The triumph of the Romans was indeed sullied by their treatment of the captive king, whom they hung on a gibbet without the knowledge of their indignant general. This disgraceful act of cruelty which might be imputed to the fury of the troops, was followed by the deliberate murder of Withicab, the son of Vadomair; a German prince, of a weak and sickly constitution, but of a daring and formidable spirit.

Extreme distress, which unites the virtue of a free people, imbitters the factions of a declining monarchy.

According to the faith and mercy of his Christian enemies, [Chosroes] sunk without hope into a still deeper abyss [Hell]; and it will not be denied, that tyrants of every age and sect are the best entitled to such infernal abodes.

The sentiment of fear is nearly allied to that of hatred.

In the end, they wanted security more than they wanted freedom.

In the productions of the mind, as in those of the soil, the gifts of nature are excelled by industry and skill . . .

The inactivity of a conqueror betrays the loss of strength and blood . . .