penury and exile, that they would thankfully accept almost any
terms of reconciliation. The new Envoy's origin was plebeian, his
stature was dwarfish, his countenance was ludicrously ugly, and
his accent was that of his native Gascony: but his strong sense,
his keen penetration, and his lively wit eminently qualified him
for his post. In spite of every disadvantage of birth and figure
he was soon known as a most pleasing companion and as a most
skilful diplomatist. He contrived, while flirting with the
Duchess of Mazarin, discussing literary questions with Waller and
Saint Evremond, and corresponding with La Fontaine, to acquire a
considerable knowledge of English politics. His skill in maritime
affairs recommended him to James, who had, during many years,
paid close attention to the business of the Admiralty, and
understood that business as well as he was capable of
understanding anything. They conversed every day long and freely
about the state of the shipping and the dock-yards. The result of
this intimacy was, as might have been expected, that the keen and
vigilant Frenchman conceived a great contempt for the King's
abilities and character. The world, he said, had much overrated
His Britannic Majesty, who had less capacity than Charles, and
not more virtues.54

The two envoys of Lewis, though pursuing one object, very
judiciously took different paths. They made a partition of the
court. Bonrepaux lived chiefly with Rochester and Rochester's
adherents. Barillon's connections were chiefly with the opposite
faction. The consequence was that they sometimes saw the same
event in different points of view. The best account now extant of
the contest which at this time agitated Whitehall is to be found
in their despatches.