 the
turret which served as his observatory. A large oaken table, in the midst of the
chamber, was covered with a rich Turkey carpet, the spoils of the tent of a
Pacha, after the great battle of Jaiza, where the Astrologer had fought abreast
with the valiant champion of Christendom, Matthias Corvinus. On the table lay a
variety of mathematical and astrological instruments, all of the most rich
materials and curious workmanship. His astrolabe of silver was the gift of the
Emperor of Germany, and his Jacob's staff of ebony, jointed with gold, and
curiously inlaid, was a mark of esteem from the reigning Pope.
    There were various other miscellaneous articles disposed on the table, or
hanging around the walls; amongst others, two complete suits of armour, one of
mail, the other of plate, both of which, from their great size, seemed to call
the gigantic Astrologer their owner; a Spanish toledo, a Scottish broad-sword, a
Turkish scimitar, with bows, quivers, and other warlike weapons; musical
instruments of several different kinds; a silver crucifix, a sepulchral antique
vase, and several of the little brazen Penates of the ancient heathens, with
other curious nondescript articles, some of which, in the superstitious opinions
of that period, seemed to be designed for magical purposes. The library of this
singular character was of the same miscellaneous description with his other
effects. Curious manuscripts of classical antiquity lay mingled with the
voluminous labours of Christian divines, and of those painstaking sages who
professed the chemical science, and proffered to guide their students into the
most secret recesses of nature, by means of the Hermetical Philosophy. Some were
written in the Eastern character, and others concealed their sense or nonsense
under the veil of hieroglyphics and cabalistic characters. The whole apartment,
and its furniture of every kind, formed a scene very impressive on the fancy,
considering the general belief then indisputably entertained, concerning the
truth of the occult sciences; and that effect was increased by the manners and
appearance of the individual himself, who, seated in a huge chair, was employed
in curiously examining a specimen, just issued from the Frankfort press, of the
newly invented art of printing.
    Galeotti Martivalle was a tall, bulky, yet stately man, considerably past
his prime, and whose youthful habits of exercise, though still occasionally
resumed, had not been able to contend with his natural tendency to corpulence,
increased by sedentary study, and indulgence in the pleasures of the table. His
features, though rather overgrown, were dignified and noble, and a Santon might
have envied the dark and
