ed their independence; and this island saw itself again in
that free state in which the Roman arms had discovered it.

"The same firmness of character, and generosity of manners, which, in
general, distinguished the Germans, were possessed in an eminent
degree by the Saxons; and while we endeavor to unfold their political
institutions, we must perpetually turn our observation to that
masterly picture in which the Roman historian has described these
nations. In the woods of Germany shall we find the principles which
directed the state of land, in the different kingdoms of Europe; and
there shall we find the foundation of those ranks of men, and of
those civil arrangements, which the barbarians everywhere
established; and which the English alone have had the good fortune,
or the spirit, to preserve."--_Stuart on the Constitution of
England_, p. 59-61.

"Kings they (the Germans) respected as the first magistrates of the
state; but the authority possessed by them was narrow and
limited."--_Ditto_, p. 134.

"Did he, (the king,) at any time, relax his activity and martial
ardor, did he employ his abilities to the prejudice of his nation, or
fancy he was superior to the laws; the same power which raised him to
honor, humbled and degraded him. The customs and councils of his
country pointed out to him his duty; and if he infringed on the
former, or disobeyed the latter, a fierce people set aside his
authority. * *

"His long hair was the only ornament he affected, and to be foremost
to attack an enemy was his chief distinction. Engaged in every
hazardous expedition, he was a stranger to repose; and, rivalled by
half the heroes of his tribe, he could obtain little power. Anxious
and watchful for the public interest, he felt every moment his
dependence, and gave proofs of his submission.

"He attended the general assembly of his nation, and was allowed the
privilege to harangue it first; but the arts of persuasion, though
known and respected by a rude people, were unequally opposed to the
prejudices and passions of men."--_Ditto_, p. 135-6.

"_The authority of a Saxon monarch was not more considerable. The
Saxons submitted not to the arbitrary rule of princes. They
administered an oath to their sovereigns, which bound them to
acknowledge the laws, and to defend the rights of the church and
people; and if they f