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

14CONVENT OF THE ASCENSION.

Kremlin, those of the Miracles and. the Ascension, in which latter are the tombs of several Czarinas ; among others that of Helena, the mother of Ivan the Terrible. She was worthy of her son : unmerciful like him, talent was her only recommendation. Some of the wives of the same tyrant are also buried here. The churches of the Convent of the Ascension astonish foreigners by their riches.

At last I summoned courage to face the Corinthian columns of the Treasury; so braving with closed eyes those dragons of bad taste, I entered the glorious arsenal, where are ranged, as in a cabinet of curiosities, the most interesting historical relics of Russia.

What a collection of armour, of vases, and of national jewels! What profusion of crowns and of thrones, all gathered into the same place ! The manner in which thcj are arranged adds to the effect. It is impossible not to admire the good taste as well as the political wisdom which has presided over the disposition of so many insignia and trophies. The display may be a little boastful, but patriotic pride is the most legitimate of any. We forgive a passion which aids us in fulfilling our duties. There is here a profound idea, of which the things are but symbols.

The crowns are placed on cushions raised upon pedestals, and the thrones, ranged along the wall, are reared in separate alcoves. There is wanting only in this evocation of the past, the presence of the men for whom all these things were made. Their absence is equivalent to a sermon on the vanity of human life. The Kremlin without its Czars is like a theatre without lights or actors.

The most respect-worthy, if not the most imposing