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

110RUSSIAN SENSITIVENESS.

the amiable Prince pronounces on his country, at least proves to me that in Russia there are some who may speak their mind.

When I remarked this to him, he replied, that he was not a Russian !! Singular assertion ! However, Russian or stranger, he says what he thinks. He ha¾ filled the most important political posts, spent two fortunes, worn out the favour of several sovereigns, and is полу old, and infirm, but especially protected by a member of the imperial family, who loves wit too well to fear it. Besides, in order to escape Siberia, he pretends that he is writing memoirs, and that he has deposited the finished volumes in France. The Emperor dreads publicity as much as Russsia dreads the Emperor.

I am mueh struck by the extreme susceptibility of

the Russians as regards the judgment which strangers

may form respecting them. The impression which

their country may make on the minds of travellers

occupies their thoughts incessantly. "What would be

said of the Germans, the English, and the French if

they indulged themselves in such puerility ? If the

satires of Prince Кarc disagreeable to his coun

trymen, it is not so much because their own sentiments

are wounded, as on account of the influence these

satires may have ггроп me, who am become an im

portant person in their eyes since they have heard

that I write my travels.

" Do not allow yourself to be prejudiced against Russia by this unpatriotic Russian; do not write under the influence of his statements; it is from a wish to display his French wit at our expense that he thus speaks, but in reality he has no such opinion."