The quarrels among the kings were the only thing that saved her." "If those times were so bad, Gabriel," said Silver Stick, "how was it the Spaniards showed such unanimity?
How was it there were no 'pronunciamientos' and risings in these deplorable times ?" "What could they do?
The despotism of the Caesars had imposed on the Spaniards a blind obedience to the kings as the representatives of God, and the clergy had educated them in this belief from the community of interests between the Church and the throne.

Even the most illustrious poets corrupted the people, exalting servility to the monarchy in their plays.

Calderon affirmed that the property and life of a citizen did not belong to himself but to the king.

Besides, religion filled everything; it was the sole end of existence, and the Spaniards meditating always on heaven, ended by accustoming themselves to the miseries of earth.

Do not doubt but the excess of religion was our ruin, and came very near exterminating us as a nation.