he would come directly to Paris, or alight at Compeigne, Grotius remained in suspense till April 21, that a Courier[232] from the High Chancellor brought him word that he had taken the road through the Three Bishoprics and Champagne, and desired him to come to him.  Grotius set out immediately; and met him at Soissons, from whence they came to Compeigne.  The High Chancellor had two hundred men in his retinue.  The Count de Soissons was at first nominated to go to meet that Minister[233]; it was however the Count D’Alais, Son of the Duke D’Angouleme, who went with Count Brulon in the King’s coach.  They proceeded the distance of three leagues, and on their coming up the High Chancellor stept with them into his Majesty’s coach.  He was conducted to the Hotel prepared for him, and splendidly entertained at the King’s expence.  On the 26th of April, 1635, he came to Compeigne; and next day had an audience of the King, who received him very graciously, and expressed a high esteem for him.  The visit lasted half an hour:  the Scots Colonels Hepburn and Leslie were present; and Grotius served as Interpreter.  He afterwards visited the Queen, and also Cardinal Richelieu, who took the right hand of him; he offered it indeed to Oxenstiern; but he in civility refused it.  They were together at this visit three hours, but said not a word of business; nothing passed but compliments and mirth, says the Mercure Francois.  Both spoke in Latin.  Two days after, that is to say, on the 29th, the Cardinal returned the High Chancellor’s visit:  his Eminence was booted as if he were returning from the country, that this visit, says Puffendorf, might not be looked upon as a debt.  They conversed long together about business.  Oxenstiern, like an able Politician, made no mention of the treaty of Paris, nor of that of Hailbron:  he foresaw that it would draw on discussions which might breed ill blood, and hurt the common cause:  he only talked of a treaty with Sweden.  There was some alteration made in the old one; and it was agreed that no peace or truce should be concluded with the Austrians without the consent of the two Crowns.  The same day, according to the Mercure Francois, or on the 30th of April, according to Puffendorf, the High Chancellor had his audience of leave of the King:  his Majesty took a diamond ring from his finger, valued at that time at ten or twelve thousand crowns, which he gave him, together with a box set with diamonds, in which was his Majesty’s picture.  All the time he was at Compeigne, he was served by the officers of the King’s kitchen with so much splendor and magnificence, that he complained to Grotius of the too great expence they were at on his account.  He set out from Compeigne on Monday the 30th of April for Paris.  He wanted to be there incognito; and lodged with Grotius[234]; but as soon as his arrival took air, the crowd to see him was so great that they could scarce keep them from forcing into Grotius’s house.  Had he been one descended from heaven