The Roman government appeared every day less formidable to its enemies, more odious and oppressive to its subjects.

Whenever the spirit of fanaticism, at once so credulous and so crafty, has insinuated itself into a noble mind, it insensibly corrodes the vital principles of virtue and veracity.

Corruption, the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty, was successfully practised; honours, gifts, and immunities were offered and accepted as the price of an episcopal vote; and the condemnation of the Alexandrian primate was artfully represented as the only measure which could restore the peace and union of the catholic church.

The Roman government appeared every day less formidable to its enemies, more odious and oppressive to its subjects.

But a law, however venerable be the sanction, cannot suddenly transform the temper of the times . . .

A people who still remembered that their ancestors had been the masters of the world would have applauded, with conscious pride, the representation of ancient freedom, if they had not long since been accustomed to prefer the solid assurance of bread to the unsubstantial visions of liberty and greatness.

[Whole] generations may be swept away by the madness of kings in the space of a single hour.