You were a band of plunderers, but just among yourselves.

You subdued nations, but did not oppress them.

Harassed by their own princes, they preferred being your tributaries.

What matters it, said the Christian, whether my ruler breaks or adores images, if he renders justice to me?
God will judge his doctrines in the heavens above.
You were sober and hardy; your enemies timid and enervated; you were expert in battle, your enemies unskillful; your leaders were experienced, your soldiers warlike and disciplined.

Booty excited ardor, bravery was rewarded, cowardice and insubordination punished, and all the springs of the human heart were in action.