Chapter X
Reading edition
INTERNAL CONDITION OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.
The Vices and Miseries of Roman Society—Social Inequalities— Disproportionate Fortunes—The Wealth and Corruption of Nobles— Degradation of the People—Vast Extent of Slavery—The Condition of Women—Demoralizing Games and Spectacles—Excessive Luxury and squalid Misery—Money-making—Imperial Misrule—Universal Egotism and Insensibility to grand Sentiments—Hopelessness of Reform—Preparation for Ruin