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

slaves as serve us with zeal, we are ready to pay a ransom for you.'"

The answer of the slave is worthy of the letter of the master. It not only depicts a vile heart, but also gives an idea of the espionnage exercised by the Russians in foreign lands. It is as follows: —

" My lord, I have not slept in this land of the enemy. I have executed your orders; Iltave gathered information valuable to the safety of the empire ; trusting in nobody, and watching night and day. I was taken, covered with wounds, and abandoned by my cowardly companions in arms. I slew in battle the enemies of the Christian name; and, during my captivity, I have killed the Russian traitors who sought your ruin. They have been secretly destroyed by my hand, and not a single one remains in this place now alive.* I jested at the table of my sovereign only to amuse him; now, I die for GOD and for HIM. It is by special merey of the Most High that I yet breathe; the ardour of my zeal for your service supports me in the hope that I shall return to Russia, in order again to minister to the amusements of my prince. My body is in the Crimea, but my soul is with God and your Majesty. I do not fear death, I fear only your displeasure."

Such is the amicable correspondence of the Czar and his ereature.

But all the events of this monstrous reign, monstrous especially in its length and its security, are effaced by the crowning crime.

* At the ccrart of the Emperor Nicholas a great nobleman may be seen daily, who is called, privately, the Poisoner. Q 2