s devoted
himself to chemical pursuits, and he was therefore peculiarly gratified
in examining the splendid laboratory and extensive apparatus which Tycho
possessed. It has been said by some of the biographers of Tycho, that
the Landgrave of Hesse visited Uraniburg about this period; but this
opinion is not correct, as it was only his astronomer and optician,
Rothman, who made a journey to Huen in 1591 for the recovery of his
health. Tycho had long carried on a correspondence with this able
astronomer respecting the observations made at the observatory of
Hesse-Cassel, and, during the few months which they now spent together,
they discussed in the amplest manner all the questions which had
previously been agitated. Rothman was astonished at the wonderful
apparatus which he saw at Uraniburg, and returned to his native country
charmed with the hospitality of the Danish astronomer.

Hitherto we have followed Tycho through a career of almost unexampled
prosperity. When he had scarcely reached his thirtieth year he was
established, by the kindness and liberality of his sovereign, in the
most splendid observatory that had ever been erected in Europe; and a
thriving family, an ample income, and a widely extended reputation were
added to his blessings. Of the value of these gifts he was deeply
sensible, and he enjoyed them the more that he received them with a
grateful heart. Tycho was a christian as well as a philosopher. The
powers of his gifted mind have been amply displayed in his astronomical
labours; but we shall now have occasion to witness his piety and
resignation in submitting to an unexpected and an adverse destiny.

CHAPTER III.

_Tycho's Labours do honour to his Country--Death of Frederick
II.--James VI. of Scotland visits Tycho at Uraniburg--Christian IV.
visits Tycho--The Duke of Brunswick's visit to Tycho--The Danish
Nobility, jealous of his fame, conspire against him--He is
compelled to quit Uraniburg--And to abandon his Studies--Cruelty of
the Minister Walchendorp--Tycho quits Denmark with his Family and
Instruments--Is hospitably received by Count Rantzau--Who
introduces him to the Emperor Rudolph--The Emperor invites him to
Prague--He gives him a Pension of 3000 Crowns--And the Castle of
Benach as a Residence and an Observatory--Kepler visits Tycho--Who
obtains for him the Appointment of Mathematician to Rudolph._

The love of astronomy whi