He was Christian and Catholic in all the simplicity of the Gospel, and in all the humility of obedience to the church.

The reproaches he had received from Rome for having ratified by his weakness the schism in France, wounded his conscience and distracted his mind.

He had never ceased to negotiate officially or secretly with the pope, in order to obtain from the head of the church either an indulgent concession to the necessities of religion in France, or prudent temporising.

It was on these terms only that he could restore peace to his mind.

Inexorable Rome had only granted him its pity.