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

flesh and bone, body and soul. What then have you to fear ? "

Men accustomed to recognise the voice of God the Father in that of their officers, embraced literally the promises made to them, and fought with that courage with which we are acquainted, — namely, they fled like marauders whenever they could escape from danger, and faced death like soldiers whenever it was inevitable. To excite soldiers by legitimate mean* to brave death, is the duty of a commander; but to lead them to death by deceiving them, and by concealing it from them, is to take all virtue from their courage, all moral dignity from their devotion. If war excuses every thing, as certain people pretend, what shall excuse war ?

Is it possible to picture to ourselves without horror and disgust, the moral state of a nation whose armies are thus directed ? This trait has happened to come to my knowledge ; but how many similar or worse must remain unknown! When once people have recourse to puerile subterfuges to govern their fellow men, where are they to stop ? I will conclude with a fable, which appears as if made expressly to justify my indignation. The idea is that of a Polish bishop's. famous for his wit, under the reign of Frederick II.: the imitation in French is by Count Elzé*ar de Sabran.*

L'ATTELAGE. — Fable.

Un habile c·ocher menait un equipage, Avcc quatre clievaux par couples attelés ; Après les avoir muselés,

* Uncle of the author. — Trans.