vable velocity with which it
would be necessary for the celestial orbs to travel in order to
accomplish their daily revolution is described by him as opposed to all
reason, and entailing upon them a journey which it would be impossible
for material bodies to perform. None the less accurate is Milton's
description of the Copernican system. He describes the Sun as occupying
that position in the system which his magnitude and supreme importance
claim as his sole right, having the planets with their satellites,

That from his lordly eye keep distance due.--iii. 578,

circling in majestic orbits around him, acknowledging his controlling
power, and bending to his firm but gentle sway. Their positions, their
paths, and their motions, real and apparent, are described in flowing
and harmonious verse.

CHAPTER IV

MILTON AND GALILEO

After the death of his mother, which occurred in 1637, Milton expressed
a desire to visit the Continent, where there were many places of
interest which he often longed to see. Having obtained the consent of
his kind and indulgent father, he set out on his travels in April 1638,
accompanied by a single man-servant, and arrived in Paris, where he only
stayed a few days. During his residence in the French capital he was
introduced by Lord Scudamore, the English Ambassador at the Court of
Versailles, to Hugo Grotius, one of the most distinguished scholars and
philosophic thinkers of his age. From Paris Milton journeyed to Nice,
where he first beheld the beauty of Italian scenery and the classic
shores of the Mediterranean Sea. From Nice he sailed to Genoa and
Leghorn, and after a short stay at those places continued his journey to
Florence, one of the most interesting and picturesque of Italian cities.
Situated in the Valley of the Arno, and encircled by sloping hills
covered with luxuriant vegetation, the sides of which were studded with
residences half-hidden among the foliage of gardens and vineyards,
Florence, besides being famed for its natural beauty, was at that time
the centre of Italian culture and learning, and the abode of men eminent
in literature and science. Here Milton remained for a period of two
months, and enjoyed the friendship and hospitality of its most noted
citizens, many of whom delighted to honour their English visitor. He was
warmly welcomed by the members of the various literary academies, who
admired his compositions and conversation; the flattering encomiums