It was a memorable saying of Peter the Great; “I have civilized my
country, but I cannot civilize myself.” He was at times vehement and
impetuous, and committed, under the impulse of his fury, the most
unwarrantable excesses; yet we learn, that even he was known to tame his
anger, and to rise superior to the violence of his passions! Being one
evening in a select company, when something was said which gave him
great offence, his rage suddenly kindled, and rose to it’s utmost pitch:
though he could not command his first emotions, he had resolution enough
to leave the company. He walked bare-headed for some time, under the
most violent agitation, in an intense frosty air, stamping on the ground
and beating his head with all the marks of the greatest fury and
passion; and did not return to the company until he was quite composed.
* * * * *