Chapter 5

Urban VIII., Galileo's friend, raised to the Pontificate--Galileo goes to Rome to offer his congratulations--The Pope loads Galileo with presents, and promises a Pension to his Son--Galileo in pecuniary difficulties, owing to the death of his patron, Cosmo--Galileo again rashly attacks the Church, notwithstanding the Pope's kindness--He composes his System of the World, to demonstrate the Copernican System--Artfully obtains a license to print it--Nature of the work--Its influence on the public mind--The Pope resolves on suppressing it--Galileo summoned before the Inquisition--His Trial--His Defence--His formal Abjuration of his Opinions--Observations on his conduct--The Pope shews great indulgence to Galileo, who is allowed to return to his own house at Arcetri as the place of his confinement,