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

A DINNER WITH THE MIDDLE CLASS.193

recollected; they are, therefore, retained for ever, because it is not known to whom they should be delivered, and it is deemed less inconvenient to perpetuate the mistake than to publish it. The bad effect of so tardy a justice is feared, and thus the evil is aggravated, that its excess may not require to be justified. Infamous pusillanimity, which is called expediency, respect .for appearances, prudence, obedience, wisdom, a sacrifice to the public good, a reason of state ! Words are never wanted by oppressors; and are there not two names for everything that exists under the sun ? \Ve are unceasingly told that there is no punishment of death in Russia. To bury alive is not to kill! In reflecting on so many miseries on one side, and so much injustice and hypocrisy on the other, the guilt of the prisoners is lost sight of, the judge alone seems criminal. My indignation is at its height, when I consider that this iniquitous judge is not cruel by choice. To such extent may a bad government pervert men interested in its duration! But Russia, marches in advance of her destiny. This must explain all. If we are to measure the greatness of the end by the extent of the sacrifices, we must, without doubt, prognosticate for this nation the empire of the world.

On returning from my melancholy visit, a new labour awaited me at the engineer's : a ceremonious dinner with persons of the middle classes. The engineer had gathered around him, in order to do me honor, Ms wife's relations and a few of the neighbouring landholders. This society would have interested me as an observer, had I not at the first moment perceived that it would furnish me with no new ideas.

VOL. II.К