The name of Debonnair is suited to him; it expresses his moral worth and his political incapacity, both at once.
As king of Aquitania, in the time of Charlemagne, Louis made himself esteemed and loved; his justice, his suavity, his probity, and his piety were pleasing to the people, and his weaknesses disappeared under the strong hand of his father.

When he became emperor, he began his reign by a reaction against the excesses, real or supposed, of the preceding reign.

Charlemagne's morals were far from regular, and he troubled himself but little about the license prevailing in his family or his palace.

At a distance he ruled with a tight and a heavy hand.

Louis established at his court, for his sisters as well as his servants, austere regulations.