Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. I.djvu/372

228 228 ADMINISTRATION OF CASTILE. PART the feminine qualities which beget love, a mascu- ^ - line energy of character, which struck terror into the guiltj. She enforced the execution of her own plans, oftentimes even at great personal hazard, with a resolution surpassing that of her husband. Both were singularly temperate, indeed, frugal, in their dress, equipage, and general style of living ; seeking to affect others less by external pomp, than by the silent though more potent influ- ence of personal qualities. On all such occasions as demanded it, however, they displayed a princely magnificence, which dazzled the multitude, and is blazoned with great solemnity in the garrulous chronicles of the day. ^^ The tendencies of the present administration were undoubtedly to strengthen the power of the crown. This was the point, to which most of the feudal governments of Europe at this epoch were tending. But Isabella was far from being actuated by the selfish aim or unscrupulous polic}^ of many contemporary princes, who, like Louis the Elev- enth sought to govern by the arts of dissimula- 56 See, for example, the splendid rate of Los Palacios devotes the ceremony of Prince John's bnp- 32d and 33d chapters of his His- tism, to which the gossiping Cu- tory. Olemencin. The sixth volume of the Mem- of her personal character, and of oirs of the Royal Spanish Acadc- the condition of science under her my of History, published in 1821, fjovernment. These essays ex- is devoted altojiether to the reign hibit much curious research, being of Isabella. It is distributed into derived from unquestionable con- Illustrations, as they arc termed, temporary documents, printed and of the various branches of the ad- manuscript, and from the public ministrative policy of the queen, archives. They are compiled with