as given by Copernicus. In like manner he found that the latitude of Königsberg was 54° 43', in place of 54° 17', as adopted by Rheinhold. When Morsianus returned to Huen in July, he brought with him, as a present to Tycho, from Hannovius, one of the Canons of Ermeland, the Ptolemaic rules, or the Parallactic Instrument which Copernicus had used and made with his own hands. It consisted of two equal wooden rules, five cubits long, and divided into 1414 parts. Tycho preserved this gift as one peculiarly dear to him, and, on the day of his receiving it, he composed a set of verses in honour of the great astronomer to whom it belonged.

Among the distinguished visits which were paid to Tycho, we must enumerate that of Ulric, Duke of Mecklenburgh, in 1586. Although his daughter, Sophia, Queen of Denmark, had already paid two visits to Uraniburg in the same year, yet such was her love of astronomy, that she accompanied her father and his wife Elizabeth on this occasion. Ulric was not only fond of science in general, but had for many years devoted himself to chemical pursuits, and he was therefore peculiarly gratified in examining the splendid laboratory and extensive apparatus which Tycho possessed. It has been said.

by some of the biographers of Tycho, that the Landgrave of Hesse visited Uraniburg about this period; but this opinion is not correct, as it was only his astronomer and optician, Rothman, who made a journey to Huen in 1591 for the recovery of his health. Tycho had long carried on a correspondence with this able astronomer respecting the observations made at the observatory of HesseCassel, and, during the few months which they now spent together, they discussed in the amplest manner all the questions which had previously been agitated. Rothman was astonished at the wonderful apparatus which he saw at Uraniburg, and returned to his native country charmed with the hospitality of the Danish astronomer.

Hitherto we have followed Tycho through a career of almost unexampled prosperity. When he had scarcely reached his thirtieth year, he was established, by the kindness and liberality of his sovereign, in the most splendid observatory that had ever been erected in Europe; and a thriving family, an ample income, and a widely extended reputation were added to his blessings. Of the value of these gifts he was deeply sensible, and he enjoyed them the more that he received them with a grateful heart. Tycho was a Christian as well as a philo

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sopher. The powers of his vigorous mind have been amply displayed in his astronomical labours; but we shall now have occasion to witness his piety and resignation in submitting to an unexpected and an adverse destiny.

CHAPTER III.

Tycho's labours do honour to his country-Death of Frederick II. -James VI. of Scotland visits Tycho at Uraniburg-Christian IV. visits Tycho-The Duke of Brunswick's visit to TychoThe Danish nobility, jealous of his fame, conspire against him— He is compelled to quit Uraniburg-And to abandon his studies -Cruelty of the Minister Walchendorp-Tycho quits Denmark with his family and instruments-Is hospitably received by Count Rantzau-Who introduces him to the Emperor Rudolph -The Emperor invites him to Prague-He gives him a pension of 3000 crowns-And the Castle of Benach as a residence and an observatory-Kepler visits Tycho-Who obtains for him the appointment of Mathematician to Rudolph.

TH

HE love of astronomy, which had been so unequivocally exhibited by Frederick II. and his Royal Consort, inspired their courtiers with at least an outward respect for science; and among the ministers and advisers of the king, Tycho reckoned many ardent friends. It was everywhere felt that Denmark had elevated herself among the nations of Europe by her liberality to Tycho; and the peaceful glory which he had in return conferred upon his country was not such as to dissatisfy even

rival nations. In the conquests of science no widows' or orphans' tears are shed, no captives are dragged from their homes, and no devoted victims are yoked to the chariot-wheels of the triumphant philosopher. The newly-acquired domains of knowledge belong to all nations, and Denmark had now earned the gratitude of Europe by the success of her contingent and by the magnitude of her conquests.

An event, however, now occurred, which threatened with destruction the interests of Danish science. In the beginning of April 1588, Frederick II. died in the 54th year of his age, and the 29th of his reign. His remains were conveyed to Rothschild, and deposited in the chapel under Tycho's care, where a finely-executed bust of him was afterwards placed. His son and successor, Christian IV., was only in the 11th year of his age, and though his temper and disposition were good, yet Tycho had reason to be alarmed at the possibility of his discontinuing the patronage of astronomy. The taste for science, however, which had sprung up in the Danish Court, had extended itself no wider than the influence of the reigning sovereign. The parasites of royalty saw themselves eclipsed in the bright renown which Tycho had acquired, and