Then came the two Gracchi, and the reader begins to doubt whether the glory of the Republic is not already over.

They demanded impossible reforms, by means as illegal as they were impossible, and were both killed in popular riots.

The war with Jugurtha followed, in which the Romans were for years unsuccessful, and during which German hordes from the north rushed into Gaul and destroyed an army of 80,000 Romans.

This brings us to Marius and to Sulla, of whom we have already spoken, and to that period of Roman politics which the German historian describes as being open to no judgment "save one of inexorable and remorseless condemnation." But, in truth, the history of every people and every nation will be subject to the same criticism, if it be regarded with the same severity.
In all that man has done as yet in the way of government, the seeds of decay are apparent when looked back upon from an age in advance.

The period of Queen Elizabeth was very great to us; yet by what dangers were we enveloped in her days! But for a storm at sea, we might have been subjected to Spain.