For a century longer, Rome still retains its outward form, but the swarming nations are now in full career.

Thus the whole country was broken into many shreds and patches of sovereignty.

In the tenth century the old Batavian and later Roman forms have faded away.

A third force, developing itself more slowly, becomes even more potent than the rest: the power of gold.

Wealth brings strength, strength confidence.

The ferocious inroads of the Normans scared many weak and timid persons into servitude.

A soil, exhausted by the long culture of Pagan empires, was to lie fallow for a still longer period.