"For a century longer, Rome still retains its outward form, but the swarming nations are now in full career"

This quote by John Lothrop Motley is referring to the decline of the Roman Empire. He is saying that for a century after its decline, Rome still preserved its outside form, however the countries that had become part of the empire were now completely pursuit of their own interests. This quote is a pointer of the power of the Roman Empire and how it was able to preserve its type for so long, even after its decline. It likewise works as a cautioning to other nations that their power and influence can be short lived, and that they should bear in mind their own interests. The quote is a tip that countries must understand their own power and impact, and that they ought to bear in mind their own interests. It is also a tip that the power of a country can be short lived, and that it needs to be utilized wisely.