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

264CHARACTER OF THE SERFS.

accomplished, we arrive at the end of the stage, when it is invariably found that either in putting to or detaching the horses, the adroit, pious, polite rogue has abstracted something, perhaps a leather pouch, a strap, or a wrapper; perhaps only a nail, a screw, or a wax candle from the lamps : in short, he never leaves with altogether clean hands.

These men are extremely greedy of money; but they dare not complain when ill paid, which has often been the case with those who have driven us the last few days, for my fekljägcr retains for himself a portion of the postillion's fees, which, together with the hire of the horses for the entire journey, I paid him in advance at Petersburg. Having once observed this trick, I compensated out of my own pocket the unfortunate postillion, thus deprived of a part of the wages which, according to the ordinary custom of travellers, he had a right to expect from me ; but the knavish feldjäger, having perceived my generosity (for this was the name he gave to my justice), had the audacity to complain to me openly,— saying that he could no longer act for me on the journey if I continued to thwart him in the legitimate exercise of his power.

But how can we be surprised at the want of proper feelings among the common people, in a country where the great regard the most simple rules of probity as laws proper for plebeians, but which cannot extend to persons of their rank ? Let it not be supposed that I exaggerate, I state what I perceive : an aristocratic pride, degenerated in its character, and at variance with the true sentiment of honour, reiens in liussia among the greater number of influential families. Recently a great lady made to me, little knowing