We now reach the aera, at which our intended biography commences.  A Literary History of the Netherlands, from the time of their becoming subjects to the Dukes of Burgundy, till this aera, is much wanted.

CHAPTER I.

THE BIRTH AND EDUCATION OF HUGO GROTIUS.

1582-1597.

The Life of Erasmus, which we have offered to the public, presents to its readers, the interesting spectacle of a person, born under every, disadvantage for the acquisition of literature, surmounting them all by his genius and perseverance, and reaching, at an early age, the highest summit of literary eminence:  the Life of GROTIUS, which we now attempt, exhibits the successful literary career of a person, born with every advantage, undeviatingly availing himself of them, and attaining equal eminence; with the addition of high reputation for great political wisdom and public integrity.

[Sidenote:  His Birth and Education.]

He was born at Delft, on the 10th April 1582.  His parents were John de Groote, and Alida Averschie.  John was the second son of Hugo de Groote by Elselinda Heemskirke.  Hugo was the son of Cornelius Cornet by Ermingarde, the daughter and sole heiress of Diederic de Groote.  Upon their marriage, Diederic stipulated that Cornet should adopt the surname of Groote:  it signifies Great, and is said to have been given to Diederic for some signal service, which he had rendered to his sovereign.  All the males and females mentioned in the genealogy of Grotius were of noble extraction.

Learning appears to have been hereditary in the family:  John, the father of Hugo, the subject of our biography, was both a lawyer in great practice, and a general scholar.

The 10th of April, on which GROTIUS was born, was Easter Sunday in that year:  he always observed his birthday with religious solemnity.

All the biographers of Grotius assert, and their assertion will be easily believed, that he discovered, in his earliest years, great aptitude for the acquisition of learning, great taste, judgment and application, and a wonderful memory.  He found, in his father, an excellent tutor:  by him, Grotius was instructed in the rudiments of the Christian doctrine, and his infant mind impressed with sound principles of morality and honour; in this, he was aided by the mother of Grotius.  The youth corresponded with their cares.  He has celebrated, in elegant verses, their pious attention to his early education.  The mention of these verses will bring to the recollection of every English reader, the magnificent strains, in which, Milton addressed his father.

[Sidenote:  CHAP.  I. 1582-1597.]