The Life of the Truly Eminent and Learned Hugo Grotius: Containing a Copious and Circumstantial History of the Several Important and Honourable Negotiations in Which He Was Employed; together with a Critical Account of His WorksBurigny, M. de (Jean Lévesque)
History
The Life of the Truly Eminent and Learned Hugo Grotius: Containing a Copious and Circumstantial History of the Several Important and Honourable Negotiations in Which He Was Employed; together with a Critical Account of His Works
Burigny, M. de (Jean Lévesque)
Grotius, Hugo, 1583-1645
Du Vair died at Tonneins, August 3, 1621, six weeks after receiving
Grotius's Letter. This was a great loss to him: but it would have been
advantageously repaired, had the Seals, agreeable to the wishes of the
Public, been given to the President Jeannin, the most esteemed
Magistrate in the kingdom for his excellent talents and virtue. He had
the highest friendship for Grotius, who ardently wished that great man
might receive the reward of the signal services he had done the State:
"But, he writes to Du Maurier[134], those who know the court, dare not
flatter themselves with so much good luck." While the seals were vacant
the Constable De Luynes did the office of keeper: they were at length
given, not to the President Jeannin, but to De Vic, who had on all
occasions given Grotius proofs of his friendship. He made profession of
an esteem for men of learning; Casaubon held him in great veneration,
and Grotius flattered himself that he would be his friend. "His
behaviour to Casaubon, says Grotius to Du Maurier[135], proves his love
to learning; and before he left Paris he gave me some evident marks of
his good-will."
It had been determined in the King's Council to do something for
Grotius; but it was long before this resolution had its effect. Du
Maurier had written to all his friends warmly to solicit the issuing of
the warrant for the sum granted him: it was sent at length, but there
was no money in the treasury. The King was absent, and when he returned
to Paris, the thing, it was said, would be done. The Prince of Conde
openly interested himself for him. What made Grotius uneasy was, that on
the promises made him he had hired a house. His wife came to Paris in
October, 1621[136], and their expences so much exceeded the small
revenue which he had still left, that he wrote to Du Maurier, December
3, 1621, that if something were not done for him soon, he must seek a
settlement in Germany, or hide himself in some corner of France. He asks
a recommendation to the Chancellor De Silleri: "and as he is somewhat
slow, it would be proper (says he) to refresh the Marquis de Puysieux's
memory." The King returned to Paris January 30, 1622. Grotius was
presented to him by the Chancellor and the Keeper of the seals in the
beginning of March[137]: the Court was very numerous. His Majesty
received him most graciously, and granted him a pension of three
thousand livres. He was much obliged to the Prince of Conde and the
Keeper of the Seals on this occasion. The King did not only confer marks
of his favour on Grotius; but on his account protected all who were
persecuted by the States; and by his Letters Patent, dated at Nantes,
April 22, 1627, takes such as were condemned in Holland under his
protection as if they were his own subjects; willing, that in case of
death, their children and heirs should succeed, and that their effects
should not be liable to be escheated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account