Grotius’s steadiness in supporting the interest and dignity of the crown of Sweden rendered him most odious to the court of France.  The Marquis de St. Chaumont was ordered to demand his recall.  Oxenstiern, who knew that it was his great zeal for the service of the Queen his mistress that displeased the Cardinal, would not consent to it:  he apprised Grotius of what was plotting against him, and the Swedish ambassador wrote him a long letter on this subject[280], in which he tells him that St. Chamount’s demand proved how greatly the Courtiers were changed towards him, for he had been extremely well received by the King at his last audience; Madam de Combalet, the Cardinal’s niece, assured his wife in presence of several persons, that the Cardinal had a high esteem for him; and Count Brulon, Introductor of Ambassadors, had asked him to wait upon the King whenever he pleased, even if he had no business, his Majesty would take it extremely well.  Grotius was persuaded that the ill-offices done him proceeded from Pau the Dutch Ambassador, and some Frenchmen.  Pau and his accomplices hoped by this persecution to force Grotius to seek a reconciliation with the Dutch by some meanness.  As to the Frenchmen, their dislike to Grotius was occasioned by his opposition to their design of abasing the crown of Sweden.  “If the dignity of the crown of Sweden is to receive any diminution, I would rather, he says, it should be by another than by me.”  Father Joseph was one of the greatest opposers of Grotius[281], who would not visit him because the Capuchin had no title; and, besides, the English Ambassadors had declared they would not see him.  As often as they met, Grotius treated him with civility; but the Monk, who had all the Cardinal’s confidence, wanted to be considered as a Minister.

The Count d’Avaux was also against Grotius.  There having been some interruption in the payment of the subsidies, the Count said publicly[282] it was owing to the Swedish Ambassador in France, who did not make his court to the first Minister, though he was known to possess all the King’s authority; and even refused him the honours paid by the other Ambassadors.

Grotius, informed of the French Ministry’s dislike to him, wrote to the High Chancellor[283], praying him to consider whether it would not be better that Sweden should have no Ambassador in France, but only an Agent without a public character, to enquire into what passed, and hear what was said to him.  The Swedish Ministry judged that the more Cardinal Richelieu desired Grotius’s removal, the greater reason they had for supporting him, since he displeased only by doing his duty too well.  Grotius was informed of their sentiments, and wrote to Salvius[284], that the justice which the Regents of Sweden did him would serve to confirm his steadiness.  Father Joseph said[285] publicly, the French Ministers desired Grotius’s removal, because it was evident to them that he opposed the success of the affairs of France.  This being