the context clearly suggests that the reference was not to the main argument, but to some of its dubious facts. [230] In any case, though the title--chosen by the editors--speaks daringly enough of "Nature, the queen and goddess of mortals," Vanini cannot be shown to be an atheist; [231] and the attacks upon him as an immoral writer are not any better supported. [232] The publication of the dialogues was in fact formally authorized by the Sorbonne, [233] and it does not even appear that when he was charged with atheism and blasphemy at Toulouse that work was founded on, save in respect of its title. [234] The charges rested on the testimony of a treacherous associate as to his private conversation; and, if true, it only amounted to proving his pantheism, expressed in his use of the word "Nature." At his trial he expressly avowed and argued for theism. The judges, by one account, did not agree. Yet he was convicted, by the voices of the majority, and burned alive (February 9, 1619) on the day of his sentence. Drawn on a hurdle, in his shirt, with a placard on his shoulders inscribed "Atheist and Blasphemer of the name of God," he went to his death with a high heart, rejoicing, as he cried in Italian, to die like a philosopher. [235] A Catholic historian, [236] who was present, says he hardily declared that "Jesus facing death sweated with fear: I die undaunted." But before burning him they tore out his tongue by the roots; and the Christian historian is humorous over the victim's long cry of agony. [237] No martyr ever faced death with a more dauntless courage than this Lonely antagonist of Destiny That went down scornful before many spears; [238] and if the man had all the faults falsely imputed to him, [239] his death might shame his accusers.