He certainly never attempted to execute this senseless crusade; but he did not omit so fair an opportunity for levying new taxes on his people.

And it is undoubted that the splendor of his court and the immorality of his example were no slight sources of corruption to the countries which he governed.
In this respect, at least, a totally different kind of government was looked for on the part of his son and successor, who was by nature and habit a mere soldier.

Charles began his career by seizing on all the money and jewels left by his father; he next dismissed the crowd of useless functionaries who had fed upon, under the pretence of managing, the treasures of the state.

But this salutary and sweeping reform was only effected to enable the sovereign to pursue uncontrolled the most fatal of all passions, that of war.

Nothing can better paint the true character of this haughty and impetuous prince than his crest (a branch of holly), and his motto, "Who touches it, pricks himself." Charles had conceived a furious and not ill-founded hatred for his base yet formidable neighbor and rival, Louis XI.