Somewhat theatrical, he exhibited himself as a statue of right and misfortune to all Europe; studied his attitudes; spoke learnedly of his adversaries; and assumed the position of a victim and a sage: he was, however, unpopular with the army.
XV.
The Comte d'Artois, his junior, spoiled by nature, by the court, and by the fair sex, had taken on himself the _role_ of a hero.

He represented at Coblentz antique honour, chivalrous devotion, and the French character; he was adored by the court, whose grace, elegance, and pride were personified in him: his heart was good, his mind apt, but not well informed, and of limited comprehension.

A philosopher, through indolence and carelessness before the Revolution, superstitious afterwards, through weakness and _entrainment_, he threatened the Revolution with his sword from a distance.

He appeared more fitted to irritate than to conquer, and at this early period he already manifested that unbridled rashness and that useless spirit of provocation which was one day to cost him a throne.

But his personal beauty, his grace, and his cordiality, covered all these defects, and he seemed destined never to die.