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To do that which was forbidden by the laws; to be the arbiter,

the supreme judge in the affairs of others, without other

interest than a thirst for power; to be feared by all, even by

those who were the objects of fear to all men; these had ever

been the controlling principles which actuated the conduct of

this man. From his youth he had been filled with impatient envy

at the power and authority of others; superior to the greater

number in riches and retinue, and to all perhaps in birth and

audacity, he constrained them to renounce all competition with

him; he took some into his friendship, but was far from admitting

any equality between himself and them; his proud and disdainful

spirit could only be content with those who were willing to

acknowledge their inferiority, and to yield to him on all

occasions.