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

334GENERAL CHARACTER

stern system under which they are obliged to live without daring to complain: these men are only free in the face of the enemy; they go to make war in the Caucasus, that they may get rid of the yoke imposed upon them at home. The sorrows of such a life imprint prematurely on their faces a seal of melancholy, which strikingly contrasts with their military habits and the heedlessness of their age: the wrinkles of youth reveal profound griefs, and inspire deep pity. These young men have borrowed from the East their gravity, and from the North their vague imaginative reverie : they are very unhappy and very amiable: no inhabitants of any other land resemble them.

Since the Russians possess grace, they must necessarily have some kind of natural sentiment in their character, though I have not been able to discern it. It is, perhaps, impossible for a stranger travelling through Russia as rapidly as I have done to grasp it. No character is so difficult to define as that of this people.

Without a middle age—without ancient associations—without Catholicism—without chivalry to look back upon—without respect for their word *—always Greeks of the Lower Empire — polished, like the Chinese, by set forms — coarse, or at least indelicate, like the Calimics—dirty like the Laplanders — beautiful as the angels — ignorant as savages (I except the women and a few diplomatists) — cunning as the Jews — intriguing as freedmen —gentle and grave in their manners as the Orientals — cruel in their sentiments as

* Notwithstanding all that has been already said, it may be proper here to repeat, that this applies only to the mass, who, in Russia, are led solely by fear and force.