That is the essential element of the feudal system; therein it differs from every other aristocracy, every other form of government.
There has been no scarcity in this world of aristocracies and despotisms.
There have been peoples arbitrarily governed, nay, absolutely possessed by a single man, by a college of priests, by a body of patricians.

But none of these despotic governments was like the feudal system.
In the case where the sovereign power has been placed in the hands of a single man, the condition of the people has been servile and woful.

At bottom the feudal system was somewhat better; and it will presently be explained why.

Meanwhile, it must be acknowledged that that condition often appeared less burdensome, and obtained more easy acceptance than the feudal system.

It was because, under the great absolute monarchies, men did, nevertheless, obtain some sort of equality and tranquillity.