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

342DEATH-BED OF THE CZAREWITCH.

When the last struggle approached, the unhappy son thought only of hiding the agonies of his death from the eyes of his assassin, whom he venerated as much as if he had been the best of parents and the greatest of kings: he entreated the Czar to retire.

When, instead of yielding to the request of the dying man, Ivan, in the delirium of remorse, first threw himself upon the bed, and then fell on his knees before his victim to ask his pardon, this hero of filial piety regained, under the inspiration of a sentiment of duty, a supernatural energy; already in the clutch of death, he struggled with the power that was dragging him away, and gathered a miraculous strength to repeat, with deep solemnity, that he was guilty, that his death was just, and that it was too gentle. He succeeded in disguising his anguish by force of soul, filial love, and respect for the sovereign; he concealed from his father the agonies of a body in which the vigour of youth struggled terribly against destruction. The gladiator fell with grace; supported, not by a base pride, but by an effort of charity, of which the sole aim was to mitigate the remorse of a guilty parent. He protested to his last gasp, that he was faithful to the legitimate sovereign of Russia; and he died at length, kissing the hand that slew him, and blessing God, his country, and his father.

Here all my indignation turns into a devout astonishment. I admire the marvellous resources of the human soul, which can fulfil its divine calling in all places, and in spite of the most vicious habits and institutions.—Yet I pause, fearful lest the servility