Page:Tycho brahe.djvu/273

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TYCHO AT ROSTOCK.
249

among other things are counted up, first, that you had no opportunity to speak to us before you left this kingdom, neither knew whether it were convenient to us or not; therefore you have humbly wished to let us know your case in writing, and [you add] that we are doubtless aware that you have lost whatever allowance you hitherto have had for the maintenance of the astronomical art, also that we will not continue to support the said art, and other things which unexpectedly have occurred and have happened to you without any fault or error of yours, as you think. Furthermore, that you have not yourself the means to perfect the said art at your own expense, and even though you had your former benefices, you have yet been so reduced as to have had to part with your estate. And whereas you for the said reasons are obliged to seek in other places from foreign potentates and lords help, assistance, and counsel to promote the astronomical art, then you beg that we will not with displeasure look upon your journey, particularly as you will not altogether leave your native land. Furthermore, you state that if it may be granted to you in this kingdom to continue your work, then you would not refuse it, but grant that honour to us and your native land, if it could be done on fair conditions and without injury to you, as your lengthy letter furthermore details it. Now we would graciously not withhold from you, first, as regards that you have not had an opportunity of speaking to us before you left the kingdom, and that you were not aware whether it would be agreeable to us or not: You must well remember that you were staying for some weeks in our city of Copenhagen before you left the kingdom, and not only did not ask authority from us to leave the country, as you should have done, but never even spoke to us except on the one occasion when the peasants of Hveen and you were in court before us, and you were commanded and ordered to