gave the Margrave with the letter.[1] In this memorandum it is stated that Tycho had, at the wish of King Frederick, settled at Hveen, where he had erected a number of costly buildings and constructed more than fifty fish-ponds, which were a great boon to the island, as often there was formerly a scarcity of fresh water. All this, as well as his instruments, had cost over 75,000 daler, though the king and Council had only paid 10,500 daler towards it.[2] When the Privy Council, shortly after the king's death, had pledged itself to recommend the young king, when he attained his majority, to perpetuate the observatory, Tycho had in the following eight years even expended more than before. But after the coronation he lost first his Norwegian fief, which had brought him in about 1000 daler annually, and soon after that he also lost his pension of 500 daler. His removal to Copenhagen is then mentioned, and how he was during the king's absence forbidden to continue his work there. Then, when he left for Germany, the Chancellor got his prebend, which was worth about 700 daler and ten Danish læster corn.[3] King Frederick had under his hand and seal promised him the first vacant prebend in the Cathedral of Lund, but this had been ignored afterwards. He had met with these and other troubles, which he did not wish to put in writing, and he could only conclude that there was no good-will in Denmark towards him or his science, though he was willing to excuse the king, and to believe that all arose from the envy and hatred of his enemies. He would therefore leave all to God, and pray for His help and blessing to continue his work.
- ↑ Danske Magazin, ii. pp. 344–349. "Die Vrsachen warumb Tycho Brahe sich aus Dennemarck in Teutschlandt begeben, kürtzlich zu vermelden, sein diese."
- ↑ He must mean exclusive of his annual income from the various endowments.
- ↑ About 300 hectolitres. In ready money Tycho, therefore, had 2400 daler (£533) a year, including the rent from the eleven farms at Kullen. See above, p. 235, footnote.
