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

OF ТПЕ EMPRESS CATHERINE.167

curtain, the social rules of the Hermitage, for the use of those intimate friends admitted by the Czarina into the asylum of Imperial liberty.

I will translate literally this charter, granted to social intimacy by the caprice of the sovereign of the once enchanted place : it was copied for me in my presence :—

RULES TO BE OBSERVED ON ENTERING. ARTICLE I.

On entering, the title and rank must be put off, as well as the hat and sword.

Pretensions founded on the prerogatives of birth, pride, or other sentiments of a like nature, must also be left at the door.

Be merry ; nevertheless, break nothing and spoil nothing.

Sit, stand, walk, do whatever you please, without caring for any one.

Speak with moderation, and not too often, in order to avoid being troublesome to others.

Argue without anger, and without warmth.

Banish sighs and yawns, that you may not communicate ennui, or be a burden to any one.