him
a large number of senators to support and enforce his appeal. At length
the Czar allowed the door to be opened, and the minister, with all the
senators, came together into the room. The sudden appearance of so many
persons, and the boldness of the minister in taking this decided step,
made such an impression on the mind of the Czar as to divert his mind for
the moment from his grief, and he allowed himself to be led forth and to
be persuaded to take some food.

The death of Petrowitz took place in 1719, and the Czar continued to live
and reign himself after this period for about sixteen [Transcriber's
note: six? (Peter died in 1725)] years. During all that time he went on
vigorously and successfully in completing the reforms which he had
undertaken in the internal condition of his empire, and increasing the
power and influence of his government among surrounding nations. He had
no farther serious difficulty with the opponents of his policy, though he
was always under apprehensions that difficulties might arise after his
death. He had the right, according to the ancient constitution of the
monarchy, to designate his own successor, choosing for this purpose
either one of his sons or any other person. And now, since both his sons
were dead, his mind revolved anxiously the question what provision he
should make for the government of the empire after his decease. He
finally concluded to leave it in the hands of Catharine herself, and, to
prepare the way for this, he resolved to cause her to be solemnly crowned
empress during his lifetime.

As a preliminary measure, however, before publicly announcing Catharine
as his intended successor, Peter required all the officers of the empire,
both civil and military, and all the nobles and other chief people of the
country, to subscribe a solemn declaration and oath that they
acknowledged the right of the Czar to appoint his successor, and that
after his death they would sustain and defend whomsoever he should name
as their emperor and sovereign.

This declaration, printed forms of which were sent all over the kingdom,
was signed by the people very readily. No one, however, imagined that
Catharine would be the person on whom the Czar's choice would fall. It
was generally supposed that a certain Prince Naraskin would be appointed
to the succession. The Czar himself said nothing of his intention, but
waited until the time should arrive for carrying it into effect.

Th