64
Chap. IV.
With the exception of a nominal tribute, this wasrather an alliance than a surrender of their rights ;regular treaties were made; all property secured,together with their ancient laws; free commercewith Norway , and government by a viceroy, werealso stipulated for; and any infringement of theseconditions was to exonerate them from their oath ofallegiance.
The crown of Hungary was acquired by the Haps-burgs under nearly similar circumstances.
With their annexation to a European monarchyperished the vigour, restlessness, and activity whichhad characterised their forefathers; their literaturegradually expired; and though they still had theirrepresentative government at Thingvalla, the na-tional spirit had fled, never to be resuscitated.This was in a measure fostered by the paternal ruleof the Norwegian (and Danish) monarchs. Depen-dent on others for protection and support, apathyand indolence became the prominent features in thenational character; agriculture and industry declined;and they gradually sank into their present indif-ference, from which there is no appearance of theirever emerging.
The modern history of Iceland , which may besaid to date from this period, is uninteresting;and as their native land no longer produced men