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"I hope," proudly responded the prince, "Count Munnich will comprehend

that this position, which places the whole power of the empire in

the hands of him who holds it, is suitable only for the father of the

emperor!"

Count Munnich made no answer Already so near the attainain had he labored, struggled, in

vain This was the second revolution which he had brought about, with

this his favorite plan in vieo regents were indebted to hireatness, and both had refused hients; neither had been willing to create hieneralissie under an

assu a sudden attack of illness, he begged

per, scarcely in possession of his senses, he hastened through

the hall thronged with petitioners All bowed before him, all reverently

saluted hi butfaces Ah, he could

have crushed theuishable rage!

When he finally reached his carriage, and his proud steeds were bearing

hiave vent

to furious execrations, and tears of rage flowed from his eyes; he tore

out his hair and se and despair One thought, one wish had occupied hi years; he had labored and striven for it He wished to be the

first, the most powerful man in the Russian empire; he would control