"The first on the list was a widow, an intimate friend of his first wife and who, on many accounts, appeared a most eligible match. At first, she seemed favorably inclined to the proposal: it is certain that she took time to consider it, but at last she very quietly excused herself. Finding her afterwards less agreeable in person than he had anticipated, he considered it a fortunate escape, mentioning, among other objections, that she had two marriageable daughters, whom, by the way, he had got on his list for examination. He was much troubled to reconcile his astrology with the fact of his having taken so much pains about a negotiation not destined to succeed. He examined the case professionally. 'Have the stars,' says he, 'exercised any influence here? For, just about this time, the direction of the mid-heaven is in hot opposition to Mars, and the passage of Saturn through the ascending point of the zodiac, in the scheme of my nativity, will happen again next November and December. But, if these are the causes, how do they act? Is that explanation the true one, which I have elsewhere given? For I can never think of handing over to the stars the office of deities, to produce effects. Let us, therefore, suppose it accounted for by the stars, that at this season I am violent in my temper and affections, in rashness of belief, in a show of pitiful tender-heartedness, in catching at reputation by new and paradoxical notions, and the singularity of my actions; in busily inquiring into, and weighing, and discussing, various reasons; in the uneasiness of my mind, with respect to my choice. I thank God, that that did not happen which might have happened; that this marriage did not take place. Now for the others.' Of these, one was too old; another, in bad health; another, too proud of her birth and quarterings; a fourth had learned nothing but showy accomplishments, not at all suitable to the kind of life she would have to lead with him. Another grew impatient, and married a more decided admirer while he was hesitating. 'The mischief,' says he, 'in all these attachments was, that, whilst I was delaying, comparing, and balancing, conflicting reasons, every day saw me inflamed with a new passion.' By the time he reached No. 8, of his list, he found his match in this respect. 'Fortune has avenged herself at length on my doubtful inclinations. At first, she was quite complying, and her friends also. Presently, whether she did or did not consent, not only I, but she herself, did not know. After the lapse of a few days, came a renewed promise, which, however, had to be confirmed a third time: and, four days after that, she again repented her conformation, and begged to be excused from it. Upon this, I gave her up, and this time all my counsellors were of one opinion.' This was the longest courtship in the list, having lasted three whole months; and, quite disheartened by its bad success, Kepler's next attempt was of a more timid complexion.