A surprise gift of two plucked geese is delivered for Virginia and Galileo, and she sends them off with their Official to be roasted.
Andrea visits unexpectedly to get news of Galileo’s health; he explains the effect of Galileo’s recantation as having suppressed the work of other scientists.
Galileo shares with Andrea that he has started writing again and has finished his Discorsi.
He suggests it could be smuggled to Amsterdam if Andrea wanted.
Excited, Andrea admits his feelings towards Galileo have now altered.
Galileo hates himself for betraying his profession.
Virginia appears and corrects him: “You are accepted in the ranks of the faithful, father.”(124)