CHAPTER XIX.. Peter the Great.

PETER THE GREAT.

From 1697 to 1702.

Young Russians Sent to Foreign Countries.--The Tzar Decides Upon a Tour of Observation.--His Plan of Travel.--Anecdote.--Peter's Mode of Life in Holland.--Characteristic Anecdotes.--The Presentation of the Embassador.--The Tzar Visits England.--Life at Deptford.--Illustrious Foreigners Engaged in His Service.--Peter Visits Vienna.--The Game of Landlord.--Insurrection in Moscow.--Return of the Tzar, and Measures of Severity.--War with Sweden.--Disastrous Defeat of Narva.--Efforts to Secure the Shores of the Baltic.--Designs Upon the Black Sea.