A rivalry in hospitality and in display began among the highest nobles, and extended to those less able to maintain themselves in the contest.

During the war there had been the valiant emulation of the battlefield; gentlemen had vied with each other how best to illustrate an ancient name with deeds of desperate valor, to repair the fortunes of a ruined house with the spoils of war.

They now sought to surpass each other in splendid extravagance.
It was an eager competition who should build the stateliest palaces, have the greatest number of noble pages and gentlemen in waiting, the most gorgeous liveries, the most hospitable tables, the most scientific cooks.
There was, also, much depravity as well as extravagance.

The morals of high society were loose.

Gaming was practised to a frightful extent.
Drunkenness was a prevailing characteristic of the higher classes.