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

PRETENDED TRAITORS.327

the reduction of the kingdom of Kazan, was condemned to death, together with his son Peter, a young man of seventeen.* They arrived at the place of execution with fearless, calm, dignified countenances, and holding each other by the hand. That he might not witness the death of the author of his life, the youthful noble first offered his neck to the sword, but his father withheld him, ejaculating with emotion,¢ Nay, my son, I will not see thee die !' The young man yielded, and immediately the head of the prince was severed from the body: his son took it in his hands, covered it with kisses, and, lifting his eyes to heaven, submitted himself, with serene composure, to the stroke of the headsman. Numerous other nobles suffered at the same time. The Prince She-viref was impaled. It is said the victim lingered for a whole day under his horrible tortures, but that, supported by religion, he forgot them in singing the praises of Jesus. * * A vast number of other gentlemen had their estates confiscated and suffered exile."

In the same volume Karamsin describes the manner in which the Czar formed his new guard, which was not long restricted to the number of a thousand, nor selected only from among the higher classes.

c¢ They sought for young men whose only qualification was an audacity and corruption, as proved by their debaucheries, which rendered them ready to undertake anything. Ivan questioned them regarding their birth, their friends, and their patrons. It was

* The execution of these parties was unattended with torture, a mercy envied by multitudes in this reign. — Note of the Author of the Travels.