Naude in vain petitioned against a decree which had fallen like a
thunder-bolt on the 'wonderful work of his life.' 'Why will you not save
this daughter of mine, this library that is the fairest and best-endowed
in the world? Can you permit the public to be deprived of such a precious
and useful treasure? Can you endure that this fair flower, which spreads
its perfume through the world, should wither as you hold it in your
hands?'
Naude spent his own small fortune in ransoming the books on medicine. He
had worked hard to persuade Queen Christina to purchase the whole
collection; but when it came to the point she only bought a few MSS.
which were afterwards returned. The 'Pallas of the North,' was interested
in Naude's misfortunes. She invited him to take charge of the Royal
Library at Stockholm, and here he rested for a while. He made
acquaintance in Sweden with several celebrated men of letters; Descartes
was a guest at the Court, and used to be ready to begin his metaphysical
discourses at day-break. Naude on one occasion delighted the young Queen
by stepping a Greek dance with Professor Meibomius, who was just at that
time bringing out his work upon the music of the ancients. The climate,
or the excitement of that vivacious Court, began to disagree with Naude's
health; he resigned his appointment and returned to France, but died at
Abbeville on his way to Paris, a few months before his patron's return to
power. When the public library was established again the Cardinal
purchased Naude's private collection of 8000 books; and care was taken to
preserve them apart, as a mark of distinction, in a gallery named after
the famous librarian.
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