The most favorable opinion of Maitre Cornelius
was that of persons who thought him merely baneful. Some he inspired
with instinctive terror; others he impressed with the deep respect
that most men feel for limitless power and money, while to a few he
certainly possessed the attraction of mystery. His way of life, his
countenance, and the favor of the king, justified all the tales of
which he had now become the subject.
Cornelius travelled much in foreign lands after the death of his
persecutor, the Duke of Burgundy; and during his absence the king
caused his premises to be guarded by a detachment of his own Scottish
guard. Such royal solicitude made the courtiers believe that the old
miser had bequeathed his property to Louis XI. When at home, the
torconnier went out but little; but the lords of the court paid him
frequent visits. He lent them money rather liberally, though
capricious in his manner of doing so. On certain days he refused to
give them a penny; the next day he would offer them large
sums,--always at high interest and on good security.
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