France partook of the general awakening and was throwing off the torpor of centuries.

New ambitions were aroused, and her slumbering genius began to be stirred.

This was a propitious moment for an ambitious young king who aimed not only at being the greatest of military heroes, but also the splendid patron of art and letters, and wisest of men! The role he had set for himself being, in fact, a Charlemagne and a Lorenzo de' Medici in one.

All that was needed for success in this large field was ability.

Personal valor Francis certainly possessed.