“That those ministers [those of the Republic] were second to the representatives of no other European state in capacity and accomplishment was a fact well known to all who had dealings with them, for the states required in their diplomatic representatives knowledge of history and international law, modern languages, and the classics, as well as familiarity with political customs and social courtesies; the breeding of gentlemen, in short, and the accomplishments of scholars.”

The story of the troubles of Aerssens, the ambassador of the United Provinces at Paris, must be given at some length, and will repay careful reading.

“Francis Aerssens . . . continued to be the Dutch ambassador after the murder of Henry IV. . . .  He was beyond doubt one of the ablest diplomatists in Europe.  Versed in many languages, a classical student, familiar with history and international law, a man of the world and familiar with its usages, accustomed to associate with dignity and tact on friendliest terms with sovereigns, eminent statesmen, and men of letters; endowed with a facile tongue, a fluent pen, and an eye and ear of singular acuteness and delicacy; distinguished for unflagging industry and singular aptitude for secret and intricate affairs;—­he had by the exercise of these various qualities during a period of nearly twenty years at the court of Henry the Great been able to render inestimable services to the Republic which he represented.

“He had enjoyed the intimacy and even the confidence of Henry IV., so far as any man could be said to possess that monarch’s confidence, and his friendly relations and familiar access to the king gave him political advantages superior to those of any of his colleagues at the same court.

“Acting entirely and faithfully according to the instructions of the Advocate of Holland, he always gratefully and copiously acknowledged the privilege of being guided and sustained in the difficult paths he had to traverse by so powerful and active an intellect.  I have seldom alluded in terms to the instructions and dispatches of the chief, but every position, negotiation, and opinion of the envoy—­ and the reader has seen many of them is pervaded by their spirit.

“It had become a question whether he was to remain at his post or return.  It was doubtful whether he wished to be relieved of his embassy or not.  The States of Holland voted ’to leave it to his candid opinion if in his free conscience he thinks he can serve the public any longer.  If yes, he may keep his office one year more.  If no, he may take leave and come home.’

“Surely the States, under the guidance of the Advocate, had thus acted with consummate courtesy towards a diplomatist whose position, from no apparent fault of his own, but by the force of circumstances,—­and rather to his credit than otherwise,—­ was gravely compromised.”

The Queen, Mary de’ Medici, had a talk with him, got angry, “became very red in the face,” and wanted to be rid of him.