Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

deserted palace, and, aided by his sister and his friend, Elizabeth of England, endeavouring to overwhelm Napoleon in a sea of blood! These phantoms seemed to glory in the fall of the giant, who, by an award of fate, was destined, in falling, to leave his two enemies more powerful than he had found them.

Eno·bnd and Russia have cause to return thanks to Buonaparte — nor do they refuse to do so. Such was not for France the result of the reign of Louis XIV. The hatred of Europe has survived, during the period of a century and a half, the death of the Great King, whilst the Great Captain has been deified since his fall: and even his gaolers do not fear to unite their discordant voices with the concert of praises which resounds from all parts of Europe, — an historical phenomenon, which I think stands alone in the annals of the world, and which can only be explained by the sph`it of opposition that now reio`ns anions; all the civilised nations. The reign, however, of that spirit is drawing to its close. We may, therefore, hope soon to read works in which Buonaparte shall be estimated by his own intrinsic merits or demerits, and without malignant allusions to the reigning power in France or elsewhere.

I hope to see the day in which this man—as wonderful by the passions he foments after death as by the actions of his life —will be fairly judged. Truth has but yet touched the pedestal of his statue, hitherto shielded against the equitable severity of history l>y the double influence of unparalleled successes and misfortunes.

At any rate our children will have to learn, that