Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

CHAPTER VI.

Tragedy of Baron de Sternberg. — Type of Lord Byron's Heroes. — Parallel between Sir ЛУ. Scott and Byron. — Historical Romance. — Marriage of Peter the Great. — Romodauowski. — Influence of the Greek Church in Russia.

—Tyranny supported by Falsehood. — Corpse in the Church

of Revel.—The Emperor Alexander deceived.—Russian Sen

sitiveness as to the Opinions of Foreigners.—A Spy . Page 97

The Russian Marine. — Remark of Lord Durham's. — Great Efforts for small Results. — The Amusements of Despotism.

—Kronstadt. — Russian Custom-House. — Gloomy Aspect

of Nature. — Recollections of Rome. — English Poetical

Name for Ships of War. — Object of Peter the Great. — The

Finns. — Batteries of Kronstadt. — Abject Character of the

Lower Classes of Russian Employes. — Inquisitions of the

Police, and the Custom-House. — Sudden Change in the

Manners of Fellow-Travellers. — Fickleness of Northern

People.- - - - - - - ИЗ

Approach to Petersburg by the Neva. — Incongruity between

the Climate and Aspect of the Country and the Style of

Architecture. — Absurd Imitation of the Monuments of

Greece. — The Custom-House and Police. — Inquisitorial

Examination. — Difficulties of Landing. — Appearance of

the Streets. — Statue of Peter the Great. — The Winter

Palace. — Rebuilt in one Year. — The Means employed.—

Russian Despotism.— Citation from Herberstein.—Karam-

sin. — The Character of the People accords with that of the

Government.-- - - - -128

The Drowska. — Costume of the Lower Orders. — Wooden

Pavements. — Petersburg in the Morning. — Resemblance of

the City to a Barrack.— Contrast between Russia and Spain.

vol. i.a