JACOB, a distinguished Dutch civilian and poet, was born at Brouwershaven in Zeeland, in 1577. After residing some time in Leyden and France, he settled at Middleburg, and acquired by his pleadings such reputation that the city of Dort chose him as its pensionary; and some time afterwards Middleburg followed its example. In 1634 he was nominated pensionary of Holland and West Friesland, and in 1648 he was elected keeper of the seal of the same state, and statholder of the fields; but he soon resigned these offices in order to enjoy the repose which his advanced age demanded. As the post of grand pensionary had been fatal to almost all those who had held it, from the beginning of the republic till that time, Catz delivered up his charge upon his knees, before the whole assembly of the states, weeping for joy, and thanking God for having preserved him from the dangers which seemed attached to the duties of that office. But though he was resolved to spend the rest of his days in retirement, the love of his country induced him to comply with the desires of the states, who importuned him to go on an embassy to England at the delicate juncture when the republic found itself compromised during the protectorate of Cromwell. On his return he retired to Sorgvliet, where he lived in tranquillity till the year 1660, when he died. He wrote a great number of poems in Dutch, of which the most esteemed are his *Emblems* and *Country Life*. They have often been reprinted; and from their simple gaiety and morality of tone are highly valued by his countrymen.

CAUBUL. See AFGHANISTAN.