The glamour of his personality has survived even until now.

In a song still popular he is called "the gallant king who knew {225} how to fight, to make love and to drink." He is also remembered for his wish that every peasant might have a fowl in his pot.

His supreme desire was to see France, bleeding and impoverished by civil war, again united, strong and happy.

He consistently subordinated religion to political ends.

To him almost alone is due the final adoption of tolerance, not indeed as a natural right, but as a political expedient.
The difficulties with which he had to contend were enormous.