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

THE TREASURY OF THE KREMLIN.3

approaches its prescribed term, and the nations are going to be one, notwithstanding all that has tended to disunite them.

Yesterday I recommenced my travels, by a me

thodical and minute inspection of the Kremlin, under

the conduct of M., to whom I had an introduc

tion. Still the Kremlin ! that building is for me all

Moscow — all Russia; a world within itself! My

footman went in the morning to apprize the keeper,

who waited for us. I expected to find an ordinary

official, instead of which we were received by a mili

tary officer, a polite and intelligent man.

The treasury of the Kremlin is deservedly the pride of Russia. It might serve as a substitute for the chronicles of the country ; it is a history in precious stones.

The golden vases, the pieces of armour, the ancient furniture, are not merely to be admired in themselves ; every object is associated with some glorious or singular event worthy of commemoration. But before describing, or rather rapidly noticing, the wonders of an arsenal that has not, I believe, its second in Europe, the reader must follow me, step by step, along the way by which I was led to this sanctuary, revered by the Russians, and justly admired by strangers.

After proceeding through several straight but small streets, I arrived in sight of the fortress, when I passed under an archwa}r, before which my footman caused the coach to stop, without deeming it necessary to consult me, so well known is the interest which attaches to the place ! The vault forms the в 2