Revolution . . . ran its course from city to city, and the places which it arrived at last, fromhaving heard what had been done beforecarried to a still greater excess the refinementof their inventions, as manifested to thecunning of their enterprises and the atrocityof their reprisals. Words had to change theirordinary meaning and to take that which wasnow given them.

The absence of romance in my history will, I fear, detract somewhat from its interest; but if it be judged useful by those inquirers who desirean exact interpretation of the future, which inthe course of human things must resemble ifit does not reflect it, I shall be content. In fine, I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time.

So little trouble do men take in the search after truth; so readily do they accept whatever comes first to hand.

Mankind apparently find it easier to drive away adversity than to retain prosperity.

Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others so long as each hearer thinks he can do as well or nearly well himself.

Men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.

We [Greeks] are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.

We are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few.

When tremendous dangers are involved, no one can be blamed for looking to his own interest.

They are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who, having the clearest sense of both the pains and pleasures of life, do not on that account shrink from danger.