It was precisely since Cardinal Richelieu became the Arbiter of France that Grotius was thus treated.  The disgrace of the Chancellor D’Aligre deprived him of all remains of hope:  the Seals were given to Marillac, who professed an open enmity to all that was Protestant.  Learning was no merit with him if joined to heterodoxy.  He gave a public proof of his zeal[159] when the parliament of Dijon petitioned the King that Salmasius might be permitted to exercise the office of Counsellor, which his father offered to resign in his favour:  the Keeper of the Seals warmly opposed it, declaring that he would never consent to a Huguenot’s acquisition of the office of Counsellor in any parliament of France.  Grotius was patient for some time longer; for he liked Paris, and there were many persons in that city whose conversation gave him infinite pleasure:  He told the celebrated Peyresc[160], he was so strongly attached to France on his account, that he would not leave it till his patience was worn out; and he wrote to his great friend Du Maurier, that he was resolved never to quit France till it deserted him, that all the world might be forced to own he could not have acted otherwise.

In fine, having lost all hopes of pleasing the Ministry, he began to think in good earnest of retiring into some other Country.  January 4, 1630, he writes to his brother, “I am wholly taken up with the thoughts of settling in some part where I may live more commodiously with my family.”  The first condition that he required was liberty of conscience.  Some advised his going to Rome, because Pope Urbin VIII. was a great Poet, and loved men of learning[161].  He thought the proposal very ridiculous, and joked on it to his brother.  December 27, 1630, he writes to him, “It is not reasonable that I should be always in suspense.  I shall leave this country too late, but I shall certainly leave it soon.”  What heightened his embarrassment was his uncertainty where to go.  He writes to his brother, April 4, 1631, “I must speedily come to a resolution:  provisions become every day dearer, and the payment of my Pension more uncertain:  would it be proper to return to my Country by stealth, and with so little hopes, after doing her so great service?  My Countrymen have not the same sentiments for me that I have for them.”

FOOTNOTES: 

[153] Ep 64. p. 773.

[154] Ep. 65. p. 773.

[155] Ibid. 67. p. 774.

[156] Ibid. 68. p. 774. 69. p. 775. 7. p. 775.

[157] Ibid. 79. p. 778.

[158] Ep. 149. p. 84.

[159] Ep. 267 p. 100.

[160] Ibid. 201. p. 72.

[161] Ep. 85. p. 780.