Diana Meresc

Just finished Robert Massie's biography of Catherine the Great of Russia. What stands out is that she was a very happy person -- although she endured years of certainly unhappy times.

Empress Catherine II was consistently NEVER vengeful nor spiteful (where others likely would have been). Even folk who crossed her and had to depart, did so accompanyed with handsome gifts (like expensive country houses etc.). She spent an enormous amount of money but most was not on herself. She bought the entire library of a writer who she enjoyed but was in financial difficulties — on condition that he kept the library himself until he died.

Just came to mind when reading your piece. Many thanks.