"Il miracolo del suo secolo," they called him, as
they rehearsed the opinions of the learned men of their age in every
field of science.
"It cannot be from knowledge, acquired as all men learn, that he taketh
this position in such varied sciences," said the Senator Morosini; "for
a life-time doth suffice to few men for such attainment in one field as
he hath reached in all. It must be that the marvel of his mind doth hold
some central truth which maketh all science cognate."
"Else were he not 'friend and master' to Galileo of Padua."
"And it is told that Acquapendente, who hath been summoned by the
Signoria to bestow his skill, hath learned of him some matters which he
taught in the medical school of Bologna. The world hath not his equal
for learning."
"By the blessed San Marco!" ejaculated one under his breath, who had
been idly leaning on the balustrade, as he crossed himself and looked
furtively around to note whether he had been overheard.
But the others of the group, keenly alive to danger, had instantly
joined him.
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