For the greater part of the day he remained closeted with some young folks, who alone had the prince's ear, without any body's knowing how they had arrived at this distinction, whilst the great, and those whose services were known, could scarcely get speech of him.

Showiness and effeminacy had taken the place of the grandeur and majesty which had formerly distinguished our kings." [De Thou, _Histoire universelle,_ t.vii.

p.

134.] [Illustration: Indolence of Henry III---390] "The time was ill chosen by Henry III.

for this change of habits and for becoming an indolent and voluptuous king, set upon taking his pleasure in his court and isolating himself from his people.