The Starry Messenger

Abstract

‘Ah, welcome, welcome,’ greeted the man effusively. ‘What took you so long? I have been waiting for you, my friends. Well, I know where you have been. You met Tycho and my friend Johannes, didn’t you? What a pair they make, what contrast! The nobleman with the false nose and the commoner assistant with imaginary ailments.’ He threw back his head and roared with laughter and then added seriously, ‘No, I should not make fun of them. Tycho is a fantastic observer and Johannes is an excellent philosopher. And most of all, before visiting them, you met our great teacher, Copernicus himself. How I wish I had that privilege! I envy you. By the time I was born our teacher was gone for twenty-one years. Oh, well, allow me to introduce myself before I forget my manners, which I often do. I am Galileo Galilei. Son of the accomplished musician, Vincenzio Galilei, I am a philosopher, experimenter, mathematician, and, most of all, a stargazer.’