The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-10-08

the whole Ol II IN MS observatory. w nen
the astronomer saw the stars beginning
TO pale in the eastern sky, he took the
triangular instrument which he had con-
siructed with his own hands out of three
different pieces of wood, and directed
il successfully against the four cardinal
points of the horizon. No shadow of 4
doubt remained and, overpowered by
the conviction that he had indeed de-
stroved an error of five thousand years
duration, and was about To reveal to the
world an imperishable truth, Coperni>
Gus knet in the presence of that g o.
riots volume whose starry characters he
had first learned to decipher, and, folds
ing his attenuated hands across his bo-
som, thanked his Creator for having O,
pened his eyes TO understand aud read
Alright these his glorious works. lie
then returned to his table, and, seizing a
pen, he wrote on the title page Of his
book" Behold the work of the great
est aud the most perfect artisan; the
work of God himself And now, the
first excitement having passed away,
he proceeded, with a collie ted mind, to
write the dedication of his book.
"To the Most Holy Father, Pope
Paul Ill. dedicate my work to your
holiness, in order that all the world,
whether learned or ignorant, may see
that do not seek 10 shun examination
aud the judgment Of my superlors. Your
authority, and your love for science in
general, and for mathematics in partic-
ular, will serve to shield me against
wicked and malicious slanderers, not
withstandlng the proverO which says that
there is no remedy against the wounds
Inflicted by the tongue of calumny, &c.
NicnoLAs CorERNicrs-Of Thorn" J"
Soon the frs, dawn of day caused the
lamp of the astronomer to burn more
dimly, he leant. his forehead upon the
table, aud, overcome with fatigue, sank
into a peaceful slumber. After sixty
years of labor, he in truth needed repose.
But his present reposc, at all events, was
not destined to be Of long duration; IT
was abridged by the entrance of an aged
servant, who, with low and heavy step,
ascended the tower stairs.
"Masler," said he to tie canon, as he
gently touched him upon the shoulder.
" the messenger who arrived yesterday
from Rhelicus is ready to set out on his
return, and is only waiting for your
proof-sheets and letters"
The astronomer rose, made up the
packet, which he duly sealed and then
sank back upon his chair as if wearIed
by the effort.
But that is not all, " continued the
servant there are ten poor sick peo-
pie in the house waiting for you; and
besides, you are wanted at Frauenburg
to look after the water-machnc, which
has stopped working aud also to see the
three workmcn who have broken their
legs in trying to set it agoing again "
Poor creaturesl' exclaimed Copper
nicus. Let my horse be saddled di-
rectly." And with a resoute effort shak-
ing off the sleep which weighed down
his eyelids, the good man hastily descend
ed the stairs 1f the tower. "
The house of Copernicus was, in out
ward appearance, one of the most unpre-
tending in Wernica it was composed
of a laboratory, in which he prepared
medicine for the poor; a little studio, in
which this man of genius, skilled in art
as well as in science, painted his own
likeness or those of his friends, or trace
his recollecllons OF Rome and of Boz
logna; and lastly, Of small parIor on
the ground-lloor, which was ever open To
+ all who came to him for remedies, for
money, or for food. Over the door an
oval aperture had been cut, through
which a ray ofthe midday sun daily pen
elrated, and resting upon certain point
in the adjoining room, marked the hour
of noon. This was the only astrouomi-
cal gnomon Of Copernicus and the only
) ornament the Groom contained were verses
written by his own hand, and pasted up
l over the chimney-piece.
/ 1t was in this parlor that the good Ca
! non found the ten invalids who had come
TO claim his assistance he dressed the
wounds Of some, administered remedies
to others, and on all he bestowed aim.
and words of kindness and consolation
r Having completed his labors, he hastily
swallowed a draught of milk, and wa
about to set out for Frauenberg, when
horseman, galloping up 10 the door
y handed him a letter. lie irembled al
he recognised the handwriting Of hi
r friend Gysius, Bishop of Culm. " Ma,
: God have pity on us, wrote this latter
and avert the blow which now threat
ors thaaI fHhy anon,,a. and thv riv a