enough for every useful and political purpose, Louis had not a spark
of that romantic valour, or of the pride generally associated with it, which
fought on for the point of honour, when the point of utility had been long
gained. Calm, crafty, and profoundly attentive to his own interest, he made
every sacrifice, both of pride and passion, which could interfere with it. He
was careful in disguising his real sentiments and purposes from all who
approached him, and frequently used the expressions, »that the King knew not how
to reign, who knew not how to dissemble; and that, for himself, if he thought
his very cap knew his secrets, he would throw it into the fire.« No man of his
own, or of any other time, better understood how to avail himself of the
frailties of others, and when to avoid giving any advantage by the untimely
indulgence of his own.
    He was by nature vindictive and cruel, even to the extent of finding
pleasure in the frequent executions which he commanded. But, as no touch of
mercy ever induced him to spare, when he could with safety condemn, so no
sentiment of vengeance ever stimulated him to a premature violence. He seldom
sprung on his prey till it was fairly within his grasp, and till all hope of
rescue was vain; and his movements were so studiously disguised, that his
success was generally what first announced to the world the object he had been
manoeuvring to attain.
    In like manner, the avarice of Louis gave way to apparent profusion, when it
was necessary to bribe the favourite or minister of a rival prince for averting
any impending attack, or to break up any alliance confederated against him. He
was fond of license and pleasure; but neither beauty nor the chase, though both
were ruling passions, ever withdrew him from the most regular attendance to
public business and the affairs of his kingdom. His knowledge of mankind was
profound, and he had sought it in the private walks of life, in which he often
personally mingled; and, though naturally proud and haughty, he hesitated not,
with an inattention to the arbitrary divisions of society which was then thought
something portentously unnatural, to raise from the lowest rank men whom he
employed on the most important duties, and knew so well how to choose them, that
he was rarely disappointed in their qualities.
    Yet there were contradictions in the character of this artful and able
monarch; for human nature is rarely uniform. Himself the most false and
insincere of mankind, some of the greatest errors of his life arose from too
rash a