Gold, rather than blood, was the price he paid for his victories.

Taken all in all, he was the greatest king that France ever had--if one may judge a king by the double standard of what he accomplishes and what it costs his people.

He almost doubled the territory of France, and he lost fewer men in battle than any enterprising monarch of whom I know.
Within forty-eight hours of receiving the safe conduct, King Louis was sitting beside Mary on the dais of the ducal throne in the great hall.
She was heavily veiled, being in mourning for her father.

At her left stood Hymbercourt, Hugonet, Max, and myself.

At the king's right stood Cardinal Balau and Oliver the Barber, each anticipating a rich reward in case Louis should accept Mary's terms.