Pieralisi is acquainted with these words, and seeks to weaken their indisputable force as evidence in a lengthy disquisition; but an impartial critic only sees in this the apologist of Urban VIII., who desires, at all hazards, to shield him from the suspicion of having been actuated in the matter of Galileo’s trial by personal motives, which will always be recognised in history as a fact, though it is also an exaggeration of some historians to maintain that it was the actual starting-point of the whole process, Urban having wished to revenge himself for this assumed personal insult.[278] No, it had its effect, but was not the chief motive. The Jesuits had inspired the Pope with the opinion that the “Dialogues” were eminently dangerous to the Church, more dangerous and abhorrent even than the writings of Luther and Calvin,[279] and he was highly incensed at the representation that Galileo had shamefully outwitted Father Riccardi, Mgr. Ciampoli, and even his Holiness himself, in obtaining the licence. Offended majesty, the determination to guard the interests of the Church and the authority of the Bible, indignation at Galileo’s assumed cunning, and annoyance at having been duped by it,—these were the motives which impelled Urban VIII. to the deed called the institution of the trial of the Inquisition against Galileo.
CHAPTER IV.
DISCOVERY OF THE ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION OF 1616.
Symptoms of the Coming Storm.—The Special Commission.—Parade of Forbearance.—The Grand Duke intercedes for Galileo.—Provisional Prohibition of the “Dialogues.”—Niccolini’s Interview with the Pope and unfavourable Reception.—Report of it to Cioli.—Magalotti’s Letters.—Real Object of the Special Commission to find a Pretext for the Trial.—Its Discovery in the Assumed Prohibition of 1616.—Report of the Commission and Charges against Galileo.
As we have seen, even during the months of June and July a ferment had already begun in certain circles at Rome about the “Dialogues.” Complaints and accusations were rife, the Pope was artfully worked upon—these were the first portents of the heavy storm which was to break over Galileo’s head. The Master of the Palace went about Rome in great fear for himself as well as for Galileo, and told his troubles to Count Magalotti.[280] At the beginning of August, Riccardi begged him to deliver up the eight copies of the “Dialogues” which Magalotti had brought to Rome, with the assurance that he would return them in ten days at the latest. It was not in Magalotti’s power to grant this request, the books having, as we know, long ago passed into other hands.[281]
A few days later the first thunderclap broke over Galileo. His publisher, Landini, at Florence received instructions, though for the time they were only provisional, forbidding the further sale of the “Dialogues.” The succeeding scenes of the melancholy drama quickly followed. A special commission was instituted at Rome by order of the Pope to investigate the whole affair. Urban afterwards repeatedly stated with great emphasis to Niccolini, that it was out of regard for the Grand Duke, as well as for Galileo, that the very unusual measure was taken of not referring his cause directly to the Holy Office, but to a separate congregation.[282]
It is altogether a characteristic trait in all the proceedings of the Roman curia against Galileo, that there was a parade of great consideration for and forbearance towards him although strictly within the limits of their real intentions. Even the favour ostensibly shown to him of referring his cause to a preliminary commission, composed of theologians and mathematicians, was not so great in reality as it was trumpeted to be at the Vatican. It was composed of persons by no means favourable to him, and all the endeavours of Niccolini and other powerful friends of Galileo to have influential persons who were friendly to him put on the commission, such as Fathers Castelli and Campanella, were frustrated by the Pope. It occasioned a dangerous threat to be held over the undaunted Campanella, who energetically exerted himself in the matter.[283]
Meanwhile disquieting rumours had reached Florence, and Galileo recognised with terror his dangerous position, though not to its full extent; this perhaps was as yet foreseen by no one. He appealed in full confidence to his friendly young sovereign for protection, and found a willing ear. On the 24th August a note on this business was sent to Niccolini, by order of the Grand Duke. It is clear that Ferdinand’s efforts to assist Galileo were sincere from the circumstance that, although the letter was written in Cioli’s name, Galileo was the author of it, as appears from the original draft in his handwriting in the Palatina Library at Florence.