In the second century of the Christian era, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind.

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.

A philosopher may deplore the eternal discords of the human race, but he will confess, that the desire of spoil is a more rational provocation than the vanity of conquest.

Let us read with method, and propose to ourselves an end to which our studies may point. The use of reading is to aid us in thinking.

[The] emperor of the West, the feeble and dissolute Valentinian, [had] reached his thirty-fifth year without attaining the age of reason or courage.

Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.

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