May 5, the Count de Nancei, Master of the Wardrobe, came to compliment him on the part of the King.  He told him that his nomination to the French Embassy was most agreeable to his Majesty[222], who wished he might long continue in that post.  Count Brulon assured him that he had orders to present his lady to the Queen, who remained at Paris, whenever she pleased:  but Grotius thought this ought to be deferred till he had seen the King.

Grotius was carried to Court at Senlis on the sixth of March, by the Duke De Mercoeur, whom he calls the most learned of all the Princes[223]:  on the death of his father he became Duke of Vendome, and in the end a Cardinal.  The new Ambassador was extremely satisfied with his reception:  the King’s guards were under arms[224]:  Lewis XIII. spoke much to him, and with so great goodness, that he conjectured from it he should bring the affairs with which he was entrusted to the desired conclusion.  His Majesty gave him to understand by his gracious manner, and by his[225] talk, that they could not have sent into France a Minister so agreeable to him.  He made him be covered in his presence, and repeated his civilities on Grotius’s presenting to him his son Cornelius.

March 8, Grotius sent Queen Christina news of his entry and his audience of the King:  Next day he wrote to Salmasius:  after acquainting him with the agreeable revolution in his affairs, he adds, that the first formalities of his embassy being over, he hoped to have leisure to resume his studies.  Salmasius had at that time the greatest esteem for Grotius, and on hearing of his being nominated Ambassador to France, took occasion to say that Grotius’s friends were only sorry the affairs of Sweden were not in such a good situation, as might render the embassy of so great a man as agreeable as could be desired.

After having an audience of the King, Grotius made his visits to Mademoiselle[226], the Prince of Conde, the Count of Soissons, the Countess of Soissons the Count’s mother, and to his lady the Princess of Conde.  The Prince[227] received him with the greatest politeness, spoke to him of their old acquaintance, and next day returned his visit.  Cardinal Richelieu, before he would see him, wanted to know his instructions relating to the treaty lately concluded between France and several German Princes, with which the Swedes were dissatisfied.  He went to his Abbey of Royaumont till Grotius should see Boutillier, Superintendant of the Finances, with whom he was to discuss the late treaty; and as things passed at this conference the Cardinal was to talk to the Swedish Ambassador.

FOOTNOTES: 

[217] Ep. 360. p. 130 & 361. p. 610.

[218] Ep. 362. p. 130.

[219] Ep. 363. p. 131.

[220] Ep. 364. p. 132.

[221] Ep. 374. p. 137.

[222] Ep. 374. p. 137.

[223] Ep. 339. p. 851.

[224] Ep. 367. p. 134.