But in proportion as their needs increased on the one hand, so did their resources diminish on the other.

Their oppressed subjects soon found that they must escape at any cost from oppressors whom they could neither appease nor satisfy.

Each population took the steps best suited to its position and character; some chose inertia, others violence.

The inhabitants of the plains, powerless and shelterless, bent like reeds before the storm and evaded the shock against which they were unable to stand.

The mountaineers planted themselves like rocks in a torrent, and dammed its course with all their might.