Derzhavin

Derzhavin, GABRIEL ROMANOWICZ, the great poet of the age of Catharine, was born at Kazan, 3d July 1743 (o.s.), studied at the gymnasium of his native city, and in 1762 entered the army as a private soldier. His talents and superior education soon procured him promotion. In 1791 he became Secretary of State; in 1800, Imperial Treasurer; and in 1802, Minister of Justice. He died 9th July 1816. His poetry shows a vigorous imagination and strong power of expression, though his imagery at times verges on bombast. His lyric pieces are full of fire. His noblest, as well as his most popu- lar ode, is his Address to the Deity, which has been translated into the western languages. His collected works have often been republished since 1798.