He could see no hope for orderly and intelligent government except in a ruler whose wisdom had equal strength to assert itself; and he looked down with incredulity and scorn on the notion of anything good coming out of what the world then knew or saw of popular opinion or parliamentary government.

But when it came to what was wise and fitting for absolute power to do in the way of general measures and policy, he was for the most part right.

He saw the inexorable and pressing necessity of putting the finance of the kingdom on a safe footing.

He saw the necessity of a sound and honest policy in Ireland.

He saw the mischief of the Spanish alliance in spite of his curious friendship with Gondomar, and detected the real and increasing weakness of the Spanish monarchy, which still awed mankind.