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

effervescence of youth. Such are the principles of more than one heroic action.

For three centuries the bell of the vetché* has ceased to summon the people of Novgorod, formerly the most glorious and the most turbulent of the Russian populations, to deliberate upon their affairs. The will of the czars stifles in every heart all sentiments, even regret for the memory of effaced glory. Some years ago, atrocious scenes occurred between the cossacks and the inhabitants of the country in the military colonies established in the vicinity of the decayed city. But the insurrection was stifled, and every thing has returned to its accustomed order, that is, to the silence and peace of the tomb.

I was very happy to leave this abode, formerly famous for the disorders of liberty, now desolated by what is called good order, — a word which is here equivalent to that of death.

Although I made all possible haste, I did not reach Petersburg until the fourth day: immediately after leaving my carriage I repaired to M. de Barante's.

He was quite ignorant of the arrest of M. Pcrnet, and appeared surprised to hear of it through me, especially when he learnt that I had been nearly four days on the road. His astonishment redoubled when I related to him my unavailing endeavours to influence our consul — that official protector of the French—to take some step in favour of the prisoner.

The attention with which M. de Barante listened to me, the assurance which he gave me that he would neglect nothing to clear up this affair, the importance