He compromised more and more seriously every day his own safety and that of his successor, by vexing more and more, without destroying, his most dangerous enemy.

He showed no greater prudence or ability in the government of his kingdom.

Always in want of money, because he spent it foolishly on galas or presents to his favorites, he had recourse, for the purpose of procuring it, at one time to the very worst of all financial expedients, debasement of the coinage; at another, to disreputable imposts, such as the tax upon salt, and upon the sale of all kinds of merchandise.

In the single year of 1352 the value of a silver mark varied sixteen times, from four livres ten sous to eighteen livres.
To meet the requirements of his government and the greediness of his courtiers, John twice, in 1355 and 1356, convoked the states-general, to the consideration of which we shall soon recur in detail, and which did not refuse him their support; but John had not the wit either to make good use of the powers with which he was furnished, or to inspire the states-general with that confidence which alone could decide them upon continuing their gifts.

And, nevertheless, King John's necessities were more evident and more urgent than ever: war with England had begun again.
The truth is that, in spite of the truce still existing, the English, since the accession of King John, had at several points resumed hostilities.