He was therefore a favourite with his master: for to James unpopularity, obstinacy, and implacability were the greatest recommendations that a statesman could have.
What Frenchman should attend the King of England in the character of ambassador had been the subject of grave deliberation at Versailles.
Barillon could not be passed over without a marked slight.

But his selfindulgent habits, his want of energy, and, above all, the credulity with which he had listened to the professions of Sunderland, had made an unfavourable impression on the mind of Lewis.

What was to be done in Ireland was not work for a trifler or a dupe.

The agent of France in that kingdom must be equal to much more than the ordinary functions of an envoy.

It would be his right and his duty to offer advice touching every part of the political and military administration of the country in which he would represent the most powerful and the most beneficent of allies.