Source:
Eccentric Biography; or, Memoirs of Remarkable Female Characters, Ancient and Modern, pages 99 to 100, by anonymous author, 1803; original at The British Library
The biography:
... Upon the whole, she appears to have been an uncommon mixture of faults and great qualities, which, however it might excite fear and respect, was by no means amiable. She had wit, taste, parts, and learning; she was indefatigable upon the throne, great in private life, firm in misfortunes, impatient of contradiction; and, except in the love of letters, inconstant in her inclinations. The most remarkable instance of this fickleness is, that, after she had abdicated the crown of Sweden, she intrigued for that of Poland. She was, in every action and pursuit, violent and ardent in the highest degree; impetuous in her desires, dreadful in her resentment, and fickle in her conduct. 'She says of herself, 'That she was mistrustful, ambitious, passionate, haughty, impatient, contemptuous, satirical, incredulous, undevout, of an ardent and violent temper, and extremely amorous;' a disposition, however, to which, if she may be believed, her pride and her virtue were always superior.
Above: Kristina.
Note: parts = intellectual ability or learning.
No comments:
Post a Comment