Catherine II ascribes her fortune and Peter III's misfortune to character and conduct

Catherine II compares herself with her innocently slain husband Peter III, as if to show that her happiness is built on the qualities of her character and her conduct. As, indeed, was the misfortune of Peter, the simpleton she deposed and whom her lover killed.

Presumptuous of her, of course. But on reflection, the good lady really did prove the architect of her own happiness: by deceit, intrigue, conspiracy, forgery, bribery and murder, all undoubtedly wrought by her qualities, her character and her conduct.

The outcome: one of the longest and most brilliant reigns in the annals of monarchy.

A striking example, there is no arguing with it.

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Catherine II ascribes her fortune and Peter III's misfortune to character and conduct

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

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