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

280ANOTHER CONVERSATION

stood in the sense of the Latin poet. At court they are in the habit of viewing poetry as merely an exhibition of wit; and it would have been necessary to have launched into a discussion to prove that it is the purest and most brilliant light that irradiates the soul. I therefore preferred remaining silent; but the emperor, being unwilling, doubtless, to leave me under the regret of having displeased him, detained me yet further, to the great astonishment of the court, and resumed the conversation with a kindness that was very gratifying. " What is your decided plan of route ? " he asked.

" Sire, after the fete at Peterhoff, I propose leaving for Moscow, from whence I wish to proceed to Nijni, to see the fair, and to return to Moscow before the arrival of your majesty."

" So much the better: I shall be glad for you to examine, in detail, my works at the Kremlin. My residence there was too small, I am therefore building another more suitable; and I will explain to you myself all my plans for the embellishment of this part of Moscow, which we view as the cradle of the empire. But you have no time to lose, for you have immense distances to travel over — the distances ! these are the curse of Russia."

" Do not, sire, regret them : they form the canvas of pictures that are to be filled up ; elsewhere the earth is too confined for the inhabitants; but it will never fail your majesty."

Cí The time fails me."

" You have the future."

íe They little know me who reproach my ambition: far from seeking to extend our territory, I am desi-