CHAPTER IX.
Aerssens remains Two Years longer in France--Derives many Personal Advantages from his Post--He visits the States-General--Aubery du Maurier appointed French Ambassador--He demands the Recall of Aerssens--Peace of Sainte-Menehould--Asperen de Langerac appointed in Aerssens' Place.
Francis Aerssens had remained longer at his post than had been intended by the resolution of the States of Holland, passed in May 1611.
It is an exemplification of the very loose constitutional framework of the United Provinces that the nomination of the ambassador to France belonged to the States of Holland, by whom his salary was paid, although, of course, he was the servant of the States-General, to whom his public and official correspondence was addressed.

His most important despatches were however written directly to Barneveld so long as he remained in power, who had also the charge of the whole correspondence, public or private, with all the envoys of the States.
Aerssens had, it will be remembered, been authorized to stay one year longer in France if he thought he could be useful there.

He stayed two years, and on the whole was not useful.

He had too many eyes and too many ears.

He had become mischievous by the very activity of his intelligence.
He was too zealous.