One of the three was thenceforth France.
In this great event are comprehended two facts; the disappearance of the empire and the formation of the three kingdoms which took its place.

The first is easily explained.

The resuscitation of the Roman empire had been a dream of ambition and ignorance on the part of a great man, but a barbarian.

Political unity and central absolute power had been the essential characteristics of that empire.

They became introduced and established, through a long succession of ages, on the ruins of the splendid Roman republic, destroyed by its own dissensions, under favor of the still great influence of the old Roman senate, though fallen from its high estate, and beneath the guardianship of the Roman legions and imperial pretorians.