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

RUSSIAN CURIOSITY./У

for six weeks, neither more nor less. If it be asked what has become of him, the answer, " he is only gone to have a fuddling bout" ! satisfies every body.

The Russians have too much levity to be vindictive ; they are graceful debauchees. I take pleasure in repeating that they are supremely pleasant and agreeable; but their ])oliteness, insinuating as it is, sometimes becomes exasperated and fatiguing. This often makes me regret coarseness, which has, at least. the merit of being natural. The first law of politeness is to indulge only in praises that can be accepted : all others are insults. True politeness is nothing more than a code of flatteries well disguised. What is so flattering as cordiality ? for, in order to manifest it, sympathy must first be felt.

If there are very polite persons among the Russians. there are also very impolite. The bad taste of these latter is shocking. They inquire, after the manner of savages, into things the most important, as well as into the most trifling bagatelles, without any modesty and with the utmost minuteness. They assail you with impertinent or puerile questions, and act at the same time as children and as spies. The Slavonians are naturally inquisitive; and it is only good education, and the habits of the best society, that ean repress their curiosity : those who have not these advantages never tire of putting you in the witness-box : they must know the objects and the results of your journey ; they will ask boldly, and repeat such interrogations unceasingly — if you prefer Russia to other lands; if you think Moscow more beautiful than Paris; if the Winter Palace at Petersbur£r is finer than the Tuileries; if Krasnacselo is larger than E 4