Such princes deserved the honor of restoring the republic, had the Romans of their days been capable of enjoying a rational freedom.
The labors of these monarchs were overpaid by the immense reward that inseparably waited on their success; by the honest pride of virtue, and by the exquisite delight of beholding the general happiness of which they were the authors.

A just but melancholy reflection imbittered, however, the noblest of human enjoyments.

They must often have recollected the instability of a happiness which depended on the character of single man.

The fatal moment was perhaps approaching, when some licentious youth, or some jealous tyrant, would abuse, to the destruction, that absolute power, which they had exerted for the benefit of their people.

The ideal restraints of the senate and the laws might serve to display the virtues, but could never correct the vices, of the emperor.