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"Whether the first place in literature in this age be due to you or to him, posterity will judge more equitably than this generation." On hearing of Grotius's death, he writes to Salmasius in these terms : "Hugo Grotius was certainly a great man in name and in fact: he was the star of our age. How great a loss has learning sustained!
The latter expresses himself of the work of Grotius in the following terms: "Grotius's work is the first, in which we find the characteristics of just reasoning, accuracy, and strength: he is extremely concise; but even this brevity will please us, when we find his work comprehends so many things, without confounding them or lessening their evidence or force.
This was a Commentary on the New Testament, which Grotius imagined to be much in the manner of his, and which piqued his curiosity the more as Heinsius was Grotius's rival in literature, and his secret enemy. Heinsius's credit with the Elzevirs, who were his booksellers , was one of the reasons which hindered Grotius from employing them.
His maid then left him, and, returning to his wife, communicated to her the agreeable information of the success of the enterprise. As soon as Grotius's wife ascertained that he was in perfect safety, she informed the guards of his escape: these communicated the intelligence to the governor.
Even his enemies did not presume to deny him the praise of an excellent Poet; and Salmasius, in a letter written with design to lessen Grotius's reputation, and dictated by jealousy, injustice, and spleen, allows however he was a great Poet. "But," he adds, "every one in this country prefers Barlæus; and many, even Heinsius."
Bonaventura Vulcanus, who took occasion from Grotius's publishing this book, to write his elogium in verse, says in the conclusion, that Apollo had opened to him his sanctuary, and that he was himself an Apollo. Grotius's modesty would not permit him to leave us ignorant that he had been assisted by his Father in this work. Scal. 375. Ep. Gr. 2. Ep. Lips. ad Belgas, Cent. 3. p. 83. Ep. 130. Fab.
The news of Grotius's death was scarce spread over Europe, when Salmasius poured out all his venom in a letter written from Leyden, Nov. 20, 1645, to Sarrau . "You think Grotius, says he, the first among the learned; for my part, I give that rank to Vossius.
Crusius, highly provoked, gave him a box on the ear, and an English colonel in company was so enraged against Schmalz, that had it not been for Grotius's lady he would have run him through. Notwithstanding this gross insult, Schmalz and Crusius were reconciled at Grotius's house; but Schmalz still continued his extravagancies.
The Count D'Estrade, at that time Ambassador from France in Holland, was dissatisfied with the Pensionary of Amsterdam, who opposed the interest of the French King, in resentment of that Prince's having driven Mombas, Peter Grotius's brother-in-law, out of France.
Grotius then asked for a clergyman. John Quistorpius was brought, who, in a letter to Calovius, gives us the particulars of Grotius's last moments. We cannot do better than copy it. "You are desirous of hearing from me how that Phoenix of Literature, Hugo Grotius, behaved in his last moments, and I am going to tell you.
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