Genius and intrigue appear the hereditary patrimony of the Athenians. Their imaginations still flutter with the shadows of departed independence; and their bosoms still vibrate, however faintly, with the love of liberty. If their Voivode conducts himself ill, they carry their complaints to Constantinople, and generally succeed in having their grievances redressed. During my residence at Athens, complaints were made against the Voivode, who was ordered to give an account of his behaviour at Constantinople. He was accused of arbitrary spoliation; and some of his officers were charged with outrage,and with insult. Particular stress was laid on the wanton brutality of his Greek secretary, who, for the mere love of mischief, used to ride over the fields of cotton and tobacco.
