XXIII.

Our hero (and, I trust, kind reader! yours) Was left upon his way to the chief city Of the immortal Peter's polished boors, Who still have shown themselves more brave than witty. I know its mighty Empire now allures Much flattery--even Voltaire's,[495] and that's a pity. For me, I deem an absolute autocrat _Not_ a barbarian, but much worse than that.