throughout this battle displayed great skill and
the noblest heroism. He carried his ship into action in the most gallant
style, and, while he commanded with ability, excited his followers by
his personal example. We find him, in the course of the action, himself
assisting to lash the ships together, aiding in the service of the only
battery from which a fire was still kept up, and, when the Serapis
attempted to board, rushing, pike in hand, to meet and repel the
assailants. No difficulties or perplexities seemed to appal him or
disturb his judgment, and his courage and skill were equalled by his
immovable self-composure. The achievement of this victory was solely due
to his brilliant display of all the qualities essential to the formation
of a great naval commander.

FOOTNOTES:

[27] The Alliance had deliberately separated from the squadron. As to
the other vessels, the Pallas was a French frigate weaker than the
Richard, but much stronger than the second English ship, which she
captured. The Vengeance was only a sloop of twelve guns, and took no
part in the contest.--ED.

JOSEPH II ATTEMPTS REFORM IN HUNGARY[28]

A.D. 1780

ARMINIUS VAMBERY

As King of Hungary and Bohemia, and as Germanic Emperor,
Joseph II, a man of ideals, found himself hampered by
hereditary institutions and traditions. The attempted
reforms of this ruler, though too advanced for their times,
are justly deemed worthy of commemoration by historians.
Like the work of all leaders who aim at improvement before
the world is ready, they were prophetic of a better day.

Joseph II, son of Francis I, Emperor of the Holy Roman
Empire, and Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and Queen
of Hungary and Bohemia, was born at Vienna in 1741. He
succeeded to the possessions of the house of Austria on the
death of his mother in 1780. The troubles of his reign,
especially in Hungary, were due to his own progressive and
technically illegal acts on the one hand, and to the narrow
conservatism of the people, and the illiberality of the
nobles, on the other.

By most of the historians of Hungary and Bohemia the reign
of Joseph II is described as disastrous for both countries.
But a more philosophical view than those historians often
furnish is presented by Vambery, the great Hungarian writer,
who gives to the endeavors of Joseph the credit of endur