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246 intentions of the Danish king; but if he found that his Majesty was unfavourable to him and his studies, he expected confidently to find advice elsewhere.

It would almost seem that Tycho already regretted having left Denmark, as he now made every effort to influence King Christian in his favour, though he had neglected to approach the king personally while he was still in the country. On the 29th July he wrote a letter in German to Duke Ulrich of Mecklenburg-Güstrow, the maternal grandfather of the king, reminding him of the visit which the Duke had once paid to Uraniborg, and stating that he had been obliged to leave Denmark for reasons which he did not wish to put in writing. For the present he had taken up his abode at Rostock, which he hoped was not displeasing to the Duke, who doubtless would regret that work, which was progressing well and which was valued by learned men all over Europe, should be so suddenly interrupted and almost come to nought. He therefore begged the Duke to advise him how this work might be continued, if not in Denmark, then somewhere in the Roman Empire, and promised in future publications gratefully to acknowledge any assistance the Duke would give him. At the same time Tycho wrote to the Duke's chancellor, Jacob Bording, whose father had been physician to King Christian III. of Denmark, and asked the chancellor to speak for him to the Duke. Bording answered at once, assuring Tycho of the good-will of the Duke, who would in a few days write to him as well as to the king. On the 4th August Duke Ulrich wrote to Tycho, expressing his sympathy, and asking whether Tycho would wish him to send off a letter to King Christian, of which he enclosed a copy. He could not express an opinion as to how the astronomical work might be carried on, but it would require the patronage of