It was supposed that he had some motive beyond that of shame at their meanness, to conceal his real origin and name.

What could be that motive, if not the dread of discovery for some black and criminal offence connected with his earlier youth, and for which he feared the prosecution of the law?
They who affected most to watch his exterior averred that often, in his gayest revels and proudest triumphs, his brow would lower--his countenance change--and it was only by a visible and painful effort that he could restore his mind to its self-possession.

His career, which evinced an utter contempt for the ordinary rules and scruples that curb even adventurers into a seeming of honesty and virtue, appeared in some way to justify these reports.

But, at times, flashes of sudden and brilliant magnanimity broke forth to bewilder the curious, to puzzle the examiners of human character, and to contrast the general tenor of his ambitions and remorseless ascent to power.

His genius was confessed by all; but it was a genius that in no way promoted the interests of his country.
It served only to prop, defend, and advance himself--to battle difficulties--to defeat foes--to convert every accident, every chance, into new stepping stones in his course.