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Trinita de Monti,the Roman editor of Newton, 
who, if I remember right, was obliged to make 
an apology in his preface for publishing sucha 
dreadful heresy as that the earth moved round 
the sun, and to disclaim his belief of it. What 
more bitter sarcasm could have been offered to 
the very authority which required this apology! 
“This good and venerable old man, who is 
since removed to a state where he will find 
truth needs no apology, was confined to his 
bed with a broken limb from a fall. Never- 
theless he admitted visitors every evening, 
conversing with his natural cheerfulness and 
urbanity, and discussing scientific subjects 
with as much ardour as if he were just enter- 
ing on his literary career. How delightful 
and how consolatory it is, among the disap- 
pointments and anxieties of life, to observe 
science, like virtue, retaining its relish to the 
last; smoothing the bed of age and infirmity, 
preserving the mind young and vigorous, alive 
to all its enjoyments, amid the wreck of its 
frail cottage; while, in communicating its own 
ardour and its own light to others, it tastes 
the happiness of a good father, who feels him- 
self living over again in his children!” 
Milan. 
Oriant.—“ The Abbé Oriani, Astronomer Royal. 
He treated us as if he were paying a debt of 
gratitude, instead of humanity. I have ever 
since been proud to cultivate his friendship.” 
