diously enough, partly at his house
in Florence, partly at his villa in Arcetri, a mile or so out of the
town.

Here was a convent, and in it his two daughters were nuns. One of them,
who passed under the name of Sister Maria Celeste, seems to have been a
woman of considerable capacity--certainly she was of a most affectionate
disposition--and loved and honoured her father in the most dutiful way.

This was a quiet period of his life, spoiled only by occasional fits of
illness and severe rheumatic pains, to which the old man was always
liable. Many little circumstances are known of this peaceful time. For
instance, the convent clock won't go, and Galileo mends it for them. He
is always doing little things for them, and sending presents to the Lady
Superior and his two daughters.

He was occupied now with problems in hydrostatics, and on other matters
unconnected with astronomy: a large piece of work which I must pass
over. Most interesting and acute it is, however.

In 1623, when the old Pope died, there was elected to the Papal throne,
as Urban VIII., Cardinal Barberino, a man of very considerable
enlightenment, and a personal friend of Galileo's, so that both he and
his daughters rejoice greatly, and hope that things will come all right,
and the forbidding edict be withdrawn.

The year after this election he manages to make another journey to Rome
to compliment his friend on his elevation to the Pontifical chair. He
had many talks with Urban, and made himself very agreeable.

Urban wrote to the Grand Duke Ferdinand, son of Cosmo:--

"For We find in him not only literary distinction but also love of
piety, and he is strong in those qualities by which Pontifical good
will is easily obtainable. And now, when he has been brought to
this city to congratulate Us on Our elevation, We have very
lovingly embraced him; nor can We suffer him to return to the
country whither your liberality recalls him without an ample
provision of Pontifical love. And that you may know how dear he is
to Us, We have willed to give him this honourable testimonial of
virtue and piety. And We further signify that every benefit which
you shall confer upon him, imitating or even surpassing your
father's liberality, will conduce to Our gratification."

Encouraged, doubtless, by these marks of approbation, and reposing too
much confidence in the individual good will of the Pope, without heed