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

THE MAIDEN.

Never! we'll sleep within the same dark tomb ; If thou must die, I follow. Thou goest! but still together we shall fall: Adieu ! my tears are spent.

The sentiment embodied in these words appears modern, but the melody has a charm of antiquity and simplicity, which would make me willing to pass hours in listening to them, as repeated by the voices of the natives.

They formerly danced in Paris a Russian dance, which this music has recalled to my mind. But when heard on the spot, national melodies produce a far more powerful impression than they can do elsewhere. There is more melancholy than passion in the songs of the northern people; but the impression which they cause is never forgotten, whereas a more lively emotion soon vanishes. Melancholy is more abiding than passion. After having listened to this air for some time, I found it less monotonous and more expressive, — such is the ordinary effect of simple music; repetition imparts to it a new power. The Uralian Cossacks have also a song peculiar to themselves, which I regret not having heard.

This race of men deserves a separate study, but it could not be easily prosecuted by a stranger, hurried as I am. The Cossacks form a military family, a subdued horde, rather than a body of troops subjected to discipline. Attached to their chiefs as a dog is to his master, they obey orders with more affection, and less servility, than the other Russian soldiers. In a land where nothing is defined, they view themselves as allies; they do not feel as slaves