XCVl PERMANENT INFLUENCE OF ROME.
element, still he must know in what manner the Greeks ended,
and what was their condition under the Roman dominion.
The consequence of this necessity having never yet been duly
recognised is, that the later periods of the history of Greece
are still much neglected. If, on the other hand, we look at
the history of a country by itself, as a science which, inde-
pendently of all others, possesses sufficient intrinsic merits of
its own, the history of Rome is not surpassed by that of any
other country. The history of all nations of the ancient
world ends in that of Rome, and that of all modern nations
has grown out of that of Rome. Thus, if we compare history
with history, that of Rome has the highest claims to our atten-
tion. It shows us a nation, which was in its origin small like
a grain of corn: hut this originally small population waxed
great, transferred its character to hundreds of thousands, and
became the sovereign of nations from the rising to the setting
sun. The whole of western Europe adopted the language of
the Romans, and its inhabitants looked upon themselves as
Romans. The laws and institutions of the Romans acquired
such a power and durability, that even at the present moment
they still continue to maintain their influence upon millions of
men. Such a development is without a parallel in the history
of the world. Before this star all others fade and vanish. In
addition to this, we have to consider the greatness of the indi-
viduals and their achievements, the extraordinary character
of the institutions which formed the ground-work of Rome’s
grandeur, and those events which in greatness surpass all
others : all this gives to Roman history importance and dura-
bility. Hence we find, that in the middle ages, when most
branches of knowledge were neglected, the history of Rome,
although in an imperfect form, was held in high honour.
Whatever eminent men appear during the middle ages, they
all shew a certain knowledge of Roman history, and an ardent
love of Roman literature. The revival of letters was not a
little promoted by this disposition in the minds of men: it
was through the medium of Roman literature that sciences
were revived in Europe, and the first restorers were distin-
guished for their enthusiastic love of Roman history and lite-
rature. Dante and Petrarch felt as warmly for Rome as the
ancient Romans did. Throughout the middle ages, Valerius
Maximus was considered the most important book next to the
PEltMANENT INFLUENCE OF ROME. XC
Bible : it was the mirror of virtues, and was translated into all
the languages of Europe. Rienzi, the tribune, is said to hav
read all the works of the ancients. At the tables of the German
knights stories used to be read aloud, which alternately related
the events of the Old Testament and the heroic deeds of the
Romans.1 This partiality for Roman history continued after
the revival of letters; and although it was often studied in an
unprofitable manner, still every one had a dim notion of its
surpassing importance and instructive character.2
1 This book still exists at Konigsberg, and is well worth being published;
its language is excellent.—N.
2 Here the Introduction breaks off; the remaining part of this lecture,
which begins the history of Rome, is printed in vol. i. of the Lectures, con-
taining the history of Rome from the earliest times to the beginning of the
first Punic war.
VOL.ΠI.