In magnificent shews which amused the court, in the flatteries of the learned all over Europe, to whom she was a liberal patroness, Catherine sought perhaps as well to still the voice of conscience in her heart, as to give a more favourable cast to her character, blackened by the gradual disclosure of the crimes of a revolution which placed her upon the throne, and which even those who had taken a most active part in those scenes, discovered in the disgust her neglect of their former services created.
Yet the excellent code of laws, drawn up by the empress for her empire, obtained her the title of Mother of her Country, and gained her the respect of surrounding nations; and by her liberal patronage of literature and talents, by the benevolent institutions she formed, by her endeavours to ameliorate the condition of the peasants, and for the general improvement and instruction of her country, she deserves the highest praise—but she is said in her care for the borders to have neglected the interior of her dominions; and seized with the frenzy of conquest, was always engaged in warlike preparations or in war, though possessing a territory larger than that of ancient Rome. Great parts are often led by a desire of fame into measures which defeat their own end—a great mind alone rises superior to this delusion, and feels its own award superior to the voice of the multitude. Yet Catherine stands forth amidst the great conquerors, legislators, and politicians, with equal pretensions to the highest. Her resolution, her intrepidity, her presence of mind, her sagacity, penetration, and address, are fully allowed—and we may sometimes add her magnanimity and benevolence.
But her ambition was unsatisfied; she engendered the tyrannical and unprincipled design of dismembering the provinces of Poland; sought, and frequently with
