MEMOIR OP GALILEO. 93 



through the Tuscan ambassador at the papal court, to ob- 

 tain a written statement of the charges, that Galileo might 

 prepare for his defence. This, however, was refused, and a 

 summons was soon issued for him to appear at Rome. At 

 this time a contagious epidemic was raging in Tuscany, and 

 a strict quarantine was enforced at Rome. Representations 

 were made of the miseries which a journey under these cir- 

 cumstances would impose upon Galileo, who at the time was 

 suffering from advanced age and ill health. Personal at- 

 tendance was however peremptorily demanded. Some res- 

 pect was certainly paid to the talents and infirmities of 

 Galileo during the progress of his trial. He was allowed 

 to reside in the palace of the Tuscan ambassador, and even 

 permitted to visit the public gardens. 



On the 22d of June, 1633, the Inquisitors assembled to 

 pronounce sentence on the philosopher. From passages in 

 the sentence, it is suspected that Galileo was put to the tor- 

 ture. The sentence itself is too long for insertion ; but the 

 following extract will convey an idea of its nature : 



" By the desire of his Holiness, and of the most eminent Lords Cardi- 

 nals of this supreme and universal Inquisition, the two propositions of 

 the stability of the sun and the motion of the earth were qualified, by the 

 theological qualifiers as follows : 



1st. " The proposition that the sun is the centre of the world, and im- 

 moveable from its place, is absurd, philosophically false, and formally 

 heretical; because it is expressly contrary to Holy Scripture. 



2d. " The proposition that the earth is not the centre of the world, nor 

 immoveable ; but that it moves and also with a diurnal motion, is absurd, 

 philosophically false ; and theologically considered, at least erroneous in 

 faith. 



" We decree that the book of the Dialogues of Galileo Galilei be pro- 

 hibited by edict ; we condemn you to the prison of this office during 

 pleasure ; we order you for the next three years to recite once a-week 

 the seven penitential psalms." 



Had Galileo stood up boldly in defence of his opinions ? 

 he might not perhaps have disarmed the persecuting spirit 



