The youth of Andronicus had been without spirit, his age was without reverence: - Edward Gibbon

the younger Andronicus was speedily corrupted by his infant greatness,

Such refinements, under the odious name of luxury, have been severely arraigned by the moralists of every age; and it might perhaps be more conducive to the virtue, as well as happiness, of mankind, if all possessed the necessaries, and none the superfluities, of life. But in the present imperfect condition of society, luxury, though it may proceed from vice or folly, seems to be the only means that can correct the unequal distribution of property. The diligent mechanic, and the skilful artist, who have obtained no share in the division of the earth, receive a voluntary tax from the possessors of land; and the latter are prompted, by a sense of interest, to improve those estates, with whose produce they may purchase additional pleasures.

the vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave.