These tactics were comparatively easy and likely to be triumphant, so long as he had only to deal with inferior intellects like those of Philip and Margaret.

When he should be matched against political genius and lofty character combined, it was possible that his resources might not prove so all-sufficient.
His political principles were sharply defined in reality, but smoothed over by a conventional and decorous benevolence of language, which deceived vulgar minds.

He was a strict absolutist.

His deference to arbitrary power was profound and slavish.

God and "the master," as he always called Philip, he professed to serve with equal humility.