For this reason it is that I have picked out him, amongst several others that I know of the same humour, for the greatest example.
It were matter for a question in the schools, whether he is better thus or otherwise.

In his presence, all submit to and bow to him, and give so much way to his vanity that nobody ever resists him; he has his fill of assents, of seeming fear, submission, and respect.

Does he turn away a servant?
he packs up his bundle, and is gone; but 'tis no further than just out of his sight: the steps of old age are so slow, the senses so troubled, that he will live and do his old office in the same house a year together without being perceived.
And after a fit interval of time, letters are pretended to come from a great way off; very humble, suppliant; and full of promises of amendment, by virtue of which he is again received into favour.

Does Monsieur make any bargain, or prepare any despatch that does not please?
'tis suppressed, and causes afterwards forged to excuse the want of execution in the one or answer in the other.

No letters being first brought to him, he never sees any but those that shall seem fit for his knowledge.
If by accident they fall first into his own hand, being used to trust somebody to read them to him; he reads extempore what he thinks fit, and often makes such a one ask him pardon who abuses and rails at him in his letter.