78

THE RUSSIAN FLEET

greatly recommend to his notice, and he espousesthe interests of his dependents with the care andzeal of a father; but takes none into his protectiontill he perfectly knows their capacity and manner ofliving, since if he once professed friendship, willnever desert their cause, though sure to incur there-by the Tsar’s displeasure And as he is on manyaccounts a very valuable friend, so no less dangerousan enemy, ever intent on time and place to effect hisresentment. Sincerity is his darling distinguishing,virtue ; and upon a promise to procure justice, or do agood office to a man, if he perceives in his face a diffi-dence, arising from the known perfidious usage insuch cases universally obtaining in Russia, he willlay his hand on his breast and say, ‘ I, Apraxin, giveyou my word.’ After this sanction to be receivedas sacred, he exerts all his powers to perform hisengagement; and, if opposed by the Sovereign’sabsolute will, will yet maintain the justice of thedemand till the Tsar, in a passion, by his menacesenforces silence. And then I have known him athis public levee, report the issue to the person aloudin the audience of the whole assembly, saying,‘Friend! I have done all within the verge of myabilities to accomplish your desire ; and solemnlyassure you it’s none of my fault if your petition is notgranted.’ His constitution inclines to phlegmatic,and consequently [hej is averse to rash precipitatemeasures ; but as General many years of the army , 1has given undeniable proofs of his courage andillustrious ones of his conduct. From a diametricalopposition in their genius, he is rather esteemedthan beloved by the Tsar; and therefore rarelyconsulted, unless on arduous and important affairs.The Tsar oft visits him, but he seldom appears at

1 He held command of the land forces, as well as of the naval,operating in Finland till the winter of 1719-20 (see p. 87).