History, in fact, is no more than a list of the crimes of humanity, human follies and accidents

It was among the ruins of the capitol that I first conceived the idea of a work which has amused and exercised nearly twenty years of my life.

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

From the paths of blood (and such is the history of nations) I cannot refuse to turn aside to gather some flowers of science or virtue.

The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature.

Majorian presents the welcome discovery of a great and heroic character, such as sometimes arise, in a degenerate age, to vindicate the honor of the human species.

Style is the image of character.