e United Provinces still bravely maintained their liberty against
the efforts of Spain, who since the peace of Vervins had collected her
whole force against them. The glory they acquired by this illustrious
defence determined them to make choice of an Historian who might
transmit with dignity to after-ages the signal exploits of this
memorable war. Several learned men made great interest for the place;
among others Baudius, the famous Professor of Eloquence in the
university of Leyden: but the States thought young Grotius (who had
taken no step to obtain it) deserved the preference: and what is still
more singular, Baudius himself did not find fault with their choice,
because he looked upon Grotius to be already a very great man.

XV. His high reputation was on the point of procuring him, about the
same time, a very honourable settlement in France. King Henry IV.
sensible that he ought to have a man of the greatest merit at the head
of his Library, had, at the recommendation of M. de Villeroi, while
Gosselin his librarian was yet living, fixed upon Casaubon, who at that
time had the greatest name for literature. This affair was carried on
mysteriously: The King desired to see Casaubon in private: he told him,
that he intended to make him his librarian; and that Gosselin could not
live above a year; adding, with the frank and noble air which so well
became that great Prince: "You shall see my fine books, and tell me what
they contain; for I don't understand them myself."

Gosselin lived three years after this conversation, till 1603. The
Jesuits being informed Casaubon was to be set over the King's Library,
represented to his majesty the inconveniences of confiding a treasure of
that nature to the most obstinate of all heretics. This made some
impression on the king: nevertheless he was afraid of a clamour were it
known that he refused an employment promised to a Protestant on account
of his religion. He consulted with some persons; and they advised him to
send to Holland for Grotius, whom he knew, and appoint him his
librarian; which would make the Public ascribe the change to some
private discontent, and not to religion. Casaubon, apprised of what was
doing, remained perfectly quiet: but the President de Thou, thinking the
King's honour concerned in keeping his word, warmly solicited in his
favour, and, after the affair had been suspended some weeks, Casaubon
was at length nominated. Grotius had had no part in this