In like manner the decline and fall of Rome was attributable to
the general corruption of its people, and to their engrossing love
of pleasure and idleness--work, in the later days of Rome, being
regarded only as fit for slaves. Its citizens ceased to pride
themselves on the virtues of character of their great forefathers;
and the empire fell because it did not deserve to live. And so
the nations that are idle and luxurious--that "will rather lose a
pound of blood," as old Burton says, "in a single combat, than a
drop of sweat in any honest labour"--must inevitably die out, and
laborious energetic nations take their place.

When Louis XIV. asked Colbert how it was that, ruling so great and
populous a country as France, he had been unable to conquer so
small a country as Holland, the minister replied: "Because, Sire,
the greatness of a country does not depend upon the extent of its
territory, but on the character of its people. It is because of
the industry, the frugality, and the energy of the Dutch that your
Majesty has found them so difficult to overcome."

It is also related of Spinola and Richardet, the ambassadors sent
by the King of Spain to negotiate a treaty at the Hague in 1608,
that one day they saw some eight or ten persons land from a little
boat, and, sitting down upon the grass, proceed to make a meal of
bread-and-cheese and beer. "Who are those travellers asked the
ambassadors of a peasant. "These are worshipful masters, the
deputies from the States," was his reply. Spinola at once
whispered to his companion, "We must make peace: these are not men
to be conquered."