end to England by England's giving him 10,000 pounds, and the
like trifles, pretty frequently; Friedrich's enemy, chiefly from defect
of that operation)--she is "on good terms with Bestuchef. I think it
my duty to inform the King [great George, who will draw his prognostics
from it] of my observations upon her; which I can the better do, as I
often have conversations with her for hours together, as at supper my
rank places me always next to her," twice-lucky Hanbury.

"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 stoutest-hearted,
clearest-eyed;--yoked to a young Gentleman much the reverse. Thank
Hanbury for this glimpse of them, most intricately situated Pair; who
may concern us a