In discussing Barbarism and Christianity I have actually been discussing the Fall of Rome.

The distinctions of personal merit and influence, so conspicuous in a republic, so feeble and obscure under a monarchy, were abolished by the despotism of the emperors; who substituted in their room a severe subordination of rank and office, from the titled slaves who were seated on the steps of the throne, to the meanest instruments of arbitrary power.

Persuasion is the resource of the feeble; and the feeble can seldom persuade . . .

Greek is doubtless the most perfect [language] that has been contrived by the art of man.

Style is the image of character.

Theodosius was chaste and temperate; he enjoyed, without excess, the sensual and social pleasures of the table, and the warmth of his amorous passions was never diverted from their lawful objects. The proud titles of Imperial greatness were adorned by the tender names of a faithful husband, an indulgent father; his uncle was raised, by his affectionate esteem, to the rank of a second parent.

There exists in human nature a strong propensity to depreciate the advantages, and to magnify the evils, of the present times.