bezborodko was the only russian minister who retained the favor of paul to the last. during the last two years of his life, control of russia's diplomacy was entirely in his hands. his programme at this period was peace with all the european powers, revolutionary france included. but the emperor's growing aversion to this pacific policy induced the astute old minister to attempt to "seek safety in moral and physical repose." paul, however, refused to accept his resignation and would have sent him abroad for the benefit of his health, had not a sudden stroke of paralysis prevented bezborodko from taking advantage of his master's kindness.