The courtiers said that he was laying up a store of strength, to meet the demands that would be made upon him when he came to the throne.
Even before he could speak plainly, he had learned to let others wait upon him, and would never lift his little finger to do anything for himself.

His passive face and large melancholy eyes were wonderfully beautiful, and inspired even his mother with a feeling of awe and respect.

She never had cause to feel anxious about him, for there was no better, nor more obedient child in the whole land.
The ill-omened boy, George, was the exact opposite of his brother.

He, on the contrary, had to be watched and tended, for his veins seemed to run quicksilver.

One would have been justified in saying that he went out to meet the misfortune which was so surely awaiting him.