Jacob Cats' Biography

His father was a counsellor of some standing; and his son Jacob was first destined to the profession of the law.

Having completed his course of philosophy, he proceeded to the University of Leyden, to study jurisprudence.

From thence he went to France, and was some time at the University of Orleans, where he took the degree of Doctor of Laws.

He subsequently went to Paris, and was very desirous to visit Italy; but his family opposed his going thither, and he was obliged to return to Holland. Arrived at the Hague, he applied himself wholly to jurisprudence, and was assiduous in his attendance at the Public Pleadings of the most distinguished lawyers.

To perfect himself still more in his profession, he put himself under the direction of the jurisconsult, Cornelius Van der Pol, one of the most eminent pleaders of the Dutch Bar. Some time afterwards, Cats practised with distinction at Zieuwreckzee, and at Brouwershaven.

At this period it would seem he applied himself no less assiduously to Poetry, and not only became distinguished among the literati of Holland for the purity and elegance of his Latin verses, but soon took rank as one of her first lyrists in his native tongue. Falling seriously ill of an hectic fever, induced by over-application to study, he was advised by his physicians to seek a change of air.

Hereupon he repaired to England, and visited the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. When in London he consulted the then celebrated physician, Dr. Butter, on the subject of the obstinate fever which still afflicted him; but that physician was not more fortunate in his prescriptions than those of Holland.

Upon his return to his native country, he was eventually cured, says his biographer, Moreri, by an old alchemist.

Distinguishing himself by his legislatorial and statesmanlike qualifications, no less than he had done by his poetic genius, Jacob Cats rose subsequently to high official rank, and for several years filled the post of State Pensionary and Chief Magistrate of Middleburgh and Dordrecht.

He was eventually promoted to the rank of State Counsellor and Grand Pensionary of the province of West Friesland, and made Keeper of the Great Seal of Holland.

After filling these important Offices for eighteen years, having now attained the age of seventy-two, he requested permission to retire into private life; which was at length granted by the States.

His valuable services were, nevertheless, once more required, and he was solicited to form a member of the Embassy sent at that time to England, to arrange a treaty of commerce between the two countries.

After discharging the important duties therein delegated to him, he retired wholly into private life, and devoted himself with faculties still unimpaired to the Muses, up to the advanced age of eighty-three years, when he may be said to have expired with the pen in his hand.

Few men have left behind them greater proofs of indefatigable industry than Jacob Cats; and his numerous lyrical works are as rich in poetic genius as they are replete with evidence of world knowledge and genial with the love of mankind. 1