Maurier, that he was resolved never to quit France till it deserted him,
that all the world might be forced to own he could not have acted
otherwise.

In fine, having lost all hopes of pleasing the Ministry, he began to
think in good earnest of retiring into some other Country. January 4,
1630, he writes to his brother, "I am wholly taken up with the thoughts
of settling in some part where I may live more commodiously with my
family." The first condition that he required was liberty of
conscience. Some advised his going to Rome, because Pope Urbin VIII. was
a great Poet, and loved men of learning[161]. He thought the proposal
very ridiculous, and joked on it to his brother. December 27, 1630, he
writes to him, "It is not reasonable that I should be always in
suspense. I shall leave this country too late, but I shall certainly
leave it soon." What heightened his embarrassment was his uncertainty
where to go. He writes to his brother, April 4, 1631, "I must speedily
come to a resolution: provisions become every day dearer, and the
payment of my Pension more uncertain: would it be proper to return to my
Country by stealth, and with so little hopes, after doing her so great
service? My Countrymen have not the same sentiments for me that I have
for them."

FOOTNOTES:

[153] Ep 64. p. 773.

[154] Ep. 65. p. 773.

[155] Ibid. 67. p. 774.