point N, and in any other except those two A and B, the said star shall no longer be observed in the line AB; but in others. So that, if the appearing under several lines ought to cause apparent mutations, some difference must needs appear in this case. Nay more, I will speak it with that Philosophical freedom, which ought to be allowed amongst Philosophick friends, methinks that you, contradicting your self, deny that now, which but even now to our admiration, you proved to be really true, and considerable; I mean that which happeneth in the Planets, and particularly in the three superiour ones, that being constantly in the Ecliptick, or very near unto it, do not onely shew themselves one while near unto us, and another while remote, but so deformed in their regular motions, that they seem sometimes immoveable, and sometimes many degrees retrograde; and all upon no other occasion than the annual motion of the Earth.
Salv.Though by a thousand accidents I have been heretofore assured of the wittinesse of Sagredus, yet I had a desire by this one experiment more to ascertain me of what I may expect from his ingenuity, and all this for my own interest, for in case my Propositions stand but proof against the hammer and furnace of his judgment, I shall be confident that they will abide the ** Or will prove of good alloy. test of all Touch-stones. I say therefore that I had purposely dissembled this objection, but yet not with any intent to deceive you, and to put any falshood upon you, as it might have happened if the objection by me disguised, and by you over-lookt, had been the same in effect as it seemed to be in appearance, that is, really valid and conclusive; but it is not so; nay I rather suspect that to try me, you make as if you did not see its nullity. But I will herein be too hard for you, and force from your tongue, that which you would so artificially conceal; and therefore tell me, what that thing should be, whereby you come to know the station and retrogradation of the Planets, which is derived from the annual motion, aud which is so great, that at least some foot-steps of such an effect ought to appear in the stars of the Ecliptick?
Sagr.This demand of yours containeth two questions, to which it is necessary that I make reply; the first relates to the imputation which you lay upon me of a Dissembler; the other concerneth that which may appear in the stars, &c. As to the first, I will say with your permission, that it is not true, that I have dissembled my knowing the nullity of that objection; and to assure you of the same, I now tell you that I very well understand the nullity thereof.
Salv.But yet I do not understand how it can be, that youspake
