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In addition to the fear with which he inspired them, they felt

for him (especially those who were born in his service, and these

were the greater number) the affection of vassals. Their

admiration partook of the nature of love, mingled with that

respect which the most rebellious and turbulent spirits feel for

a superior, whom they have voluntarily recognised as such. The

sentiments he expressed were certainly hateful to their ears, but

they knew they were not false, neither were they entirely strange

to them. If their custom had been to make them subjects of

pleasantry, it was not from disbelief of their verity, but to

drive away, by jesting, the apprehensions the contemplation of

them might otherwise have excited. And now, there was none among

them who did not feel some compunction at beholding their power

exerted over the invincible courage of their master.