Money could be most easily and most largely obtained from the court of Versailles; and Sunderland was eager to sell himself to that court.

He had no jovial generous vices.

He cared little for wine or for beauty: but he desired riches with an ungovernable and insatiable desire.

The passion for play raged in him without measure, and had not been tamed by ruinous losses.

His hereditary fortune was ample.