^ CHARACTER OF THE DUG DE BERRY. 291

twenty-eighth year, having been born at Versailles, the last
^ day of August, 1686.

M. le Due de Berry was of ordinary height, rather fat, of a
beautiful blonde complexion, with a fresh, handsome face, indi-
cating excellent health. He was made for society, and for
pleasure, which he loved; the best, gentlest, most compassionate,
and accessible of men, without pride, and without vanity, but

t not without dignity or self-appreciation. He was of medium

J?t intellect, without ambition or desire, but had very good sense,

and was capable of listening, of understanding, and of always

j taking the right side in preference to the wrong, however spe-

ciously put. He loved truth, justice, and reason; all that was
contrary to religion pained him to excess, although he was not
of marked piety. He was not without firmness, and hated con-
straint. This caused it to be feared that he was not supple
-enough for a younger son, and, indeed, in his early youth he

! could not understand that there was any difference between

thim and his eldest brother, and his bo3?ish quarrels often caused
alarm.

He was the most gay, the most frank, and consequently the
I most loved of the three brothers; in his youth nothing was

spoken of but his smart replies to Madame and M. de la Roche-
foucauld. He laughed at preceptors and at masters—often at
] punishment. He scarcely knew anything except how to read

i.and write; and learned nothing after being freed from the ne-
cessity of learning. This ignorance so intimidated him, that he
could scarcely open his mouth before strangers, or perform the
( most ordinary duties of his rank; he had persuaded himself

that he was an ass and a fool, fit for nothing. He was so afraid
of the King that he dared not approach him, and was so con-
i fused if the King looked hard at him, or spoke of other things

than hunting, or gaming, that he scarcely understood a word,
or could collect his thoughts. As may be imagined, such fear

tdoes not go hand in hand with deep affection.
He commenced life with Madame la Duchesse de Berry as
do almost all those who marry very young and green. He
became extremely amorous of her; this,joined to his gentleness

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