Life had always been a terrible conflict, with nature and with man, and when there had been no other barbarians to fight, they had fought each other.

Every muscle and every sinew had always been in the highest state of activity, and was toughened and strong, with an inextinguishable vitality.

Such nations do not waste time in sentimental regrets.

Their wounds, like those of animals, heal quickly, and they are urged on by a sort of instinct to wear out the chains they cannot break.

By the time Novgorod came under the Tatar yoke the entire state had adjusted itself to its condition of servitude.