However, waiving the question (interesting enough in itself)--Whether upon
earthly principles a fifth universal empire could by possibility arise in
the present condition of knowledge for man individually, and of
organization for man in general--this question waived, and confining
ourselves to the comparison of those four monarchies which actually have
existed,--of the Assyrian or earliest, we may remark, that it found men in
no state of cohesion. This cause, which came in aid of its first
foundation, would probably continue; and would diminish the _intensity_ of
the power in the same proportion as it promoted its _extension_. This
monarchy would be absolute only by the personal presence of the monarch;
elsewhere, from mere defect of organization, it would and must betray the
total imperfections of an elementary state, and of a first experiment.
More by the weakness inherent in such a constitution, than by its own
strength, did the Persian spear prevail against the Assyrian. Two
centuries revolved, seven or eight generations, when Alexander found
himself in the same position as Cyrus for building a third monarchy, and
aided by the selfsame vices of luxurious effeminacy in his enemy,
confronted with the self-same virtues of enterprise and hardihood in his
compatriot soldiers.
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