had driven the English from France; and for sixteen years Louis XI.

had, by fighting and gradually destroying the great vassals who made alliance with them, prevented them from regaining a footing there.

That was work as salutary as it was glorious for the nation and the French kingship.

At the death of Charles the Rash, the work was accomplished; Louis XI.

was the only power left in France, without any great peril from without, and without any great rival within; but he then fell under the sway of mistaken ideas and a vicious spirit.