Against writing to the particular States of the Provinces there was one great objection, namely, the certainty of drawing upon himself a new proscription, because the power was in the hands of his greatest enemies.

Those who wished to see him pass the rest of his days in France thought he should get himself naturalized a Frenchman, because the King by that would necessarily become his protector: they farther represented that this formality would qualify him to hold a place in France.
What kept him in suspense was to know whether he should put himself under the protection of the parliament, or ask a safe-conduct from the king.

In the beginning of the year 1623[142] he seemed resolved to present a petition to the Parliament, and afterwards write to the States-General.

He was in doubt whether to write to the Prince of Orange; at length he took the most proper step, which was to apply to the King.

He presented a petition to his Majesty to be protected against the above-mentioned Edict, "which imported that he should be apprehended wherever found;" these are the terms of the _Mercure Francois_; "and his Majesty took him into his special protection, the letters for that purpose being issued at Paris, Feb.