Therefore, having obtained the opportunity from these sources, I too began to consider the mobility of the earth.

The earth together with its surrounding waters must in fact have such a shape as its shadow reveals, for it eclipses the moon with the arc of a perfect circle.

Therefore, when I considered this carefully, the contempt which I had to fear because of the novelty and apparent absurdity of my view, nearly induced me to abandon utterly the work I had begun.

Of all things visible, the highest is the heaven of the fixed stars.

The strongest affection and utmost zeal should, I think, promote the studies concerned with the most beautiful objects, most deserving to be known.

Those things which I am saying now may be obscure, yet they will be made clearer in their proper place.

So, influenced by these advisors and this hope, I have at length allowed my friends to publish the work, as they had long besought me to do.