In the other monarchical states of Europe--in England, in Germany, in Spain, and in Italy--divers principles, at one time election, and at another right of conquest, have been mingled with or substituted for the heredity of the throne; different dynasties have reigned; and England has had her Saxon, Danish, and Norman kings, her Plantagenets, her Tudors, her Stuarts, her Nassaus, her Brunswicks.

In Germany, and up to the eighteenth century, the Empire, the sole central dignity, was elective and transferable.

Spain was for a long while parcelled out into several distinct kingdoms, and since she attained territorial unity the houses of Austria and Bourbon have both occupied her throne.

The monarchy and the republic for many a year disputed and divided Italy.

Only in France was there, at any time during eight centuries, but a single king and a single line of kings.