"Since her coming to this Country, she has, by every method in her
power, endeavored to gain the affections of the Nation: she applied
herself with diligence to study their language; and speaks it at
present, as the Russians tell me, in the greatest perfection.
She has also succeeded in her other aim; for she is esteemed and
beloved here in a high degree. Her person is very advantageous, and
her manners very captivating. She has great knowledge of this
Empire; and makes it her only study. She has parts; and Great-
Chancellor [brute Bestuchef] tells me that nobody has more
steadiness and resolution. She has, of late, openly declared
herself to me in respect of the King of Prussia;"--hates him a good
deal, "natural and formidable enemy of Russia;" "heart certainly
the worst in the world [and so on; but will see better by and by,
having eyes of her own]:--she never mentions the King of England
but with the utmost respect and highest regard; is thoroughly
sensible of the utility of the union between England and Russia;
always calls his Majesty the Empress's best and greatest Ally
[so much of nourishment in him withal, as in a certain web-footed
Chief of Birds, reckoned chief by some]; and hopes he will also
give his friendship and protection to the Grand-Duke and herself.--
As for the Grand-Duke, he is weak and violent; but his confidence
in the Grand-Duchess is so great, that sometimes he tells people,
that though he does not understand things himself, his Wife
understands everything. Should the Empress, as I fear, soon die,
the Government will quietly devolve on them." [Hanbury's Despatch,
"October 2d, 1755" (Raumer, pp. 223-225); Subsidy Treaty still at
its floweriest.]

Catherine's age is twenty-six gone; her Peter's twenty-seven:
one of the cleverest young Ladies in the world, and of the