hn d'Angeli, June 13, 1621."

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 w