Hitherto we have followed Tycho through a career of almost unexampled prosperity. When he had scarcely reached his thirtieth year he was established, by the kindness and liberality of his sovereign, in the most splendid observatory that had ever been erected in Europe; and a thriving family, an ample income, and a widely extended reputation were added to his blessings. Of the value of these gifts he was deeply sensible, and he enjoyed them the more that he received them with a grateful heart. Tycho was a christian as well as a philosopher. The powers of his gifted mind have been amply displayed in his astronomical labours; but we shall now have occasion to witness his piety and resignation in submitting to an unexpected and an adverse destiny. CHAPTER III. _Tycho's Labours do honour to his Country--Death of Frederick II.--James VI. of Scotland visits Tycho at Uraniburg--Christian IV. visits Tycho--The Duke of Brunswick's visit to Tycho--The Danish Nobility, jealous of his fame, conspire against him--He is compelled to quit Uraniburg--And to abandon his Studies--Cruelty of the Minister Walchendorp--Tycho quits Denmark with his Family and Instruments--Is hospitably received by Count Rantzau--Who introduces him to the Emperor Rudolph--The Emperor invites him to Prague--He gives him a Pension of 3000 Crowns--And the Castle of Benach as a Residence and an Observatory--Kepler visits Tycho--Who obtains for him the Appointment of Mathematician to Rudolph._ The love of astronomy which had been so unequivocally exhibited by Frederick II. and his Royal Consort, inspired their courtiers with at least an outward respect for science; and among the ministers and advisers of the King, Tycho reckoned many ardent friends. It was every where felt that Denmark had elevated herself among the nations of Europe by her liberality to Tycho; and the peaceful glory which he had in return conferred upon his country was not of a kind to dissatisfy even rival nations. In the conquests of science no widow's or orphan's tears are shed, no captives are dragged from their homes, and no devoted victims are yoked to the chariot wheels of the triumphant philosopher. The newly acquired domains of knowledge belong, in right of conquest, to all nations, and Denmark had now earned the gratitude of Europe by the magnitude as well as the success of her contingent.