyte Taine, Introduction to the History of English Literature, Vol. 39, p. 432–433read · scan
William Ellery Channing, On the Elevation of the Laboring Classes, Vol. 28, p. 350read · scan
John Milton, Paradise Regained, Vol. 4, p. 384read · scan
Euripides, The Bacchae, Vol. 8, p. 378–379read · scan
Virgil, The Aeneid, Vol. 13, p. 207read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of Leviathan, Vol. 34, p. 354–355read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of Leviathan, Vol. 34, p. 355read · scan
Plato, The Apology of Socrates, Vol. 2, p. 19–20read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 257–258read · scan
Sir Philip Sidney, The Defense of Poesy, Vol. 27, p. 7–8read · scan
Sir Philip Sidney, The Defense of Poesy, Vol. 27, p. 29–30read · scan
Percy Bysshe Shelley, A Defence of Poetry, Vol. 27, p. 331–332read · scan
Percy Bysshe Shelley, A Defence of Poetry, Vol. 27, p. 358read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-Soul, Vol. 5, p. 134read · scan
Aeschylus, The Furies, Vol. 8, p. 122–123read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of Egypt, Vol. 33, p. 30–32read · scan
Plato, The Apology of Socrates, Vol. 2, p. 8read · scan
Plato, The Apology of Socrates, Vol. 2, p. 9read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of Egypt, Vol. 33, p. 76read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of Egypt, Vol. 33, p. 85read · scan
Sophocles, Oedipus the King, Vol. 8, p. 228read · scan
Sophocles, Oedipus the King, Vol. 8, p. 228–235read · scan
Sophocles, Oedipus the King, Vol. 8, p. 237read · scan
Dante Alighieri, Paradise, Vol. 20, p. 357–358read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of Leviathan, Vol. 34, p. 381read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at School and at College, 1624-1632, Vol. 4, p. 11–13read · scan
John Milton, Paradise Regained, Vol. 4, p. 359read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, Vol. 3, p. 281read · scan
Homer, The Odyssey, Vol. 22, p. 25read · scan
Homer, The Odyssey, Vol. 22, p. 213–214read · scan
Aeschylus, Agamemnon, Vol. 8, p. 12–13read · scan
Aeschylus, Agamemnon, Vol. 8, p. 15–17read · scan
Sophocles, Antigone, Vol. 8, p. 287–292read · scan
Sophocles, Oedipus the King, Vol. 8, p. 218read · scan
Sophocles, Oedipus the King, Vol. 8, p. 225read · scan
Sophocles, Antigone, Vol. 8, p. 287read · scan
Euripides, The Bacchae, Vol. 8, p. 377–378read · scan
Plutarch, Demosthenes, Vol. 12, p. 206–207read · scan
David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Vol. 37, p. 384read · scan
Aeschylus, Agamemnon, Vol. 8, p. 52–54read · scan
Aeschylus, Agamemnon, Vol. 8, p. 56read · scan
Virgil, The Aeneid, Vol. 13, p. 100read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to Luke, Vol. 44, p. 364read · scan
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound, Vol. 8, p. 183–184read · scan
Plutarch, Aristides, Vol. 12, p. 95read · scan
Plutarch, Aristides, Vol. 12, p. 92read · scan
Tacitus, Germany, Vol. 33, p. 98read · scan
Plutarch, Caesar, Vol. 12, p. 302–303read · scan
Plutarch, Caesar, Vol. 12, p. 320–321read · scan
Plutarch, Antony, Vol. 12, p. 368–369read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Vol. 46, p. 95–97read · scan
Plutarch, Themistocles, Vol. 12, p. 13–15read · scan
Plutarch, Caesar, Vol. 12, p. 306read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of Froissart, Vol. 35, p. 9read · scan
Sir Thomas More, Utopia, Vol. 36, p. 224read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 65read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and Moral, Vol. 3, p. 92read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, Vol. 3, p. 282read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the Mast, Vol. 23, p. 336read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the Beagle, Vol. 29, p. 291–292read · scan
Frank Aretas Haskell, The Battle of Gettysburg, Vol. 43, p. 398–400read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's Tale, Vol. 40, p. 40read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's Tale, Vol. 40, p. 42read · scan
The Story of the Volsungs and Niblungs, Vol. 49, p. 342–344read · scan
The Story of the Volsungs and Niblungs, Vol. 49, p. 344–345read · scan
Plutarch, Caesar, Vol. 12, p. 315–316read · scan
Chapters from the Koran, Vol. 45, p. 924–925read · scan
Buddhist Writings, Vol. 45, p. 607read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy Grail, Vol. 35, p. 150–151read · scan
Dante Alighieri, Purgatory, Vol. 20, p. 179read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. Augustine, Vol. 7, p. 95read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John Donne, Vol. 15, p. 335–336read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. Augustine, Vol. 7, p. 103–105read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. Augustine, Vol. 7, p. 105–106read · scan
Dante Alighieri, Hell, Vol. 20, p. 81read · scan
John Dryden, Dedication of the Aeneis, Vol. 13, p. 25read · scan
Ben Jonson, The Alchemist, Vol. 47, p. 553–559read · scan
Ben Jonson, The Alchemist, Vol. 47, p. 618–620read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of Pliny, Vol. 9, p. 226–228read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and Songs, Vol. 6, p. 109–110read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and Songs, Vol. 6, p. 112–114read · scan
Homer, The Odyssey, Vol. 22, p. 147read · scan
Homer, The Odyssey, Vol. 22, p. 165–166read · scan
Virgil, The Aeneid, Vol. 13, p. 80read · scan
Virgil, The Aeneid, Vol. 13, p. 207–210read · scan
Dante Alighieri, Hell, Vol. 20, p. 44read · scan
Dante Alighieri, Paradise, Vol. 20, p. 358–359read · scan
Thomas Gray, Poems, Vol. 40, p. 458–459read · scan
William Cowper, Poems, Vol. 41, p. 537–539read · scan
Ernest Renan, The Poetry of the Celtic Races, Vol. 32, p. 143–144read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Vol. 46, p. 327read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Vol. 46, p. 391–392read · scan
Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Life Is a Dream, Vol. 26, p. 45read · scan
Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Life Is a Dream, Vol. 26, p. 71read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and Moral, Vol. 3, p. 92–93read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to Luke, Vol. 44, p. 417read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to Luke, Vol. 44, p. 410–411read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the Apostles, Vol. 44, p. 426–427read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 174read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 233–234read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 236–237read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 260read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 261read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 244–245read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 245–246read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 248read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 249read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 187read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 266read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 213–214read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 265read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 264read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 185read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of Leviathan, Vol. 34, p. 385read · scan
David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Vol. 37, p. 392read · scan
David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Vol. 37, p. 382read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard Vicar, Vol. 34, p. 291read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard Vicar, Vol. 34, p. 286–287read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Education of the Human Race, Vol. 32, p. 198–199read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, An Address Delivered before the Senior Class in Divinity College, Vol. 5, p. 29read · scan
Paul, The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, Vol. 45, p. 509–510read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Vol. 7, p. 327–328read · scan
William Penn, More Fruits of Solitude, Vol. 1, p. 397read · scan
Chapters from the Koran, Vol. 45, p. 905–906read · scan
Chapters from the Koran, Vol. 45, p. 907read · scan
Chapters from the Koran, Vol. 45, p. 892read · scan
Chapters from the Koran, Vol. 45, p. 920–921read · scan
Chapters from the Koran, Vol. 45, p. 988–989read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Thoughts, Vol. 48, p. 195read · scan
Buddhist Writings, Vol. 45, p. 585–587read · scan
Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, Vol. 36, p. 20–21read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to Luke, Vol. 44, p. 408–409read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the Apostles, Vol. 44, p. 423read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, Vol. 3, p. 296–297read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, Vol. 3, p. 297–298read · scan

Introductory essay written by Claude Opus 5.5 from the outline and the notes on every passage below; quotations are checked against this edition.

1The nature and sources of prophecy
2The oracles of the gods
3Seers, augurs and soothsayers
4Omens, portents and augury
5Dreams and visions as foretelling
6Astrology, magic and fortune-telling
7Prophecy as foretelling the course of destiny in story and history
8Prophecy as the proof of revelation and of Christ
9Prophets and apostles of the scriptural and Islamic traditions

1.The nature and sources of prophecy

1a.Foreknowledge as belonging to God alone

Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8

p. 147–148Apollo says his prophet-seat never spoke anything but what Zeus commanded, and defends the oracle bidding Orestes avenge his father.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 239Proof of divinity: only God can declare things to come; the people fail to understand because their hearts are far from him.read · scan
p. 239God alone declares the past and future; no idol or contemporary writer can foretell, which proves his divinity.read · scan
p. 240Nations challenged to declare former and coming things; only God does.read · scan
p. 240God declares new things, calls Cyrus by name, and claims unique foreknowledge.read · scan
p. 240–241God declares the end from the beginning, so events cannot be credited to idols.read · scan
p. 241God reveals new, hidden things so Israel cannot claim prior knowledge; foretells rejection of Jews and calling of Gentiles.read · scan

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Education of the Human RaceVol. 32

p. 194–195Miracles and prophecy impressed the Jews only once they recognised these as belonging to God alone.read · scan

1b.Prophecy as natural conjecture or as supernatural gift

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 13Disguised Athene prophesies Odysseus's return though disclaiming to be a soothsayer, speaking as the Immortals put it in her heart.read · scan

Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8

p. 224Chorus doubts the augur's charge; gods know all but no prophet surpasses another surely, one man's wisdom may exceed another's.read · scan

Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9

p. 160–161Cicero trusts his powers of divination, drawn from study and experience, and claims he foretold the consequences of Pompey's union with and break from Caesar.read · scan
p. 161Cicero contrasts his own predictions with augury by birds and sacred chickens, pointing to his record of foretelling every disaster of the war.read · scan
p. 161–163Cicero reads omens of the future from Caesar's character and from the political situation instead of birds.read · scan
p. 163–164He predicts from the nature of the situation that good citizens will be restored to the state.read · scan

Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2

p. 125Epictetus predicts correctly that the man will forget his vow.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20

p. 38–40The damned foresee future things but are ignorant of the present unless a newcomer tells them.read · scan

Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14

p. 86Chrysostom forecast fertile and barren years and advised what to sow, enriching his father and friends.read · scan

Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3

p. 89–91Opens the essay on prophecies, citing the Pythonissa's word to Saul, Homer's verses on Aeneas's line and Seneca's foretelling of new worlds.read · scan
p. 92–93Explains why prophecies gain credit: men note hits and forget misses, conjectures turn into predictions, and most were forged after the event.read · scan

Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3

p. 180–181They declare natural divinations of plagues, tempests and earthquakes and counsel the people.read · scan

Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34

p. 320–321True foresight belongs to God; prophecy proceeds supernaturally, and naturally the best prophet is the best guesser.read · scan
p. 378–379Men take casual events as prognostics and trust prognostics from those they think good.read · scan

Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3

p. 266–268Foretelling natural effects is prognostication, not prophecy.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4

p. 384Satan claims prediction requires human means; Christ rejects this and leaves fulfillment to his own time.read · scan

Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in FranceVol. 24

p. 224–225Burke ventures to predict that English imitators will accomplish their own destruction.read · scan

William Ellery Channing, On the Elevation of the Laboring ClassesVol. 28

p. 350Disclaims prophetic gift; no one can foretell ultimate results of great social change.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-SoulVol. 5

p. 141Rejects the popular notion of revelation as fortune-telling through oracles.read · scan

Charles Darwin, The Origin of SpeciesVol. 11

p. 505Darwin takes a prophetic glance forward, foretelling which species will prevail in the future.read · scan

Hippolyte Taine, Introduction to the History of English LiteratureVol. 39

p. 425If the forces could be measured, the character of future civilization could be deduced from them.read · scan
p. 432–433Knowing the necessary conditions lets us foretell when a phenomenon will reappear and sketch its future development.read · scan

1c.Prophecy as inspiration and possession

Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8

p. 30–33Helen's name was uttered by an invisible power with prescient tongue.read · scan
p. 41–43Chorus's strain is oracular of pain.read · scan
p. 44–45Chorus's soul is prophecy and flame yet cannot unfold truth from fear.read · scan

Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8

p. 378–379Prophecy accompanies frenzy, especially the frenzy of prayer, in which the god speaks the future.read · scan

Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2

p. 19–20Socrates' divine sign, a voice since childhood, forbids but never commands, and keeps him from politics.read · scan

Plato, PhaedoVol. 2

p. 77Swans, sacred to Apollo, are said to have the gift of prophecy; Socrates claims similar prophetic gifts from his god.read · scan

Tacitus, GermanyVol. 33

p. 97Women are thought to have prophetic spirit and are consulted; Veleda revered as a divinity.read · scan

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 288Frenzied persons heighten calamity with terrible predictions.read · scan

Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7

p. 302–303Seeking God's counsel one hears a divine response instructing about things that are and shall be.read · scan

Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31

p. 17–18The father's prophecy against Pierino is fulfilled: the vault collapses, Pierino dies, and his son begs; Cellini says such words are the voice of God.read · scan
p. 177–178Bettini asks what spirit tells Cellini things before they happen.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46

p. 377–378Edward is said to have a heavenly gift of prophecy.read · scan

Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34

p. 354–355Jews called madmen prophets, yet Moses and Abraham prophesied by God's voice, vision or dream, not possession.read · scan
p. 355Old Testament prophets claimed God spoke to them by voice, vision or dream, not possession.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 257–258Christ foretold as king of Jews and Gentiles; to prophesy means to speak of God from inward, immediate feeling, not outward proofs.read · scan

Voltaire, Letters on the EnglishVol. 34

p. 71–72Fox's claim to inspiration compared to the Pythian priestess at Delphi.read · scan

John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1

p. 200Words spoken inwardly, 'Certain evidence of divine truth,' after a light appears in the night, as divine revelation.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-SoulVol. 5

p. 140Prophetic inspiration and trance are named as the rarer form of the soul's revelation.read · scan

1d.Prophecy as an attribute of poetry and of the soul

Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20

p. 234Virgil's line about a returning age of justice and a new race from heaven unknowingly foretold Christianity.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20

p. 338–339Joachim of Calabria named as endowed with prophetic soulread · scan

Sir Philip Sidney, The Defense of PoesyVol. 27

p. 7–8Roman vates meant diviner or prophet; Sortes Virgilianae took chance verses as foretokens of fortune.read · scan
p. 8–9Delphic oracles and Sibylline prophecies were delivered in verse; David's prophecy is poetical.read · scan
p. 29–30Romans named the poet 'prophesying', and Scripture has poetical parts.read · scan

John Milton, Poems Written at Horton, 1632-1638Vol. 4

p. 34–39Aged hermit's wisdom from stars and herbs reaches prophetic strain.read · scan

Thomas Gray, PoemsVol. 40

p. 456–458The bard foretells the doom of Edward's line, weaving its winding-sheet.read · scan
p. 458–459The bard continues foretelling the fall of Richard II, the Wars of the Roses and the triumph of the Tudors.read · scan

Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6

p. 421–423Poet claims second-sight, a gift to every Poet, to foretell the chief's years yet to come.read · scan

William Hazlitt, Of Persons One Would Wish to Have SeenVol. 27

p. 267–269Enigmatic authors likened to soothsayers with dark hints and doubtful oracles.read · scan

Percy Bysshe Shelley, A Defence of PoetryVol. 27

p. 331–332Poets behold the future in the present, but are not prophets in the gross sense; prophecy is an attribute of poetry.read · scan
p. 358Poets are hierophants of unapprehended inspiration, mirrors of the shadows futurity casts upon the present.read · scan

Percy Bysshe Shelley, PoemsVol. 41

p. 834–835Poet asks to be the trumpet of a prophecy: if Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-SoulVol. 5

p. 134The spirit of prophecy is innate in every man.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, New England ReformersVol. 5

p. 269–270The prophesying heart foretells a man who will live in connection with a higher life.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1248The word spoken to prophets and sibyls still whispers to the willing mind.read · scan

Walt Whitman, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1420–1421Wonders whether he speaks a prophet's thought or raves, seeing visions of better worlds.read · scan
p. 1421–1422Sudden visions of ships and anthems in new tongues, as if a divine hand unsealed his eyes.read · scan

2.The oracles of the gods

2a.Delphi, Dodona, Ammon and the other shrines

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 100–101Apollo's oracle at Pytho had foretold the quarrel of the chiefs and the woe to come upon Trojans and Greeks.read · scan
p. 191–194Odysseus went to Dodona's oak to hear Zeus's counsel on his return.read · scan
p. 225Consulting oracles of Zeus is proposed to decide whether to kill Telemachus.read · scan
p. 263–264Odysseus is said to consult Zeus's oracle oak at Dodona about how to return home.read · scan

Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8

p. 118–119Orestes names Apollo the Pythian seer whose oracle commanded the deed and promised release from guilt.read · scan

Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8

p. 122–123Apollo's oracle at Delphi, inherited from Earth and Themis, voices the decrees of Zeus; suppliants seek responses by lot.read · scan

Aeschylus, Prometheus BoundVol. 8

p. 190Oracles at Pytho and Dodona, dark then clear, command Inachos to expel Io on pain of Zeus's thunderbolt.read · scan
p. 195–196Prometheus foretells Io's journey to the Nile and the oracle at Dodona hailing her as spouse of Zeus.read · scan

Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33

p. 14The Oracle of Ammon's reply confirms Herodotus's opinion on Egypt's extent.read · scan
p. 14–15The god's oracle refuses the Libyan-border towns' request, ruling that Egypt is the land the Nile waters.read · scan
p. 18The oracle of Zeus commands the Ethiopians' warlike marches by prophesyings.read · scan
p. 30–32Origin of the oracles of Dodona and Ammon traced to two temple women from Thebes; the oracle approves foreign divine names.read · scan
p. 32–33Oracle methods at Thebes and Dodona resemble each other; divination by victims came from Egypt.read · scan
p. 78The oracle in Egypt sacred to Leto is presented as worth describing.read · scan

Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2

p. 8Chaerephon asked the Delphic oracle whether anyone was wiser than Socrates; the Pythian prophetess said none.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 128Apollo's oracle at Delos answers Aeneas, telling the Trojans to seek their ancestral mother earth, where his house shall reign.read · scan

Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12

p. 98Apollo's oracle directs the manner of sacrifice.read · scan

Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12

p. 221The Delphic oracle tells him to make his own genius, not popular opinion, his guide.read · scan

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 319Oracles delivered here testify to the god's presence.read · scan

2b.The Sibyl and possessed prophetesses

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 137–142The Sibyl sings the fates on scattered leaves; Helenus bids Aeneas consult her to learn his wars and woes.read · scan
p. 207The Sibyl, full of the god, is to foretell Aeneas' fate.read · scan
p. 207The Sibyl is seized by Apollo, transformed in voice and frenzy, to give oracles on destinies.read · scan
p. 207–210The possessed Sibyl foretells wars, the Tiber running with blood, a new Achilles, and rescue from a Greek town.read · scan

Plutarch, DemosthenesVol. 12

p. 205–206Pythian priestess and Sibylline verses foretell the battle at Thermodon.read · scan

Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12

p. 231False prophets and fortune-tellers cite Sibylline oracles that a third Cornelius is fated to be monarch of Rome, inflaming Lentulus.read · scan

Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12

p. 312Supporters cite the Sibylline books saying Parthians can be conquered only under a king.read · scan

John Milton, Poems Written at School and at College, 1624-1632Vol. 4

p. 20–23An old Sibyl foretold the son's fortunes and accidents.read · scan

2c.Oracles obeyed, tested or fulfilled against expectation

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 178Alcinous recognizes his father's ancient oracle of Poseidon's wrath fulfilled in the wrecked ship and the threatened mountain.read · scan

Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8

p. 87–88Orestes relies on Apollo's oracle commanding vengeance, with dire warnings for disobedience.read · scan
p. 100–101Apollo's oracle foretold that the murderers would die by like craft.read · scan

Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8

p. 144–147Orestes says he acted by the oracles of Apollo, the prophet-god, who bade him slay his mother.read · scan

Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8

p. 209Oedipus sends Creon to Apollo's oracle and pledges to do whatever the god declares.read · scan
p. 209Apollo's oracle commands vengeance and says the guilty can be found if sought.read · scan
p. 228Oedipus fears the seer spoke truly; the Pythian god sent him away unanswered.read · scan
p. 251Creon insists on learning what the god will bid before acting, and Oedipus recalls the oracle's clear words.read · scan

Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33

p. 53An oracle from Buto announces the cure: washing his eyes with a faithful wife's water.read · scan
p. 64–66An oracle from Buto tells Mykerinos he will live only six more years, and a second message explains why.read · scan
p. 69–70Oracles told Sabacos he was fated to rule Egypt fifty years, and he leaves when the time expires.read · scan
p. 73–74An oracle that whoever pours a libation with a bronze cup will rule all Egypt motivates the kings' mutual agreements.read · scan
p. 75–76An oracle that a bronze-cup libation brings sole kingship is fulfilled by Psammetichos's helmet, and another promises vengeance when bronze men come from the sea.read · scan
p. 76Psammetichos doubts the oracle of bronze men from the sea, then sees it fulfilled by the armoured Ionian and Carian raiders.read · scan
p. 78–79An oracle that Necos was working for the Barbarian makes him abandon the canal.read · scan
p. 85Amasis trusts oracles that convicted him of theft and scorns those that absolved him.read · scan

Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2

p. 9He tries to interpret the oracle's riddle, seeking a man wiser to refute it.read · scan
p. 9He resolves to find the meaning of the oracle, found irrefutable.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 100Oracle demands blood to atone for the return, as a virgin's blood bought passage.read · scan
p. 131Anchises interprets the oracle's answer, mistakenly taking it to mean Crete, the Trojan ancestral home.read · scan
p. 245Oracles and portents shape Latinus's decision that a foreign chief shall wed his daughter.read · scan

Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12

p. 29He cites divine admonition, vision and Dodona's oracle as sending him to the king.read · scan

Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12

p. 86–87Prisoners sacrificed to Bacchus according to an oracle and the seer Euphrantides.read · scan
p. 89Oracle of Delphi, the seer Tisamenus and Arimnestus' dream direct the Athenians on where and to whom to sacrifice for victory.read · scan
p. 96–97An oracle foretold Mardonius's death by a stone, and a dream-vision at Amphiaraus's temple prefigured it.read · scan

Plutarch, DemosthenesVol. 12

p. 207–208Philip's death soon after fulfils the oracle's last verse.read · scan

Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7

p. 135The voice and opened book are treated as an oracle guiding him.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The TempestVol. 46

p. 459–461Alonso says some oracle must rectify their knowledge of the strange events; the boatswain was earlier prophesied not to drown.read · scan

John Dryden, Dedication of the AeneisVol. 13

p. 27–28Aeneas could not be sure he had understood the oracles of Helenus and Phoebus aright.read · scan

William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41

p. 663–664The Delphic oracle foretold death for the first Greek to touch Trojan strand.read · scan

2d.The ambiguity, deceit and silencing of oracles

Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8

p. 228Jocasta argues mortals have little skill in prophecy; Laius's oracle that his son would kill him failed.read · scan
p. 228–235Jocasta declares she will count all oracles as naught since Laius's son did not kill him.read · scan
p. 235–236Oracles about Laius seem set at naught; Jocasta asks where oracles are now when Polybus dies by fate, not by Oedipus.read · scan
p. 237Oedipus and Jocasta debate whether oracles and auguries deserve credence now that Polybus has died a natural death, apparently refuting the prophecy.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 210Aeneas questions whether Phoebus's oracle proved false; Palinurus insists the god did not lie.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20

p. 357–358Dante asks Cacciaguida to foretell his exile; answer given plainly, unlike ambiguous pagan oraclesread · scan

Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34

p. 381Catalogue of pagan divination: oracles, Sibyls, augury, astrology, dreams, omens, all vain conceits exploiting fear and ignorance.read · scan

Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3

p. 281Marvels that the cessation of oracles was passed over by the wise, with Plutarch's reason ridiculous; even the Devil confessed it.read · scan

John Milton, Poems Written at School and at College, 1624-1632Vol. 4

p. 11–13The oracles fall dumb and Apollo can no longer divine at Delphos with the coming of Christ.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4

p. 359Satan's oracles, portents and dreams are called a craft of false answers.read · scan
p. 359Oracles are ambiguous and deluding; God ends them, sending an inward oracle, the Spirit of Truth.read · scan

David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human UnderstandingVol. 37

p. 383Omens and oracles obscure natural events in early histories.read · scan

3.Seers, augurs and soothsayers

3a.The seer as servant of the state or hero

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 19–20Telemachus no longer trusts tidings or divination, though his mother consults diviners.read · scan
p. 24–25Zeus sends eagles as an omen; Halitherses, skilled in birds, interprets words of fate.read · scan
p. 25Halitherses prophesies Odysseus's return and the wooers' doom; Eurymachus scorns omens, saying not all birds are birds of fate.read · scan
p. 205–206Lineage of seers descended from Melampus, Apollo making Polypheides chief seer; Theoclymenus comes as a soothsayer.read · scan
p. 213–214Theoclymenus reads the hawk on the right as a god-sent omen that Telemachus' house will keep mastery in Ithaca.read · scan
p. 231–232Theoclymenus prophesies Odysseus is already in Ithaca, citing a bird omen.read · scan
p. 303–304Leiodes pleads as the wooers' soothsayer, but Odysseus deems his prayers as seer hostile to him.read · scan

Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8

p. 12–13Calchas reads the eagles devouring the pregnant hare as omen of Troy's fall and of ill to come.read · scan
p. 15–17Calchas's boding cannot be void; foreknowledge of the future is fore-sorrow.read · scan

Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8

p. 215The chorus recommends the seer Teiresias, whose insight sees like Phoebus's.read · scan
p. 218Oedipus begs the seer Teiresias for aid; Teiresias reluctantly withholds what he knows.read · scan
p. 218Oedipus mocks Teiresias's prophetic skill, claiming he solved the Sphinx's riddle without bird-signs or gods; Teiresias foretells Oedipus's ruin.read · scan
p. 218–223Teiresias reveals the murderer of Laius is a Theban who is father and brother to his sons; the oracle hunts the unknown killer.read · scan

Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8

p. 287Teiresias reads bird cries and failed sacrifice as omens that the gods reject the state's offerings.read · scan
p. 287–292Tiresias's foretold doom for Creon; the chorus attests his prophecies have never failed the state, prompting Creon's yielding.read · scan

Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33

p. 29Melampus contrived an art of divination learned from Egypt.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 100Calchas the seer names Sinon as victim by the gods' will.read · scan
p. 137Aeneas asks the seer Helenus for what the stars and omens foretell; the priest, possessed by Phoebus, reveals his course to Italy.read · scan
p. 282An augur skilled in future fate restrains the Tuscans, saying they must seek a foreign leader.read · scan
p. 325Asylas interprets the heavens, stars, entrails and thunder, expounding prodigies and presages.read · scan
p. 325Halesus's father, skilled in future fates, retired to the groves but could not save his son.read · scan
p. 366Tolumnius, who foretells events, counted among Turnus' allies.read · scan
p. 389Augurs and priests revealed that a foreign son should inherit the throne.read · scan

Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12

p. 17–18Euphrantides reads omens of flame and sneeze and prophesies victory if the captives are sacrificed.read · scan

Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12

p. 120Socrates' Genius and Meton's divination foretell disaster from the expedition.read · scan

Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12

p. 315A soothsayer warns of the ides of March; missing victim's heart and portents foretell the danger.read · scan

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 251Augurs interpret dreams, oracles and prodigies and foretell whether actions will prove fortunate.read · scan

The Destruction of Dá Derga's HostelVol. 49

p. 219–220Fer rogain predicts how many will fall at the trio's hands.read · scan
p. 221–222Fer rogain predicts numbers of dead each will slay before falling.read · scan
p. 222–223Fer rogain foretells how many will fall by Mac cecht and that he will escape wounded.read · scan
p. 224Fer rogain predicts that one of the three brothers will fall.read · scan
p. 229–230Fer rogain predicts Conaire will not get out of the house.read · scan
p. 236–237Fer rogain foretells from each described trio that men will perish by them, and warns of woe to whoever wreaks the Destruction.read · scan
p. 237Fer rogain predicts how many men will fall by the servants and champions in their first encounter.read · scan
p. 238Predicts that three hundred will fall by the trio in the first encounter and that three will escape.read · scan
p. 239Fer rogain foretells that three hundred will fall by them and warns against wreaking the Destruction.read · scan
p. 240–241Fer rogain predicts who will fall and escape.read · scan
p. 241–242Fer rogain foretells how many will fall by the doorwardens and robber-band and that they will escape wounded.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4

p. 136Milton likens himself to blind Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old, in his affliction.read · scan

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15

p. 89–90Evangelist is known as a prophet who can foretell what will befall them.read · scan

3b.The disbelieved or scorned prophet

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 282Theoclymenus foresees blood, ghosts and doom for the wooers, who laugh at him.read · scan

Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8

p. 46–48Cassandra, inspired by Apollo, foresees the blood-stained house of Atreus and her own doom.read · scan
p. 48–50Cassandra prophetically sees Agamemnon's murder and the house's old crimes while the Chorus cannot decipher her dark speech.read · scan
p. 51–52The Chorus marvels at Cassandra's unerring boding song, foretelling her death and Troy's fall.read · scan
p. 52–54Cassandra says her prophecy will now speak plainly; Apollo's gift, her disbelief by all after she deceived the god.read · scan
p. 54–56Cassandra foretells Agamemnon's doom while the Chorus fails to understand her dark oracles, like Apollo's strains.read · scan
p. 56Cassandra tears off her prophet's emblems, bitter that Apollo's gift brought only scorn, and foretells Orestes' vengeance.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 100Cassandra foretells Troy's fate but by the gods' decree no one believes her.read · scan
p. 109–111Coroebus was forewarned in vain by prophetic Cassandra.read · scan
p. 131Anchises recalls Cassandra's unbelieved prophecy of Troy renewed in Italy and corrects his error.read · scan

Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44

p. 364Jesus declares scripture fulfilled and that no prophet is accepted in his own country, citing Elijah and Elisha.read · scan

Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12

p. 249Cicero scoffs at Labienus's prophecies of Pompey's victory, noting the camp is already lost.read · scan

William Caxton, Prefaces and EpiloguesVol. 39

p. 20Cites scripture that a prophet is not accepted in his own country to explain Arthur's neglect at home.read · scan

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1165–1166The woman's urgent cry 'the thing must be' is dismissed by the king.read · scan

3c.Seers accused of venality and fraud

Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8

p. 218Oedipus scorns the seer as mountebank, clear-sighted only for pay, stone-blind in his art.read · scan
p. 225Oedipus suspects the seer was suborned; asks why he did not speak earlier of the murder.read · scan

Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8

p. 287Creon accuses seers of loving gold and being tricked by augury; Teiresias foretells Creon's loss of a child.read · scan

Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8

p. 377–378He accuses Teiresias of inventing new gods and signs for gold.read · scan

Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44

p. 458A girl with a spirit of divination brings gain by soothsaying; Paul casts the spirit out.read · scan

Plutarch, DemosthenesVol. 12

p. 206–207Oracles about Thermodon are discussed; Demosthenes rejects them and suspects the prophetess was bribed for Philip.read · scan

David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human UnderstandingVol. 37

p. 384The false prophet Alexander practised imposture among ignorant Paphlagonians, even persuading Marcus Aurelius to trust his prophecies.read · scan

4.Omens, portents and augury

Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2

p. 134–135Signs from God come through omens or human voice, each in its own way.read · scan

4a.Bird flights, sacrifices and entrails

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 204–205An eagle carrying a goose is taken as an omen; Helen interprets it as foretelling Odysseus's return and vengeance.read · scan
p. 212–213A hawk with a dove appears on the right as a sign from Apollo, an omen Telemachus is about to hear interpreted.read · scan
p. 279–280An eagle with a dove on the left is an omen against the wooers' plot against Telemachus.read · scan

Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8

p. 10–11Omens of eagles are read as sending the kings to Troy; the chorus chants the meaning of the birds.read · scan

Aeschylus, Prometheus BoundVol. 8

p. 183–184He taught divination by dreams, omens, bird flights and sacrificial entrails.read · scan
p. 184–186Editor's note describes the lines as a manual of divination: ominous sounds and bird flights read for the future.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 85–86Venus reads the augury of twelve swans as a sign that his scattered ships have safely reached port.read · scan
p. 389A false omen of eagle and swans, read by augur Tolumnius, inspires the Italians.read · scan
p. 389The augur Tolumnius takes the bird omen as the gods' sign to attack.read · scan

Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12

p. 92Soothsayers, sacrifices and oracles foretell victory only if the Greeks stay on the defensive; unfavorable omens hold Mardonius back.read · scan
p. 95Pausanias cannot get favorable omens from sacrifice and holds his men back.read · scan
p. 95Soothsayers foretell victory once sacrifices appear favorable.read · scan

Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12

p. 299–300Augur reads the sacrifice as foretelling great change of fortune; a light in heaven falls into Pompey's camp.read · scan

Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2

p. 136Augury and sacrifice are used to seek a way out.read · scan

Tacitus, GermanyVol. 33

p. 98Germans divine by lots, bird omens, sacred white horses and a combat between captives to foretell wars.read · scan

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 278Regulus consulted soothsayers about the issue of actions, an excessive superstition.read · scan

The Story of the Volsungs and NiblungsVol. 49

p. 290–291Disguised Odin as Hnikar lists good omens for battle: raven, wolf howling, men at the forecourt.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46

p. 358–360Augurs and omens by birds are said to bring forth the secret man of blood.read · scan

4b.Prodigies in earth and sky

See also: Miracles 8a · Religion 5a · Fate 5c

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 35The fleet asks the god for a sign and follows it across the sea to Euboea.read · scan
p. 241–242The sneeze is taken as an omen blessing Penelope's words; the wooers' death is thus foretold.read · scan
p. 248Odysseus rejoices in the omen of the wooers' words and foretells that Odysseus will return and blood will follow.read · scan
p. 275–276Zeus's thunder and the mill-woman's word are taken as omens that the wooers will die.read · scan

Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33

p. 42Egyptians observe portents and expect like outcomes; divination is assigned to gods with oracles in various places.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 87The unearthed horse's head is an omen showing the future fortune of a brave people.read · scan
p. 100Omens: Minerva's statue sweats and brandishes lance; Calchas ordains return and prayers.read · scan
p. 117Flame on Iulus's head and thunder with a shooting star are omens; Anchises reads them as heaven's sign to flee.read · scan
p. 128Aeneas pulls a plant that bleeds, an ominous prodigy full of fate.read · scan
p. 142–145Anchises reads the omen of four white steeds as portending war, yet peace since horses submit to yokes.read · scan
p. 167Portents such as wine turning to blood and old prophecies augment her fears.read · scan
p. 178Acestes's arrow bursts into flame in the sky, a portent that later augurs interpret.read · scan
p. 178The flaming arrow is a portent; Aeneas hides his fear and reads it as a divine miracle granting Acestes the prize.read · scan
p. 239Bees on the laurel are read by an augur as portending a foreign prince's arrival.read · scan
p. 282Thunder and heavenly arms appear as a sign; Aeneas reads the omen as a promise of divine aid and coming war.read · scan

Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12

p. 18Portents reported during the battle: flame over Eleusis, mystic voices, apparitions of the Aeacidae aiding the Greeks.read · scan

Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12

p. 40The diviner Lampon reads the horn as a portent that power will pass to Pericles, and events confirm it.read · scan

Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12

p. 121Unlucky omens, the funeral images of Adonis and the mutilated Hermae, alarm the people.read · scan
p. 140Arrival on the inauspicious Plynteria taken as an ominous sign that the goddess rejected him.read · scan

Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12

p. 168–169Signs, prodigies and a dream apparition are reported to the senate as warnings.read · scan
p. 182Statues sweating or bleeding may be signs by which the deity forewarns.read · scan

Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12

p. 228Earthquakes, thunderbolts and strange appearances seemed to give divine intimation of coming troubles.read · scan
p. 233–234A flame bursting from dead ashes at the sacrifice is read as the goddess's sign urging Cicero to act.read · scan
p. 244An earthquake at Dyrrachium is read by diviners as a sign that his exile will be short.read · scan

Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12

p. 298–299Unlucky presages and a dream vision make Pompey reluctant to fight.read · scan
p. 302–303Prodigies foretell victory: palm at Caesar's statue; augur Cornelius at Padua announces the battle's course and Caesar's victory.read · scan
p. 320–321Comet and dimmed sun after Caesar's death are portents that the murder displeased the gods.read · scan

Plutarch, AntonyVol. 12

p. 368–369Earthquake, sweating statues, lightning, wind toppling Bacchus and swallows destroying nests are reported as omens announcing the war.read · scan

The Destruction of Dá Derga's HostelVol. 49

p. 207–208The riders sing omens of destruction, ravens fed and swords wet, at the hostel.read · scan
p. 213–214A grotesque woman appears at the door after sunset, foreshadowing doom.read · scan
p. 230Ingcel sees an ominous wailing boy who dreads evil that night.read · scan

Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31

p. 176A fiery beam over Florence is read as a portent, and Cellini predicts the news of Duke Alessandro's death.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46

p. 95–97Horatio cites Roman omens before Caesar's fall, portents as harbingers of fierce events, to read the ghost.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King LearVol. 46

p. 227–228Gloucester takes eclipses as portents; Edmund feigns reading a prediction.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46

p. 344Lennox reports the unruly night: lamentings in the air and prophesying voices of dire events.read · scan

Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3

p. 282Ominous prognostics that forerun the ruin of states and princes are premonitions of good angels.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4

p. 395–405Satan claims storms foresignify ill and that angels proclaimed Christ's destined throne while concealing time and means.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 65Eclipses are said to foretell misfortune only because misfortunes are common, so predictions seldom fail.read · scan

John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18

p. 23–24Priests recount omens and prodigies: flooding Nile, ghosts of Ptolemies crying 'Egypt is no more'.read · scan

Sir Walter Scott, PoemsVol. 41

p. 747–749A seer's vision of a shroud and omens of wreck and the blaze over Roslin foretell doom.read · scan

4c.Omens manipulated, reinterpreted or scorned

Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44

p. 44Neglect of the omens is blamed for failure.read · scan

Euripides, HippolytusVol. 8

p. 346–349Theseus rejects prophets and bird omens, trusting the tablet alone.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 293Turnus takes Iris's appearance and the rainbow as happy omens to follow to war.read · scan
p. 293Turnus interprets the miracle as a presage sent by Jove against the Trojans.read · scan
p. 293Turnus dismisses oracles as vain.read · scan
p. 325Cymodoce foretells the next day's slaughter of foes and Aeneas draws happy omens from the ship's speed.read · scan

Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12

p. 13–15Themistocles stages prodigies and interprets the oracle of wooden walls to persuade the people; an owl omen encourages the Greeks.read · scan

Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12

p. 279German holy women foretell by river eddies and warn not to fight before new moon; Caesar exploits the resulting fear.read · scan
p. 306Enemy trusts an oracle that the Scipios always win in Africa; Caesar puts a Scipio at his army's head to claim the omen.read · scan

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 203Dreams and omens as presignifying success; Pliny cites the maxim that the brave man asks no omen but his country's cause.read · scan

Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35

p. 9Edward's fall on landing is read by knights as an evil omen; he reinterprets it as a good token.read · scan

Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36

p. 224They despise divination by birds and similar superstitions.read · scan

Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3

p. 92Examples of English prophecies (hempe, the Spanish fleet of '88) and Bacon's verdict that they deserve no belief, being winter talk, though they do mischief.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King LearVol. 46

p. 228–229Edmund invents predicted effects of the eclipses: unnaturalness between child and parent, divisions in state.read · scan

4d.Folk signs and presentiments

Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12

p. 257–258Crows croaking about Cicero's ship and house are taken as an ill omen.read · scan

Traditional BalladsVol. 40

p. 74–76Sailor foresees storm from the new moon with the old moon in her arm.read · scan

Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31

p. 229The dog's howling is taken as foreboding of the master's misfortune.read · scan

Ambroise Paré, Journeys in Diverse PlacesVol. 38

p. 16–17Country folk foretell a flood, and a great sea wind is taken as its presage.read · scan

Edward Haies, Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Voyage to NewfoundlandVol. 33

p. 288Portents such as the porpoises, the swan-song revelry and strange voices are read as omens of storm and ruin.read · scan

John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47

p. 779–780Antonio goes to cast the child's nativity; superstitious omens of salt, hares and crickets mocked.read · scan

John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4

p. 415Samson senses a presage in his mind that the day will be remarkable.read · scan

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1322Her presentiment that Gabriel is near is affirmed by the priest as not idle; trust the heart.read · scan

Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29

p. 282–283Islanders read the cheucau's cry and the parrots as omens of the strangers' coming.read · scan
p. 291–292Chilotans treat the cheucau's cries as omens of good or ill and are governed by them.read · scan
p. 354–355Inhabitants take an earthquake to foretell rain and pasture.read · scan

Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23

p. 336Sailors read the corposant's rising or descending as an omen of fair weather or storm, and fear its light on the face.read · scan

Frank Aretas Haskell, The Battle of GettysburgVol. 43

p. 398–400Haskell notes army-wide presentiments before battle that have never proved untrue, which commanders should not disregard.read · scan

5.Dreams and visions as foretelling

5a.Warning and prophetic dreams

Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8

p. 114–115Orestes says Clytemnestra's vision of the serpent was rightly prophetic.read · scan

Plato, CritoVol. 2

p. 31–32A dream vision of a woman in white leads him to predict the ship's arrival and his death day.read · scan

Plato, PhaedoVol. 2

p. 48He treats dream intimations as divine bidding and obeys to satisfy a scruple.read · scan

Buddhist WritingsVol. 45

p. 614Five great dreams lead the Future Buddha to conclude he will become a Buddha this very day.read · scan

Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12

p. 27Inspired verse and dream of snake turning into eagle foreshadow his deliverance.read · scan
p. 31A dream warning of a lion's jaws foretells danger, and heeding it saves his life.read · scan

Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12

p. 50Dream vision of Minerva gives Pericles a remedy.read · scan

Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12

p. 144–145Dream visions shortly before death read as foretelling it.read · scan

Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12

p. 218–219Vision to his nurse foretold his benefit to Rome, later credited as a true prophecy.read · scan
p. 254Cicero's dream of Jupiter naming a youth who will end Rome's civil wars is confirmed when he meets young Caesar.read · scan

Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12

p. 315–316Calpurnia's ominous dream, opened doors and inauspicious sacrifices foretell Caesar's murder; Decimus Brutus mocks the diviners.read · scan

Plutarch, AntonyVol. 12

p. 333Antony's dream of his right hand thunderstruck as an omen.read · scan

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 262–264Fannius's dream of Nero reading his three books is taken as a foreboding that proved true.read · scan
p. 311Pliny reads the cutting of his servants' hair in dreams or visions as a sign he would escape Domitian's impending prosecution.read · scan

Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7

p. 41–42Augustine scoffed at the prophets; Monica's dream foretells the reconciliation of her son.read · scan
p. 146–147God reveals by a vision to Ambrose where the martyrs' bodies lie.read · scan

Chapters from the KoranVol. 45

p. 922–923Joseph's dream of stars, sun and moon adoring him; God teaches him interpretation of sayings.read · scan

Songs from the Elder EddaVol. 49

p. 394–395Brynhild's dream of Gunnar in fetters foretells the ruin of the Niblungs, oath-breakersread · scan

The Song of RolandVol. 49

p. 116–117Charlemagne's dream of Ganelon breaking his spear foreshadows the coming treachery and disaster.read · scan
p. 117–119Charlemagne's second dream of bear, leopard and hound foreshadows the coming battle and betrayal.read · scan
p. 177–179Dream visions of beasts and battle foretell coming conflicts, their outcomes left unknown.read · scan

The Story of the Volsungs and NiblungsVol. 49

p. 334–335Brynhild's dream of a cold bed and ruin for Gunnar and his kin.read · scan
p. 342–344Kostbera's dream of a river breaking the hall foretells ruin; Hogni dismisses it.read · scan
p. 344–345Wives' dreams of bears, rivers, blood and wolves foretell guile and death; husbands explain them away.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20

p. 106Dawn dreams are said to presage truth; he foresees Florence's coming woe.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20

p. 179Toward dawn the mind, freed from flesh, is full of holy divination in dreams.read · scan

Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40

p. 38The first tale: a murdered man appears in a dream to his friend, warning him.read · scan
p. 38The murdered friend's dreams prove true; the body is found in the dung-cart.read · scan
p. 40A second dream warns of drowning, offered as further proof that dreams are to be dreaded.read · scan
p. 40Ship sinks as dream foretold; Chauntecleer cites Kenelm's dream and concludes no one should be reckless of dreams.read · scan

Traditional BalladsVol. 40

p. 89–91Douglas's dream of a dead man winning the fight foretells his own death.read · scan
p. 104–106Lord Hamilton dreams that his hall is burning and his lady slain, foretelling the disaster.read · scan
p. 114–116Sarah's dream of pulling heather forebodes the death at Yarrow.read · scan

Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35

p. 154–156Gawaine's dream of bulls, some white, is an omen awaiting interpretation.read · scan

Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31

p. 41Father's dream apparition, matched by the father's near-identical dream, works as a portentous warning.read · scan
p. 243–244He predicts his release from the dungeon on All Saints' Day, his birthday, by virtue of his vision.read · scan
p. 245Cellini confidently predicts his deliverance that very day, and it comes true.read · scan
p. 250In a dream he unknowingly prophesied what would befall Pier Luigi, precisely foretold.read · scan

Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15

p. 335Wife's divining soul forebodes ill in his absence, and Donne sees a vision of her with a dead child.read · scan
p. 335–336The vision is confirmed: the wife delivered a dead child the same hour; Walton cites Brutus, Samuel and Bildad as precedent.read · scan

Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26

p. 81The dream is taken as an omen of coming disaster, though Stratonice dismisses it.read · scan
p. 90–93Pauline believes half her dream is true, and Fate is strong.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4

p. 319Adam is to be shown future days and the covenant of the woman's seed.read · scan
p. 319Michael is sent to show Adam future days of his offspring, in visions from the highest hill.read · scan
p. 319Michael purges Adam's sight so he may see visions of the effects of his original crime on his descendants.read · scan
p. 331Adam laments foreknowledge of the flood; the future revealed brings torment.read · scan

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15

p. 226–227Christiana takes the dream as foretelling fulfilment: as the first part proved true, so will the second.read · scan

John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1

p. 288Woolman relates a vision that God will judge and break the mighty supporters of injustice.read · scan

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, PoemsVol. 41

p. 724–725The dream serves as a warning of unseen evil in the wood.read · scan

Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23

p. 394–395John Yount's thrice-repeated dream led him to rescue the Donner Party from starvation.read · scan

5b.The interpretation of dreams

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 271–272The dream of eagle and geese is interpreted as foretelling Odysseus's return and the wooers' destruction; Odysseus confirms it.read · scan

Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8

p. 76–77Ominous dream read by inspired seers as the dead's wrath against their slayers.read · scan
p. 98–100Orestes reads the dream as an omen fulfilled through himself as the serpent who will slay his mother.read · scan

Plato, CritoVol. 2

p. 32–33The dream's line about Phthia clearly foretells his death.read · scan

Buddhist WritingsVol. 45

p. 607Brahmans interpret the queen's dream: a son who will become a Universal Monarch or, leaving the household, a Buddha.read · scan

Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7

p. 43Her dream foresignifies a joy long after; Monica interprets it more truly than Augustine.read · scan

Chapters from the KoranVol. 45

p. 924Two prison companions recount dreams and ask Joseph to interpret them.read · scan
p. 924–925Joseph interprets the prisoners' dreams and the king's dream of fat and lean kine, foretelling seven plentiful and seven famine years.read · scan
p. 929–930Joseph's earlier vision is fulfilled; he was taught the interpretation of sayings.read · scan

The Destruction of Dá Derga's HostelVol. 49

p. 202–203The bull-feast with a spell of truth reveals the future king in a sleeper's vision, on pain of death for falsehood.read · scan

Songs from the Elder EddaVol. 49

p. 403–406The dreams foreshow evil, interpreted by Gudrun as tokens of fire, wrath and slayingread · scan

The Story of the Volsungs and NiblungsVol. 49

p. 310–311Gudrun seeks Brynhild as one who will know the meaning of her dream, expecting foreknowledge.read · scan
p. 311–312Brynhild interprets Gudrun's dream, foretelling Sigurd's coming, Grimhild's drink, Gudrun's marriage to Atli and the loss of her brethren.read · scan
p. 340–341Atli's ominous dreams interpreted by Gudrun as foretelling the deaths of his sons and coming woe.read · scan

Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35

p. 150Launcelot's dream is a vision requiring interpretation, betokening lineage.read · scan
p. 150–151The hermit interprets the vision as signifying the seven kings and Galahad.read · scan
p. 152–154Recluse interprets dream and tournament as tokens from the Lord.read · scan
p. 156–157Ector's dream and the vision of the hand and candle; a voice explains, and they seek a hermit to interpret.read · scan

5c.Ghosts, voices and apparitions foretelling

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 117The specter foretells hardships by land and sea, then a happy settlement on Latium's shore by the Tiber.read · scan
p. 127Creusa's ghost foretells a quiet kingdom and royal bride in Italy.read · scan
p. 197Disguised Iris claims Cassandra appeared in a dream and bade them burn the ships.read · scan

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 311The apparition foretold Curtius Rufus's honours, return as proconsul and death, and all came true.read · scan

Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16

p. 89A voice in his sleep instructs him how to destroy the horseman and be delivered.read · scan

The Voyages to VinlandVol. 43

p. 11–13A mysterious voice warns the sleeping men to flee; Thorvald sees his wish fulfilled in his death.read · scan

The Song of RolandVol. 49

p. 121–122Karl relates an angel's vision foretelling betrayal and loss.read · scan

Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35

p. 136–138A divine voice answers Evelake's prayer, promising he will not die until the destined knight comes to heal him.read · scan
p. 185A voice foretells to Solomon a woman, the Virgin Mary, and a last knight of his blood.read · scan
p. 187Solomon marvels and studies over the voice's foretelling of a last knight of his lineage who shall surpass all knights.read · scan
p. 187–189A voice tells Solomon that the last knight of his lineage shall rest in this bed.read · scan
p. 192A voice tells Galahad that he will bring health to the maimed king.read · scan
p. 197A vision instructs Launcelot to take arms and enter the first ship.read · scan
p. 199A voice guides Launcelot to the castle where he shall see part of his desire.read · scan

Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31

p. 256–258Visions and the sparrow's cry foretell his survival and his enemies' doom.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46

p. 152–157Hamlet takes the ghost's word, now confirmed by the King's reaction.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4

p. 319Adam reads the mute signs as warnings of Heaven's purpose.read · scan

James Hogg, PoemsVol. 41

p. 758–759Kilmeny is told to tell of coming signs, times that are now and times that shall be.read · scan
p. 761–763Kilmeny receives a visionary revelation of world events in a supernatural land.read · scan

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, PoemsVol. 41

p. 701–702Ancestral voices prophesy war to Kubla.read · scan

Lord Byron, ManfredVol. 18

p. 432–434The phantom foretells that tomorrow ends his earthly ills.read · scan

Percy Bysshe Shelley, The CenciVol. 18

p. 318–320Lucretia invents a vision of an accusing Angel saying Cenci must die; Cenci accepts that divine revealings may be made.read · scan

5d.The controversy over the credit due to dreams

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 202–203Dreams are said to descend from Jove and are taken as forebodings of ill success.read · scan

Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7

p. 95Monica seeks a vision on his marriage but discerns divine revelations from the dreams of her own soul, and none comes.read · scan

Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40

p. 42Chauntecleer cites Macrobius, Daniel, Joseph, Croesus and Andromache to show dreams warn of future events.read · scan

Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26

p. 80–81Romans hold dreams sent by Jove for man's admonishment.read · scan

6.Astrology, magic and fortune-telling

6a.Astrology and horoscopes

Plutarch, AntonyVol. 12

p. 345–346Egyptian diviner warns Antony to keep away from Caesar because his Genius dreads him.read · scan

Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16

p. 91Astrologers foretell the youth's short life and the slayer's name, linking it to the fall of the brass horseman.read · scan
p. 91–93The astrologers' prediction is confirmed by the fall of the horseman, prompting the father to hide his son.read · scan
p. 152–153The barber divines from stars that the day suits shaving and that the youth means to benefit someone, foretelling an unspoken matter.read · scan
p. 153–154The barber claims to give counsel from calculations deduced from the stars.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20

p. 175Nino's stars and heavens are observed, hinting at later events.read · scan

John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47

p. 780–781Antonio casting a figure, the horoscope pretext; superstition and omens.read · scan
p. 781–783Child's horoscope read by Bosola: combust lord of ascendant signifies short life, Mars threatens violent death.read · scan

Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Life Is a DreamVol. 26

p. 21–23Basilio foretells from stars and horoscope; the eclipse was an evil omen at his son's birth.read · scan
p. 23The horoscope foretells a monstrous son; Basilio fears mis-reading of the stars.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4

p. 395Satan foretells sorrows, hate and cruel death for Christ, claiming to read the stars.read · scan

John Dryden, Dedication of the AeneisVol. 13

p. 25Astrologers say Aeneas was born under Jupiter, Venus and the Sun; Augustus believed in the art, Dryden does not.read · scan

Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21

p. 444He cites verified and failed celebrated predictions, blaming those who misapply the science.read · scan
p. 531–532A prediction from the planetary conjunction of 1630 was on everyone's tongue.read · scan

6b.The refutation of astrology

Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7

p. 46–47Augustine consults astrologers; the physician argues divination is false and true predictions arise from chance.read · scan
p. 47–48Augustine still trusts astrologers; Nebridius derides divination, lacking proof it is chance.read · scan
p. 102–103Rejects astrologers' divinations; Vindicianus and Nebridius say predictions are a lottery, and Firminus's story of simultaneous births tests the art.read · scan
p. 103–105Astrology refuted: same constellations for master's son and slave yield opposite destinies, so true predictions come by chance, not art.read · scan
p. 105–106Twins like Esau and Jacob have identical stars but different fates, so astrologers speak truly only by chance.read · scan

6c.Necromancy, sorcery and magical divination

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 148Teiresias tells his oracles and how ghosts can be made to speak truth.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 167Magic arts and rites are used to command stars, ghosts and nature, a kind of occult power.read · scan

Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7

p. 189–190Rejects consulting the dead or seeking signs; he does not study the courses of the stars.read · scan

Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16

p. 402–403He divines by tables of figures in sand to learn the boy's fate and the Lamp's location.read · scan
p. 404The Moor uses instruments of divination to find the Lamp is in the palace.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20

p. 81Diviners like Amphiaraus, Tiresias and Aruns are punished with heads reversed for presuming to foretell the future.read · scan
p. 81Eurypilus the augur and Michael Scot, adept in magic, are named among diviners.read · scan
p. 81–84Bonatti, Asdente and the women who left spindle for divination and witchcraft with images and herbs are condemned.read · scan

Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31

p. 128The demons foretell he will be with Angelica within a month.read · scan
p. 131The necromancer assures Cellini the devils keep their word and warns of an impending danger he can foresee.read · scan
p. 132The sorcerer's warning of danger comes to Cellini's mind, leading him to restrain himself.read · scan
p. 136The month prophesied by devils expires that day, which Cellini recalls.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46

p. 365–366The witches' charm-making prepares the conjuring of apparitions that foretell Macbeth's future.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 282–283Prophecies, divination and sorceries are counterfeit because some are genuine.read · scan

Edmund Burke, A Letter to a Noble LordVol. 24

p. 382Those who vex the sepulchre and raise the prophetic dead only predict their own disastrous fate.read · scan

Lord Byron, ManfredVol. 18

p. 423–428Examples of necromancy: the Witch of Endor's prophet and Pausanias's answer from the dead maid.read · scan

Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29

p. 219Wizard or conjuring doctor of each tribe, with unclear function.read · scan

6d.Fraudulent fortune-telling and love charms

Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9

p. 226–228Regulus feigns astrology and divination by omens to deceive dying Verania into a legacy, exploiting her credulity.read · scan
p. 228Regulus consults omens about how soon he will be worth sixty millions.read · scan

Ben Jonson, The AlchemistVol. 47

p. 553–559Subtle pretends to foretell Drugger's fortune by metoposcopy, chiromancy and horoscope, predicting he will become a merchant and grow rich.read · scan
p. 559Subtle promises fortune and prescribes magical charms, planetary spirits' names and a loadstone to draw customers.read · scan
p. 618–620Subtle pretends to read the widow's fortune from forehead lines and palmistry, a fraudulent divination.read · scan
p. 620–621Subtle's palmistry promises Kastril honour and the widow a great fortune, fraudulent fortune-telling.read · scan
p. 626–628Subtle claims to know her fortune by his horoscope scheme.read · scan

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19

p. 137–140Faust calls the flower's verdict a heavenly oracle.read · scan

Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6

p. 109–110Burns's note on the passion for prying into futurity and Halloween charms among the peasantry.read · scan
p. 110–112Pulling kail stocks tells fortune, disposition and future spouse.read · scan
p. 112–114Nut-burning and blue-clue spells divine the fates of lovers and future marriages on Halloween.read · scan
p. 114–115Mirror-and-apple and blue-clue charms to see a future spouse; hemp-seed sowing recalled.read · scan
p. 115–116Hemp-seed charm to summon the vision of a future sweetheart, with ritual words.read · scan
p. 116–117Winnowing-barn and stack-fathoming charms to glimpse a future mate or station in life.read · scan
p. 117–118Sleeve-drying and three-dishes charms foretell whether a spouse will come maid, widow or none.read · scan
p. 346–347Divination rites show Tam Glen as her destined husband.read · scan

7.Prophecy as foretelling the course of destiny in story and history

7a.Prophecies of personal doom and return

See also: Fate 5b · Miracles 7b · Chivalry 6a · Tyranny 5b

Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22

p. 55–56Proteus can foretell the way home and events in Menelaus's halls if he is caught.read · scan
p. 56–57Proteus, if held fast, will reveal which god opposes Menelaus and how he may return.read · scan
p. 128Polyphemus recalls the seer Telemus's prediction that Odysseus would blind him, now fulfilled.read · scan
p. 142–143Odysseus must seek the blind seer Teiresias, who will declare his way and measure of his journey home.read · scan
p. 147Teiresias foretells Odysseus's trials, the danger of Helios's herds, vengeance on the suitors, and a gentle death from the sea.read · scan
p. 162Circe promises to declare the path and dangers ahead.read · scan
p. 165Circe foretells ruin for ship and men if the cattle of Helios are harmed.read · scan
p. 165–166Odysseus shares Circe's oracles so that with foreknowledge his crew may escape death and destiny.read · scan
p. 168–169Odysseus recalls the warnings of Teiresias and Circe to shun the isle of Helios.read · scan
p. 316–317Teiresias foretold Odysseus' further wanderings with an oar, sacrifice to Poseidon, and a gentle death from the sea.read · scan

Aeschylus, Prometheus BoundVol. 8

p. 168–170Prometheus clearly foresees the coming pangs.read · scan
p. 171He predicts Zeus will need him to reveal the plot that threatens his sovereignty.read · scan
p. 171Themis and Earth prophesied that guile, not force, would win the victory.read · scan
p. 192–193Prometheus foretells Zeus's fall through a marriage and a child mightier than his father, and a descendant who will free him.read · scan
p. 193–195Prometheus foretells Io's route east and the dangers to guard against.read · scan
p. 196–197Prometheus foretells Io's restoration at the Nile, Epaphos's birth, and the Danaids' murders, leading to his deliverer.read · scan
p. 198–199Prometheus foretells Zeus's ruin by a marriage and a new weapon mightier than thunder.read · scan

Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8

p. 228Apollo's oracle declares he will slay his father and bear loathsome children; he flees to avoid its fulfilment.read · scan

Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8

p. 432–435Dionysus foretells the future of Cadmus and Harmonia as an oracle of Zeus.read · scan

Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2

p. 27–28Socrates prophesies, as a dying man, that heavier punishment and more accusers will follow his judges.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 344Dying Orodes prophesies that like death awaits Mezentius; the king leaves it to Jove.read · scan

Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44

p. 410Jesus foresees the guest-chamber and the betrayal at the table.read · scan
p. 410–411Foretells Peter's threefold denial before the cock crows and that scripture must be fulfilled in him.read · scan
p. 412–413Peter's denial fulfils Jesus' prediction; mockers ask him to prophesy.read · scan

The Destruction of Dá Derga's HostelVol. 49

p. 214–215The ill-omened woman Cailb foretells that nothing of Conaire will escape but what birds carry off.read · scan
p. 228–229The sleeping king sings of his own doom, foretelling battle, the sack of the Hostel and Tara laid waste.read · scan
p. 232–233The juggler's failure and cry announce evil before the Hostel; he names the five foster-brothers plotting Conaire's destruction.read · scan
p. 242–243Lomna Druth's severed head is thrown into the Hostel and out again thrice, as he had foretold.read · scan

The Voyages to VinlandVol. 43

p. 17–19Leif predicts little prosperity for Freydis's offspring.read · scan

Songs from the Elder EddaVol. 49

p. 380–383The dying Brynhild foretells Gunnar's ruin, Gudrun's reconciliation and Swanhildread · scan
p. 383–386Dying Brynhild foretells Gudrun's marriage to Atli, Atli's cruelty and death, Swanhild's fate and the ruin of Sigurd's kinread · scan
p. 391–394The raven foretells Atli's vengeance on the murderersread · scan
p. 400–403Gudrun predicts that Atli will bring Gunnar and Hogni to their baneread · scan

The Story of the Volsungs and NiblungsVol. 49

p. 250–251Notes the Prophecy of Gripir tells the whole story to come, abbreviated so as not to forestall the tale's interest.read · scan
p. 262Signy claims foreknowledge that great evil will fall on them from this wedding.read · scan
p. 279–280Dying Sigmund foretells that his son will bear the reforged sword Gram and win lasting fame.read · scan
p. 287–288Grifir foretells Sigurd's whole life, which afterwards comes to pass.read · scan
p. 336Dying Brynhild foretells the fates of Gudrun, Atli, Gunnar, Swanhild and the ruin of the Giuki kin.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20

p. 117Piero foretells the treacherous death of Guido and Angiolello.read · scan

Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35

p. 105–106Golden letters on the Siege Perilous foretell the day it shall be filled, and the sword in the stone announces the adventure.read · scan
p. 106–108The sword's inscription says only the best knight of the world may draw it; a marvellous adventure foretold for Galahad's coming.read · scan
p. 109Letters name the Siege Perilous as Galahad's; the knights recognise him as the one by whom the Sangreal shall be achieved.read · scan
p. 109–110Arthur foretells Galahad will achieve the Sangreal; the hermit's message says the Grail appeared and greatest worship befalls Britain.read · scan
p. 118–119Joseph foretells that only Galahad, last of his lineage, will bear the shield without repentance, and where it must be found.read · scan
p. 124The duke's daughter foretold that one knight would overcome the brothers and end their hold on the castle.read · scan
p. 134–135Merlin foretold three white bulls would achieve the Sangreal, one surpassing his father as the lion does the leopard.read · scan
p. 148–150The gentlewoman foretells that Launcelot shall see the Grail more openly in short time.read · scan
p. 178–179Gawaine recalls the prophecy about the sword in the stone that is proven true in the stroke he takes.read · scan
p. 179–181A gentlewoman promises Galahad the highest adventure any knight saw.read · scan
p. 190–192The earl foretold the destroyers and knows Galahad by revelation.read · scan
p. 204Launcelot foretells that only one of the three Grail knights will return.read · scan

Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31

p. 13Father's verses foretell Cardinal de' Medici's papacy, seen as a touch of divine prophecy.read · scan
p. 17The father utters a threatening prophecy of ruin against Pierino, presented as a foretelling.read · scan

Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14

p. 281Her magician father foretold by his science his death, the giant's invasion and the coming of a knight-errant.read · scan
p. 281Don Quixote checks his body for the tawny spot the wise king prophesied, and Dorothea accepts the signs as fulfilling her father's foretelling.read · scan
p. 281–283Dorothea says her father foretold and wrote down that the knight who beheads the giant should marry her and receive her kingdom.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46

p. 207–209Dying Hamlet prophesies the election will light on Fortinbras.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46

p. 322–325The weird sisters go about to meet Macbeth, preparing their charm.read · scan
p. 325The witches hail Macbeth as thane of Glamis, Cawdor and future king, and Banquo as begetter of kings.read · scan
p. 331Macbeth's letter reports the weird sisters' hail to him as king to be.read · scan
p. 336–339Banquo mentions dreaming of the weird sisters, who showed Macbeth some truth.read · scan
p. 349–350Banquo reflects that the witches' promises came true for Macbeth and may be his oracles too; Macbeth recalls they hailed Banquo father of kings.read · scan
p. 361–363He resolves to consult the weird sisters to know the worst.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4

p. 87Satan speaks of a new creature to be created according to an ancient prophecy or report in Heaven.read · scan
p. 108A prophecy or tradition in Heaven of another world and creature is to be investigated.read · scan

John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4

p. 415Manoa receives Samson's hope as a prophecy that God will vindicate his name.read · scan
p. 415Samson fulfilled the work for which he was foretold to Israel.read · scan

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15

p. 90–91Evangelist foretells tribulation in the town ahead, and that one or both must seal their testimony with blood.read · scan
p. 276–277Evangelist prophesied to Christian and Faithful the troubles awaiting them at Vanity Fair.read · scan

Jean Racine, PhaedraVol. 26

p. 189–191Theseus wishes Neptune had not granted his rash prayer.read · scan

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17

p. 60–61Ravens foretell the dangers awaiting the king and the price of telling: the horse, the garmentread · scan
p. 61–62The ravens' third prediction, that the bride will fall dead unless blood is drawn, is fulfilled as foretoldread · scan
p. 137A frog foretells that the Queen's wish will be fulfilled within a year.read · scan
p. 137–138The thirteenth Wise Woman foretells the princess's fall at fifteen; the twelfth softens it to sleep.read · scan
p. 196It was foretold that the king's son would be killed by a stag at sixteen.read · scan

Edgar Allan Poe, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1228–1230The narrator calls the raven prophet, thing of evil, and asks it whether he will meet Lenore in Aidenn.read · scan

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1157–1159A haggard woman by the sea tells the king of his shrouded wraith seen four years, foretelling his death.read · scan
p. 1159–1161The woman's warning is offered as God's message; the king suspects sorcery of the Fiend instead.read · scan
p. 1161–1162The king jests about a book saying a Scottish king will die this year.read · scan
p. 1166–1168The woman returns crying that the shroud has covered his eyes and mouth; the doom has grown.read · scan

7b.Prophecies of nations and dynasties

Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8

p. 158–160The Furies pronounce a gracious prophecy of new life and prosperity for Athens.read · scan

Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13

p. 80Jove foretells the line from Ascanius to Romulus and Caesar, and the coming age of peace.read · scan
p. 131The Harpy Celaeno foretells Italy is fated but famine will force them to eat their plates before building their walls.read · scan
p. 137Helenus foretells signs of the settlement: the white sow with thirty young, the route past Sicily, Circe, and the underworld.read · scan
p. 232Anchises tells the future wars and customs of the Latin state.read · scan
p. 239Seer interprets Lavinia's burning as portending war; Faunus's oracle foretells a foreign son and a race ruling the world.read · scan
p. 268–270Tiber foretells the white sow and thirty young as an omen, the founding of a town, and Rome's future; it comes true.read · scan
p. 270Carmenta foretold the Aeneadae's fame and Rome's imperial place.read · scan
p. 305Apollo foretells Rome's race of demigods and the Julian line's world dominion.read · scan

The Destruction of Dá Derga's HostelVol. 49

p. 201Wizards had prophesied to childless King Eterscel that a woman of unknown race would bear him a son.read · scan
p. 203–204Nemglan directs Conaire to Tara, foretelling he will be king as the naked man with a sling.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20

p. 6Virgil foretells the coming greyhound who will destroy the wolf and restore safety to Italy.read · scan
p. 25Ciacco foretells the bloody strife of Florentine factions and the fall and rise of parties.read · scan
p. 44Farinata's foretelling of Dante's exile troubles him; Virgil says Beatrice will unfold the future course of his life.read · scan
p. 61Brunetto foretells Dante's future fame and the enmity of the ungrateful Florentines.read · scan
p. 78Nicholas foretells the coming of Clement V, a lawless shepherd and new Jason, aided by France's king.read · scan
p. 98Fucci forebodes the political ruin of Pistoia and Florence's change of citizens and laws.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20

p. 166–167Virgil says Beatrice will resolve Dante's doubt about prayer and judgment; Sordello embraces a fellow Mantuan.read · scan
p. 175Argument announces Malaspina's prediction of Dante's exile.read · scan
p. 175–179Conrad foretells that within seven years Dante will experience Malaspina hospitality in exile.read · scan
p. 200Spirit foretells the grandson's slaughter of the Florentine 'wolves'.read · scan
p. 239–240Forese foresees a coming time when preachers will denounce Florentine women and Heaven will bring sorrow upon them.read · scan
p. 242Buonaggiunta foretells Gentucca, a woman who will make Dante like Lucca.read · scan
p. 242Forese foretells the violent death of Corso Donati, dragged by a beast to the valley of no redemption.read · scan
p. 278–280Beatrice darkly predicts future events to Dante.read · scan
p. 280Beatrice foretells, in riddling numerals and stars, one sent from God who will slay the harlot and giant.read · scan

Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20

p. 321Cunizza foretells the defeat of the Paduans and the fate of Riccardo da Camino.read · scan
p. 358–359Cacciaguida foretells Dante's exile, bitter bread of others, and hospitality of the Scaligersread · scan
p. 360Coming ambush and exile foretold; time will outlast his enemies' treasonread · scan
p. 402Beatrice foretells that before January is displaced from the calendar the heavens will reverse fortune and bring reform.read · scan

Sir Walter Raleigh, The Discovery of GuianaVol. 33

p. 379–380Berreo confessed Peruvian temple prophecies foretold the Ingas' restoration from servitude by England.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King LearVol. 46

p. 266–267The Fool speaks a mock prophecy of a confused age, ending with the claim that Merlin will make it.read · scan

Thomas Gray, PoemsVol. 40

p. 456–458The bard foretells the doom of Edward's line, weaving its winding-sheet.read · scan
p. 458–459The bard continues foretelling the fall of Richard II, the Wars of the Roses and the triumph of the Tudors.read · scan

William Cowper, PoemsVol. 41

p. 537–539The Druid foretells Rome's ruin and Britain's future empire.read · scan
p. 539–541Bard's prophecy of British empire inspires Boadicea to fight and die.read · scan

Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26

p. 460–461The dying baron speaks in prophetic tone, foreseeing the conflict with the princes and victory of the peasants.read · scan

Ernest Renan, The Poetry of the Celtic RacesVol. 32

p. 143–144Celtic Messianism expects a future avenger, Arthur or Merlin's Leminok, to restore Cambria; the resurrection of heroes.read · scan
p. 152Merlin imprisoned in the thicket prophesies the future of the Celtic races.read · scan

7c.The deceiving prophecy and the self-fulfilling prediction

Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14

p. 463A feigned prophecy foretells Quixote's marriage to Dulcinea, offspring, and Sancho's rewards, to keep him calm.read · scan
p. 465Quixote believes the false prophecy promising marriage to Dulcinea and sons.read · scan

Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3

p. 91–92Catalogue of historical prophecies, dreams and astrological predictions (Polycrates, Brutus, Vespasian, Henry VI on Henry VII) that seemed fulfilled.read · scan

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46

p. 327The witches' prediction proves partly true; Banquo warns that instruments of darkness tell truths to betray us in deeper consequence.read · scan
p. 366–367Apparitions foretell Macbeth's fate: beware Macduff, and none of woman born shall harm him.read · scan
p. 368–369Apparitions promise Macbeth safety until Birnam wood comes to Dunsinane, and show Banquo's royal line.read · scan
p. 384–385Macbeth relies on the spirits' promise that no man born of woman can harm him until Birnam wood moves.read · scan
p. 388–389Macbeth begins to doubt the fiend's equivocation that lies like truth as the wood seems to move.read · scan
p. 390–391Macbeth trusts that only a man not born of woman can harm him.read · scan
p. 391–392Macduff reveals he was untimely ripped from the womb; Macbeth curses the juggling fiends who keep promises to the ear and break them to hope.read · scan

Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Life Is a DreamVol. 26

p. 23The king weighs a stars-based prediction of his son's savagery and devises a trial to test whether the prophecy holds.read · scan
p. 45Prophetic omens of Segismund's birth made the father create the savage they predicted.read · scan
p. 45–52The King's prophecy that Segismund's glory will vanish like a dream; Segismund scorns lying prophecies.read · scan
p. 71Stars foretold Segismund's savagery; misreading and misapplying the heavenly writing fulfilled the prediction.read · scan

Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1

p. 56–57Mickle the croaker foretells Philadelphia's ruin and is proved wrong.read · scan

Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17

p. 344It is prophesied the Sultan's daughter will be unhappy over a lover, so she is guarded.read · scan
p. 351It is prophesied the Princess will marry a common soldier, so the King confines her.read · scan

James Russell Lowell, DemocracyVol. 28

p. 452Events humorously belie the forebodings of prophets.read · scan

8.Prophecy as the proof of revelation and of Christ

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15

p. 57Prophecies and predictions with certain accomplishment, dread to enemies, comfort to pilgrims.read · scan

8a.Prophecies of the Messiah fulfilled in Christ

Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44

p. 354Angel foretells Jesus' everlasting kingdom on David's throne.read · scan
p. 360–361John's call in the wilderness fulfills Isaiah's prophecy of making straight the Lord's way.read · scan
p. 362–364Jesus reads Isaiah's anointing text as applying to himself.read · scan
p. 371–372Jesus declares John more than a prophet, the messenger foretold by scripture, and answers John's question by pointing to his works.read · scan
p. 379Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus of his coming decease at Jerusalem.read · scan
p. 401–402Jesus foretells his suffering, death and rising as written by the prophets, which disciples do not understand.read · scan
p. 416Women reminded that Jesus foretold his crucifixion and rising on the third day.read · scan
p. 417Moses and the prophets are read as foretelling the Christ's suffering and glory.read · scan

Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44

p. 424–425Peter says scripture spoken by David through the Holy Spirit had to be fulfilled concerning Judas and his office.read · scan
p. 426–427Joel and David are cited as foretelling the outpouring of the Spirit, signs in heaven, and the resurrection of the Christ.read · scan
p. 428Peter says God foreshowed through all the prophets, including Moses and Samuel, that his Christ should suffer.read · scan
p. 435Moses foretells that God will raise up a prophet like him from among the brethren.read · scan
p. 440–441Isaiah's passage on the lamb led to slaughter is read as a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus.read · scan
p. 445–446All the prophets bear witness to Jesus.read · scan
p. 479–481Paul says he preaches only what Moses and the prophets foretold, that the Christ must suffer and rise.read · scan

John Calvin, Dedication of the Institutes of the Christian ReligionVol. 39

p. 29–30The prophets foretell the magnificence of Christ's kingdom.read · scan

Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15

p. 400Salvation was only prophesied until Simeon's time; now it is seen daily in its history.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4

p. 292The curse on the Serpent is an oracle later verified in Christ's triumph over Satan.read · scan
p. 300He grudgingly acknowledges the judgment that the woman's seed shall bruise his head.read · scan
p. 342Michael foretells Abraham's descendants, the Deliverer who will bruise the Serpent, and Israel's sojourn in Egypt.read · scan
p. 342Moses and the prophets foretell Messiah; types and shadows anticipate the Seed.read · scan
p. 342Prophets foretell a son of David whose reign shall have no end.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4

p. 359The long-threatened wound to Satan's head by the Woman's Seed, and the Baptist as harbinger.read · scan
p. 359Annunciation, angels, star and Simeon foretell the Messiah; he searches Law and Prophets and finds his hard way to death.read · scan
p. 359John proclaims him as Messiah, foretold to him from heaven.read · scan
p. 371Long-expected Messiah; they recall Moses and Elijah taken up, and think Jesus may be likewise.read · scan
p. 371Mary recalls Simeon's foretelling that a sword would pierce her soul and that her Son would be a sign spoken againstread · scan
p. 384Satan invokes the prophets' promise of Christ's endless reignread · scan
p. 405Satan cites prophets' foretelling of the Messiah and Gabriel's announcement; Christ dismisses the night's portents as false signs.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 102Prophecies and the prophets Moses and others are cited among proofs of Christianity.read · scan
p. 102–103Prophecies listed among proofs of religion.read · scan
p. 174Prophecies accomplished and proved true by events are solid proofs of the divinity of Christ.read · scan
p. 189–190Fulfilled prophecies prove the divinity of the rest; God made them above suspicion.read · scan
p. 199–200Prophetic texts cited as foretelling rejection of old sacrifices, temple, and Ark, and a new covenant with the Messiah.read · scan
p. 200–201The patriarchs awaited a promised Messiah, revealed to Abraham and hailed by dying Jacob.read · scan
p. 202Prophets foretold the Messiah; fulfillment of their other predictions vouched for their mission and for Christ.read · scan
p. 214Prophets prophesied Christ only, with two advents of the Messiah, glorious and humiliating.read · scan
p. 215God foretold by prophets the time and manner of His coming.read · scan
p. 222Christ came at the foretold time but without the expected glory, so men did not recognize Him.read · scan
p. 224Isaiah says Redemption will be like the passage of the Red Sea.read · scan
p. 233–234Fulfilled prophecy distinguishes Christianity; anyone can call himself a prophet but not fulfil predictions.read · scan
p. 234Prophecies are understood only when events occur; prophets foretold Christians and Christ.read · scan
p. 235Christ foretold as to time and state of the world; fulfilled prophecy is the proof.read · scan
p. 236–237Four thousand years of successive men and a whole people testify to the same event; this gives infinite weight.read · scan
p. 237Jacob, dying, foretold a great land and Judah's kingship and Messiah when Israel was landless and without royalty.read · scan
p. 237Jacob crosses hands to bless younger Ephraim over Manasseh, foretelling Ephraim's greater increase, borne out in history.read · scan
p. 244–245Prophecies of David's everlasting line and the sceptre staying in Judah until the eternal King; the Jews' lack of a king but Caesar proves Jesus the Messiah.read · scan
p. 252–253Isaiah's servant speaks as one taught by the Lord to speak to the weary.read · scan
p. 253The servant obediently suffers outrage and shame, foreshadowing the Messiah, and warns those who kindle God's wrath.read · scan
p. 254Daniel and Haggai foretell the Messiah's reign, the shaking of heavens and nations, and greater glory for the second house.read · scan
p. 255Promises greater glory for the latter house and a prophet like Moses who will speak God's commands.read · scan
p. 255Jacob's blessing of Judah and a list of prophecies of the Messiah's birth, forerunner, and mission to the lowly.read · scan
p. 256Prophecies foretell the Messiah as poor yet master of nations, teacher of Gentiles, sin-bearing victim and cornerstone; prophecies are unintelligible to the wicked.read · scan
p. 256Foretells the Messiah's rejection, betrayal, Passion, resurrection on the third day, ascension, victory, worship by nations, and the Jews' wandering without kings or prophets.read · scan
p. 257Predictions of the Messiah's new covenant, overthrow of idolatry and pure sacrifice among all nations are read as fulfilled in the Christian law.read · scan
p. 258Pascal finds divinity in the fulfilled predictions of the course of the world and of the Messiah's timing before the second temple's fall.read · scan
p. 261All signs foretold for the Messiah, including Daniel's seventy weeks and Judah's sceptre departing, coincided at his advent, proving the prophecies.read · scan
p. 261–262Prophets foretold and were not foretold; saints were foretold but did not foretell; Christ both foretold and was foretold.read · scan
p. 272The victory over all powers was accomplished by the power that had foretold it.read · scan
p. 291–292The sign of Jonah promised as foretelling the resurrection.read · scan

John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1

p. 190–191Scripture prophecies of peace cited as being fulfilled.read · scan

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Education of the Human RaceVol. 32

p. 198–199Christ's certainty rested on fulfilled prophecies and miracles, though their proof matters less now.read · scan

Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21

p. 371Onlookers recall Isaiah's wolf and lamb feeding together as fulfilled in the two men.read · scan

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1053–1054The prophecy given of old and not understood has come to pass as foretold, in the age's babble.read · scan

8b.The Jews as bearers and witnesses of prophecy

Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44

p. 451Prophets' words read each sabbath were fulfilled by those who condemned Jesus.read · scan
p. 485–486Paul cites Isaiah's prophecy of a people with dull hearts and closed eyes, applying it to Jewish unbelief.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 187God entrusted prophecies of the Messiah to a carnal people who kept the books incorrupt yet rejected Christ.read · scan
p. 187Those who rejected Christ fulfilled the prophecies they preserved; hidden spiritual meaning lay under the carnal one.read · scan
p. 189Jews cited Scripture against Christ's death and disbelieved despite miracles, fulfilling Isaiah.read · scan
p. 200Lists prophecies that old sacrifices, priesthood, Jerusalem and the Jewish name would be replaced, yet the Jews would remain a people.read · scan
p. 201Chosen men in Judaea alone foretold the Messiah's coming.read · scan
p. 203Jewish prophets foretold the time and manner of Christ; the scattered Jews still exist under a curse.read · scan
p. 204They exist to announce and herald the coming Saviour.read · scan
p. 205Their preservation was foretold.read · scan
p. 209Moses and Isaiah foretell the people's scattering and the calling of another people.read · scan
p. 211–212The sceptre was not lost in Babylon because return was foretold; now Jews are captives without hope.read · scan
p. 212–213Babylonian exile was foretold with promised restoration; the second destruction has no prophets, kings or hope, so the sceptre is gone for ever.read · scan
p. 225Prophecies and miracles seen fulfilled among the Jews.read · scan
p. 235–236Prophecies are the strongest proof of Christ; scattered among Jews worldwide to prepare belief by all the world.read · scan
p. 236Prophecies had to be distributed everywhere and foretold so agreement is not chance; times predicted by state of Jews, heathen, temple.read · scan
p. 237–238Moses foretold the future in the land, victories, ingratitude and punishments long before entry.read · scan
p. 238Particular prophecies mingled with Messianic ones, e.g. perpetual captivity of the Jews and vineyard laid waste.read · scan
p. 243Jeremiah foretells rejection of the Temple as Shiloh was, for the people's wickedness.read · scan
p. 254Amos foretells mourning for an only son, a famine of hearing the Lord's words, and the fall of idolaters.read · scan
p. 258–259Lists foretold features: Jewish unbelief and blindness, a glorious yet poor rejected Messiah, a new eternal covenant, Gentile acceptance, Jews surviving forever.read · scan
p. 260A whole ancient nation prophesied a Redeemer for four thousand years, which he finds convincing.read · scan
p. 260The Jews foretold Christ, are witnesses to the prophecies, and their blindness and wretchedness were themselves foretold.read · scan
p. 262Jewish refusal to believe fulfills prophecy and grounds Christian faith; the Jews love the things foretold yet oppose their fulfilment.read · scan
p. 263The Jews expected greater miracles from the Messiah, since Moses's were mere patterns; they ask why clearly foretold events went unbelieved.read · scan
p. 263–264Jewish unbelief and survival were foretold; they serve as unsuspected witnesses, and the prophets say Christ is a God truly hidden.read · scan
p. 266Jewish rejection of Christ accomplishes the prophecies and makes them irreproachable witnesses.read · scan
p. 266–267Slaying and denying Christ fulfilled the prophecies; whether received or rejected, the Jews prove him, and prophecies are the lasting miracles.read · scan
p. 273–274The whole Jewish people foretold him before his coming.read · scan

8c.The obscurity and double meaning of prophecy

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 186Prophecies in the Gospel and of the Messiah were given obscurely, through faithful witnesses, to prepare faith.read · scan
p. 187Spiritual meaning concealed in many passages, revealed in a few, so prophecy can serve as proof of the Messiah.read · scan
p. 188Promised blessings were misread as worldly goods by a covetous people.read · scan
p. 188–189Isaiah, Hosea and the stone of stumbling; note on prophets and typical proofs.read · scan
p. 213–214Prophecies with two meanings prove Christ has come; if only one meaning, the Messiah has not.read · scan
p. 219Prophets said their discourses would be understood only in the fulness of time, meaning other sacrifices and another deliverer.read · scan
p. 219The carnal Jews misunderstood the greatness and humiliation of the foretold Messiah.read · scan
p. 225–226We examine what the prophets say of the eternal covenant to test its meaning.read · scan
p. 226Prophets said Israel would always be loved and law eternal, yet that their meaning was veiled.read · scan
p. 227Scripture references to Isaiah and Jeremiah on the wickedness of the heart and outward sacrifice.read · scan
p. 228Jews could not reconcile Hosea's cessation of royalty with Jacob's prophecy.read · scan
p. 231The promised Messiah delivers from sins, not fleshly enemies; ambiguity of 'enemies' is resolved by other prophets speaking of iniquities.read · scan
p. 232Moses, David, Isaiah and Daniel use 'enemies' to mean sins; Gabriel promises the end of sin and eternal justice through the Redeemer.read · scan
p. 238–239Isaiah: God is a sanctuary to some but a stumbling stone to both houses of Israel; he hides himself.read · scan
p. 239Isaiah: prophetic visions become a sealed book; God sends a spirit of deep sleep on Israel.read · scan
p. 264Obscurities in the prophecies were themselves prophesied; David and the sceptre of Judah puzzles bear on how the Messiah comes.read · scan
p. 264–265A man who foretells plainly, declares intent to blind and enlighten, and mixes obscurity with clarity deserves reverence; first advent's time was foretold, second's not.read · scan
p. 265God foretold the Messiah's time clearly but the blessings obscurely in types, so the good understand while the wicked misread them as material.read · scan
p. 276Asks why Christ was foretold in types and prophecies rather than coming visibly.read · scan
p. 287Prophecies were ambiguous, no longer so.read · scan

8d.Daniel and the prophecies of kingdoms and times

Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44

p. 455–456James cites the prophets as agreeing that Gentiles would seek the Lord.read · scan

Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36

p. 327–328Balaam and Daniel are cited as foretelling the destruction of the Roman empire.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 198Prophetic texts cited to show the calling of the Gentiles was foretold.read · scan
p. 198–199God's promise to circumcise the heart is read as foretelling the new dispensation.read · scan
p. 199Rejection of the faithless Jews and the choosing of the heathen is cited as foretold.read · scan
p. 241God reveals new, hidden things so Israel cannot claim prior knowledge; foretells rejection of Jews and calling of Gentiles.read · scan
p. 241Foretells a seed out of Jacob inheriting while others perish.read · scan
p. 242Isaiah foretells contrasting fates: servants rejoice, the rebels are ashamed, and a new heaven and earth are created.read · scan
p. 242Isaiah foretells peaceable kingdom and salvation near, extended even to strangers who keep the covenant.read · scan
p. 242–243God will gather all nations to see his glory and send survivors to distant peoples.read · scan
p. 243List of fulfilled prophecies and Malachi's foretelling of rejected Jewish sacrifice and heathen sacrifice everywhere.read · scan
p. 244Catalogue of prophecies: rejection of the Jews, calling of Gentiles, Jews scattered, new law, Christ betrayed, second temple.read · scan
p. 245Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great image as a revelation from God of what shall come in the latter days.read · scan
p. 245–246Daniel interprets the image's metals as successive kingdoms, gold Nebuchadnezzar's, followed by brass and iron empires.read · scan
p. 246Daniel foretells that God will set up an everlasting kingdom that breaks all earthly kingdoms; the interpretation is declared sure.read · scan
p. 246Daniel's vision of ram and he-goat interpreted by Gabriel as the Persian and Greek kings.read · scan
p. 247Foretells division of Alexander's kingdom into four and a later insolent, crafty king who destroys the holy people and perishes.read · scan
p. 247Gabriel tells Daniel of the seventy weeks determined to end transgression and bring everlasting righteousness, after which the people are rejected.read · scan
p. 247Interprets the seventy weeks: Jerusalem rebuilt, the Messiah cut off after sixty-nine weeks, and the city and sanctuary destroyed.read · scan
p. 248The seventieth week confirms the covenant then ends sacrifice; Daniel xi begins foretelling Persian kings, identified by Pascal with historical figures.read · scan
p. 248Foretells Alexander's great dominion, division of his kingdom among four successors, and rise of Ptolemy and Seleucus, confirmed by Appian.read · scan
p. 248Foretells the alliance by marriage of Berenice to Antiochus, her murder, and her kinsman's invasion of Syria, glossed with history.read · scan
p. 249Foretells sons' armies, battle of Raphia between Ptolemy Philopator and Antiochus the Great, and Ptolemy's insolence after victory.read · scan
p. 249Foretells Antiochus's return, conquest of Israel and fenced cities, and a daughter given in marriage to betray Ptolemy Epiphanes.read · scan
p. 249Foretells Antiochus's failed cunning to corrupt his daughter, seizure of seaports, check by Scipio, and death at his soldiers' hands.read · scan
p. 250Foretells a tax-raising tyrant destroyed soon, succeeded by a vile, flattering usurper who works deceit and ravages provinces.read · scan
p. 250Notes ambiguities in dating Daniel's seventy weeks, and predicts that in the fourth monarchy the heathen shall be brought to know Israel's God.read · scan
p. 250–251The conversion of the heathen after two thousand years was foretold long before.read · scan
p. 251Conversion of Egyptians and an altar to the true God in Egypt are foretold; heathens believed the books of Moses only after Christ.read · scan
p. 251Isaiah's servant, called from the womb, is made a light to the Gentiles and salvation to the ends of the earth.read · scan
p. 251–252Isaiah foretells the despised servant to whom princes and kings will bow, restoring desolate nations and gathering peoples from all quarters.read · scan
p. 252Isaiah foretells Zion's restoration and repopulation.read · scan
p. 252Isaiah foretells the Gentiles bringing Zion's children home, with kings as nursing fathers and queens as nursing mothers.read · scan
p. 253–254Isaiah promises comfort for Zion and law and light for the Gentiles; Amos foretells God's vengeance turning feasts to mourning.read · scan
p. 256–257Hosea's prophecies of the calling of the Gentiles and of Israel without king, prince or sacrifice are said to be fulfilled now.read · scan
p. 268–269Christ announces that the apostles will fulfil the prophecies, the Jews be cast out, Jerusalem destroyed and the heathen brought to God; this came to pass.read · scan
p. 269Psalm and Isaiah texts foretell all nations adoring Christ, who is for all while Moses was for one nation.read · scan

8e.Prophecy compared with miracles as evidence

Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36

p. 224–229Miracles are honoured as signs of divine power.read · scan

Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36

p. 310Miracles at shrines prove nothing, since the evil one also works wonders, as Christ taught.read · scan

Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34

p. 385Divine calling can be attested only by miracles or true prophecy, itself a miracle.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 156Men claim a miracle would convert them but cannot know how they would act.read · scan
p. 185Prophecies and miracles are not absolutely convincing but not unreasonable to believe; evidence and obscurity coexist.read · scan
p. 286Biblical examples of prophets confirmed by miracles versus false prophets.read · scan
p. 286Prophecies could not yet prove Christ during His life.read · scan
p. 289Miracles witnessed to prophecies still being fulfilled; accomplished prophecies now form a lasting miracle.read · scan
p. 297Paul and Christ appeal to miracles rather than the evidence of prophecies.read · scan

David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human UnderstandingVol. 37

p. 382Forged miracles, prophecies and supernatural events, often detected, show mankind's propensity to the marvellous and warrant suspicion.read · scan
p. 392Prophecies are real miracles and only as such can prove revelation, since foretelling exceeds human capacity.read · scan

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34

p. 285–286Prophecies and revelations must be weighed and confronted with facts.read · scan
p. 286–287Judging predictions requires probability and knowledge of figurative language; prophecy and miracle are doubtful credentials of a divine mission.read · scan
p. 289–291Supernatural proofs are defined as prophecies, miracles and prodigies, all resting on testimony.read · scan
p. 291A prophecy proves nothing unless one witnesses both prediction and event and knows it was no accident.read · scan

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Education of the Human RaceVol. 32

p. 189–190Miracles and prophecies may be true even without doctrines of future reward.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, An Address Delivered before the Senior Class in Divinity CollegeVol. 5

p. 29Miracles, prophecy and inspiration are relegated to ancient history and seem ridiculous to society.read · scan

9.Prophets and apostles of the scriptural and Islamic traditions

9a.The prophetic office, gifts and mission

Paul, The First Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45

p. 506–507Prophecy, tongues and discerning of spirits are listed among the Spirit's gifts.read · scan
p. 508Prophecies and tongues will pass away, and prophecy is preferred to tongues for edifying the church.read · scan
p. 509–510Prophesying convicts the unbeliever and reveals his heart, so he worships; prophets speak in turn and others discern.read · scan

Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44

p. 353The angel foretells John's birth and mission in the spirit of Elijah.read · scan
p. 356–357Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesies John as prophet of the Most High preparing the Lord's way.read · scan
p. 358–359Simeon, told he would see Christ, foretells the child's role and a sword piercing Mary's soul; Anna prophetess.read · scan
p. 377–378Herod is perplexed at rumors that John or Elijah or an old prophet has risen.read · scan

Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44

p. 425Peter explains the event as fulfillment of Joel's prophecy that sons and daughters shall prophesy and see visions.read · scan
p. 441–442The Lord foretells to Ananias what Saul will do and suffer.read · scan
p. 447–448Agabus, moved by the Spirit, foretells a great famine, which comes to pass under Claudius.read · scan
p. 463–464Disciples receiving the Spirit speak with tongues and prophesy.read · scan
p. 469Agabus dramatically binds himself with Paul's girdle, foretelling Paul's arrest at Jerusalem; Philip's daughters prophesy.read · scan
p. 481–482Paul foretells the loss of the ship but no loss of life.read · scan
p. 482–483Paul foretells that not a hair of any head will perish, assuring their deliverance.read · scan

Chapters from the KoranVol. 45

p. 881–882An apostle is sent to bear witness against the people as one was sent to Pharaoh.read · scan
p. 887–889Moses is sent to Pharaoh; the prophet is only a warner about the Hour.read · scan
p. 902–903God commissions Moses as apostle to Pharaoh, who fears being called a liar.read · scan
p. 903–904Moses' rod and hand are signs; his rod swallows the sorcerers' devices, showing God's power over magic.read · scan
p. 908–909Zachariah receives glad tidings and a sign; John is given judgment and grace as a boy.read · scan
p. 909–910The infant Jesus speaks, declaring himself servant of God and a prophet, requiring prayer and almsgiving.read · scan
p. 910–911Series of prophets, Abraham, Moses, Ishmael, Idris, are recalled as favored by God's grace.read · scan
p. 917–918Some prophets preferred over others; David given the Psalms; signs sent with messengers.read · scan
p. 930Apostles were men inspired by God; the story of the unseen is revealed to Muhammad.read · scan
p. 935–936Apostles are sent, some named, none bringing a sign except by God's permission.read · scan
p. 940–941Apostles bring signs only by God's permission; the prophet's duty is merely to deliver the message.read · scan
p. 952–953The birth of John, a prophet, is foretold; the story is a declaration of the unseen revealed to Mohammed.read · scan
p. 953–954Jesus is announced as a prophet to Israel, bringing signs, miracles and confirming the law.read · scan
p. 974–975Every apostle is sent to be obeyed; obedience places one with prophets, martyrs and the righteous.read · scan
p. 983–984God inspired Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, David and other apostles as bearers of glad tidings and warning.read · scan
p. 996The Apostle comes as herald and warner, explaining the Book after an interval of apostles.read · scan
p. 1000–1001The Apostle must preach the message revealed to him or fail his charge.read · scan

Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16

p. 418Miracles attributed to the ascetic are spoken of as signs of sanctity.read · scan

Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7

p. 258–259Moses and the prophets are inferior to the Lord who inspired them; only God's inward speech profits.read · scan
p. 259–260The Lord taught prophets from the beginning and still speaks to all, though many are deaf.read · scan
p. 327–328Even the gift of prophecy is of no value without grace.read · scan

Sir Philip Sidney, The Defense of PoesyVol. 27

p. 25Nathan, sent by God, calls David back by parable.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 101–102Prophecies foretold God's Spirit would spread among nations and youths would prophesy, showing the Spirit is in simple believers.read · scan
p. 208–209Moses wishes all the people were prophets, weary of the multitude.read · scan

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15

p. 64–65Jeremiah's description of the valley as a wilderness is cited.read · scan
p. 181–183A messenger brings a letter from the King telling her what to do.read · scan

William Penn, More Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1

p. 397Gifts of prophecy count for nothing without charity.read · scan

John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1

p. 194–195Jeremiah's disagreeable messages and the burning word he could not hold back are compared to Woolman's own calling.read · scan
p. 231Jeremiah reproves the backsliding Jews; scripture cited as evidence of God's dealings with nations.read · scan

Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21

p. 49Father Macario foretells the barren walnut tree will bear abundantly, and it does.read · scan
p. 85–86The friar begins to predict a day of reckoning for Rodrigo, who fears the inauspicious prophet.read · scan
p. 103The friar's prophecy echoes in Rodrigo's ears and makes him shudder.read · scan

Thomas Carlyle, CharacteristicsVol. 25

p. 331–332When prophecy ceased among the Hebrews, argumentation and sects began, signalling decline.read · scan
p. 353The age is not without its prophets; Germany's literature holds a new revelation of the Godlike.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, An Address Delivered before the Senior Class in Divinity CollegeVol. 5

p. 30Christ is placed in the true race of prophets, who see the soul's mystery.read · scan
p. 33He asserts the need for new revelation and prophets who can move men.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, WorshipVol. 5

p. 275–276Prophetic souls announce absolute truths which are quickly dragged down into savage interpretation.read · scan

Robert Browning, PoemsVol. 42

p. 1096–1097Moses smiting the rock: the leader before the crowd can never put off the prophet's role.read · scan

9b.Prophets rejected, persecuted and false

See also: National Character 6b · Religion 3c

The Book of PsalmsVol. 44

p. 232–234Lament that there is no more any prophet who knows how long the suffering will last.read · scan

Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44

p. 386Fathers killed the prophets; sons build their tombs.read · scan
p. 391–392A prophet must perish in Jerusalem, which kills the prophets.read · scan
p. 405–406Parable foretells the rejection and killing of the son and the transfer of the vineyard.read · scan

Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44

p. 435–438The prophets who foretold the Righteous One were persecuted and killed by the fathers.read · scan
p. 450–451Elymas is called a false prophet and sorcerer who perverts the Lord's ways.read · scan

Chapters from the KoranVol. 45

p. 905–906Noah and Hud, as faithful apostles and warners, are called liars by their peoples.read · scan
p. 906Salih and Lot as faithful apostles warn their peoples, who reject them and demand a sign.read · scan
p. 907Shuaib is rejected as a mere mortal; the Qur'an is declared a revelation foretold in earlier scriptures.read · scan
p. 932–933Earlier apostles like Joseph came with signs but were doubted.read · scan
p. 964Prophets came with signs and scriptures and were called liars and killed; God chooses whom He pleases of His apostles.read · scan
p. 982Jews are blamed for killing prophets and for asking to see God openly.read · scan
p. 1001–1002Apostles were sent to Israel, and some were called liars and slain; Jesus was only a prophet.read · scan
p. 1005–1006Jesus's miracles, speaking in the cradle, healing the blind and raising the dead, are called magic by unbelievers.read · scan

Niccolò Machiavelli, The PrinceVol. 36

p. 20–21Armed prophets have triumphed and unarmed ones been destroyed, as Savonarola.read · scan

Martin Luther, The Ninety-Five ThesesVol. 36

p. 258Condemns false prophets who cry 'Peace, peace' and blesses those who preach the cross.read · scan

Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36

p. 311Prophets preached against such practices and were martyred; no one now dares preach against them.read · scan

William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36

p. 103–114The nun claims revelations from God warning the King; More foretells that the King's matters will be confirmed by oaths.read · scan

John Calvin, Dedication of the Institutes of the Christian ReligionVol. 39

p. 33–34Christ predicted false prophets with lying signs to deceive even the elect.read · scan

Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34

p. 348–349Those who believe a prophet's report trust the prophet, whether true or false.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 283Cites miracles of false prophets in Jeremiah.read · scan
p. 285–286Moses foretold Christ and Christ foretold Antichrist, ordering whom to follow.read · scan
p. 292–293Antichrist and false prophets foretold by both Testaments will speak openly against God.read · scan
p. 307–308Prophecies foretell that princes, prophets, Pope and priests will fail; false prophets of past image future ones.read · scan
p. 308–309The temptations arising from such people were foretold, hence evidence of God's care.read · scan

Voltaire, Letters on the EnglishVol. 34

p. 73–74Magistrate's sudden death taken as fulfilment of Fox's prediction, winning converts.read · scan

David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human UnderstandingVol. 37

p. 388–389Desire to appear a prophet or ambassador from heaven tempts men to delusion and pious fraud.read · scan

Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in FranceVol. 24

p. 209–210Mocks the preacher as prophet hailing the Millenium and fifth monarchy.read · scan

Ralph Waldo Emerson, WorshipVol. 5

p. 287–288A nun claims gifts of inspiration and prophecy; Philip tests her and exposes the claim.read · scan

Ernest Renan, The Poetry of the Celtic RacesVol. 32

p. 168Indestructible Celtic belief in prophets created the anti-Christian Merlin; orthodox Bretons thundered against prophets.read · scan

9c.Predictions of the end and of judgment

Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44

p. 399Foretelling the coming of the Son of man, sudden as lightning, after suffering and rejection; days of Noah and Lot.read · scan
p. 404–405Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and foretells its siege and destruction because it knew not the time of visitation.read · scan
p. 407Jesus foretells the temple's destruction, false messiahs, wars and tumults, and signs of the end.read · scan
p. 408–409Jesus foretells persecution, Jerusalem's destruction, cosmic signs and the coming of the Son of man.read · scan
p. 409Fig-tree parable: signs show the kingdom of God is near; heaven and earth pass but his words remain.read · scan
p. 414–415Jesus foretells coming distress for Jerusalem's women and children.read · scan

Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44

p. 423Jesus declares that the times and seasons are set by the Father's authority and not for the apostles to know.read · scan

Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36

p. 274–275Scripture foretold false wonders in the latter days.read · scan

Edward Haies, Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Voyage to NewfoundlandVol. 33

p. 266Christ's prophecy that the word preached throughout the world precedes the end is cited as assurance.read · scan

Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3

p. 296Browne wonders from what Sibyl or oracle the heathens took the prophecy of the world's destruction by fire.read · scan
p. 296–297Fixing the day of the end is madness and impiety; astrologers and melancholy prophets have been mocked.read · scan
p. 297–298Signs of the Second Coming and of Antichrist are obscure; every age believed the end near.read · scan

John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4

p. 331Michael foretells the coming flood and the ark to save the just man.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, LettersVol. 48

p. 357Mark 13 read as predicting the conversion of each person, destruction of the old man and of the universe.read · scan
p. 357–358Reads the abomination of desolation as predicting the present corruption among theologians and ecclesiastics.read · scan

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15

p. 39Apocalyptic vision of the last day.read · scan

9d.The claims of Muhammad and other founders

Buddhist WritingsVol. 45

p. 585–587Dipamkara foretells Sumedha's future Buddhahood as Gotama, his parents, disciples and Bo-tree.read · scan
p. 587–589Dipamkara having prophesied his future, beings of ten thousand worlds cry out that surely a Buddha he shall be.read · scan
p. 589–591Each presage ends with the refrain that surely a Buddha thou shalt be.read · scan
p. 603–604The three Uproars are divine announcements foretelling the cycle's end, a Buddha's rising, and a Universal Monarch.read · scan
p. 615–616He casts the golden dish upstream as a sign whether he will succeed in becoming a Buddha.read · scan
p. 780The Teacher looks into the future and foretells that Gotama will arise and she will be Visakha with the eight boons.read · scan

Chapters from the KoranVol. 45

p. 886The Qur'an is the speech of a noble apostle who saw the unseen, not a madman's or a devil's.read · scan
p. 892The apostle's word is distinguished from that of a soothsayer; if he invented sayings God would cut him off.read · scan
p. 893–894The apostle is neither soothsayer nor madman, and his opponents wait on him.read · scan
p. 897–898Mohammed's vision of the messenger and the signs of the Lord; his word is inspiration, not delusion.read · scan
p. 920–921Unbelievers demand miracles and object that a mortal is sent as apostle; Muhammad claims to be only a mortal messenger.read · scan
p. 921–922The Prophet is only a herald of glad tidings and a warner; the Qur'an is sent down in portions.read · scan
p. 942God sent a prophet from among the Gentiles to recite His signs, purify them and teach the Book.read · scan
p. 955–956God took a compact from the prophets to believe in and help the coming Apostle.read · scan
p. 966–967Jesus foretells an apostle named Ahmed who will come after him; his signs were called sorcery.read · scan
p. 988–989Mohammed is called Apostle, Seal of the Prophets, witness, herald and warner sent to call men to God.read · scan

Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48

p. 194Mahomet's claim rests only on himself, with no witnesses.read · scan
p. 194–195Mahomet is judged a false prophet by what is clear rather than what is obscure.read · scan
p. 195Jesus Christ was foretold, Mahomet was not; prophecies manifestly fulfilled.read · scan
p. 195–196Mahomet lacks prophecy and signs; heathen oracles rest on doubtful books.read · scan

See also: Religion, Miracles, Fate, God, Angel, Sin