that the people would discover too much attachment to him. They spread a
report that he was not in the Remonstrants sentiments, and that the
counsels formerly given by him had been frequently disapproved. In the
mean time he was much embarrassed in what manner to behave, and
consulted the most able lawyers on the subject, who refused to take any
fee from him. He had no objection to writing to the States-General,
provided the letter contained nothing to the disadvantage of his
innocence. He met with more difficulties than he imagined: and wrote to
his brother (November 28, 1631) "I am threatened with a storm; but I can
live elsewhere, and I leave all to God's disposal."

He left Rotterdam, and came in the end of the year 1631 to Amsterdam,
where he was extremely well received[170]. He did not, however, trust
his stay in the Low-Countries to the success of his negotiation, for he
wrote to his father, December 10, 1631, "You may say you understand that
I have taken my resolution to quit this cruel Country." He was not
satisfied with the Magistrates of Rotterdam: but he spoke extremely well
of the town of Delft[171]: however no City ventured publickly to protect
him[172]. His great friend Gerard Vossius did every thing in his power
to engage all who had any friendship for himself to befriend Grotius,
and keep him in Holland. We have a letter written by him on that subject
to Bevovicius, Magistrate of Amsterdam[173], who was in the interest of
his friend: he represents to him what dishonour the States would bring
on themselves by not permitting a man to live in their Country who was
its greatest ornament, and the wonder of the age. He exhorts him to
continue his good offices to prevent Amsterdam from disgracing herself
by opposing that great man's return, and assures him that France,
Germany, England, and all nations are waiting to see what Holland will
do on this occasion. "Let us not, says he, have ground to regret the
loss of a man whom it depends entirely on ourselves to keep."

Vossius's desire to have Grotius continue in Holland was so great, that
his friend's inflexibility gave him much uneasiness. He wanted him to
make application to the Prince of Orange, and, after obtaining his
consent, to write to those in power, asking permission to stay in the
Country: but this was precisely the step to which Grotius had the
greatest aversion.

To employ himself till his fate should be determined, he resolved to
exercise the p