[In] the national and religious conflict of the [Byzantine and Saracen] empires, peace was without confidence, and war without mercy.

It is impossible to reduce, or, at least, to hold a distant country against the wishes and efforts of its inhabitants.

The first and indispensable requisite of happiness is a clear conscience.

The subject, however various and important, has already been so frequently, so ably, and so successfully discussed, that it is now grown familiar to the reader, and difficult to the writer.

[The monks'] minds were inaccessible to reason or mercy . . .

There is nothing perhaps more adverse to nature and reason than to hold in obedience remote countries and foreign nations, in opposition to their inclination and interest.

The terror of the Roman arms added weight and dignity to the moderation of the emperors. They preserved the peace by a constant preparation for war.