He was the patron of literature and art; men of genius were not kept waiting in his antechamber, but were received by him with courtesy and honour.

At the Court 'twas well known there was no man who stood so near the throne in favour, and that there was no union so exalted that he might not have made his suit as rather that of a superior than an equal.

The Queen both loved and honoured him, and condescended to avow as much with gracious frankness.

She knew no other man, she deigned to say, who was so worthy of honour and affection, and that he had not married must be because there was no woman who could meet him on ground that was equal.

If there were no scandals about him--and there were none--'twas not because he was cold of heart or imagination.