He was a man of wits, experience, and resource, who knew Europe well and had some influence at the court of Rome.

Henry IV.

saw at once the advantage to be gained from him, and, in spite of the Protestants' complaints, and his sister Princess Catherine's prayers, made him, on the 25th of September, 1594, secretary of state for foreign affairs.

This acquisition did not cost him so dear as that of Villars: still we read in the statement of sums paid by Henry IV.

for this sort of conquest, "Furthermore, to M.de Villeroi, for himself, his son, the town of Pontoise, and other individuals, according to their treaty, four hundred and seventy-six thousand five hundred and ninety-four livres." It is quite true that this statement was drawn up by Sully, the unwavering supporter of Protestant alliances in Europe, and, as such, Villeroi's opponent in the council of Henry IV.; but the other contemporary documents confirm Sully's assertion.