54 Fair Play for Greece. JAN. 



Navarino, nor any possible occurrence, can as yet work a radical change. 

 Look for it in the next generation : at present the seed only is sown, 

 and some tares will spring up along with it. 



The Greeks, as a people, are inconsiderate, imaginative, versatile, and 

 proud. They are inconsiderate, from not possessing sufficient expe- 

 rience ; they are imaginative from nature ; they are versatile, partly from 

 nature, and partly from circumstance ; and they are proud, with reason, 

 in being, or in believing themselves, the descendants of heroes and demi- 

 gods. We do not admit that they are more disposed to insubordination 

 and party- spirit than any other people would be in the same difficult 

 situation of affairs. 



Let it be remembered, that all, from the first to the last, are, strictly 

 speaking, on an equality they are all equally ignorant. The most 

 enlightened among them confines his attainments to the knowledge of 

 foreign languages the most superficial, and the least serviceable to 

 Greece of all possible attainments, as they employ them. The mind is 

 not strengthened by a regular course of study, nor the heart expanded 

 by intercourse with the better part of creation. Let us take, for instance, 

 the three names most celebrated in Greece since the commencement of 

 the revolution Ulysses, Goura,' and Colocotroni. What were the two 

 first, and what is the latter, that a people should confide in them? 

 Ulysses and Goura were valiant butchers, and Colocotroni is an insidious 

 and intriguing robber.* These are hard words, but they are true ; the 

 one metaphorically, and the other literally. Colocotroni, from being in 

 his best and most honourable capacity, a serjeant of an Ionian corps, a 

 corps known at that time only for its cowardice, was selected to lead 

 the armies of Greece. What has he performed since that memorable 

 period ? He has rebelled against the existing government, been impri- 

 soned, and condemned to death : been set at liberty, replaced in his 

 command, and has now scraped together upwards of fifty thousand 

 pounds sterling ! 



In forming their governments, from whom were the people of Greece 

 to select men capable of managing the new and intricate machinery 

 just put in motion ? From the unlettered and the inexperienced ; from 

 men but lately emancipated from the most odious servitude ; from mer- 

 chants, whose whole life had been employed in calculating the " sum 

 total" the distinction between "profit and loss." Without intending 

 the smallest incivility to an honourable and meritorious body of men ; 

 without contesting the received opinion that England owes her wealth 

 and greatness to commercial pursuits, we must assert our moral convic- 



* Niketas is one of the bravest, and most disinterested men in Greece, but he is deficient 

 in intellect. The same may be said of Ipsilanti. Londos is a dull man, and of no influ- 

 ence. Colette is a clever, talented person ; but factious and unprincipled in the attainment 

 of his views. To his intrigues, and jealousy of Mavrocordato, the fall of Navarino is attri- 

 buted. Cariscaki is brave ; but fonder of his own interest than that of his country. The 

 two Notaras and Sisini have similar feelings, and intrigue somewhat more. Criezioti is 

 reputed a man of much courage and skill ; he is just beginning to be known. Gennao 

 Colocotroni, with more of the openness and generosity of youth, is said to be treading in 

 the steps of his father. He is undoubtedly brave. Lsedoreki, the brother-in-law of Goura, 

 now occupies his place ; principally because he is in possession of his riches. Nothing is 

 yet said of his courage ; but his character is bad. The Souliote and Roumeliote cap- 

 tains (amongst whom are the two rivals, Gkriva and Phoutomari, at Napoli), are gene- 

 rally braver and better than the rest. But we repeat, what are any of these that a people 

 should confide in them ? 



