[64] The King, stern as was his temper and grave as was his deportment, was scarcely less under the influence of female attractions than his more lively and amiable brother had been.

The beauty, indeed, which distinguished the favourite ladies of Charles was not necessary to James.

Barbara Palmer, Eleanor Gwynn, and Louisa de Querouaille were among the finest women of their time.

James, when young, had surrendered his liberty, descended below his rank, and incurred the displeasure of his family for the coarse features of Anne Hyde.

He had soon, to the great diversion of the whole court, been drawn away from his plain consort by a plainer mistress, Arabella Churchill.