Note 6 — Derzhavin.

It is scarcely necessary to explain, that Romanzov is the old hero whom the poet means to depicture, and that these stanzas refer to his victories over the Turks. To Romanzov a long and laudatory poem was addressed from London by Petrov in celebration of these successes.

I must here disclaim all sympathies with the poet in the admiration he expresses of the warlike character. The victims of the executioner are at all events doomed to death by the forms and with the solemnities of justice. Those of the conqueror hurry into another world under the influence of crimes and passions which, while indeed they unfit them for this, will serve but as a fearful passport for eternity. I should as soon think of celebrating the carousals of a horde of cannibals, as of giving the attractions and decorations of song to those dreadful scenes of sin and misery which men call victories: and I blush for my country and for my race when I reflect, that in the very proportion of the wickedness implied, and the wretchedness produced, are they made the subjects of pride and congratulation, and honoured with the designations “great” and “glorious!” Man was surely born to nobler and better things than these.