Though he scoffed at priests and turned his back on the mass even amidst the solemnities of his coronation, he never stirred on a journey without hanging relics round his neck.

But with the wickedness of his race he inherited its profound ability.

His plan for the relief of Chateau Gaillard, the rapid march by which he shattered Arthur's hopes at Mirebeau, showed an inborn genius for war.

In the rapidity and breadth of his political combinations he far surpassed the statesmen of his time.
Throughout his reign we see him quick to discern the difficulties of his position, and inexhaustible in the resources with which he met them.

The overthrow of his continental power only spurred him to the formation of a league which all but brought Philip to the ground; and the sudden revolt of England was parried by a shameless alliance with the Papacy.