THE ORIGINAL DEDICATION,

BY GROTIUS.

TO THE MOST NOBLE AND MOST EXCELLENT

HIERONYMUS BIGNONIUS,

THE KING’S SOLICITOR IN THE
SUPREME COURT OF AUDIENCE AT PARIS.

MOST NOBLE AND EXCELLENT SIR,

I SHOULD offend against justice, if I should divert another way that time which you employ in the exercise of justice in your high station: but I am encouraged in this work because it is for the advancement of the Christian Religion, which is a great part of justice, and of your office; neither would justice permit me to approach any one else so soon as you, whose name my book glories in the title of. I do not say I desire to employ part of your leisure; for the discharge of so extensive an office allows you no leisure. But, since change of business is instead of leisure to them that are fully employed, I desire you would, in the midst of your forensic affairs, bestow some hours upon these papers. Even then you will not be out of the way of your business. Hear the witnesses, weigh the force of their testimony, make a judgment, and I will stand by the determination.

HUGO Grotius.

Paris, August 27,

CIƆ IƆC XXXIX.

[1639.]