Grotius answers this obliging Letter on the 24th of June following[133].  He owns he was always a lover of Learning; but modestly acknowledges that his friends, by engaging him too early in the study of the law and public business, retarded the progress which he might otherwise have made.  He hopes, with God’s grace, that no worldly motives shall induce him to act or speak against his conscience; and that if he has the misfortune to be deceived, God will graciously enlighten him, or pardon him for his good intention:  and prays for the return of peace among Christians, without prejudice to truth.  “Some thousands, says he, of whom I am one, most sincerely wish for such a desirable event; in the mean time, if I can be of any use, you may command me.  Though indeed the more I consider myself, the more I see I have no merit but that of good desires; but I will shew you by my obedience, that I have at least inclination.”

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,