But Let Me Now Stop; I May Be A Little Partial, And View Everything
With The Jaundiced Eye Of Melancholy - For I Am Sad - And Have Cause.
God bless you!
LETTER XXI.
I have seen Count Bernstorff; and his conversation confirms me in
the opinion I had previously formed of him; I mean, since my arrival
at Copenhagen. He is a worthy man, a little vain of his virtue a la
Necker; and more anxious not to do wrong, that is to avoid blame,
than desirous of doing good; especially if any particular good
demands a change. Prudence, in short, seems to be the basis of his
character; and, from the tenor of the Government, I should think
inclining to that cautious circumspection which treads on the heels
of timidity. He has considerable information, and some finesse; or
he could not be a Minister. Determined not to risk his popularity,
for he is tenderly careful of his reputation, he will never
gloriously fail like Struensee, or disturb, with the energy of
genius, the stagnant state of the public mind.
I suppose that Lavater, whom he invited to visit him two years ago -
some say to fix the principles of the Christian religion firmly in
the Prince Royal's mind, found lines in his face to prove him a
statesman of the first order; because he has a knack at seeing a
great character in the countenances of men in exalted stations, who
have noticed him or his works. Besides, the Count's sentiments
relative to the French Revolution, agreeing with Lavater's, must
have ensured his applause.
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