Both Moscow and [Kiev], the modern and the ancient capitals, were reduced to ashes [by the Tartars]; a temporary ruin, less fatal than the deep, and perhaps indelible, mark, which a servitude of two hundred years has imprinted on the character of the Russians.

A society in which marriage is encouraged and industry prevails soon repairs the accidental losses of pestilence and war.

The fortune of nations has often depended on accidents . . .

To a lover of books the shops and sales in London present irresistible temptations.

But the wisdom and authority of the legislator are seldom victorious in a contest with the vigilant dexterity of private interest.

History has scarcely deigned to notice [Libius Severus's] birth, his elevation, his character, or his death.

That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.