The famous Peyresc took occasion to say, that by Grotius’s arrival at Paris the Dutch had made amends to France for having formerly carried away from it the great Scaliger:  this thought gave rise to two Latin Epigrams[132].

FOOTNOTES: 

[126] Praest.  Vir.  Epist. p 656.

[127] Ep. 136.

[128] Ep. 147.

[129] Du Maurier, p. 409.

[130] Ep 137.

[131] Ep. 164.

[132]

     Gallia, Scaligerum dederas male sana Batavis: 
       Grotiadem reddit terra Batava tibi. 
     Ingratam expertus patriam venerandus uterque est: 
       Felix mutato erit uterque solo.

Ep.  Grot. 401. p. 868.

     Gallia magnanimis dedit exorata Batavis
       Dis geniti aeternum Scaligeri ingenium: 
     Fallor an humanis male dura Batavia Gallis
       Scaligerum magno reddidit in Grotio.

Buchner.  Vind.  Grot. p. 237.

II.  The Constable De Luynes had the management of public affairs when Grotius came to France; Silleri was Chancellor, and Du Vair keeper of the Seals.  This last had a particular esteem for Grotius, and employed all his credit to engage the King to make him a present till he should assign him a pension:  He writes him a Letter, assuring him that he might depend on his friendship, which deserves to be copied entire.

“Sir, Ingenuous and generous minds, such as yours, think themselves obliged by small favours.  I have always, that is, ever since I heard of you, admired your excellent disposition and uncommon learning; and have since lamented your misfortune in suffering for your too great love to the liberties of your Country, and the favour you shewed to those who were beginning to bring back the truth to it:  I have done all that my situation and my master’s service would permit to alleviate your misfortunes, and procure your deliverance.  It has pleased God you should owe it entirely to him, and not to the interposition of earthly powers, that being freed from worldly cares, you might employ the many rare talents, with which he has intrusted you, in advancing the work most agreeable to him, which is the common peace of Christendom, by reuniting the members which are separated from their spiritual mother, by whom they or their fathers were conceived.  And forasmuch as I see so many honourable men hope for it from you, I cannot but rejoice with them, and encourage by my applauses your happy career.  I promise myself, the King, whose liberality for the present only supplies your necessities, will then reward your virtues and merit; and give them honourable employment in the affairs of state, in the management whereof you have acquired great knowledge and dexterity.  I shall never be the last to promote what may be agreeable to you, and shall always highly value, as I now do, the friendship of such an extraordinary personage; offering all you can desire of him who is, Sir, yours most affectionately to serve you.  G. Du Vair, Bishop of Lisieux.  Camp at St. John d’Angeli, June 13, 1621.”