The constitutional progress which was made during his reign was due to his absorption in showy schemes of foreign ambition, to his preference for war and diplomatic intrigue over the sober business of civil administration.

The same shallowness of temper, the same showiness and falsehood, ran through his personal character.

The king who was a model of chivalry in his dealings with knight and noble showed himself a brutal savage to the burgesses of Calais.

Even the courtesy to his Queen which throws its halo over the story of their deliverance went hand in hand with a constant disloyalty to her.

When once Philippa was dead his profligacy threw all shame aside.