In all there was good and evil, for they were men; but without flattery, in him were more things appertaining to the office of king than in any of the rest.

I saw them nearly all, and knew what they could do." "Louis XI.," says Duclos, "was far from being without reproach; few princes have deserved so much; but it may be said that he was equally celebrated for his vices and his virtues, and that, everything being put in the balance, he was a king." We will be more exacting than Commynes and Duclos; we will not consent to apply to Louis XI.

the words liberal, virtuous, and virtue; he had nor greatness of soul, nor uprightness of character, nor kindness of heart; he was neither a great king nor a good king; but we may assent to Duclos' last word--he was a king..