As for him, he will never have anything to do with the execution, or even with the superintendence of it in any way; it seems to him quite enough to know his own part, which is to command and to supply plans.

Accordingly, that which might be wished for in him is a little more care and patience, not by any means more experience and knowledge.

His Majesty readily pardons offences; and he becomes heartily reconciled with those whom he has offended." [_Relations des Ambassadeurs venitiens sur les Affaires de France au seizieme siecle, in the Documents inedits sur l'Histoire de France,_ translated by M.
Tommaseo, t.i.

pp.

279-283.] It is said that at the close of his reign Francis I., in spite of all the resources of his mind and all his easy-going qualities, was much depressed, and that he died in sadness and disquietude as to the future.
One may be inclined to think that, in his egotism, he was more sad on his own account than disquieted on that of his successors and of France.
However that may be, he was assuredly far from foreseeing the terrible civil war which began after him, and the crimes, as well as disasters, which it caused.