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Updated: June 1, 2025
"I cannot laugh at such a disregard for the sacred rights of man," replied Potemkin, "This proposal of Prussia is an outrage to the faith of the whole Russian nation, and a challenge to you, my noble sovereign, whose bold hand is destined to tear down the symbol of the Moslem, and replace it with that of the Christian!"
Catharine devoted herself anew to the improvement of her subjects in education and all physical comforts. Prince Gregory Orlof had been for many years the favorite of the empress, but he was now laid aside, and Count Potemkin took his place. Catharine now divided her extensive realms into forty-three great provinces, over each of which a governor was appointed.
The private secretary of the Emperor of Austria has orders from his sovereign to hand a note to Count Cobenzl in your highness's presence." "A very singular order. But we will gratify the emperor. Admit his majesty's messenger." Gunther was introduced, who bowed low to Potemkin, passed on, and delivered his note. "From his majesty's hand," said he. "Your excellency is to read it at once.
Silent and disdainful, Potemkin walked through the lines of obsequious courtiers that fell back as he passed, here and there condescending to greet some nobleman of wealth or influence. As for the others who raised their imploring eyes to his, he affected not to know of their insignificant presence, and returned to his cabinet without having vouchsafed a word to anybody.
His majesty wishes advice from your highness alone, although there are others who would gladly be consulted by him." "Others? you mean Panin have you, then, asked counsel of no one, count?" "Of no one. My sovereign wishes to consult with no one excepting your highness." For the first time Potemkin betrayed his satisfaction by a triumphant smile.
"Speak, my empress, speak, and I will die to serve you;" replied Orloff, inspired by Catharine's earnestness. She laid her white hand upon his shoulder, and said in her most enticing tones: "Be the friend of Potemkin. Let him learn by your example to be more careful of the great trusts which he holds from me; more conciliating, and more grateful.
"Count Cobenzl, I know what are the plans of Austria, and they shall be sustained. Your interests are mine, for it is no longer a question of Austria or Prussia, but of Potemkin or Orloff! You see, therefore, that I am sincere; but Austria must sustain me, and we must tread our political path together." "Austria will go hand and heart with your highness."
One of the ladies, handling a pack of cards, from which she laughingly pretended to be able to read the secrets of destiny, proclaimed that he would be in possession of the town at the end of three weeks. "You are not bad at prediction," said Potemkin, with a smile, "but I have a method of divination far more infallible. My prediction is that I will have the town in three days."
All his tastes were extravagant, all his habits royal, so much so that, although he possessed a fortune exceeding that of some sovereigns, the Prince de Ligne told me that he had known him to be without money. Favour and power had accustomed Prince Potemkin to satisfy his slightest desires. Here is an example which proves the point.
Learning one day that she was in want of ball slippers of a kind she usually sent for to France, Potemkin despatched an express messenger to Paris, who hastened day and night to bring back these slippers. It was well known in St.
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