Besides the Epigrams that are to be found in all the editions, Grotius's manuscript contains, first, those which were collected by Henry Stephens, and are placed at the end of his edition of the _Anthologia_. 2dly, A very large number of inscriptions from Gruter. 3dly, A collection made by Grotius himself from manuscripts. A note at the beginning of this valuable manuscript informs us, that the version of the seven books of the _Anthologia_ was begun by Grotius in September, 1630, and finished before next September: which shews the wonderful ease with which this great author wrote. FOOTNOTES: [463] Ep. 418. p. 153. [464] Ep. 368. p. 859. [465] Ep. 612. p. 244, 692. p. 285. & 402. p. 869. [466] Ep. 964. p. 432. [467] Ep. 505. p. 885. [468] Ep. 1698. p. 733. [469] Ep. 486. p. 896. & 369. p. 860. [470] Fabric. Bibl. Gr. l. 3. c. 28. p. 707. tom. 2 VII. He was so sensible of his obligations to Sweden, that, as a public testimony of his gratitude, he undertook to throw light on the History of the Goths, in hopes of doing honour to the Swedes, who regarded them as their ancestors. He wrote to Rome to[471] get what was wanting in Heschelius's Greek edition of Procopius communicated to him, and obtained it by the recommendation of Messieurs du Puis; as we learn from a letter to the celebrated Nicholas Peyresc, dated April 8, 1636, in which he adds, "I have translated the History of the Goths and Vandals by Procopius, in honour of a nation who adopted me after being thrice sold by my Country." He communicated this project to Schmalz, July 24, 1636[472], "The time, says he, which I am not obliged to spend in public business, I devote to an enquiry into the antiquities of Sweden. Be so kind to send me, for this work, a Swedish Dictionary, a New Testament in Swedish, and the ancient inscriptions in that language, which are to be met with on tombs, or in other places. I have seen a Latin translation of the Swedish laws, which I should be glad to see again if possible. If you can procure me all these, I shall think myself highly obliged by you; and I hope you will not find me ungrateful."