265 
There cannot be a more noble sight, than a man in 
high station, and possessing great influence over those 
below him, studying to promote their welfare. But 
the grandeur of such an object is far more striking 
when the previous habits and intercourse, and the 
immediate personal interest of the acting character, 
are directly opposed to such an attempt. Peter 
the Great burst asunder the chains of barbarism 
in Russia, and in a very few years laid a solid foun¬ 
dation for that system of civilization and freedom, 
which is rapidly advancing under its present monarch. 
Every one must allow that to have been a splendid 
instance of decision and perseverance; but after all, 
that Prince cannot be said to have acted upon 
original ideas,—he was brought up amongst books; 
and if in the earlier part of his life he had not 
mixed in foreign society, he had become well versed 
in the history of other nations, particularly that of 
England, which certainly served him for his model. 
Whatever, therefore, his acuteness and strength of 
mind were, those qualities were enlarged and called 
into exercise by the constant contemplation of ex¬ 
ample. 
their annual attack on the island of Johanna and the Comoros. 
This change, which we have before alluded to, was effected 
about the year 1816 , soon after the unfortunate affair at Port 
Loquez; and the voluntary relinquishment of such a source of 
advantages, upon the bare representation of Governor F., indi¬ 
cates a degree of moral feeling that few would expect to find 
amongst a race of savages. 
