And though, perhaps, he talked more than strict rules of behavior might permit, men were so pleased with the affable communicative deportment of the monarch that they always went away contented both with him and with themselves.
* Marquis of Halifax.
This, indeed, is the most shining part of the king's character; and he seems to have been sensible of it; for he was fond of dropping the formality of state, and of relapsing every moment into the companion.
In the duties of private life, his conduct, though not free from exception, was, in the main, laudable.

He was an easy, generous lover, a civil, obliging husband, a friendly brother, an indulgent father, and a good-natured master.[* ]The voluntary friendships, however, which this prince contracted, nay, even his sense of gratitude, were feeble; and he never attached himself to any of his ministers or courtiers with a sincere affection.

He believed them to have no motive in serving him but self-interest; and he was still ready, in his turn, to sacrifice them to present ease or convenience.
* Duke of Buckingham.
With a detail of his private character we must set bounds to our panegyric on Charles.

The other parts of his conduct may admit of some apology, but can deserve small applause.

He was indeed so much fitted for private life, preferably to public, that he even possessed order, frugality, and economy in the former; was profuse, thoughtless, and negligent in the latter.