Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. I.djvu/371

227 ADMINISTRATION OF CASTILE. 227 This, which, as we have seen, appears to have chapter been the natural result of the policy of Ferdinand '- — and Isabella, was derived quite as much from the influence of their private characters, as from their public measures. Their acknowledged talents were supported by a dignified demeanor, which form- ed a striking contrast with the meanness in mind and manners, that had distinguished their prede- cessor. They both exhibited a practical wisdom in their own personal relations, which always com- mands respect, and which, however it may have savoured of worldly policy in Ferdinand, was, in his consort, founded on the purest and most exalt- ed principle. Under such a sovereign, the court, which had been little better than a brothel under the preceding reign, became the nursery of virtue and generous ambition. Isabella watched assidu- ously over the nurture of the high-born damsels of her court, whom she received into the royal palace, causing them to be educated under her own eye, and endowing them with liberal portions on their marriage. " By these and similar acts of affection- ate solicitude, she endeared herself to the higher classes of her subjects, while the patriotic tendency of her public conduct established her in the hearts of the people. She possessed, in combination with 55 Carrode las Donas, apud Mem. nangas Reales, lib. 2, tit. 14, ley de la Acad, de Hist., torn. vi. Ilust. 31 ; lib. 8, tit. 10, ley 7.) L. Mari- 21. — As one example of the moral neo, according to whom, "hell discipline introduced by Isabella in is full of gamblers," highly com- ber court, we may cite the enact- mends the sovereigns for their ments against gaming, which had efforts to discountenance this vice, been carried to great excess under Cosas Memorables, fol. 165. the preceding reigns. (See Orde-