repeated to Grotius, he answered, that it was of little importance to him whether he served Sweden in France or in another kingdom, but that the French might be persuaded if a successor were sent he would be of the same opinion.  He himself informed the High Chancellor of what was plotting against him in France; and the Regents of Sweden, notwithstanding this violent opposition, wrote to him that they were well satisfied with his good services[286].

The Cardinal’s tools endeavoured to render Sweden suspicious of him, by insinuating that he was a Pensioner of France.  His friends told him one day his name was in the list of pensioners.  He immediately informed the Chancellor of it; adding, that he did not know whether it was done by mistake or with a bad design; that having been formerly a Pensioner of the King, his name might possibly have been copied from some old list; but there was also reason to think it was done with a design to injure him:  he farther adds, “I can assure your Excellency, before God, that I have not received a farthing from the Court of France since I have been in the service of Sweden; and that I am determined to accept of only what is usually given Ambassadors when they have their audience of leave.”

It is probable that his name was put in the list of Pensioners, because the Ministry imagined if they could get him to accept of a pension, they would more easily bring him to their ends.  It is certain they offered him one[287]; and when they saw that he absolutely refused it, as not thinking he could with decency be a Minister of Sweden and a Pensioner of France at the same time, they rightly judged that he would never sacrifice the interest of the Crown of Sweden to the pretensions of the French Ministers.  They sometimes caressed him[288], however, because they saw him powerfully protected.  Feuquieres was ordered to tell him they were very well satisfied with him:  but he believed these compliments were made, that, being less on his guard, they might have a better opportunity to hurt him.  “For (he writes to Oxenstiern[289]) I am persuaded they would be glad to see me gone, because I absolutely refuse the presents they offer me; and suffer not myself to be led by them like some other Ambassadors.  For this reason they put me in such a situation that I must either sacrifice the dignity of the kingdom, or expose myself to be hated.  I will never do any thing against the honour of Sweden; and I will shun, as much as I can, what may render me odious.  Whatever I may do on such critical occasions, I shall be censured; but I rely on the testimony of a good conscience.”