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

MILITARY SPIRIT IN RUSSIA.81

head of his own church; and I am astonished that Italian penetration has not discovered the danger that threatens you from that quarter. After this veracious picture, judge of the illusion with which the Legitimists of Paris niu`se their hopes."

This conversation will give an idea of all the others. Whenever the subject became unpleasant to Muscovite

self-love, the prince Кbroke off, at least until

he was fully sure that no one overheard us.

The subjects of our discourse have made me reflect, and my reflections make me fear.

There is perhaps more to look forward to in this country, long depreciated by our modern thinkers, because appearing so far behind all others, than in those English colonies implanted on the American soil, and which are too higlily vaunted by the philosophers whose systems have developed the real democracy, with all its abuses, which now subsists.

If the military spirit which prevails in Russia has failed to produce anything analogous to our creed oí honour, or to invest its soldiers with the brilliant reputation which distinguishes ours, it should not therefore be said that the nation is less powerful. Honour is a human divinity, but in practical life duty outvalues even honour; though not so dazzling it is more sustained, and more capable of sustaining.

In my opinion the empire of the world is henceforth no longer to be committed to the turbulent, but to people of a patient spirit.* Europe, enlightened

* I must again request the reader, who would follow me throughout this work, to wait before forming an opinion of 3ßussia, until he shall have compared my different views made E 5