11792. on the kmg of Sweden. 125 



intrepidity that recalled to remembrance the Prufsian 

 hero, he, with a few small vefsels, performed prodigies 

 of valour ; snatched the victory from his enemies 

 that they thought themselves sure of; saved the fliat- 

 tered remains both of his Hept and his army, which 

 were on the brink of destrucLJo-. ; and sieving the 

 favourable moment, he concluded, wichout the parti- 

 cipation of any of his allies, a peace with Rufsia, on 

 terms more favourable for him than his dangerous 

 situation gave him any reason to expect. 



Every thirg in the conduct of this prince disco- 

 vers a vigorous and active mind, that Ihrinks not from 

 danger, but seeks resources within itself on everjr 

 trying emergency. But here we discover the talents 

 of a hero, rather than the knowledge and caution of 

 a judicious statesman. Nothing could have proved 

 more hurtful to his country than the war with Ruf- 

 sia. Denmark was in alliance with Rufsia, and 

 could not be supposed to behold with pleasure any 

 accefsion to his power, so that flie readily espoused 

 the cause of the Czarina ; his own subjects found 

 themselves thus precluded at once, from benefiting 

 themselves by that trade, which the war between 

 Rufsia and the Porte enabled them, before that un- 

 happj' enterprise, to carry on with great profit. 

 Thus did the national trade and industry receive a 

 great check, which it will be long before it can en- 

 tirely recover. The effects of it are still felt by his 

 people, and consequently his revenvies are proportion- 

 ably diminifhed by it. He seems to be sensible of these 

 evils, and desirous of repairing them. If this check 

 fliall prevent him from cngagiijg in other still more 

 ridiculous enterprises, it will be happy for his 

 people. 



