firms me in the
opinion I had previously formed of him; I mean, since my arrival at
Copenhagen. He is a worthy man, a little vain of his virtue _a la_
Necker; and more anxious not to do wrong, that is to avoid blame, than
desirous of doing good; especially if any particular good demands a
change. Prudence, in short, seems to be the basis of his character; and,
from the tenor of the Government, I should think inclining to that
cautious circumspection which treads on the heels of timidity. He has
considerable information, and some finesse; or he could not be a
Minister. Determined not to risk his popularity, for he is tenderly
careful of his reputation, he will never gloriously fail like Struensee,
or disturb, with the energy of genius, the stagnant state of the public
mind.

I suppose that Lavater, whom he invited to visit him two years ago--some
say to fix the principles of the Christian religion firmly in the Prince
Royal's mind, found lines in his face to prove him a statesman of the
first order; because he has a knack at seeing a great character in the
countenances of men in exalted stations, who have noticed him or his
works. Besides, the Count's sentiments relative to the French
Revolution, agreeing with Lavater's, must have ensured his applause.

The Danes, in general, seem extremely averse to innovation, and if
happiness only consist in opinion, they are the happiest people in the
world; for I never saw any so well satisfied with their own situation.
Yet the climate appears to be very disagreeable, the weather being dry
and sultry, or moist and cold; the atmosphere never having that sharp,
bracing purity, which in Norway prepares you to brave its rigours. I do
not hear the inhabitants of this place talk with delight of the winter,
which is the constant theme of the Norwegians; on the contrary, they seem
to dread its comfortless inclemency.

The ramparts are pleasant, and must have been much more so before the
fire, the walkers not being annoyed by the clouds of dust which, at
present, the slightest wind wafts from the ruins. The windmills, and the
comfortable houses contiguous, belonging to the millers, as well as the
appearance of the spacious barracks for the soldiers and sailors, tend to
render this walk more agreeable. The view of the country has not much to
recommend it to notice but its extent and cultivation: yet as the eye
always delights to dwell on verdant plains, especially when we are
resid