The materials of the novelist must be real; they must be gathered from the field of humanity by his actual observation.

Rome was great in arms, in government, in law.

The insular arrogance of the English character is a commonplace joke.

Ancient history, besides the still unequalled excellence of the writers, is the best instrument for cultivating the historical sense.

But if anyone supposes that there was no commercial fraud in the Middle Ages, let him study the commercial legislation of England for that period, and his mind will be satisfied, if he has a mind to be satisfied and not only a fancy to run away with him.

The Roman legions were formed in the first instance of citizen soldiers, who yet had been made to submit to a rigid discipline, and to feel that in that submission lay their strength.

Above all nations is humanity.