The Bourbons became satraps at Naples, and in Spain crowned monks, and the very palace of the Escurial had assumed the appearance and the gloom of a monastery.
The _monacal_ system devoured Spain, and yet this unfortunate country adored the evil that destroyed it.

After having been subject to the caliphs, Spain became the conquest of the popes; and their authority reigned paramount there under every costume; whilst theocracy made its last efforts there.

Never had the sacerdotal system more completely swayed a nation, and never had a nation been reduced to a more abject state of degradation.

The Inquisition was its government,--the _auto-da-fes_ its triumphs,--bull-fights and processions its only diversions.

Had the inquisitorial reign lasted a few years more, this people would have been no longer reckoned amongst the civilised inhabitants of Europe.
Charles III.