He probably thought it important, at the commencement of a new era in the relations between the two great kingdoms of the West, to hold high the dignity of the Crown which he wore.

He well knew, indeed, that the greatness of a prince does not depend on piles of silver bowls and chargers, trains of gilded coaches, and multitudes of running footmen in brocade, and led horses in velvet housings.

But he knew also that the subjects of Lewis had, during the long reign of their magnificent sovereign, been accustomed to see power constantly associated with pomp, and would hardly believe that the substance existed unless they were dazzled by the trappings.
If the object of William was to strike the imagination of the French people, he completely succeeded.

The stately and gorgeous appearance which the English embassy made on public occasions was, during some time, the general topic of conversation at Paris.

Portland enjoyed a popularity which contrasts strangely with the extreme unpopularity which he had incurred in England.