His reputation stood very high, and his astronomical
pursuits, in those days generally connected with astrology, drew upon
him the imputation of being a conjuror, which character clung to him
through life. This opinion was much strengthened by an accident which,
he says, happened soon after his removal from St John's College, and his
being chosen a fellow of Trinity. "Hereupon," he continues, "I did set
forth a Greek comedy of Aristophanes, named in Greek [Greek: Heirene]
with the performance of the Scarabaeus, or beetle--his flying up to
Jupiter's palace with a man and his basket of victuals on her back;
whereat was great wondering, and many vain reports spread abroad of the
means how that was effected."
He left England again soon afterwards, distinguishing himself at several
foreign universities, and attracting the notice of many persons of high
rank, amongst which were the Duke of Mantua and Don Lewis de la Cerda
(afterwards Duke of Medina Celi). In 1551 he returned to England, being
well received by King Edward and his court. A pension of one hundred
crowns per annum was granted him, which he afterwards exchanged for the
rectory of Upton-upon-Severn.
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