In the tenth century the old Batavian and later Roman forms have faded away.
John L. Motley

Enthusiasm could not supply the place of experience.
John L. Motley

The sword - the first, for a time the only force: the force of iron.
John L. Motley

Wealth brings strength, strength confidence.
John L. Motley

When did one man ever civilize a people?
John L. Motley

Thus again the Netherlands, for the first time since the fall of Rome, were united under one crown imperial. They had already been once united, in their slavery to Rome.
John L. Motley

A third force, developing itself more slowly, becomes even more potent than the rest: the power of gold.
John L. Motley

For a century longer, Rome still retains its outward form, but the swarming nations are now in full career.
John L. Motley