judge of epigrams, found many of his admirable, some discovering the
subtilty of his genius, and the fertility of his imagination; others,
the happy turn which he could give to his thoughts and expressions.

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." Balzac, who in other things
did justice to Grotius, wished he had employed his poetic talents only
on proper subjects. "I never saw," says he, "the Swedish Ambassador, but
I have long esteemed his genius: and if he had not put the _Institutes_
into verse, and published some other pieces of the same nature, I should
esteem him still more." But it is proper to observe that these were the
amusements of his childhood, and never intended to be made public.
Grotius had a meaner idea of his poetical talents, than even the rivals
of his glory. "As to merit in poetry (he writes to the President de
Thou) I yield it to every one."

It was William Grotius who published the collection of his brother's
poems. Some of them, and these not the best, had been printed before in
Germany very incorrect: which induced William to look over his brother's
papers, extract the poems, and publish them with those already printed.
This Collection is dedicated to Vandermile, son-in-law of the Grand
Pensionary Barnevelt, Deputy to the States General, Curator of the
university of Leyden, and the great friend of Hugo Grotius. The
dedication is dated September 1, 1616. A Letter of Grotius, written the
14th of December in the preceding year, informs us he was very averse to
his brother's project. He foresaw that he would one day be reproached
with this edition; which accordingly happened, particularly when,