His mind was a confused one, and his style inexpressibly involved and tedious.
"Poor master Hopper," said Granvelle, "did not write the best French in the world; may the Lord forgive him.

He was learned in letters, but knew very little of great affairs." His manners were as cringing as his intellect was narrow.

He never opposed the Duchess, so that his colleagues always called him Councillor "Yes, Madam," and he did his best to be friends with all the world.
In deference to the arguments of Orange, the instructions for Egmont were accordingly considerably modified from the original draughts of Viglius.
As drawn up by the new President, they contained at least a few hints to his Majesty as to the propriety of mitigating the edicts and extending some mercy to his suffering people.

The document was, however, not very satisfactory to the Prince, nor did he perhaps rely very implicitly upon the character of the envoy.
Egmont set forth upon his journey early in January (1565).

He travelled in great state.