42 A VIEW OF SOCIETY

kingdoms, and petty princes, and temporary leaders,were exalted into monarchs. The ideas,however, theyhad formerly entertained,and thecustoms with whichthey had been familiar, were neither forgotten norneglected. The modes of thought and of action whichhad been displayed in their original feats , advancedwith them into the territories of Rome , continuedtheir operation and power in this new situation . andcreated that uniformity of appearance which Europe every where exhibited. Their influence on the formsof government and polity which arose, was decisiveand extensive; and, it was not less efficacious andpowerful on those inferior circumstances which jointo constitute the system of manners, and to producethe complection and features that distinguish agesand nations.

The inclination for war entertained by theGermanic states, the respect and importance inwhich they held their women, the sentiments theybad conceived of religion , did not forsake themwhen they had conquered. To excel in war was stilltheir ruling ambition, and usages were still connectedwith arms. To the sex they still looked with affec-tion and courtesy. And their theology was even tooperate in its spirit, after its forms were decayed,and after Christianity was established. Arms, gallan-try, and devotion, were to act with uncommon•force; and , to the forests of Germany , we musttrace those romantic institutions, which filled Europe with renown, and with splendor; which, minglingreligion with war , and piety with love, raised upso many warriours to contend for the palm of valorand the prize of beauty.