William Shakespeare on Prophesies

There is a history in all men's lives,/
Figuring the nature of the times deceased;/
The which observed, a man may prophesy,/
With a near aim, of the main chance of things/
As yet not come to life, which in their seeds/
And weak beginnings lie intreasured.

William Shakespeare. 1596. Henry IV Part II; Act 3, Scene 1.