Page:Galileo Galilei and the Roman Curia (IA cu31924012301754).pdf/335



now come to the last three years of Galileo's life.

From two documents published by Professor Gherardi we learn that in 1639 Galileo once more asked at Rome for some favours not specified, but that they were absolutely refused by the Pope. From this time Galileo came no further into direct contact with the Roman curia. He had been compelled to give up all hope of any amelioration of his lot from the implacable Urban VIII. So he ended his days quietly and resigned, as the prisoner of the Inquisition, in his villa at Arcetri. Castelli also, who (as his letters to Galileo of 1639 bear witness) had warmly exerted himself on his behalf with Cardinal Barberini and other influential persons, had