PART 2.
VII.
Five centuries of isolation succeed.

In the Netherlands, as throughout Europe, a thousand obscure and slender rills are slowly preparing the great stream of universal culture.

Five dismal centuries of feudalism: during which period there is little talk of human right, little obedience to divine reason.

Rights there are none, only forces; and, in brief, three great forces, gradually arising, developing themselves, acting upon each other, and upon the general movement of society.
The sword--the first, for a time the only force: the force of iron.

The "land's master," having acquired the property in the territory and in the people who feed thereon, distributes to his subalterns, often but a shade beneath him in power, portions of his estate, getting the use of their faithful swords in return.