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

278ANOTHER CONVERSATION

myself in a retired eorner of the room where he might be, without his obliging me to approach and talk with him.

On seeing me enter the ball-room, he said, " What have you seen this morning ? "

u Sire, I have been visiting the Cabinet of Natural History, and the famous Mammoth of Siberia."

"It is an object unequalled, in its kind, in the world."

" Yes, sire ; there are many things in Russia that ■ire not to be seen elsewhere."

" You flatter me."

" I respect your majesty too much to dare to flatter; but perhaps, sire, I do not fear you sufficiently ; and I therefore ingenuously speak my thoughts, when even truth appears like compliment."

" This is a delicate compliment, monsieur: you strangers spoil us."

" Sire, your majesty was pleased to desire that I should be at my ease with you, and you have succeeded, as in every thing else that you undertake. Your majesty has cured me, for a time at least, of my natural timidity."

Obliged to avoid all allusion to the great political interests of the day, I wished to lead the conversation towards a subject which interested me quite as much; I added, therefore, " Each time that I am permitted to approach your majesty, I recognise the power which caused your enemies to fall at your feet on the day that your majesty ascended the throne."

" In your country there are prejudices entertained against us, which are more difficult to triumph over than the passions of a revolted army."