He secured to them exemption from certain imposts, no matter whither they removed, and the possession of all property and inheritances that might fall to them, and he promised to confer upon them all vacant offices which it might suit them to fill.

But it was not in his gift to repair.
even superficially and in appearance, the evils he had not known how to prevent or combat to any purpose.

The outset of his reign had been brilliant and prosperous; but his victory at Cassel over the Flemings brought more cry than wool.

He had vanity enough to flaunt it rather than wit enough to turn it to account.

He was a prince of courts, and tournaments, and trips, and galas, whether regal or plebeian; he was volatile, imprudent, haughty, and yet frivolous, brave without ability, and despotic without anything to show for it.