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either by discourse or writing; and as Galileohad not paid an implicit obedience to this man-date, he was now proceeded against as a de-spises of civil as well as sacred authority, andwas accordingly sentenced to be confined in theprison of the inquisition, during the pleasure ofthe inquisitors.

This sentence, however, was afterwardschanged into the milder one of being confinedin the small village of Acetri in Tuscany duringIris life. Here he pursued his studies with asmuch avidity as ever, and made several newdiscoveries and improvements in his favouritescience; but soon after this, whilst he was en-gaged in his obfervatiyns upon the libration ofthe moon, he was suddenly deprived of hissight, and the heavens being now strut uponhim, the book of nature was no longer subjectto his inspection. His age advancing, and hisinfirmities increasing, the grave at length re-ceived him from his persecutors; he was buriedin the tomb of his ancestors; his disciples, wholoved him in his life, honoured him in death;and his name was transmitted to posterity withthe fame he had so justly acquired.

The celebrated geometer Viviani, who hadbeen one of his most favourite pupils, strewed azeal for the glory of this great man, that iswithout an example; the most tender and duti-ful