By the motto, which was his habitual device, he was supposed, in this application, to signify that his power would outlast that of the nobles, and that perennial and pure as living water, it would flow tranquilly on, long after the wine of their life had been drunk to the lees.

The fiery extravagance of his adversaries, and the calm and limpid moderation of his own character, thus symbolized, were supposed to convey a moral lesson to the world.

The hieroglyphics, thus interpreted, were not relished by the nobles--all avoided his society, and declined his invitations.

He consoled himself with the company of the lesser gentry,--a class which he now began to patronize, and which he urgently recommended to the favor of the King,--hinting that military and civil offices bestowed upon their inferiors would be a means of lowering the pride of the grandees.

He also affected to surround himself with even humbler individuals.