at length, by the end of 1635, been taken into favour again,[1] and reported faithfully to Galileo all the steps taken to procure his liberty. The utmost caution had been exercised in order to attain this end.[2] Count Noailles and Castelli had persuaded Cardinal Antonio Barberini, in repeated interviews, that nothing had been further from Galileo's intention than to offend or make game of Urban VIII., upon which the cardinal, at the request of the French ambassador, promised to intercede with his papal brother for Galileo. On 11th July Noailles made the same assurances to the Pope at an audience, whereupon he exclaimed: "Lo crediamo, lo crediamo!" (We believe it), and again said that he was personally very well disposed to Galileo, and had always liked him; but when Noailles began to speak of his liberation, he said evasively that this affair was of the greatest moment to all Christendom. The French diplomatist, who knew Urban's irritable temper, did not think it advisable to press him further, and consoled himself for the time, even after this cool reply, with the thought that the brother cardinal had promised to use his good offices for Galileo.
Castelli informed Galileo in a letter of 12th July[3] of all this, and advised him to write a letter of thanks to Cardinal Antonio for his kind intercession, which he at once did.[4] Noailles placed all his hopes on a farewell audience with the Pope, in which he meant to ask for Galileo's pardon. On 8th August he drove for the last time to the Vatican. Urban was very gracious, and when Galileo's affairs were introduced he even promised at last to bring the subject
- ↑ See Castelli's letter to Galileo of 2nd June, 1635, in which he says that "he had at last been again permitted to kiss his Holiness's toe." (Op. x. pp. 99, 100.)
- ↑ Comp. the letters of Castelli and the Count de Noailles to Galileo of 19th April and 6th May, 1636. (Op. x. pp. 149, 150, and 153.)
- ↑ Op. x. pp. 159, 160
- ↑ Op. x. pp. 161 and 163.
