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the day on which the second hearing had taken place, at Firenzuola's suggestion to the Pope, Galileo was permitted, in consideration of his age and infirmities, to return to the hotel of the Tuscan ambassador, on oath not to leave it, not to hold any intercourse with any one but the inmates of the house, to present himself before the Holy Office whenever summoned, and to maintain the strictest silence about the course of the trial. On the very next day Niccolini wrote to Cioli with great satisfaction: "Signor Galileo was yesterday sent back to my house when I was not at all expecting him, and although the trial is not yet ended." The Tuscan Secretary of State replied on 4th May, with the curt observation: "His Highness was much pleased at the liberation of Signor Galileo," and immediately adds the ill-humoured and unworthy remark: "It appears to me that I must remind your Excellency that when I wrote to you to entertain Signor Galileo at the embassy, the time specified was one month, and the expenses of the remaining time must