To his soldiers in the field he was considerate and generous; to his enemies compassionate and merciful.[3] 'In military science,' says Vespasiano, 'he was excelled by no commander of his time; uniting energy with judgment, he conquered by prudence as much as by force.

The like wariness was observed in all his affairs; and in none of his many battles was he worsted.

Nor may I omit the strict observance of good faith, wherein he never failed.

All to whom he once gave his word, might testify to his inviolate performance of it.' The same biographer adds that 'he was singularly religious, and most observant of the Divine commands.

No morning passed without his hearing mass upon his knees.' [1] The Panormita; author, by the way, of the shameless 'Hermaphroditus.' This fact is significant.