His mind was not pre-occupied and engrossed with political contests or with affairs of state.

He had natural and cultivated tastes outside of those fields.

He was a discriminating reader, and enjoyed not only serious books, but inclined also to the lighter indulgence of romance and poetry.

He was especially fond of the best French writers.

He loved Moliere and Racine, and could quote with rare enjoyment the humorous scenes depicted by Balzac.