It was there that the essential qualities which distinguish the modern from the ancient and the mediaeval world were developed.

Italy created that new spiritual atmosphere of culture and of intellectual freedom which has been the life-breath of the European races.

As the Jews are called the chosen and peculiar people of divine revelation, so may the Italians be called the chosen and peculiar vessels of the prophecy of the Renaissance.

In art, in scholarship, in science, in the mediation between antique culture and the modern intellect, they took the lead, handing to Germany and France and England the restored humanities complete.

Spain and England have since done more for the exploration and colonization of the world.