Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. III.djvu/428

400 400 DEATH OF GONSALVO. PAKT prosperity, as his solace in declining years. '^° His tenacity of power drew him into vulgar squabbles with those most nearly allied to him by blood, which settled into a mortal aversion. Finally, bodily in- firmity broke the energies of his mind, sour suspi- cions corroded his heart, and he had the misfortune to live, long after he had lost all that could make life desirable. His kingly Let us tum from this gloomy picture to the qualities. ° . . brighter season of the morning and meridian of his life ; when he sat with Isabella on the united thrones of Castile and Aragon, strong in the love of his own subjects, and in the fear and respect of his enemies. We shall then find much in his character to admire ; his impartial justice in the administration of the laws ; his watchful solicitude to shield the weak from the oppression of the strong ; his wise econo- my, which achieved great results without burdening his people with oppressive taxes ; his sobriety and moderation ; the decorum, and respect for religion, which he maintained among his subjects ; the in- dustry he promoted by wholesome laws and his own example ; his consummate sagacity, which crowned all his enterprises with brilliant success, and made him the oracle of the princes of the age. Machiavelli, indeed, the most deeply read of his 70 " Era poco hermosa," says los Castellanos, y aun sus Reyes Sandoval, who grudges her even muy moderados en esto. Pasa- this quality, " algo coja, amiga bansele pocos dias que no convi- mucho de liolgarse, y andar en dase, 6 fuese convidada. La que banquetes, huertos y jardines, y en mas gaslaba en fiestas y banquctes fiestas. Introduxo esta Seiiora en con ella, era mas su amiga." Hist. Castilla comidas soberbias, siendo del Emp. Carlos V., torn. i. p. 12.