Prince Serebrenni

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De Gubernatis
A
3
7
!
+
PRINCE
SEREBRENNI.
VOL.
II.
I
PRINCE
SEREBRENNI.
BY
COUNT
TRANSLATED
A.
TOLSTOY.
FROM
THE
RUSSIAN
BY
PRINCESS
GALITZINE .
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL .
II. 2
LONDON :
CHAPMAN
&
HALL ,
1874.
193,
PICCADILLY ,
CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS,
CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS .
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
1
THE MERRY MEN
CHAPTER II .
THE TALE
30
CHAPTER III.
THE MONASTERY .
55
CHAPTER IV.
THE JOURNEY
66
CHAPTER V.
REVOLT OF THE FREEBOOTERS
73
CHAPTER VI.
PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE
98
vi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
PAGE
107
OATH OF THE BROTHERHOOD
CHAPTER VIII.
BASMANOFF
121
CHAPTER IX .
THE PARTING
138
CHAPTER X.
THE ENEMIES CONFRONTED
146
CHAPTER XI.
THE INCANTATION OVER THE SWORD
.
160
CHAPTER XII.
THE JUDGMENT OF GOD
171
CHAPTER XIII.
THE AMULET OF WIASEMSKI
193
CHAPTER XIV.
THE AMULET OF BASMANOFF
198
CHAPTER XV .
THE FOOL'S DRESS
207
vii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI.
PAGE
222
THE EXECUTION
CHAPTER XVII.
THE RETURN TO THE VILLAGE
237
CHAPTER XVIII.
FORGIVENESS
252
CHAPTER XIX .
DEPARTURE FROM ALEXANDROVA
.
266
CHAPTER XX .
THE LAST MEETING
276
CHAPTER XXI.
THE EMBASSY OF YERMAK
289
PRINCE
SEREBRENNI ..
CHAPTER I.
THE MERRY
In
a
spacious
gloomy
MEN.
prison,
whose
walls were covered with mould ,
hands
and
feet
bound,
awaiting death .
sat
and
damp
with
Prince
his
Nikita,
He did not know how many
days had passed since his capture, for no light
penetrated
the
into
distant
this
noise
sometimes reached
subterraneous
of the ringing
his
ears,
vault ; but
of the
and he
bells
calculated
that he must have been there three days.
The
bread
had
which
had
been
thrown
to
him
been long since eaten, and the pitcher of water
had
long
VOL. II.
since
been
emptied ;
hunger
and
B
2
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
thirst
had
begun
to
torment
him ,
when
an
unusual sound attracted his attention.
Above his head, the bolts were being
drawn -- first
outer
the
door
of
the
with
prison
creaked ; the sound came nearer — another bolt
was withdrawn, and the second door opened
then
a
third - and
into the prison.
he
heard
steps
descending
Through the aperture of the
door he saw a faint light ; then the rusty bolts
turned, and a bright light nearly blinded him .
When he had put down his
had
involuntarily raised
to
hands, which he
shade his eyes, he
saw before him Skouratoff and Boris Godounoff.
They
were
accompanied
by
the
executioner,
who held in his hand a lighted torch.
Maluta, with folded arms, was looking with
a
smile
at
Serebrenni ; his
pupils
seemed
to
dilate and contract.
“ Good day,
Prince,” said he, in a voice like
that of a cat when she is playing with a mouse
she has caught.
Serebrenni shuddered , but the
presence of Godounoff reassured him .
“ Boris Feodorovitch ,” said he, turning away
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
from Skouratoff.
see
me ;
it
“ I thank you for coming to
will
be
easier
now
for
me
to
die .”
And he
held
Godounoff drew
there
was
no
out
his
back ;
chained
and
expression
hand .
on his
But
cold
of sympathy.
face
Sere
brenni's hand fell again on his knee .
“ I did not think , Boris
Feodorovitch ," said
he, reproachfully, “ that you would draw back
from me .
Or have you come only to see me
put to death ? ”
' I have come,” answered Godounoff, calmly ;
“
I have come together with Maluta to question
you.
I have nothing
I never was your
from
to
draw back
friend, and
death before,
from - as
only saved you
knowing the
Czar's
mercy
—though you had merited punishment.”
The Prince's heart
failed
him .
The
change
in Godounoff seemed to him worse than death.
“ The time for mercy has passed , ” continued
Godounoff,
swore
to
coldly.
the
Czar ?
“ Remember
what
you
Submit now to his
holy
will, and if you disclose the whole truth , you
*
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
will avoid torture, and die
by a
quick death .
Begin your questions, Maluta ,” continued he .
“ Wait a little, " answered Skouratoff, smiling.
“ We have an account to settle together
Shorten
his
chains,
executioner—and
Tomka,"
the
into a ring in the
said he,
man , sticking
wall,
drew
in
first.
to
his
the
the
light
chains,
so that Serebrenni could not move his arms.
Then Maluta
came up
to
him , and
looked
at him long and smilingly.
Father,
he,
at
Prince
last ;
Nikita
“ do
not
Romanovitch ,"
refuse
me
a
said
great
favour. ”
He
knelt before
Serebrenni,
and bowed
to
the ground.
continued,
“ We , Prince," he
humility ,
such
great
we are
boyars
small
as
mocking
with
before your honour ;
yourself we
have
never
tortured and put to death with our own hands.
We
have
not
the
same
blood
in
our
veins,
grew
more
they say."
Maluta paused ; while
his
smile
venomous, and his eyes dilated.
5
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Permit
me,
Prince,
interrogation — permit
before
me
we
to
begin
give
the
myself
courage by looking at a boyar's blood . ”
And , drawing a knife, he crept on his knees
and
looked
Prince
The
Serebrenni.
towards
whose
Godounoff,
at
drew
back ,
face
was
raising
his
immovable .
“ And
voice
then ,"
Maluta,
continued
, “ allow me , of low
birth though I am ,
to cut myself a pair of reins from the skin of
your
princely back — allow me to make of it a
covering
slave,
for
my
give
to
horse_allow
your
noble
me,
flesh
a
filthy
to
my
dogs . "
Maluta's
now
voice,
resembled
which
that
of
was
a
generally
jackal,
harsh ,
something
between a laugh and a cry.
Serebrenni's hair stood on end.
The
death
first
by
but here
time
he
Ivan , he
had
been
condemned
went bravely
to meet
in a prison, chained, famishing
hunger, he could not bear that
look which accompanied it.
to
it ;
with
voice, and the
6
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Maluta enjoyed for some time the impression
he had produced.
“ Allow me, Prince ,” said he, throwing away
his
knife, and
me
to
setting his
teeth
Serebrenni.
strike
to
my
pay
his
added
heart - to
the
" Allow
springing to his feet.
debt
hard , he
The
the
repulsion
first ,"
honourably
Prince's
feeling
blood
rushed
anger
of
which
with
hand to
his
raised
and
one
was
would
shrink from the touch of an unclean reptile.
He
looked
despairingly
at that moment,
at
Maluta's
Godounoff - and,
uplifted
hand
was.
caught by Godounoff.
Maluta, be calm," said he,
him ,
he will
dash his
head
“ if you strike
against
the
wall,
and there will be no one to interrogate; I know
him well.”
“ Back, "
with
my
said
Maluta ;
satisfaction .
“ do
Do
not
not
interfere
prevent
my
paying my debt, for the insult of the Stagnant
Pool.”
“ Recollect yourself, Maluta.
able for him to the Czar ."
We are answer
7
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
And
like
a
Godounoff caught
wild
beast,
both his hands, but
who
scents
blood, Maluta
forgot everything
With
loud
a
and
he caught
curse ,
a
on
him
throw
to
tried
and
Godounoff,
cry
the
ground, in order to cast himself on his victim .
They struggled.
the
which
light,
against
struck
them
One
of
fell
extinguished
the
at
feet
Maluta recovered himself.
of Godounoff.
“ I will tell the Czar,"
hissed he, “ that you
defended this traitor .”
“ And
the
I, ”
Czar
without
answered
that
you
Godounoff; “ will
tried
to
interrogating him,
kill
a
because
tell
traitor,
you
were
afraid of his disclosures."
A
rushed
fierce
from
groan
escaped
the prison,
Maluta,
calling to
and
the
he
execu
tioner to follow him.
While they were
brenni
felt
lengthened ,
that
and
mounting the
his
that
chains
he
could
steps,
Sere
were
being
again
move
freely
“ Do not despair, Prince ,” whispered Godou
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
8
noff in his ear, and pressing his hand warmly.
“ The chief thing is to gain time. ”
And then
followed Maluta, shutting the
he
carefully
carefully
door
after
him ,
and
drawing
the
bolts .
“ Maluta ,"
said
he
to Skouratoff,
when
had rejoined him , and given him the
the
prison ,
did
not
One
in
shut
might
presence
of
the
prison .
the
suspect
you
of
keys
jailor.
That
he
“
of
You
is not right.
favouring
Sere
brenni . ”
While
this
happening
was
Ivan was sitting
in his
in
the
prison,
own chamber, gloomy
and displeased — an unwonted feeling was taking
possession
of him —
Serebrenni,
the
ideas
Czar,
whose
but
either
case
of
bittered
the
his
daring
did
of treason.
met
it was
with
to
open
boyars,
acts
of respect
this
with
his
time, Ivan
had
opposition,
whose
for
disquieted
had
correspond
not
Up
that
as
disputes
childhood — or haughty
in
the
had
em
defiance
as in Prince Kourbski, or the servile obedience
which he met with from his present courtiers.
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
9
But Serebrenni did not belong to any of them .
The Prince
shared the
opinions
of his times,
as to the divine right of Ivan ; his mind was
persuaded
to
of this, and being more accustomed
than
act
think ,
to
intentionally
never
he
opposed God's vicegerent on earth .
withstanding,
every
contact
injustice,
with
anger ; his
sense
belief, and, to
were
with
Ivan ;
not be
1
him.
and
were
he
to
experience
pletely puzzled
interests,
came
prevailed
his
inconsistency was
uprightness,
he
into
his heart swelled with
right
contrary
Ivan's
all
of
when
over
his own astonishment, his
entirely
honourable
time
But, not
his
obvious
understood
false to
This
contradiction
men,
of
acts
theories.
in
his
Serebrenni's
and
com
truth,
his
contempt for his own
even to the eyes of
that
him, that
Prince
the
could
he could put
more
trust in him than in any of the sworn Apritch
niki ; and
him, and
he
to
felt
a desire
make him his tool .
same time, he felt that this
in
itself,
to keep him
might
near
But, at the
tool, though safe
unexpectedly
slip
from
his
1
10
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
1
hands,
and,
at
the bare
thought
liking for Serebrenni turned to
the
sensitive
led him
was
imagination
to repent
only
the
bility,
and
of his
of
the
his
jealously,
idea
hate.
Ivan
evil
exception ;
penetrated with
them
of
of this,
Though
sometimes
deeds, yet this
in
general,
of
his
divine
right,
considering
his
even
proval of his acts as an offence .
he
own
and
was
infalli
guarded
silent
disap
This was just
what he felt now ; the idea of pardoning Sere
brenni crossed
his
mind , but was immediately
succeeded by the conviction that Prince Nikita
was
one
of
those
whom
it
was
unsafe
to
spare.
“ If, in a flock of sheep, when all go to the
right,
one goes to the left — the shepherd must
kill the wanderer . "
So thought
Ivan, and
the fate of Serebrenni.
decided
in
his
heart
His execution he deter
mined should take place on the following day ;
but he ordered his chains to be removed , and
sent him some viands and wine from his own
table.
In
the
meantime, to dissipate
the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
impression
of
his
internal
11
struggle,
and
uncomfortable feelings which had taken
sion
him
of
falcon chase.
falconers,
on
their
for
The morning was splendid .
under
concerned,
posses
preparations
ordered
— he
falconers,
magnificently
wrists
falcons
and
all
dressed ,
and
field
were
holding
were
ger -falcons,
already in the field , awaiting the Czar.
said with truth, that
a
The
who
and
the
It was
sports would
cheer
the most depressed , and that a flight of falcons
would interest old and young .
Though
the Czar, attended
by his
Apritch
niki, had left the village with a gloomy mien,
yet his face brightened when he saw the brilliant
crowd which
was in
the
was
expecting
him.
The
meet
broad
meadows ,
about two
versts
from the village, on the road to Vladimir..
head
falconer, in
a red velvet caftan,
The
embroi
dered with gold, a cloth of gold shapka, yellow
boots,
and
embroidered
gauntlets,
dismounted ,
and approached Ivan, accompanied by an under
falconer, holding a hooded falcon on his wrist.
Bowing to the ground , he asked
12
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Czar, is it time to begin the sport ? ”
“ It is time," answered Ivan .
He
then
gauntlet,
presented
embroidered
to
“ Begin .”
the
with
Czar
gold,
a
and
rich
taking
the falcon from his attendant, placed it on the
Czar's wrist.
Honoured huntsmen , ” he then said , turning
the
to
this
Apritchniki,
with
and
care,
all
aside
sport — lay
noble
yourselves
amuse
let
your hearts be joyful.”
continued.
trusty falconers , ” he
and
Good
' Let fly your birds .”
Then
the
the
fields.
the
woods,
ponds,
bushes.
motley
Some
group
with
others
and
dispersed
through
rushed
towards
cries
the
galloped to
small
which glittered like mirrors among the
flight
A
of
wild
huntsmen
the
air — the
the
ducks attempted
but
there
they
to
let
ducks
fly
rose
their
return
to
encountered other
scattered like arrows on all sides.
up
in
falcons
the
ponds,
falcons, and
The falcons,
encouraged by their masters' cries, dropped like
stones on the backs of their victims— they dis
13
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
tinguished themselves this day — and many were
the ducks and capercailzie killed .
It was beau
tiful to see the flight of the different kinds of
falcons ; the dead
through
the
themselves
birds
fell
air — the
under
terrified
horses'
the
caught alive by the
riders .
not
accident.
pass
falcon
without
swooping
flying low,
and
was
Lorodoum ,
two
peared
of
out
falcons
sight,
bird
were
from
did
beautiful
which
with
its
was
breast,
Astrely
spot.
the
threw
and
One
a
and
or
ducks
feet,
earth
the
moment
But the day did
on
the
on
of recall,
whistles
wings.
down
struck
killed
every
at
disap
Kazan ,
not
waving
of
and
heed
the
pigeons'
But the Czar's own ger -falcon , Adragan,
distinguished itself most .
Twice the Czar had
let him fly, and he had remained long in the
air,
time
killing
all
returned
the
to
birds
his
he
master's
met ; but
each
gold gauntlet.
The third time, Adragan had become so fierce,
that he not only attacked the game , but even
the other falcons ; two
the
Czar
and
his
fell with
falconers
tried
torn
wings
to lure
him
14
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
back
with
red
cloth
and pigeons'
the white ger - falcon rose high
wings,
but
in the air, and
fell like lightning on his prey , and, instead of
returning
it to
with
earth , he
in search of new victims.
hope
all
another
flew
The falconer losing
of recovering him , brought
falcon ,
but
Ivan
loved
was the
falconer whose
the Czar
Adragan ,
was vexed at losing his best bird .
who
up again
and
He enquired
duty
it
was
to
attend to his birds, and being told that it was
a
man
the
of
name
of
Trishka,
The man
him to be called .
he
ordered
suspecting
evil,
approached, as pale as death.
attend
you
or
Trishka.
do
are
Czar ; “ is
not
you
know
how
trifling
with
Adragan , I
do
a
some
not, I will
warning to
time that
have
others.
there
is
way
are
bring him
me ?
Listen,
If
will reward you as
none of you have ever been
as
to
Your fate is in your own hands.
you recapture
you
the
this
Of what use
my falcon ?
to
you , if you
back ,
the
said
Man,"
rewarded ; but, if
cut
off,
have noticed
for
your
I
no
head
zeal
among the
15
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
falconers,
and
that
the
sport
is
deteriorat
ing.”
With
these words, Ivan
gave
side glance
a
at the head falconer, who, in his turn , became
pale, as he
knew that
Czar
the
never
gave
that look in vain .
Trishka, without
horse, and
imploring
losing time,
saint
patron
his
on his
search of Adragan,
off in
galloped
sprang
help
to
to
him
find it.
The sport, in the meantime, continued .
The
Czar had been amusing himself for many hours,
and much game had been already killed , when
a
new
sight
attracted his
attention.
On
high road to Vladimir were coming two
men ; one middle-aged,
the
other
old,
grey head and a long white beard .
ragged
white
shirts,
over their shoulders
--and
torn
off on
account
and
fiddles,
and
hung
cloaks,
of
and
collected, were
on
which
the heat.
blind
with
a
They wore
cloths
bags
the
thrown
for their food
they had
thrown
Their dulcimers
the
bread which
they had
carried
by a young
man
who
16
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
was
leading
blind men
them .
was
The
holding his
shoulder, while
he
of
of
the
two
conductor by the
dragged
attention
But the
younger
on
their
the
older one .
guide
was
soon
attracted by the chase, and he forgot all about
his
companions, who, being
resources, lagged behind.
hands,
and
staves,
man
puddle,
earth
he
with
their long
Ivan
them , and rode
saw
the
first
a
large
after
him ;
moment,
stumbled ,
and
fell
his
covered with
own
stumbled.
that
dragging
both rose
their
At
them .
to
to
Holding each other's
continually
to laugh when
began
nearer
blind
feeling the
they
left
into
companion
mud ,
and immediately
began scolding their guide, who had been looking
open -mouthed at the brilliant Apritchniki.
The Czar laughed loudly.
“ Who are you men ? ” asked he.
“ Whence
do you come, and where are you going ? ”
“ Go along ;
if you wish to know too much.
you will get prematurely old .”
“ Fool !”
said
an
Apritchnik.
know who is before you ? ”
“ Don't you
1
17
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Fool yourself,”
turning
up
the
answered
whites
of
the
his
blind
man ,
" How
eyes.
With you it
can I see when I have no eyes .
is different, no doubt - you have a pair of eyes
Tell me what is
to see on all sides at once.
before me, and then I shall know . ”
Czar
The
ordered
the
Apritchnik
silent, and kindly repeated his
to
be
question .
“ We are merry people ," answered the blind
man.
and
“ We have been through all the villages,
are
drova
now
going
to play
on
Alexan
to
from Muroma
for the
dulcimers,
amuse
ment of the good people there.”
“ That's how it is ,” said the Czar, who was
pleased
with
the
answers
“ So you have come from
of
the
blind
Muroma ;
man.
and
have
the
blind
man .
wanting
We
have
you any wonderful people there ? ”
" Certainly,
Those
Uncle
two
wares
we
are
have,”
never
said
Mihè, who lifts himself up by his hair
inches
from the
ground ;
and
then
we
have Ouliana, who is so brave, that she would
challenge a black-beetle.
VOL. II.
18
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
All the Apritchniki laughed.
The Czar
had
not been so gay for a long time.
66
They are really merry people ,” thought he ;
one
can
see
they are
not
from these parts.
All my story -tellers weary me.
They are always
saying the
same thing ;
weary me.
Since
and
I jested
one of them , they are
my jugglers
also
thoughtlessly
with
all afraid of me ;
they
will not say anything funny, as if it were my
fault that
that fool's
firmly
his
to
soul
body.
did not
Listen
man ,”
stick more
continued
the Czar, “ Can you relate tales ? ”
“ It
whom
depends
we
are
on
to
the
we related a fable to
day,
which
kicked us
came
out
kind
relate
of tale,
I
and
about
to
remember that
a commander the
true
of his
it.
his
court-yard,
wife,
other
so
he
and had
us
beaten . ”
A loud laugh burst out among the Apritchniki.
The
commander, to whom
made,
allusion
had
was in disgrace with the Czar, and
been
the
blind man's jest pleased him extremely.
Here
men ,”
said
he,
“ go
straight to
the
19
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Palace
of
return .
Alexandrova,
and
there
wait
my
sent
you,
and
Say that the Czar has
see that they give you food and drink.
When
I come home, I shall hear your tales .”
At
men
were
falling on
their
“ do not punish us for our foolish
talk .
the
word
Czar,
the
blind
terrified .
Father Czar ,”
knees ,
said they,
Do not have our heads cut off ; we have sinned
through ignorance .”
The Czar laughed at their terror , and galloped
off to , resume
with
their
palace.
sight
guide
While
they
sport,
his
the
kept
kept
Apritchniki
hold
hold
of
of
but as
one
the
way to
continued their
stumbled constantly,
the
while the blind men
still
were
another,
in
and
soon as a turn of
road hid them from view ,
the
younger of
the blind men stopped , looked round , and said :
“ Well, Uncle Korschoun , I suppose
business
you are
has
tired of stumbling,
but the
gone badly as yet.
Now , will it go on ?
are you frowning, uncle ?
begun this work ? ”
not
Why
Do you regret having
20
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ It's not that,” said the old brigand ; " when
I have once begun a thing, I never look back ;
but I don't know what has happened to
I feel more downcast than
I ever
did
me ;
before,
and the same thought always returns .”
“ And what is that thought ? ”
66
For the last twenty years
Listen , Ataman.
thought
this
tormented
has
me,
and
no
one,
either on the Volga or in Moscow, knows
any
thing
about
anyone.
these
it.
It has weighed
years,
and
a
in
never
on
breathed it
my
Lent.
Now
for
all
Once I tried to perform my
I wanted to confess all to
priest, but I could not pray,
trying.
soul
to
have worn it like a , noose
I
round my neck.
neck .
devotions
have
I
it
so I gave
is weighing me
down
up
more
than ever, and I think if I could tell it to you
I should feel lighter.
It is easier telling it to
you than to a priest, for you are just such an
one as I am .”
Persten
His face expressed great sorrow.
listened
in
silence .
They
both
sat
down at the side of the road .
Mitka , " said
Persten ,
“ sit
a
little
farther
21
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
If you see any one
and look about you.
off,
coming , make a sign to us, but remember that
you
say
not
do
and
dumb,
and
deaf
are
a
word .”
“ No
fear
of me, ” said
Mitka, “
I
will
be
are
not
to
silent.”
" Hold
speak to
your
tongue,
fool ;
you
us, or you will forget yourself before
others, and we shall all be lost . ”
Mitka
went off about a hundred paces , and
lay down with his elbow
on the
ground, and
his chin in his hand.
' He is
a good man ,” said
Persten, looking
after him, “ but awfully stupid .
If he
is left
to himself he will ruin everything, but it can't
be
helped ,
there
is
no
one
is ; he will not betray us, and
better
if,
than
which
he
God
forbids, it should turn out badly, he will stand
by us.
Now that
we are alone, tell
me your
sorrow ; it is tormenting you at a wrong time.”
The old
man
bowed
his face with his hand.
his
head, and
He wished to
but it was difficult to begin .
covered
speak ,
24
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
I have killed
* You see, Ataman , ” said he, “
I cannot deny that..
many people in my time.
If a merchant turned up, or a woman shrieked,
despatched
I
at
my
hand
You
this ?
it
tremble.
not
would
you
tell
I
need
why
But
if
once - even now,
them
that,
to
came
have
doubtless done the same, and it is nothing new
you ."
to
that ? ”
of
what
And
Persten,
said
with
visible displeasure.
Well,
souls ;
we
but
have
tell
me
both
this,
much
blood
Ataman ,
memory of any one action in
and
cold
from
head
to
our
does
the
your life never
seize you as with pincers, and
hot
on
make you
foot,
and
feel
wish
that you had never been born ? ”
“ What a
question — this
moment for such a
is not the time for it ."
“ I have forgotten many of my
deeds, ” said
Korschoun, “ but one I cannot forget.
years
ago,
Ataman
when
was
we lived
Daniello
on
Kott.
the
No
Twenty
Volga , our
one
knew
about you then, but I was already called Kors
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
choun
(Kite ).
We
for our Ataman
many
pillaged
and ports, and we always
allowed
23
ships
rich
our booty ,
divided
dispute.
of no
No
life could have been pleasanter ; we were always
and
well fed
When
clothed.
on our
put
we
rich caftans, and rowed down the river singing
in
every
chorus,
one
rushed
to
the banks to
admire the brave men , and we rowed and sung,
fired our pistols into the air, and looked at the
pretty girls.
the
devil
one, but
The life was a pleasant
tempted me.
the
' I work harder than
thought
I
myself,
to
others, and
my
yet
share is the same as theirs, so, I will go and
find
some
prey
for myself,
give into the general hoard .
which
I will
not
So I dressed myself
as a beggar, and went along the road.
I waited
long, no cart, no merchant, nothing to be seen .
I
grew
vex
exed ,
and
thought,
person that comes by,
I will plunder him .
now
the
first
were it my own father,
As soon as I had thought
this, a woman passed, with a basket made
bark
under
her
arm ,
' Stop woman ,' said I,
covered
' give me
with
that
a
of
cloth .
basket. '
24
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
fell
She
my
at
feet.
' Anything
so
you
oh ! ' thought
' Oh !
but leave me my basket.'
I,
there,'
your treasure in
have got
She began abusing me
and I caught hold of it.
and biting my hand .
like,
you
angry , the
I was
prompted me , and I plunged a
devil
her
knife into
throat.
“ As soon as she fell, fear came upon me.
rushed away , and
then thinking
I
it was a pity
to have murdered her in vain, I went back for
the basket, took it up , and without opening it,
went
into
the
wood.
My
legs
trembled
I sat down to see what it contained .
it ;
what do I see ?
A tiny child !
so,
I opened
' So, little
wretch , this is why the woman would not give
me
up
her
basket, and
it
is
you
who
have
brought this sin upon my soul !'”
Korschoun paused in thought.
“ And
what
did
you
you
think
do with the
child ? ”
asked Persten .
“ Why,
did
I
would
You may guess what I did with it .”
He again became silent.
nurse
it ?
25
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Ataman , ” he said suddenly , “ when I think
of
it,
my
heart
fails
me ,
came back so vividly.
and
to-day it
They say
all
the memory
of a thing long past brings ill- luck . ”
He sighed deeply and they were both silent.
Suddenly
they
heard
the
noise
of
wings
above them , and a large kite fell at their feet,
and
at
the
same
moment
Adragan flew past
notice his prey .
Mitka
waved his
the past, we
blind men .
are
Far
hand .
now
no
Czar's
The
make
Now
Czar's
without
" Uncle,” said
the falconers.
directly.
them
the
falcon
deigning
off they
Persten ,
to
saw
“ forget
longer robbers, but
people
haste
be
here
amuse
them
will
and
with funny sayings.”
The old man shook his head.
This
is
pointing to
a
bad
the
dead
omen
kite.
for
“
me , ”
A
said
he,
white falcon
has killed him and flown away .
Persten
looked
at
him,
and
scratched
his
head with an air of vexation .
“ Listen ,” said he, “ I will not make you go
26
BREN
E
against your
They say
will.
counsellor,
good
.
NI
SERE
PRINC
is
heart
the
it really predicts
perhaps
a
ill
Remain here and I will go alone
luck to you.
to the palace.”
“ No," said
that.
Korschoun,
“ I
did
not
mean
If it is my fate to lose my head at the
village, it is of no use remaining here.
have been
do you
decreed
know
from
the village
my
It must
Ataman ,
birth .
Bogoroditzkoi,
near
the Volga ? ”
66
Of course I do.”
' And do you know a place five versts from
there, Popoff Krong ?
“
I do . "
“ And do you remember an old oak there ? ”
Yes, but it has been cut down.”
“ Yes, but the roots still remain .”
And what of that ? ”
“ I shall never see Mother Volga any more ,
but you will return there, and when
find
out
towards
There
that oak.
the
I
sunset,
have
you
do,
Count fifty paces from it
and
buried
a
then
to
dig.
many
gold
begin
treasure,
27
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
pieces and much
It will
chants.
wealth taken
from
all be yours :
it with me into the next world .
the
mer
cannot
I
carry
When I think
at night of what I shall have to answer for, I
feel
a
cold
Ataman,
priest
have
well,
prayers.
shudder.
When
masses
that
he
I
am
dead ,
said for me.
may
omit
Pay
the
of
the
none
My true name is Emilian ;
do
Korschoun
is only a nickname.
Do not stint money for
the prayers.
I leave you enough to serve you
for all your life . ”
He
was
interrupted
by
the
falconers,
who
galloped up
“ Here beggars ,”
falcon flown ? ”
“
said
they,
“ where
is
the
I should be happy to tell you ,” answered
Persten, “ but I have been blind these last forty
years.
“ And how did you become so ? ”
“
I
hollow
went up
oak,
chickens.
I
to
in
got
all up, and then
the hills
which
into
I
I
the
once,
found
oak,
and
some
and
ate
saw a
roast
them
grew so fat, that I could
28
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
not get out ; so I ran home for a knife, widened
the hole and got out ;
but some
splinters got
into my eyes , and since then I have been blind ,
blind, that I sometimes
so
put my soup into
my ears instead of my mouth, and scratch my
back instead of my face . "
“ Oh,
you are the blind men who spoke
so
to the Czar.
your jokes .
The boyars are
We amuse
the
still
laughing at
Czar
in the day
time, it will be your turn at night .
he wishes to hear your
They say
tales.”
“ God give his Grace health , ” said Korschoun ,
“ We can tell tales till
changing his manner.
morning, if our tongues don't get out of joint.”
“ Well,
well,”
said
the
falconer,
“ another
time we'll jest with you, but now we are riding
to save a man's life.
find
Adragan , he
If our comrade
will
lose
his
does not
head,
for
our
father the Czar does not joke.”
And away they galloped.
The blind men
caught hold of Mitka,
again caught
and continued their way to the village.
they
reached
the
first
gate,
they
When
saw
two
29
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
fiddlers singing
burden ran
loudly
a
song,
of
which
the
“ Merry was the talk at our neighbour's house. "
When
they
came
up
to
them ,
one
of
the
singers, a red -haired man , with peacock’s feathers
in his cap , bent down to Persten , saying, “ The
Prince has been in prison five days ; ” and
he
continued
his tune.
be
executed.
He
Maluta's house.
is
in
“ To -morrow he
the
large
will
prison opposite
From what
side
shall we
side,"
Persten,
let
the cock fly ? ”
“ From
that
said
winking
towards the side opposite the prison .
The man
continued
his
song
and his tune ,
as if he had not been speaking to
Persten .
CHAPTER
II.
THE TALE.
IVAN WASSILIEVITCH , who was fatigued with the
retired
chase,
Soon
than
Maluta with
came
the
answer to
earlier
Czar's
usual
the
his room.
to
prison keys.
question,
In
latter told
the
him that there was nothing new ; that Serebrenni
had
acknowledged
having
defended
Morozoff,
killed seven Apritchniki, and wounded Wiasemski
in the head .
But, "
continued he,
“ he
will
not confess
that either he or Morozoff have conspired against
your life.
put to
the
To-morrow,
question ;
therefore,
and if after
does not accuse Morozoff,
with him .”
we
can
must
be
torture
he
he
make
away
31
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Ivan did not answer .
Maluta was about to continue, but was inter
rupted by the old nurse coming into the room.
Father,” said she,
here,
you sent two blind men
and they are, waiting in the vestibule. ”
The Czar remembered having met them , and
ordered them to be called .
“ But
do
you
know
them ,
father ? ”
asked
Onoufrievna.
Why do you ask ? ”
said she.
“ Are they really blind ?”
What
do
you
mean ? ”
asked
Ivan ,
and
suspicion immediately took possession of him .
Czar, " continued she.
“ Listen,
of
“ Beware
those beggars ; they have come for no good .”
What
do
you
know
about
them
?
Tell
me,” said Ivan.
“
why
vain.
Do
I
not
ask .
I
cannot tell.
Had
your
have
I
have
mother
but
a presentiment,
listened
in
warned
never
to
me,
she
would have been alive now .”
Maluta looked with fear at the old woman .
" Why
are
you
looking
at me ?”
said
she.
32
PRINC
E
SEREB
.
RENNI
“ You only know how to kill the innocent, but
you
cannot
wicked
find
mission.
you red
out
when
You
people come on a
cannot
scent
that
out,
cur.”
“ Czar, ” said Maluta , " allow me to see them .
I
will find out at once who they are , and by
whom they are sent . ”
It is unnecessary,” said Ivan .
“
that out myself.
Here,
Where are
behind the
door,”
“ I will find
they ? ”
Onoufrievna..
said
“ They are waiting in the vestibule . ”
give
“ Maluta,
me
that shirt
of mail from
the wall, and do you pretend to go home ; but
when they have come in, return and hide with
some soldiers behind the door ; and when I call
out, do you rush in and seize them.
Onoufrievna,
give me my stick .”
The Czar put on the shirt of mail, and over
it
a
black
robe,
placed beside him
which,
some
and
the
lying
down
on the bed
heavy iron
baton, with
time before,
before,
he
he had
had
foot of Prince Kourbski's envoy.
“ Now let them enter," said he.
pierced
the
33
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Maluta put the keys at the head of the Czar's
bed , and then went out with the nurse.
The lamps burning before the images, faintly
lit the room .
The Czar, with a look of weari
ness, was lying on his bed.
the
“ Enter beggars ,” said the old woman,
Czar desires it.”
Persten
and
Korschoun
entered,
carefully
groping their way .
With one quick glance Persten had seen all
the
room
contained.
was
the
and
between the
stove, in the
unshuttered
first
moon
To
rays
window,
of the
was
stove
now
sun
the
left of the
door
corner the Czar's
bed ;
and
for
the
the
bed
Czar
was
liked
to enter his room .
looking through
the
an
the
The
window,
and fell on the many -coloured walls.
“ How
Czar,
do
you
do,
blind
men ? ”
said
the
looking attentively but furtively at their
features.
“ Long life to you ,” they replied , bowing to
66
May the Holy Virgin save you
the ground.
for your kindness to us poor beggars, who roam
D
VOL. II.
34
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
about
the earth ,
without
seeing
God's
light.
May St. Peter, and St. Paul, and St. Chrysostom,
and
all saints save you.
all you
wish
May God grant you
and pray for ; may
you
always
walk in gold ; may you eat and drink delicately,
and may you sleep sweetly.
always
be hungry,
and
May your enemies
may every
evil
befall
them .”
“ Thanks, beggars ," said Ivan, still observing
them .
“ Have you been long blind ? ”
“ Since
my
youth ,”
low , and bending
been blind
his
from our
said
knee.
Persten ,
bowing
6 We have both
childhood . I
cannot re
member when I saw God's sun ."
“ And who taught you to relate tales ? ”
66
God himself taught us in the olden days.”
“ How is that ? "
asked Ivan .
“ Our old men, and even the dulcimer players
sing, that when our Saviour ascended to Heaven ,
all the poor, the blind, and the lame, began to
cry to Him ,
to
O Christ, where are you flying ?
whose mercy
feed
us
and
give
do
us
you
to
leave
us ?
drink ? '
who
will
And Christ
35
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
answered them : ' I will give you mountains of
gold ,
rivers
always be
of milk ,
fed
and
the apostle John
not
give
them
and
clothed
said :
all
orchards ;
and
shod. '
Merciful
that,
they
you
will
Then
Saviour,
will
do
not know
what to do with it, and the rich will come and
But, O Christ, King of
take it all from them.
Heaven, let your name be
always
with them ,
and let them relate the lives of the saints and
old legends, and then
all will receive them , and
will give them meat and drink .'
Then answered
Christ the King of Heaven : ‘ Let it be as you
will John ; let them sing and relate well, and
play
on
on
e
th
the
dulcimer,
and
those
who
will
receive and clothe them, and shelter them from
the dark night, shall have a place in Paradise,
and I will not shut my door against them. '
answered
Amen ,"
Ivan.
What tales
do
you know ? ”
“ We know many different ones , Czar.
does your
Grace
you about the
wish to
hear ?
Which
We can tell
seven Simons, about the
great
serpent Gorinistcha, the story of Dobrinia, one
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
36
about
dulcimers,
and another
about
Akoun
dine.”
“ Is
it
only
you who can
tell
these tales ?
Why then is the old man with you ?”
Persten
perceived
that
Korschoun's
silence
did not suit the part of a story -teller ;
changed his cue,
so he
and treading on Korschoun's
foot, said jestingly,
“
The old man is my com
panion , he is called Goudok ; he has got a long
beard, but small wit.
When I tell a story, he
listens, and approves, and encourages me .
Isn't
it so, uncle with the white beard ? that's why
we get along so well.”
“ Of course
bering
the
goblets are
it
part
is ,”
he
full, the
said Korschoun,
had
to
wine
should
remem
play — when
be
the
drunk ---
when we begin, we go far .”
Iluli, the goats are dancing
said
on the
hills , ”
Persten , " the old women hear the music.”
“ Iluli,” said Korschoun, moving his feet
about.
“ I shall sing about the crawfish, which
is unhappy out of water, but
when the water
flows back , all its sorrow will be
past.
37
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Father
Czar,”
" don't be
said
Persten,
bowing
low,
us, this is not the tale ,,
angry with
it is but the prelude to it .”
“ It is
well,” said
keep to their
Dobrinia,
Ivan, “ I
traditions ;
blind
men ;
like
men
begin the
and
who
tale about
listening
you ,
to
may perhaps make me sleep. ”
Persten bowed low, coughed and began.
“ In the
great
hall
of
Vladimir,
Prince
of
Kieff, a banquet was held , at which many heroes
and princes and boyars were present.
The day
was drawing to a close, and the feast was half
over, when
the noise
of trumpets
was
heard.
Then said Prince Vladimir, ‘ Hoi, my boyars and
Let two from among you go and
my princes.
see who has dared to
has
dared
to
sound
Vladimir feasts.
the noble
the
air,
come before
a
trumpet
while
Prince
There was an uproar amongst
warriors, they threw
donned
Kieff, who
their
their
armour,
caps into
mounted
their
horses , and rode out into the field .”
Stop ,”
semblance
said
of
Ivan,
interest
wishing
in
their
to
make
tale.
a
“
I
33
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
know that story ;
tell me rather about Akoun
dine."
“ That, ”
related
with
said
Persten,
Novgorod,
to
Czar,
the
invented by the
“ is
remembering
which
vulgar
a
stupid
was
in
tale.
that
it
disgrace
was
It
peasants of Novgorod ,
and I have forgotten it .”
“ Relate
it,
“ Tell it as
it
blind
man ,”
is, and
said
do not
Ivan , sternly.
miss a
word ; "
the Czar laughed to himself at the difficulty of
the position in which he had placed the men.
Persten, though vexed with himself at having
suggested this tale, being uncertain how much
of it might be known to the Czar, determined
to
tell
it
as
it stood .
“ In
the
old town
of
Novgorod ,” he began , “ lived a brave man called
Akoundine.
wine,
small
nor
He neither brewed beer, nor drank
bought,
vessels
on
nor
the
sold,
Volkoff.
stopped under a high rock .
but
only
Once
plied
his
ship
There met him a
man , who took him by the hand and led him
to a
high mound, and said, “ Look, brave man ,
what is passing in the
town
of Rostislav,
on
39
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
the river Oka. '
When Akoundine looked at the
town, he saw that great misfortune had befallen
it.
soldiers
The
of Prince
Gleb
were
in
the
market place, and endeavouring to take it by
force of arms, while in the river Oka swam an
enormous monster, the serpent Tougarin .
monster was
This
thirty sajans (a Russian measure
long, and it struck the soldiers
and rubbed its great back
demanding its
with
against
its
tail,
the rocks,
accustomed tribute.
Then
the
man who had taken Akoundine to the mound,
asked his name.
my
name
is
' I come from Novgorod , and
Akoundine.'
' I have waited for
you thirty -three years ,' said
am your
is your
last
old
man .
I
uncle , your father's brother, and here
father's sword .'
words, the
his
the
death
breath ,
pang
he
While
seized
said ,
Novgorod gloriously, salute
it be great
to
all
ages,
speaking
him ,
and
' When
you
it
me ;
and
from
its
these
with
enter
children
may
re
nowned and rich .'
“ Enough, ”
said
the
Czar
with
anger, 'for
getting for the moment that he had wished to
40
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Begin
listen attentively and observe the men.
another tale ."
Persten, as if in terror, bowed nearly to the
ground.
“ What tale do you order me to relate,
Father Czar , ” he said , with affected or perhaps
real alarm .
Ega,
or
“ Shall I tell you about the Baba
will
your
grace
prefer
some
holy
legend ? ”
Ivan, remembering that he must not frighten
the blind men, gaped once more, and asked in
a
sleepy
tone,
“ What
legends
holy
do you
know ? "
“ I
Father,
know
about
Alexi,
and
about
Joseph ,
of
man
the
and
God,
book
the
of
Doves.”
Well, tell me about that, ” said Ivan , whose
eyes
seemed
sinners
it
is
already
better
half
to
closing.
hear
a
- For
us
tale
at
holy
night.”
Persten again coughed, and
began
to
chant
the following tale.
“ Once upon a time, in the midst of a storm ,
a
book-the
Dove's
book -
fell
from
a black
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
cloud.
To
see
that
book
with their sons, forty
Princes
with
warriors.
their
came
Kings
sons,
41
forty
Czars
with theirs, forty
many
boyars
and
There were five principal Kings, but
the wisest amongst them was the Czar David
Eusevitch .
ever
is
book,
Said the Czar Vladimir, “ Let who
wisest
and
let
amongst
him
us
tell
us
read
about
the
Dove's
God's light,
and why the sun is red , and why the moon is
so small at first, and why the stars are so close
together, and whence come the winds and the
clouds ,
and
why
the
nights
are
dark,
and
whence come all the people who fill the earth .
Why
there
are
Czars
and
there are common people. '
silent,
till the
wise
boyars,
and
why
All the Czars were
Czar David spoke.
book is no small one,' said he,
" This
“ it is of such
length and breadth that one cannot lift it up .
One cannot read all its
pages.
It was written
by St. John the Evangelist, and it was read by
the
prophet
Isaiah.
but three pages.
In
three
years
he
read
you, but
I cannot read it to
I can answer all your questions from memory
42
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
of the traditions of olden
times.
bright from God's countenance.
The
sun is
The stars are
the glance of His eyes , their rays are from the
shining
of
His
garments.
The
strong
winds
are the breath of God.
The black clouds are
His
are
thoughts.
People
descended
from
Adam , out of his head came the Czars, out of
his knees
women .'
came the
When
common
he
people, and also
finished,
all
the
Czars
bowed down to him , saying, “ Thanks, wise and
bright Czar, but tell us more.
Tell us which
Czar is the highest, which land is the mother
of other lands, which sea is beyond all others,
which
river
is
the
greatest,
which
city,
and
which hill ? ' "
Here Persten looked steadfastly at Ivan, who
seemed to be dozing.
opened
each
his
time
and
eyes,
he
looked
From time to time, he
closed
them
again , but
the
two
Korschoun,
and
piercingly
at
men.
Persten
gave
a
glance
at
continued .
“
The Czar David answered them .
“ Brethren ,
43
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
I will tell you .
book,
that
He is
baptised
in
the
It
the
is
written
white
in
Trinity,
Czar
the
true
and
in
in
is
the
the
highest.
he
believes
Virgin
Mother.
faith,
the
All the tribes of Tartars
bow to him
hand is above all others.
Russia is
other lands, because
covered
churches.
it
ocean
The
is
above
is
Dove's
for his
above
all
with God's
other
all
seas,
because
all
river
the
Jordan,
tised in
it.
Mount Tabor is the greatest hill,
because
there
is
Jerusalem
contains
where
rivers
is
the
incense
flow
into
because
our
Saviour
the
greatest
Church
is
of
Christ
greatest
was bap
transfigured.
was
city,
the
always
The
it.
Holy
burning,
because
it
Sepulchre,
lights
and
ever shining
Persten
were
to
closed, his
sleep
with
nearer .
Czars
again
his
The
looked
bowed
Ivan.
breathing regular,
Ataman
elbow - he
Persten
at
cautiously
again
down
you, wise Czar — tell
nudged
he
more.
eyes
seemed
Korschoun
moved
a step
continued— “ All
once more.
us
His
the
" We thank
Which
is
the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
greatest among the fishes, among the birds,
among the beasts,.
Which among the trees, the
plants, and the stones. '
-The
whale
is
the
The wise Czar answered
greatest
rests on three whales.
fish,
the
earth
The Estrafil-bird is the
mother of all other birds, it rests on the blue
ocean when it flaps its wings ; the sea rolls in
great
waves,
shakes
its
and
ships
feathers
in
perish,
the
and
when
morning,
it
daylight
dawns.' ”
Persten looked at Ivan — the Czar was lying
with closed eyes and mouth open, as in sleep.
At the same time, looking out of the window ,
he
perceived
lit
buildings
the
up
neighbouring
by
a
pushing Korschoun, who
lurid
and
church
Again
glare.
drew still nearer
the
Czar, Persten continued
We
about
have
through
sun walks
up
the
got
the
beast
subterranean
Tudra,
passages,
beneath the high heavens.
earth
streams flow .
with
its
horns,
it
walks
as
the
It
digs
and makes
the
The stone Alatire is the greatest
amongst stones, because Jesus Christ
sat upon
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
it,
and
taught
his
The cypress is the
wood
its
Saviour
was
disciples
45
the
true
faith .
first of trees, because
made
cross
the
hung, between
the
two
among
all,
because
our
thieves.
The
plant which is called the sobbing plant
greatest
from
which
on
when
is the
the
Virgin
Mother went weeping from the cross on which
her
son
hung,
her
pure
tears
fell
on
ground, and it immediately sprang up.
monks wear crosses carved from its
At
this moment,
Ivan
of
was
he
afraid
had
lest
was becoming
fire
the
time
any
pointed
alarm
movement
out
the
continued— “ All
the
wise
book .
one
David,
glare
glare
and
be
given
keys ; but
to
Czars
awaken
glare
Persten
before
fearing,
Ivan ,
Korschoun,
bowed
said : “ You
he
and
down
speak
to
like
a
Tell us now, who were the two beasts ,
white
each
Czar,
the
might
the
The
brighter.
would
seize
to
Holy
roots."
Wassilievitch sighed
deeply, but did not open his eyes.
the
the
and
other.'
“ but
one
grey ,
• They
who
were
in our land
no
fought
against
beasts, '
said
of Russia, truth and
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
46
evil fought together.
Truth went up to God
evil remained on the earth, that is why those
who
do
good,
inherit
life
eternal ;
and
those
who do evil, eternal torment.' ”
Here
the
hand
Czar
nearer
snored.
the
Korschoun moved his
Persten
pillow.
window ; but,
fearful
approached
of waking the
the
Czar
by
interrupting his tale, he continued in the same
monotonous
tones.
“ All
the
Czars
bowed
before the wise Czar, and asked him one more
question.
• Which
forgiven, and
are
which
the
sins
cannot ? '
that may be
The
wise Czar
answered : All sins may be forgiven, but some
require much praying for.
One is to marry the
woman with whom one has stood sponsor to, a
child .
Another is to upbraid one's father and
mother .' ”
suddenly
away
.
opened
hand,
his
met
that
they
looked
of
the
at
At
his
this
eyes.
but
too
Czar.
each
moment, the Czar
Korschoun
late — his
For
other,
some
drew
glance
moments
as though held at
bay by some hidden power.
Blind men ,” cried the Czar, springing up
47
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ the
third
sin is
when
enters
one
disguised
into the Czar's chamber ; " and he dealt a blow
with his iron baton at Korschoun's breast.
The brigand fell to the ground.
“ Hoi,” shouted the Czar, drawing the point
of the weapon from the wound.
The Apritchniki rushed in , fully armed .
“ Seize them both ," said Ivan .
Maluta fell upon Persten like a wild beast
but with
wonderful
agility the
Ataman dealt
him a blow in the stomach , and kicking open
the window , he sprang into the garden .
“ Surround the garden, capture the brigand ,”
roared Maluta, who was bent double from the
pain
of the blow he had received.
the Apritchniki
had lifted up
Meantime
Korschoun, and
Ivan, the coat of mail gleaming from under his
black robes, stood with his uplifted weapon in
his hand, gazing fiercely at the wounded robber.
The frightened servants were holding lighted
torches,
through
the broken window was seen
the glare of the fire.
commotion ,
and
the
The whole village was in
alarm
bell
was
ringing
48
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
from
the
the steeple.
Apritchniki,
Korschoun was held up
his
brows
were
by
knitted , and
the blood was streaming from his wound.
“ Blind
man ,” said
Czar, “ tell me who
the
you are, and what was your design against me. ”
“ There is nothing to conceal ,” said Korschoun .
“ I wished to gain possession of the prison keys,
but I had no designs against you . ” .
“ Who
sent you
here ?
and
who
are
your
accomplices ?”
Korschoun looked fearlessly at Ivan.
Czar ,"
he
said,
“ in
my youth I used
to
sing a song in which a Czar asks a brave man
who were his fellow brigands, and he answers,
' I had four accomplices, the first was the dark
night, the second
“ Enough,” interrupted Maluta, “ we shall see
how
you
continued
will
sing under
he,
“ it
the
seems to
torture.
me
that
But, "
I
have .
seen that bushy head before .”
Korschoun laughed and bowed to Maluta .
“ We have met before, my father,
remember, at the Stagnant Pool. ”
you may
43
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Homack, "
said
Maluta,
turning
to
his
servant, “ take that old man away , and question
him as to his designs in coming to his Grace's
bed - chamber.
Come,
I will myself come directly .”
old
man,"
said
Korschoun by the collar.
Homack,
seizing
Let us have a talk
together .”
“ Stop,”
said
Ivan ,
" you
Maluta
take care
of the old man ; he is not to die speedily under
torture.
will invent for him
I
punishment
a
which shall astonish even you. ”
Thank
Czar,
the
old man,
said
“ you will
not
pushing him forward ,
This
night
joint ;”
will
and
only
with
your
put
Homack’s
bones
Maluta ,
die
out
yet ..
of
assistance he led
the robber out of the room .
In the
meantime, Persten , taking
advantage
of the general confusion , had climbed the garden
palisade,
and
had
soon
where stood the prison.
reached
the
square,
It was empty , all the
people had rushed to the scene of the fire .
As
he was groping his way along the prison wall,
his foot struck against something soft,
VOL. II.
and he
E
50
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
felt that it was a dead body.
haired man
who
had
spoken
The same red
to
morning came up and whispered,
him in
the
Ataman , I
have killed the sentinel, give the keys quickly,
that I may open the prison, and then let me
run and plunder the burning houses.
But where
is Korschoun ? "
“ In the hands of the Czar , " hastily answered
Persten .
escape.
“ All is lost.
Gently.
Collect the
others and
Who is that ? ”
“ I,” said Mitka , coming up.
66
Away, you fool - get out of the village — we
must all meet at the old oak .”
“ And the Prince ? ”
“ Fool !
lost ?
don't
said Mitka.
you hear
me say , that all is
The old man has been captured, and we
have not got the keys."
“ But the prison is not shut. ”
“ How ? not shut ?
Who opened it ? ”
“ I.”
“ You idiot ! talk sense .
Well, I came here
and found the sentinel
dead, so thought I to myself, I will see if the
51
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
door is firm .
pushed against it with my
So I
I pushed
So
whole weight, and the hinges gave way.
“ O
fool !
you
Persten.
“ The
thanks to
fools
you
fool ! ”
saying
the
is
earth
joyfully
indeed
goes
cried
true ,
round .”
that
And
seizing hold of Mitka's head, he kissed him on
both cheeks .
Mitka
expanded
his
thick
and calmly
lips ,
drew his sleeve across his mouth .
Come with me," said Persten to him, “ and
you, ” to the other man ,
“ remain here, and if
anything happens, give a whistle. ”
Persten entered the prison, followed by Mitka,
There were two more doors, but
neither
of
them resisted the Herculean strength of Mitka.
“ Prince ,” said Persten ,
entering
the
subter
ranean vault, “ rise up."
Serebrenni thought they had come to lead him
to execution .
“ Is it morning ?” asked he, “ or
perhaps you cannot wait till dawn, Maluta ?”
“ I am not Maluta ,” said Persten, “ I am the
man whom you saved from death .
time is precious ."
Rise, Prince,
52
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Who are you ?”
asked Serebrenni.
" I do
not recognise your voice. ”
“ You cannot remember it, Boyarin ; but rise,
for we have no time to lose . ”
he thought
Serebrenni did not answer,
that
Persten was one of the executioners, and that
he was making sport of him .
“ Do you not believe me, Prince ? ” said the
Ataman
the
in
a tone
village
of
Stagnant Pool.
A
the
wild joy
Prince's
of vexation .
Medvedevka ;
I am
and
heart.
“ Remember
remember
the
Persten .
longing
He
for freedom filled
thought
of the green
woods and fields, and of battles yet to come;
the
face
before
him.
ground,
when
of
he
and
Elène,
He
was
like
had
a
glorious
already risen
sun, rose
from
the
preparing to follow Persten ,
remembered
his
oath
to
the
Czar,
and the blood rushed back to his heart.
“ I cannot follow you , ” he said, “ I promised
the Czar to await his will, wherever I might be.”
“ Prince , "
said
the
astonished
have no time to dispute with you.
Persten,
“ I
My people
53
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
are
waiting,
our heads.
morrow .
“ I
and
every
Your
moment may cost us
execution
is
fixed
for
to
While there is yet time, follow us . ”
cannot,”
gloomily
answered
Serebrenni.
“ I kissed the cross to him , that I would not
escape."
said
" Boyarin ,”
trembled with
voice
his
and
Persten ,
anger,
jesting
are you
with
for you we have set the village on fire,
me ?
we have lost our best man , we are risking our
lives, and
you wish to
remain here ?
Are we
buffoons that you think you may amuse your
self
our
at
the
man
for
the
expense ?
who
last
dare
time,
I
to
should
with
trifle
will
like
you
Say,
me .
follow
see
to
us
or
not ? ”
“ No,”
answered the Prince, firmly ; and he
lay down again on the ground.
“ No ? ”
said Persten , with set teeth,
it shall not be as you wish .
" then
Mitka, take him
up in your arms,” and as he spoke , the Ataman
threw
his
sash
round
prevent him crying out.
Serebrenni's
mouth ,
to
54
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Now you will dispute no longer," said he
angrily.
Mitka carried out the Prince,
as if he were
a child.
“ Quick , " said Persten .
In
of
one
the
streets
they
met
some
Apritchniki.
“ Who are you carrying ? ” asked they.
“ It is
beam
a villager, who
has been hurt by a
falling
answered ;
from a burning house, ” they
to
the
66 we
him
carrying
are
hospital.”
At the gate of the village
by the
sentinel — they
they were stopped
attempted to
pass — the
sentinel opened his mouth to give the
but Persten laid him dead at
blow .
alarm ,
his feet with a
They then carried the Prince out of the
village without any further adventure.
CHAPTER
III.
THE MONASTERY .
WE left Maxime on that dark night , when he
rode from the village of Alexandrova ; followed
by his black dog, jumping for joy, at
having
found its master.
He had quitted
any
fixed
from the
and
from
his
purpose.
hateful
the
father's
house
Only wishing
life
of
the
sight
of
daily
without
to
Czar's
escape
courtiers,
tortures,
and
giving himself up to the guidance of fate.
He
had
mounted hastily,
dreading
pursuit,
but soon he turned into an unfrequented road,
and slackened his pace .
Towards morning, the
storm had ceased , and the sky cleared, so that
he
could
distinguish
objects.
Oaks grew
on
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
56
both sides of the road, intermingled with hazel
bushes — the
morning was
drops were still falling
birds
tap
began
to
against
gilded
by
sing,
cool,
from
and
and
the
the
the
trees — whose
the
sunlight.
the
rain
leaves.
The
woodpecker
tops
All
now
nature
was
awakening, and even his horse seemed to
out
more
him,
briskly.
but he felt
overwhelmed
by
Broad
unhappy,
a
true
to
were
step
Russia
lay before
for his
heart
Russian’s
was
grief.
He
thought of his mother, of his loneliness, of the
many
mysteries
explain,
words,
and
and
at
sang.
life
last,
plaintive
that
he
he
put his
Beautiful are
melody
could
not
sorrow
into
the songs
of
often meaningless, but
words are
Russia ; the
the
in
can well
express
every
feeling of the singer ; and so, Maxime sung of
the
sky and
all
God's
creation ,
and
of
the
sweetness of liberty, and bade the winds carry
his love to his mother.
said
more
than
The music of his song
its words,
and
had
any
one
heard that song, they would often have remem
He felt that
of sorrow .
bered it in the hour
57
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
his
grief
was
mastering
him,
and
giving
a
sharp whistle, he put his horse into a gallop.
The
white
walls
of
a
which
convent,
was
situated on an oak-covered hill, soon appeared
him ; the
before
golden minarets
crosses
and
stood out in sharp relief against the blue sky.
Maxime met some of the monks on horseback,
and
coats
wearing
of mail — they rode slowly,
chanting the Psalm , “ I will love Thee, O Lord,
my strength. ”
On hearing the holy words, he took off his
cap and made the sign of the cross.
A
small river ran
where
several
at the
mills were
peaceful,
out
of
that
the
of the hill,
working,
were grazing on the banks.
so
foot
cows
and
All around looked
armed
place — the very birds
monks
seemed
appeared
to
sing
more softly here, and it was difficult to believe
that wicked men could trouble this repose.
“ I will rest here, ” thought Maxime, till my
father
confess
has
all
ceased
to
the
to
search
prior, and
for
me.
perhaps
give me shelter for some time . ”
“
I will
he will
58
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
The old prior ,
mistaken .
was not
Maxime
with a long grey beard , and with an expression
simplicity in
of unworldly
eyes, received
his
him kindly.
novices led his tired horse
Two
others brought
dog - all
gave
some
bread
a
him
away, two
and milk
for the
The
hearty welcome.
prior offered him food, but he begged first
to
confess : the old man looked at him inquiringly,
and then, without speaking, led him through a
a long row of
amongst the tombs, and before
which
were
adorned with
brass plates
over
the
cells,
epitaphs,
which
all
Everything
humility.
vanity
flowers.
The
echoed beneath
tread , the high grass nearly covered
Maxime's
the
graves
passed
They
low church.
a
into
court
large
of
life,
and
breathed
spirit
him
reminded
disposed
a
him
of
of
the
to prayer.
The church aisle, which they entered, was sur
rounded by oaks, whose thick foliage nearly shut
out the
it
light from the long narrow windows ;
looked
dark
and
window , less shaded
cool.
Through
one
than the others, the rays
59
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
of
on
fell
sunlight
painted
Judgment,
picture
a
on
the
wall.
in gloom ;
the church was lost
of
Last
the
The rest
but
of
now and
sunbeams lit up a glory round the
then
the
head
of a
saint, or fell
on
the
silver
crosses
embroidered on the black velvet palls, covering
tombs
the
of
Worotinsky,
Princes
the
the
founders of the monastery .
There was a mingled smell of damp and
of
incense in the church.
As Maxime's eyes became accustomed to the
darkness, he
of
the
gradually distinguished
Saviour
surrounded
by
another representing John the
and holding his
a
picture
cherubs,
and
Baptist winged,
own head in a
charger.
On
the walls were badly executed paintings of the
parable of the Prodigal Son, and of the future
state
of the good and
of the
wicked.
pictures had a strange effect on Maxime.
These
All
the lessons he had been taught from his child
hood,
of
humility,
and
of implicit
obedience
to his father, now rushed back upon him
— he
felt as if he had sinned in opposing his will,
60
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
His
conscience
rightly,
yet
picture
of
told
he
could
the
imagination ,
him
Last
and
that
not
feel
Judgment
when
the
he
had
at
acted
ease : the
disturbed
flickering
his
shadow
of the oak boughs fell on it, it seemed to him
that
all
great
sinners
the
demons
and
fear mastered
him,
and he
moved :
fell
a
on his
face before the prior.
said
“ Father,”
he,
“ I
surely
am
great
a
sinner.”
Pray,"
mercy
answered
is
great,
the
and
“ God's
man.
old
repentance
can
do
22
much .”
Maxime felt encouraged.
“ My sin
voice .
is great,” said he, in a trembling
" Listen
to
me,
to tell — my love for
father.
It
is
fearful
the Czar has grown cold
--my heart has departed from him .”
The
prior
looked
with
astonishment
at
Maxime.
“ Do
man.
against
not
cast
me
“ Listen to me.
this
feeling,
off ,”
said
the
young
Long have I struggled
and
prayed
before
the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
sacred
images.
I
have
striven
to
61
love
him ,
but in vain .”
“ My son ,”
clouded
must have
dering
your mind,
him
at
Satan
of
slan
you are
cannot be that you
self — it
true
your
looking
promptings
“ the
sympathy,
with
prior,
the
said
I have confessed many sinners
hate the Czar.
this church - even
in
men
and
sacrilege,
but
never
guilty
one
who
of
murder
owned
to
this sin .”
Maxime grew pale.
Then I am more sinful than all of them ,”
said
he.
must
“ Father, what
Teach
I do ?
me, help me - my soul is rent in twain .”
The prior looked at the man before him , and
The expres
more astonished than ever .
felt
sion of Maxime's
purity — it was
regular
one
of
features
those
still sometimes meets with
Moscow and
in
was full
faces that
Russia,
of
one
between
the Volga, where the influence of
towns has not spread .
My son ,” said the prior, “ I do not believe
you .
I
do
not
believe
that
your heart
has
NI
.
PRINCE SEREBREN
62
been
estranged
sible.
Think
from the
yourself.
It
Czar.
than a father to us, and the Fifth
is
more
Command
Tell
ment bids us love our parents.
impos
is
Czar
The
me , my
son , do you keep the Commandments ?”
Maxime was silent.
“ My son , do you honour your father ? "
No, ” said Maxime, indistinctly.
“ No ?” repeated the prior, and he made the
sign of the cross.
You
“ You do not love the Czar.
not honour
do
your father.
Who
then
are you ? "
“ I
young
am
Maxime
Apritchnik ,
Skouratoff,"
' the
son
answered
of
the
Skouratoff
Belski.”
“ Of Maluta ? "
“ Yes,” said Maxime, and a wild
sob broke
from him.
The prior was
silent, and stood sadly before
Maxime.
The spectral faces of the saints looked calmly
down upon them, the sinners in the picture of
the
Last Judgment
stretched
out their
hands
63
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
to Heaven, the silence of the church was only
broken by the sobs of Maxime and the whispered
prayers of the prior.
“ My son , ” said the prior at
last, “ tell me
the whole truth from the beginning; when did
your loyalty to the Czar forsake you ?”
Maxime related his life at the village, his last
conversation with his father, and his departure.
He
spoke
and
slowly
distinctly,
forgetting any detail that his
for
fear
of
confessor ought
Having finished his story, he looked
to know .
down, not daring to cast a glance at the prior,
and waiting his sentence.
“ Have you told me all ? ” said the old man.
“ Is
there
nothing
Perhaps you
are
else
troubling your soul ?
conspiring
against
the
Czar
and against Holy Russia . "
Maxime's eyes flashed .
My father, I would rather die than admit a
thought
against my
country.
I
do
not
love
the Czar, but I have not committed treason . "
The prior laid his hand on the young man's
head in token of absolution ,
64
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Maxime,
the
servant
of
God,
thy
sins,
whether committed wittingly or unwittingly, are
forgiven thee.”
A great joy filled Maxime's heart.
' My son , " said the prior,
has
purified
you,
the
Holy
“ your confession
Church
does
not
impute to you as a crime to have left Alexan
drova, for it is always right to flee temptation ;
but fear lest the Evil One should
seduce
you
to follow the bad example of Prince Kourbski,
who
from
traitor
and
a
Russian
rebel.
Boyarin
has
Merciful God ! ”
become
a
continued
the old man , with a sigh, “ it is in punishment
of our sins that Thou hast sent us these heavy
times, it is not for us to judge Thy inscrutable
ways !
When
God
sends us famine
or
pesti
lence, we have nothing to do, but to pray and
to
bow
to His holy will ;
so it is
now.
He
has placed over us a Czar who is terrible.
We
know not why he puts so many to death ; but
we know that God has sent him and bow our
heads, not before Ivan Wassilievitch , but before
Him , whose messenger He is.
Let us remember
65
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
the
words
country ,
of
God
the
gives
prophet,
a good
wicked nation,
He sends
punishment
their sins.'
of
" To
a
king ;
righteous
but
to
a
a bad king for the
Remain
with
us,
my son ; when it is time for you to leave us,
the
brotherhood will pray God to
paths
smooth
for
you..
And
make
now ,"
your
kindly
added the prior, “ let us go into the refectory,
we
must not
despise
our
bodily
You
food .
shall taste our fish, our pike and carp , also our
curds and hydromel, which you shall drink to
the health of the Czar and the Metropolitan ,”
and so in pleasant conversation they both entered
the refectory .
VOL. II.
F
CHAPTER
IV .
THE JOURNEY .
monastery passed
The days in the
calmly and
monotonously.
Some
collected herbs
painted
monks, in their
of the
and
pictures,
leisure
hours,
prepared medicines, others
and
carved
crosses
out
of
cypress -wood, or painted and gilded little cups.
Maxime got to like the good monks, and did
not notice how the time sped .
But after a week had passed, he decided on
leaving the monastery.
While still at
Alexan
drova, he had heard of the fresh incursions of
the Tartars, and desired to go and aid the men
of Raizan against them .
And now he spoke of
this
who
wish
to
the
prior,
listened
to
him
67
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
sorrowfully.
son ? "
said
“ Why
he,
should
" we
all
you leave us, my
love
become accustomed to
you.
that
touch
God's
that you
grace may
you ,
Who
and
have
knows but
your heart,
will remain always with us.
and
Listen
to me , Maxime, and stay here."
" I cannot, my father ; my fate beckons me
distant lands.
to
I long to fight the enemies
of my country .”
The prior no
longer
sought
to
oppose
him ,
he caused a Te Deum to be chanted for him,
and having given him his blessing, sorrowfully
bade him farewell.
Again Maxime found himself on horseback in
the
midst
of the green woods, and
again, as
before, Bouyan jumped and barked round him.
Suddenly, the
dog barked louder, and ran for
ward , while Maxime put his hand to his sword ,
fearing some hostile encounter.
A man came riding towards him, dressed in a
yellow caftan, with a double -headed
eagle
em
broidered on his breast - he was whistling gaily,
and on his hand he bore a hooded white falcon .
68
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Maxime recognized one of the Czar's falconers.
“ Trifon ! ” exclaimed he .
" Maxime Gregoritch !” answered the falconer
gaily, " good day to you . How fares your honour ?
No one in the village knows what has become
of you ,
and
to see .
Strange things are told of your father,
your father's anger was dreadful
the Czarévitch, and the Prince Serebrenni, but
one
does
not
know
what
to
believe.
God, however, that you are found !
Thank
How happy
your mother will be ! ”
Maxime
was
annoyed
at
having
met
the
falconer, but he knew him to be a good fellow ,
who could be silent when it was necessary.
So
he asked him when he had left Alexandrova.
“ About a
week
ago,
when
Adragan
flew
away,” said the falconer, showing the bird that
he
held
on
his
hand.
“ The
Czar was very
angry , and my terror was great ; but God and
my patron saint have worked a . miracle in my
favour .”
The
himself.
falconer
took
off
his
cap
and
crossed
69
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
You
see this
Czar went
was how
it
to the chase, and
happened.
let
“ The
Adragan
fly
twice, but the third time he flew away out of
sight, and though I should have liked to gallop
after him , I did not know in what direction to
go,
he
had
disappeared
entirely.
The
head
falconer told the Czar that the bird was lost,
and Ivan Wassilievitch sent for me, and
said,
that if I could find it again , he would reward
me ; if not, I should lose my head.
I
to
do ?
to jest :
Six
days
What was
for our father the Czar is not wont
so
I
I went off in search of Adragan.
looked
for
him
in
vain, and my
neck began to feel uncomfortable, as I thought
of losing my
head .
I sat down in the wood
and wept, and at last fell asleep with weeping.
In my sleep I saw a vision, light shone among
the trees, and I heard a sound of bells, and I
thought
at
once,
Adragan's neck .
“ Those
are the
bells
round
In my dream I saw a warrior
with a glory round his head, sitting on
horse
back and holding the falcon on his hand, and
he said to me, ' Do not look for Adragan here,
70
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Trifon, but go to Moscow, and in the wood of
Lazarus
you
will
see
a
pine
sits Adragan !
I awoke, and
stood
warrior
that
the
patron saint ;
off directly
tree ,
at
had
I
on
which
once
under
seen
was
my
and springing on my horse, set
for
the place
indicated.
I
found
the fir - tree and Adragan upon it, just as had
been told me in my dream ! ”
The voice of the falconer trembled , and his
eyes filled with tears.
“ Maxime
Gregoritch ,”
any cost, I will
saint,
the
on
Adragan ;
and
very
spot
will
have
I
a
will
where
I
picture
a
found
painted
glory round his head
and his hand uplifted ,
I
" At
as I saw him in my dream ,
a white horse —
it.
he,
build a chapel to my patron
representing him,
on
continued
teach
my
with
the
children
falcon
and
upon
grand
children to pray to him for having saved his
servant from the block .
safe on my hand !
See
here
is Adragan
Do you want me
your
hood
off,”
continued
bird ,
" that
you
are
he ,
screaming
to take
addressing
so ?
the
Perhaps
71
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
you would
have
like to
fly away again ?
But you
flown enough - I won't let you
See
go.
how wicked he is ! one could hear him scream
ing from afar . ”
The tale of the falconer made a great impres
sion on Maxime .
“ Take this
handful
from
gold
of
me,” said
pieces
throwing a
he,
into
the
man's
cap .
“ It is all I have, but I do not want it ; and
you
will
want
a
good
build
to
deal
your
chapel.”
May
church
God reward you !. I
with
When I
the money you have
return to Alexandrova , I
Te Deum said for your health.
serve
could
you ,
tell
me,
and
I
build
given
a
me.
will have a
Whenever I can
will
do
anything
for you ? ”
Listen,
Trifon ; you
great service.
can
easily
do
me
a
When you return to the village,
do not tell anyone that you have met me, but
three
her
days
that
greetings.”
later, go
her
son
to
my mother, and
is alive, and
tell
sends her his
72
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Is that all, Maxime Gregoritch ?”
am
“ No ; I
going far
away ,
may not
and
return for a long while ; but do you go to my
mother from time to time, and say, ' Your son
not grieve
is well : do
if she
on his
' How have you
asks,
account ; ' and,
of him ? '
heard
tell her you have heard the news from Moscow
travellers, but do not say anything definite to
discovered .
my being
to
lead
her
Only let
know that I am alive . "
“ So you will not return to the village ? ”
“ That God only knows — but tell no one of
our meeting. ”
“ No
you
fear that
are going
on
take your money.
shall
I
betray you ;
but
if
a long journey, I will not
God
would
punish me
for
doing so ! ”
“ What
"
can I want money for ? ”
I will not take it.
home,
it
would look
Maxime
would
be
If you were returning
different.
But
now
it
like robbery .”
shrugged
his
shoulders,
and
a few gold pieces out of the man's cap .
took
73
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“
If you
do
not
take
someone else will.
the
rest, ”
said
he ,
I do not require them .”
He then parted with the falconer, and con
The sun was setting,
his journey.
tinued
and
long
fields ;
shadows
and
his
covered
own
the
shadow
woods
looked
and
like
a
fabulous giant, and that of the dog like some
monstrous
animal.
into twilight.
and
the
light.
the
night
plains glittered
in
country !
I
country !
have
stepping
shadows soon merged
The moon and stars came out,
boundless
My
horse
The
my
ridden
over
silvery
too
thy plains,
out with measured
in
my
after
tread
the heat of the day ; the warm balmy air was
with
fraught
the
scent
of
flowers
and
new
mown hay, and the hour seemed to me sweet
and melancholy, as I looked back on the past,
and
forward
thus
woods
to
ride
and
to the
future.
through
fields,
to
the
throw
It
is
solitudes
the
reins
pleasant
of
the
on
the
horse's neck , and look upward at the stars.
Maxime had been riding a good hour, when
Bouyan began to wag his tail, as if in expec
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
74
tation, and
chimney,
he
the
saw a
small
hut
smoke
ascending
without
any
through
the
roof, while a light shone through a low window ,
and he heard a monotonous song being chanted
within .
could
He
the
see
which was poor and
whole
of
interior,
the
roof
miserable ; from the
hung a pole, on which was suspended a cradle,
rocked to and fro by a pale, wan woman, who
seemed
was
thirty years
about
singing as
peasant, who
she rocked .
was
plaiting
of
Near
who
and
ago,
her
baskets,
sat a
and
other children were crawling at their feet.
two
It
seemed to Maxime, that he caught his father's
name
in
the
song, but thought he could
have heard aright, so
he
not
listened more atten
tively.
“ Sleep, my child , sleep till the storm has ceased,
Byù byuschki byù,
Soon the danger will have past, and the Czar will order
The head of that cur Maluta Skouratoff to be cut off.”
Maxime's blood rushed to his face.
He dis
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
mounted and tied his horse to a tree .
St
The voice
continued
“ It was he, the wicked Maluta, who killed the holy Philip,
Byù byuschki byù .”
Maxime could bear it no longer, and he pushed
the door open with his foot.
On seeing the rich
attire and the gold sabre of the Apritchnik the
“ Who are you?"
poor people were terrified .
asked Maxime.
“ We are miserable peasants," said the old man
trembling ; “ my name is Fedot, and my wife's
is Marie .
“ How do you gain your livelihood ?"
“ We make common shoes and baskets, which
pedlars, who pass by sometimes, buy of us . ”
“
But few only pass here ?"
“ Yes ; and sometimes we are afraid of dying
of hunger, as we have no horse, to take our work
to the town ; it was devoured by the wolves some
time ago .
Maxime looked at them with sympathy, and
threw his gold pieces on the table.
76
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ God be with you, good people ! ” said he, and
turned towards the door, but they threw them
selves at his feet, crying, “ Tell us who you are,
that we may know for whom we are to pray to
God .”
“ Do not pray for me , but for Maluta Skoura
toff ; and tell me, is the road to Raizan far from
this ?"
“ Why this is it, my white falcon, but do not
go farther now,, the road is not safe ; it is infested
by brigands; and only yesterday a whole waggon
load of wine was stopped.
Pass the night here,
my father, or a misfortune may overtake you .”
But Maxime would not remain beneath a roof
where
he had heard his father's
name
cursed ,
and he turned away to seek some other shelter,
while the good people cried after him
“ Stay with us to -night, my father, the road is
not safe."
He would not listen , and went on, but had
not gone many versts, when his dog began to
bark loudly at a bush, as if it contained some
hidden enemy.
Tired of calling him back ,
77
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Maxime drew his sword, and galloped up to the
bush , when
several men , armed with
sprang out upon him,
“ Dismount. ”
answer,
and a voice
cudgels,
exclaimed,
“ That is for you ,” was Maxime's
dealing a blow
at the one
nearest to
him ; the brigand staggered .
Maxime attempted to
his sabre
broke
in
repeat the stroke, but
two,
against
an
uplifted
cudgel.
“ Look
at
his
horse's
harness !
He is an
Apritchnik , seize him ! ” cried the same voice.
“ So he is,” said another, and they all fell upon
Maxime and dragged him from his horse.
CHAPTER
V.
THE REVOLT OF THE FREEBOOTERS.
ABOUT a verst from the spot where Maxime had
been attacked, armed
men were
sitting
casks of wine, eating and drinking.
round
The fires
lit up their shaggy beards and varied garments.
Many were our old acquaintances, but one face
was wanting,
The
and
freebooters
spoke
“ What
of
him
has
that
often
as
become
was
old
thought
they
of
drank
the
old
Korschoun's.
of
him ,
their
man ? ”
and
wine.
said
one.
“ They are tearing him in pieces probably ? ”
said another.
“ But the old devil will not betray us, he will
not let fall a word against us. '
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
79
will let himself
“ Of course he will not, he
be torn in pieces first . ”
“ But I regret the old grey beard — and what
has
the
Ataman
done ?
He
is
safe,
and
has
betrayed him .”
“ What kind of leader is he ?
Ataman
sacrifice
Would a true
his best follower to save
an
unknown Prince ? "
“ You see the Prince is a friend of his.
are
even
now
sitting
in
They
You
the same hut.
had better not speak of him.
God forbid that
the Ataman should hear you.”
·What do I care
if he does hear ?
I will
tell him to his face that he is not a real Ataman .
Korschoun was different, he was a true leader,
but he was in Persten's way, therefore he
has
betrayed him .”
“ Perhaps he did betray him purposely .”
A
murmur ran through the band .
“ Purposely,” said many of them .
“ What Prince is
is he kept here ?
ransom for it ? "
it ? ”
said another.
Does the Ataman
“ Why
expect
a
80
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ No ransom," said
a red-haired
man, “ the
Czar has offended the Prince, and now he has
come over to us .
He says to us, ' I will lead
you to Alexandrova.
sures are.
I know where
the trea
Let us kill all the Apritchniki, and
then divide the spoil.'”
“ Well, then, why does he not lead us ?
We
have been here three days to no purpose ."
“ He does not lead us, because our Ataman is.
an old woman ."
' Do not say that.
Persten is no old woman .'
of us, which
“ Then he is making game
is
worse.
" Perhaps he wishes to take possession of the
Czar's treasure for himself, and not allow us to
share.
“
Yes, yes, Persten will betray us, as he has
betrayed Korschoun .”
“ He has chosen the young people for
“ And
he
does
not
wish
to
save
that.
the
old
man .'
“ What is that
without his help .”
to
us ?
we
can
save
him
81
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ And we can
him .
get at
the
treasures
without
Let the Prince lead us. "
The Czar has gone on a
“ Now is the time.
and
pilgrimage,
only
half the Apritchniki are
in the village."
“ Let us burn Alexandrova again . ”
“ Let us kill all the
“ Down
with
inhabitants.”
Persten .
Let the Prince lead
us. "
“Let the Prince lead us, let the Prince lead
The words ftew
us,” resounded from all sides.
like lightning from group to
all
gathered
noisily
round
group,
the
and
they
hut where the
Prince was conversing with Persten .
“ Be angry if you will, Prince ," the Ataman
was saying, “ but I will not let you go.
not
I have
saved you from prison, in order that you
should lay your head again on the block . ”
“ My head is my
with
vexation .
own ," answered the Prince
“ It was of no
use saving me
from prison, if I am not to be free here ."
“ Prince, it is everything to gain time.
The
Czar may relent, or may die, many things may
G
VOL. II.
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
82
happen , and when the danger is past, you will
be free to go where you will.
There is nothing
to be done,” continued he, seeing the vexation
on the Prince's
that
face ;
you
are
not
to
stubborn,
but
so
am
" it seems to be decreed
die
yet.
You
I.
The
scythe
are
very
has
en
countered a stone."
At that moment the voices of the freebooters
were heard outside the hut.
“
To Alexandrova, to Alexandrova," said they,
“ let us save Korschoun ."
“ Let us save the old man ."
“ Let
us
drag
all the wine -casks from
vaults.”
“ And the gold also .”
“ Let us destroy the Apritchniki.”
“ Let us destroy the whole village.”
Where is the Prince ?
Let him lead us.'
“ And if he refuses, let us hang him . ”
66
On a tree .”
“ And Persten also ."
“ On a tree .””
Persten sprang from his seat.
the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ So
that is what
Persten.
they are
83
intending,” said
“ I have been listening to their voices
for a long time ; now the devil himself could not
calm them.
It seems it must be as you wish,
Prince ;
out
go
and tell
them
you
will
lead
them .”
Serebrenni
flushed
crimson .
against the village ?” said he ; “
“ Lead
them
I would rather
be torn in pieces first.”
“ But pretend to do so, Prince.
are all intoxicated ;
You see they
to -morrow they will
have
recovered themselves."
Prince ,” cried the voices, “ come out ! ”
“ Go, ” said Persten ; " it will be worse if they
rush in .” .
“ Very well,” said the Prince as he left the
hut ; " we shall see if they can force me to lead
them against the village.”
“ Ah, ha ! ” said the robbers, “ so he has crept
out at last.”
" Lead us to the village, be our Ataman, or
we shall put a noose round your neck .”
“ Certainly ,” roared others, “ we bow to you
84
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
as our Ataman .
If you refuse,
we shall hang
you .”
Persten , knowing Serebrenni's hot temper, also
left the hut.
said
he.
you
wish ,
What are you doing, brothers ? ”
« The
Prince
but now
will
let
him
lead
you
sleep ;
where
and
you
also lie down - you have had enough of amuse
ment.”
66
But what are you giving us orders for ?
Are
you our Ataman ? ”
“ Do you hear him ?" added some other voices.
“ He won't resign the command ! ”
“ Then let us hang him .”
Persten looked round at the crowd, and only
met angry faces.
“
be
You fools, ” said he, “ do you think I care to
your leader ?
all one to me.
Choose whom you like ; it is
I spit upon you all. "
“ Very well,” said a voice.
“ What honour is it for me," continued Persten ,
“ to command such people as you ?
I can go to
the Volga, and find there better followers than
you .”
PRINCE SEREBRENNI
85
“ We will not let you go , " said another ;
you
will betray us as you did Korschoun ."
“ Remain with us ! ” cried all, “ and obey the
new leader.”
Wild cries drowned Persten's voice, and a robber
of immense stature came up to Serebrenni with
a goblet in his hand.
“ My father, ”
said
he ,
striking him
on the
shoulder with the palm of his hand, “ since you
have become one of us, let us drink together .”
God knows what Serebrenni might have done
- perhaps knocked the goblet out of the man's
hand, and have been himself torn in pieces ; but
fortunately for him his attention was drawn off
by fresh shouts.
“ See, see !" some one cried from amidst the
crowd ; " an Apritchnik has been captured , and
they are leading him here. ”
Several robbers were seen coming out of the
wood,
leading
cords.
Maxime,
who
was
bound
with
The robber whom he had wounded was
sitting on his horse, while before them walked
Hlopka,
singing
and
dancing.
After
every
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
86
couplet of
his song he clapped his hands
and
whirled round like a top.
The red -haired
and
also began
robber
whirling
caught up
and
his fiddle ,
dancing
round
Maxime.
“ Look at those devils,” said Persten to the
Prince ;
" they will not kill the Apritchnik at
once, but will put him to death by slow torture.
He has fallen into the hands of the worst ruffians
in the band, and it will fare ill with him, I fear . ”
And, indeed, the
capture of the Apritchnik
was quite a windfall for the robbers, who desired
to revenge on Maxime all they had suffered from
his companions, and several ferocious-looking men
began immediately to prepare the instrments for
his
torture.
They
drove
four
stakes
ground, across which bars were nailed .
into
the
Maxime
looked calmly at these preparations, for he did
not fear death even by torture ; but he regretted
meeting it with bound hands and amid drunken
songs and laughter, instead of with the clash of
arms and the stamping of steeds .
“ My
forebodings have deceived me.
I did
87
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
not
death,
this
expect
but
will
God's
be
done . ”
this
At
moment,
he
recognised Serebrenni,
and tried to approach him, but the red-haired
brigand caught him by the collar, saying
* Your bed is ready, take off your coat, and
lie down .”
“ Unbind
my hands, " said Maxime, " that I
may be able to make the sign of the cross.
Hlopka with his knife cut the cords in two,
and said
" Pray, but don't be long about it .”
They then proceeded
to tie his
feet
to the
wooden framework .
Serebrenni stepped forward .
“ My men , ” said he, in a voice accustomed
to command.
The
that
words
they
“ Listen to me .”
were
were
pronounced
heard
by
the
so
distinctly,
most
distant
groups.
“ Do you all, ” he
be your leader ?
“ Do you wish
continued,
wish
me
to
Perhaps some do not.”
to
draw back ? ”
asked
a
88
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Do
voice.
not
trifle
accept
but
us,
with
the honour that is offered you .”
“ Then give me the Ataman's battle -axe.”
“ That's
right,” cried
the robbers, and
they
brought Persten's battle -axe to the Prince, who,
coming up to the red -haired robber, bade him
at once unbind the Apritchnik.
The man looked up with astonishment.
“ Unbind him, directly , " repeated Serebrenni,
sternly.
“ So
you
take
his
part,"
the
said
robber.
“ Are you in your right mind ? "
“ Wretch !” cried the Prince ; " dare you dis
pute
my
and with
orders ? ”
one blow of his
The man
battle - axe he cleft his head in two.
dropped down dead without a cry .
Serebrenni's
action
startled the robbers, but without giving
them
time
for
ref
lection ,
reflection
he
repeated
to
Hlopka
“ Do you untie
him , " and, as he
spoke, he
lifted his axe over the man's head.
Hlopka
looked
at
unfastened the cords.
him ,
and
immediately
89
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ My men, ” continued the Prince, “ this man
is not one of those who have injured you.
I
know him well — and he hates the Apritchniki
God forbid that you should
as much as I do.
Now delay no longer ; arm
harm him .
your
selves, and follow me.”
of Serebrenni, his
The firm voice
gesture,
unexpected
and
decision,
imperious
produced
a
great effect on the robbers, and some of them
muttered
* This
with .
man
He
is
anyone to
won't
let
a
chief,
real
himself
and
be
trifled
would
force
See how he killed that
obey him .
man ! "
So spoke the robbers, and not one of them
would
now
have
dared
to attempt
any
fami
liarity with him .
· Well
done,
respectfully.
Prince,"
“ Do
not
reflection , but lead them
whispered
give
them
at once
Persten,
time
on the
for
road
to the village, and God help us .'
The position of Serebrenni was an unpleasant
one — by becoming their captain , he had saved
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
90
Maxime, and gained
be
lost
crew.
if
he
his
raised
He
time, but now
refused
trusted to His mercy .
to
gone
off in
the
boisterous
to God — and
The men began to pre
now only
they were
named
man
a
for
all would
the
thoughts
pare for the march , and
waiting
lead
morning with
a
had
who
Fedka,
detachment,
and had not yet returned.
Here he is ,” said some one at last.
Fedka was tall, blind of one
face
covered
was
with
eye,
scars.
and
his
clothes
His
were torn, and he walked heavily, as if over
powered with fatigue.
is
" What
the matter ? ”
asked
of the
one
freebooters.
“ Have
you
caught
it
again ?”
questioned
another.
“ Somebody
answered
has
Fedka.
caught
“
I
had
it,
but
many
not
sins
we, ”
on my
soul, but now they sit lighter.”
“ How's that ? "
“ Bring him here ,” said Fedka to
his
men ;
and they led forward a man in a striped caftan .
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
91
On his large head he wore a cap with turned
upbrim .
and
His
flat
nose,
high
small eyes, clearly showed
Another
man
brought
the
cheek -bones,
his nationality.
armour
which
had
been taken from the prisoner.
“ He is a Tartar,” cried the robbers.
“ Yes,
and
a
strong
one
too.
Had
it not
been for Mitka he would have escaped .”
22
“ Tell us about it ."
“ This morning we went towards Raizan, and
began to pillage a merchant whom we met on
the
road, but
he
said to
us, “ I have nothing
left, the Tartars have robbed me, and have not
left me enough to take me to Moscow . ”
“ What thieves ! ”
said a voice.
“ What did
you do with the merchant ? ”
“ We gave him a few copecks.
Further on
we met a peasant, who told us that the Tartars.
had burnt his village the
day before ; then we
passed a place where there were at least a thou
sand horses belonging to the Tartars, and then
we met
a number
of men and women crying,
because
they had burnt their village also, had
92
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
plundered their
churches ,
cut
to
pieces
their
sacred images, and used the priests' vestments as
a covering for the horses.”
The cursed wretches,” cried a robber, “ why
did not the earth swallow them up ? ”
“ They tied the priest, ” continued Tedka, “ to
2
the tail of a horse.”
“ The priest !
How was it that God's lightning
did not fall on them
?”
“ God knows."
“ But have not the
Russians
hands to fight
the Tartars ?”
“ The
hands
are
few ,
for
the
troops
are
dispersed, and
only peasants, women, and old
men
and
are left ;
these
Mussulmen
exult
in
meeting with no one to oppose them . ”
“ But how did you capture this man ?”
“
It happened thus.
We heard horses' hoofs
on the road, so I said to my comrades, ‘ let us
hide
among the
bushes,
and
see who passes. '
We did so, and soon we saw about thirty men
dressed like this one, with
and swords.
bows,
and
' Here they come,' said
arrows,
I, ' what a
93
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
pity
we
are
so
few
have attacked them .'
in
number, or we might
One of them dropped
bag, and stopped to dismount and pick it
while the others galloped on ;
a
up,
so I said , let us
all fall upon him , and we all rushed
forward ,
but he was so strong, that he shook us off, and
when
we
again attacked him, the same
happened.
‘ Make
way ,'
wrenching the sword
said
thing
Mitka,
and
out of the man's hands,
he felled him to the ground, and we all bound
him .”
“ Well done Mitka ,” cried the robbers.
“ He could take a bull
by the horns, could
you not, Mitka ? ” said another.
“ What for ? ”
replied Mitka, not wishing to
continue the subject.
“ What was in the Tartar's bag ? ”
“ Look, my men ,” and Fedka untied the bag,
and
took
out a piece of a
priest's
vestments,
a rich gold chalice, and several gold crosses .
“
O the dog ! ” cried the brigands, " so it was
he who pillaged the church ! ”
Serebrenni
took
advantage
of
the
general
94
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
indignation,
and
Tartars
profane
said,
“ See
the
cursed
Shall
we let
how
Christ's church.
them desecrate our churches and images, pillage
our villages, and kill our brothers ? ”
A murmur ran through the crowd.
“ My men , ” continued the Prince, " we are all
sinners ; let us then atone for our sins by fighting
against the enemies of our church and country .”
The
Prince's
words
aroused
the
feeling
patriotism in all those rugged breasts.
of
The old
men nodded and the young men looked at each
other, while loud
different groups.
“
exclamations burst from the
It is not right to let God's churches be dese
crated .”
“
A man can only die once , so it is better to
die on the field of battle than on the gibbet ! ”
“
That is true," said an
old
man ; “ on the
battle - field even death is beautiful.”
“ I don't know what the rest will do, ” said a
young man ; “ but I will go against the Tartars . ”
“ So will I ” _ " and I,”
* People
“ and I, ” cried others.
say of you ,” continued the
Prince,
95
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ that you
have forgotten God, and that you
have no conscience !
are
wrong,
Prove to them that they
and that
you
can
fight
for
your
country, as well as the Streltsie or the Apritch
niki.”
“ We will, we will! we will not let the Pagans
attack Holy Russia . ”
“ Lead us against the Tartars, lead us and we
will fight well.”
“ My men , ” said the Prince, “ if we vanquish
the enemy, and the Czar sees that we are no worse
the Apritchniki, he
us
our
faults, and say that he no longer requires
the
than
may forgive
Apritchniki, since he has brave servants enough
· without them .”
“ If he only says that, ” said one, “ we would
It is not for my
lay down our lives for him .
pleasure that I have become a
robber.”
- Nor
I ," said another .
“ Then you will lay down your lives for your
country ? " asked Serebrenni.
“ We will, we will, ” cried they.
“ But
if we
are
going to
fight against the
96
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Czar's enemies we must drink his health ,” said
the Prince.
“ Let us drink .”
“
live
Then take the cups, and give me one.
our great
Sovereign, Ivan
Long
Wassilievitch , "
continued the Prince, lifting his cup.
“ Long live the Czar.”
“ May our country prosper !"
“
Perish the
Tartars !
Lead
us
against the
Tartars !” was heard on all sides.
“ Let us throw the Tartar into the fire,”
said
some one ; but the Prince interposed and said,
“ Wait, let us question him first.
How many are
there of you ?”
The
Tartar
made
a sign,
that
he
did
not
understand.
“ Wait, Prince,” said Fedka, “ we'll loosen his .
tongue.
Bring some
fire here.
That will
do.
Will you answer now ? "
“
Yes, I will , ” cried the Tartar.
“ Are there many of you ? and how many ?"
“ Ten thousand, and to -morrow there will be a
hundred thousand.”
97
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ So you are only the advanced guard.
Who
is your leader ?"”
« The Khan .”
“ The Khan himself ?"
“ No, he will arrive to -morrow ; but we were
led by the Prince Schichmat.”
“ And where is his camp ?”
The Tartar again made signs that he did not
understand.
“ Hi, Hlopka, some more fire !"
Very
near
this , ”
said
the
Tartar, hastily ,
' about ten versts. ”
66
Show us the road ,” said the Prince.
“ I cannot see it now, but to -morrow I shall be
able to find it .”
Fedka brought a burning brand and laid it on
the Tartar's hand.
“ Will you find the road ?
”
“ I have found it !
I have found it."
66
Very well,” said Serebrenni,
now eat, and
give the Tartar some food , and then we shall see
whát Russian strength can do .'
VOL. II.
I
CHAPTER
VI .
THE PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE.
THERE
had
been
such
a
turmoil
among
the
robbers that Maxime had not been able to find
a moment to thank the Prince.
At length, when
they had left the wood, Maxime, whose horse and
armour had been restored, came up to him.
“ Nikita Romanovitch ,"
said
he,
“ you
have
repaid me this day for defending you against the
bear .”
66
Well, we have been placed
help
one
another
and
tº
do
in
the world to
good ,”
answered
Serebrenni.
“ Prince , ” said Persten , who was riding next
to
him , “ when I look at you , I regret that a
brave man , whom I left on the Volga, does not
99
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Though he is as bad as myself, you
know you.
would have liked him, Prince, and he would have
Do not be offended if I say that
you
When you
have both the same sort of character.
liked you . '
spoke of Russia with such flashing eyes, I thought
of Irmak.
He loves his country deeply, though
he is a freebooter.
dred against
*When
he
He would be worth a hun
the Tartars if
shouts
‘ Follow
we had him here.
me, ' one feels taller
and stronger, and one is ready to go through
fire and water for him .
Be it said without
offence,
you
are
like
Persten became
lost
him ,
Nikita
Romano
vitch .”
in thought.
Serebrenni
rode along carefully, trying to pierce the dark
ness.
Maxime was silent.
The men pursued the direction
indicated by
the Tartar, over whose head Hlopka was holding
a
drawn sabre.
measured
sounds ;
Suddenly
it was
they
not
heard
strange
the sound of a
human voice, nor of a horn , nor of a dulcimer ;
it was more like the noise of the wind among
the reeds, if the reeds had chords.
100
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
66
What can that be ?” said the Prince, checking
his horse.
Persten took off his cap , and bent his head
low.
“ Let me listen ."
The monotonous sounds continued, sometimes
like silver chords, sometimes like the breeze in
the forest ; then it suddenly ceased .
“ It is finished ,” said Persten , laughing. " What
a chest the man must have ; he has been singing
for this last half -hour, I am sure, without taking
breath .”
· But what is it ? " asked the Prince.
“ It
is
Tartar
a
Bashkirs -Lulin ;
horn.
they
are
They
must be
beginning
to
the
play
again ; " and they heard long low sounds, which
ceased abruptly.
“ The dog must be tired,” said Persten .
Then louder sounds were heard , as if a number
of bells were being rung unceasingly.
They do
it with
their
voices, though
one
would think it was an instrument."
The music was sometimes plaintive and some
times
gay,
but it
was
not
Russian
gaiety or
101
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Russian sadness.
of dwellers
in
There was in it the wildness
tents,
the
tribes, and the longing
distant country .
freedom
for
an
of
nomad
unknown
and
Prince ,” said Persten, “ I am sure their camp
is near ; the fires will soon be in sight.
Let me
go and reconnoitre —I have seen many of them
on the Volga ; and do you in the meantime allow
the men to rest. '
“ Go, ”
said
the
Prince ;
and,
dismounting,
Persten was soon lost to sight in the darkness.
The freebooters sat down on the ground with
their
arms
beside
them .
Deep silence reigned
amongst them, for they all understood the gravity
of the situation , and the necessity for implicit
obedience.
In the meantime the sounds of the
tchebouzga ( Tartar horn ) were heard in the dis
tance ;
the moon and
plain.
An
stars lit
up
the distant
.
hour
passed, and
Persten
had
not
returned , and the Prince was losing patience , when
a man rose up suddenly out of the grass three
paces from him .
sword .
Prince Nikita hastily seized his
102
PRINCE SEREBRENNI,
“ Gently,
laughing.
Prince ,
“
I crept
it
is
I,”
said
Persten ,
up to the Tartars in this
way , and saw everything, so that I now know
their
camp
as
your leave,
well
Prince,
me, and frighten
as
my
own
I will take ten
all
the
them on
for
both
kill
I
am
sides,
and
I
accustomed
to
create
do you
I am
half of them .
With
men with
horses, and
panic among the Tartars ; then
easily
hut.
a
attack
sure we shall
advise you
night
now,
attacks — but
when the sun rises , you will command , Prince ,
and we shall obey you implicitly .”
The Prince
allowed
him
knew Persten's
to
act
intelligence ,
according
to
his
and
own
inspiration.
" My men ,” continued
Persten, " there have
been differences among us lately , but you know
the proverb : ' He that remembers a past injury,
ought to have
his
eyes
put
out.'
Are
there
ten men among you, who are willing to follow
me to the camp ? ”
“ Choose whom you will, ” cried they.
are all ready ."
“ We
103
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Thank you , my men , then, if you consent,
I will choose these , ” selecting ten of the most
resolute.
“ Where are you sneaking to, Mitka ?”
continued
“ I
he.
have
called you —
not
Take off your
are to remain with the Prince.
swords,
for they will be
in our way, and our
knives will be enough .
obey
me ,
and
I
will
you
But
mind, you
certainly
kill
must
the
first
man who disobeys."
“ No fear that we shall not obey you ,” they
“ When we have once begun a holy
answered.
work , we shall go through with it . ”
‘ Do
tinued
see
you
the
Ataman ;
see their fires.
there,
until
frighten the
that
Prince ? ”
hillock,
“ from
thence
hear
to
horses, and you
loose, and
fly — they
When we
my signal.
will
our
shouts,
Their
horses
hear
do you fall on the Mussulmans.
where
can
My advice is that you remain
you
will have got
you
con
they will
find
us
not know
on
the
one
side, and a river and bog on the other .”
The
Prince
promised
to
follow
advice, and the Ataman and his
Persten's
followers dis
104
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
appeared
that
noiselessly,
could
only
half an hour,
Persten raised his head—and saw , about
camp
fifty paces off, a large fire, on which a
was
boiling, and
number
under
some
in
Tartar
the
to
close
were
they
eye
movements , and,
their
detected
have
very experienced
a
so
along
crept
They
grass.
the
in
of
round
Tartars,' with
them.
Some
sheepskins,
in
which
were
and
were
their
kettle
sitting
legs
crossed
coloured
in
some
in
a
coats,
caftans
of
camel's hair.
Their long spears were stuck into
the
the
ground,
reached Persten.
grazing under
shadows
of
which
nearly
Several thousand horses were
the
care
of a
few
men — other
kettles were boiling in various directions ; and
the
glare
of the
fires lit up the
were made of felt.
over
their
tents, which
They were not very watchful
horses,
having
come
all the
way
from the Volga without meeting any opposition
-and
ganised ,
knowing
they
that
feared
our
no
armies
were
enemy — while
disor
they
believed that their songs and shouts would keep
the
wolves
at bay.
Four
men were
blowing
105
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
through pipes, as
permit , others
long
as
breath
their
the
shouted — while
would
camp · fires
lit up their savage faces.
some
For
scene,
hesitated
and
to
first
whether
at
gazed
Persten
moments,
the
attack
the Bashkirs before him, or to scare the horses
-as both plans seemed equally good .
“ If we
towards
occasion
frighten
the
the
tents,
the
horses,
they will
rush
and, by overturning
them ,
And
yet,"
close to
those
inclined to
relin
greatest
confusion .
thought he, we could creep
so
men.
The Ataman
did not
feel
quish the prospect of a bloody struggle.
“ Come nearer,” whispered he, to one of the
men.
“ Could you shout loudly ? '
Why do you
the man .
not
shout yourself ? ”
asked
" Because I am hoarse.
“
Then
I
will
shout ,
but
is
it
time
yet ? "
No ; first creep as near as
you can to the
horses, and when they begin to prick up their
106
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
ears give a loud shout and frighten them towards
the huts .”
The man nodded and disappeared .
“ Now
my
men ,”
whispered
Persten ,
“ we
will creep cautiously towards them , for you see
they
Each
are
only twenty men
of you
must
four on myself.
kill
two,
and
we are
and
I
nine.
will
take
When we hear our man shout
we must attack them at once .
Are you ready ?
“ We are ready,” whispered they.
The Ataman began slowly to
long knife from his girdle.
draw
out
his
CHAPTER
VII.
OATH OF THE BROTHERHOOD .
WHILE all this was going on in the Tartar camp,
Serebrenni was impatiently awaiting the signal.
Prince , " said
Maxime , who had never left
his side, “ we shall not have long to wait before
the fight begins ; by sunrise many of us will be
no more, and I would like to ask a favour of
you .”
6. What is it ?”
“ It is not a great request, yet I am ashamed
to ask it of you ."
Say on : I hope that I can grant it. ”
I will tell you the whole truth , Prince .
I
left Alexandrova against my father's wish , and
without my mother's knowledge, for I could re
108
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
main no longer among the Apritchniki, whose
life so disgusted me that I could have drowned
myself.
I am an only son ; and though I am now
nineteen - would you believe it ?-I have never
had a friend.
I have lived apart, and they have
all been strangers to me.
They only think how
to get rid of one another, in order to aggrandize
themselves, and not a day passes, without some
execution
and
torture.
They are scarcely ever
out of church, and yet they massacre the people
worse than brigands.
Russia were to be
indulge their
They would not care if all
ruined , so
cruelty.
that they might
Though the Czar is so
stern, yet he does sometimes listen to the truth ,
but none of them ever speak it to him, and are
always trying to push themselves forward , and to
obtain some new favour.
But when I met you ,
Prince, it seemed to me that I had found a kin
dred spirit.
Even before I knew who you were,
you attracted me ; for the glance of your eyes
and
the
theirs.
sound of your
voice
was different to
Godounoff, though better than the rest ,
is not like
I observed you when you stood
you.
109
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
defenceless
brought
before
the
bear - when
you a goblet of wine ,
after
Basmanoff
poisoning
the old Boyarin — when you were led to execu
tion, and I could have thrown myself on your
neck .
Do not heed my foolish words," continued
Maxime, looking
down ; “ I do not ask to be
your friend , for I know who you are and who I
am , but what can I do ?
I cannot restrain my
words, for my heart is drawn towards you .”
“ Maxime Gregoritch," said Serebrenni, as he
wrung his hand warmly , “ you please
me as if
you were my brother. ”
06
I thank you, Prince, and now let me ask the
favour I desire of you.
I see that you do not
despise me, so will you now, before the fight,
consent to our taking the oath of brotherhood ,
according to the old Christian rites ?
This is all
I ask of you , and do not be offended with me.
If I thought we should both live long I would
not ask it of you, for I know that it would not
be
fit for me
to be
called
your brother,
but
now
“ Do not sin against God ," interrupted Sere
110
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
brenni.
Why
brother ?
before
are
you
so
unfit
to
be
my
I am indeed of noble birth, but here
Tartars we
the
equal,
are
and
we
are
always equal in the sight of God, if not before
men .
the
Let us take the oath of brotherhood ," and
Prince , as he spoke, took off the cross he
wore attached to a gold
chain round his neck ,
and gave it to Maxime.
Maxime
made
of
also
took
copper
and
off
his cross , which was
hung
on a silk
chain
kissed it, and made the sign of the cross .
“ Take
blessed
had
it,
with
me
not
Prince , ”
said
it when
yet risen to
he , “ my
we
honours
were
mother
poor,
at the
and
court of
Czar Ivan ; take care of it, for it is precious to
me.”
Both of them
after
other.
exchanging
again crossed themselves, and
crosses,
they
embraced
each
Maxime's face brightened .
“ Now , "
said
brother, Prince.
he,
joyfully,
“ you
I will never leave
are
my
you, your
friends shall be my friends, and your enemies
my enemies !
I will think with your thoughts ,
111
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
and
and love
as
hate
you
Now
will.
death
will be sweeter, and life less sad , for I have a
friend
with
to
whom
live,
and
for whom
to
die .”
Maxime,”
said Serebrenni, deeply
touched ,
“ I regard you before God as my brother, and
will never part from you ."
Thanks, Prince.
If God give us
long life,
we will try together to discover the best way
of serving our holy country ; it cannot be, that
only in the ranks of the Apritchniki one can
serve
the
Czar .”
Maxime
was
speaking
with
animation , when he suddenly paused, and caught
the Prince's hand.
A wild shout was heard in
the distance, then smothered cries, and a loud
uproar, and several horses galloped past them .
“ The
mounting
time
has
come, ”
his horse,
and
said
Serebrenni,
drawing
his
re
sabre .
“ But you must obey me, my men, and follow
me, every one in his place without straggling.”
The freebooters all rose from the ground, and
fell into their ranks, exclaiming, “ We will obey
the
Prince,”
and
they all crossed the hillock,
112
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
which till now had concealed the Tartars from
their
view .
An
unexpected
sight
then
met
their eyes.
On the right of the Tartar's camp, the plain
was
on fire, and the flames were creeping up
to the tents.
“ Well done, Persten, ” cried the men .
“ They
have fired the steppe, and the wind is bearing
the flames right against the Tartar
camp."
The fire advanced rapidly, and the plain looked
like
a burning sea, whose waves soon set the
tents on fire.
The
Tartars escaping
The Tartars
into
rushed
burning tents,
the
from
the
of
the
midst
freebooters.
“ Attack them ,” cried the Prince, “ and drive
them into the water, or back towards the fire .”
A friendly shout answered the Prince's words,
as the men rushed forward to the attack, and
the fight began .
When
tinued ,
Tartars.
the
but
sun
the
rose,
field
the
was
struggle
strewn
still
with
con
dead
Enclosed on the one side by the fire ,
113
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
and
on
the
other
by
Serebrenni, they rushed
down the marshy banks of the river, and many
were drowned .
flames.
Others were suffocated
in
the
The terrified horses had overturned the
tents and so bewildered their masters, that they
attacked each other, mistaking friends for foes.
Some
escaped
had
crossed the
the steppe , and
to
under the command
others,
of Prince Schichmat,
river, and
taken
had
up a position on
the other side , from whence a thousand arrows
flew among the victors.
The freebooters having
no fire -arms, and seeing the arrows flying thick
and
fast,
sought
to
lost
heart,
and
encourage
Serebrenni
them.
in
vain
Detachments
Tartars, under cover of their
of
arrows, recrossed
the river, and threatened to attack the Prince
in the rear, when Persten appeared close beside
him,
his
swarthy face
flushed , his shirt
torn,
and his knife dripping with blood.
* Keep together, friends,” cried he , “ are you
blind that you do not see that help is coming ?"
And in fact a detachment of troops was now
seen
approaching
VOL. II.
from
the
other
side
of
I
the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
114
river, their spears and breastplates glittering in
the sun .
" But they are Tartars," said one of the free
booters .
You are a Tartar yourself,” returned Persten,
“
angrily.
“ Do the hordes ever march like that
on foot ?
And look at their leader on that grey
horse, does he wear Tartar armour ? ”
“ The Christians are coming !" cried the men.
Stand firm ; the Christians are coming to the
rescue. '
See, Prince," said Persten , “ the Tartars do
not
shoot
coming ;
show
so
thickly
now
they
see
what
is
and when they begin to fight I will
you a ford by which we
take them in the
can
cross, and
flank ."
The approaching troops were now so near that
it was quite easy to distinguish their accoutre
Nients and armour, which were nearly as diversi
fied
as those
of
the
freebooters.
They
were
evidently a group of hastily -assembled peasants,
armed with scythes, sickles, and pitchforks ; but
among them were a hundred horsemen, all dressed
115
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
in caftans of the same colour.
Their leader was a
young, well -built man ; long brown curls fell from
under his helmet, and he managed his fiery steed
gracefully.
A shower of arrows met him and his
troop , but in the meantime Prince Serebrenni had
forded the river and attacked the enemy in the
rear .
Sere
The struggle had lasted an hour.
brenni had quitted the ranks for a moment to
dismount and arrange his saddle ; Maxime saw
it, and rushed up to him .
God is on our side, Prince ! ” he cried gaily ;
we shall be victors."
“ Yes ,”
Boyarin
said
who
Serebrenni,
has
come
to
“ thanks
the
to
that
rescue.
See
what blows he is dealing right and left.
can he be ?
Who
I fancy I have seen him before . ”
“ Do you not recognise him ? ”
“ No ; do you know him ?”
“ How
could
I
help
knowing
sins will be forgiven him for
this
And you know him too, Prince ;
Basmanoff.”
66
" Basmanoff !
Can it be he ?"
him
?
Many
day's work .
it
is
Feodor
116
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Yes ;
he
looks
wonderfully
used to dance like a girl ;
such courage !
peasants,
He has
and fallen
He
changed.
and now he shows
evidently collected
on
the
Tartars,
the
and has
learnt to feel that he is a Russian .”
CG
But where has he got such strength from ? ”
“ Any one would feel different on a day like
“ I also ,
this, ” said Maxime , his eyes sparkling.
ifyou can believe it, feel a different man .
When
I left the village, I thought I should not live long,
and wished to go against the Tartars — not with
But
now
all is changed, and I should like to live.
My
the
hope of victory,
but
of death .
heart feels so light, I feel so glad and strong ,
that
a whole
century seems too short for life ..
I have thought so much since daybreak, and see
so clearly the way to be useful to my country.
The Czar will forgive you , and perhaps learn to
love you : and you will let me be with you , and
then we can be like Sylvester and Adasheff.
I
have much to say to you ; but now it is time
to return to the fight.
vitch.
They
have
Farewell, Nikita Romano
surrounded
Basmanoff,
and
117
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
though
he
a
is
bad
man ,
must
we
save
him . "
The Prince looked tenderly at Maxime.
Take care of yourself , ” said he, “ and do not
be rash.
See, you are covered with blood .”
be
“ That must
the
enemies ,”
blood of our
said Maxime, looking at his dress, “ for I have
not even got a scratch.
Your cross has preserved
me.”
1
But at this moment, a Tartar, who had hidden
himself in the bushes, discharged an
Maxime.
The arrow whistled
arrow at
through
and struck him just below the heart.
the air,
He reeled
in the saddle, and caught at the horse's mane ;
but his hour was.come, and he fell to the earth ,
entangling his
started ,
and
foot
in
dragged
the
stirrup.
him
along
marking his course with blood.
His horse
the
ground,
When the ter
rible news reaches the village, the aged mother
will
sink
down
in
despair, knowing that
her
son will return no more, and that when her hour
comes
" To
the
there will be no one to close her eyes.
stern
father also
the
news
will come,
118
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
and he will avenge himself on the Tartars, and
more heads will fall in the prisons ; but his son
will return no more.
Serebrenni
forgot
both
the
battle
and
the
Tartars, and heeded neither Basmanoff, who was.
slaying the enemy, nor Persten, who was pursu
ing the fugitives.
was dragging
He saw only the horse which
along
his
galloping after him,
adopted
he caught
brother, and ,
the
bridle and
disengaged the foot of Maxime from the stirrup.
“ Maxime,”
said
he,
kneeling
beside
and raising his head, “ do you still live ?
him ,
Open
your eyes, my brother, and answer me.”
Maxime opened his glazing eyes, and stretched
out his hand.
“ Farewell, my brother, it was not our
to
live
together.
Do
alone
what
fate
we would
both have done."
“ Maxime ,” said the Prince, pressing his lips
to the face of the dying man , “ is there nothing
I can do for you ? "
“ Salute
my mother from
that I died thinking of her .”
me,
and
tell
her
119
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“
I
will,”
said
the
Prince ,
restraining
his
sobs.
“ And give her the cross that I wear round
my
neck ,
and
keep
one
the
I
in
gave you ,
remembrance of your brother.”
My
brother, ”
nothing else
said
Serebrenni,
“ is
there
Are
that weighs on your mind ?
there none you regret beside your mother ?”
“ Only my
my mother -
country,
which
I
love
as I
do
other regrets I have none.'
Maxime closed his eyes -- his face was flushed,
and his breathing was getting short.
few moments, he
opened
his
After a
again , and
eyes
looked up into the Prince's face.
“ Brother,"
said
he.
Water !
let
me
drink . ”
The
rivulet ran
close by — the
Prince
filled
his helmet, and gave it to Maxime.
“
I
feel
better now ,"
said
the
dying
man.
" Raise me up, that I may make the sign of
the cross ."
The Prince raised him in his arms, he looked
round, and saw the scattered Tartars, who were
120
now
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
completely
routed .
God was with us,” he said.
they fly.
“ I
" .
told
you
that
See how
It is hard to die now ! "
The blood gushed from his mouth.
66
God receive my soul, ” murmured he, and
he sank back dead .
CHAPTER
VIII.
BASMANOFF.
freebooters
THE
surrounded
and
Basmanoft's
Prince — the
the
now
men
Tartars
were
in
full flight, and many had been taken prisoners.
A
grave
buried
was
with
dug
all
for Maxime,
honour.
In
and he was
meantime,
the
Basmanoff had had his tent pitched ,
his
steward with
his
greetings
and sent
the Prince,
to
to beg him not to disdain a hasty repast.
Basmanoff
was
cushions — his hair
lying
extended
combed
and
on
silken
perfumed , and
was looking in a glass, which his young equerry
held
before
presented
a
him
on
strange
his
knees.
mixture
His
of
exterior
haughtiness,
servility, and reckless bravery — and through all
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
122
this was visible the hate which an Apritchnik
always felt for a Boyarin .
He expected
that
Serebrenni would despise him ; and, though he
desired
receive
to
thinking how he
the
Prince
entered,
him
as
a
could best
might
put
Basmanoff
resent
upon
merely
guest,
him.
received
he
was
any slight
When
him
he
with
a nod — but did not move from his place.
“ Are
asked
wounded ? ”
you
Serebrenni,
simply.
No ," answered Basmanoff, taking the
ques
tion as an insult, and resolving to meet it with
effrontery.
face
“
I am only tired , and I think my
has got sunburnt.
Prince ? ” he
added ,
the
“ Do
mirror.
What
do you
continuing
you
think
think ,
to
look
into
my
face
will
recover its whiteness ? ”
Serebrenni did not know what to answer .
“ It is a pity , ”
we cannot go into
thirty
versts
to -morrow ,
and
show
from
Basmanoff,
continued
the
here
“ that
bath to -day, but it is
to
my country seat ;
I will receive you more hospitably,
you
my band
of
singers ; all
the
123
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
girls are pretty, and the
eldest of the men is.
not more than twenty ."
Basmanoff said all this with an affected lisp.
Thanks,
Boyarin,
am
I
but
hastening
to
Alexandrova ,” said Serebrenni, drily.
“ To Alexandrova ? but you have escaped from
prison ?”
“ I did not escape , but was taken away by
force.
Having bound myself
the Czar,
I
am
by
an
oath
to
I would not willingly have fled, and
now
returning
to
the
village
to
yield
myself up to his will. ”
“ Then you wish to end your life on a gibbet ?
Why,
I am not sure that I shall return there
myself !”
“ How is that, Feodor Alexeitch ! ”
“ Why
should
I ?”
said
Basmanoff, perhaps
with the intention of inspiring the Prince with
confidence
in
him .
“
I
have
devoted myself
body and soul to the service of the Czar, and
now
he
does
not
hesitate
to
put
Godounoff
above me.
“ But the Czar appears to love you."
124
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ To love me ? but he has not yet made me
his Okolnitchi , though I serve him like a slave,
which Godounoff does not, and he takes care of
himself.
When
the Czar says to him, ' Boris,
go and assist at the examination of a Boyarin ,'
he replies, ‘ I will go, Czar, but I fear that he
deceive
will
send
me,
Maluta
with
me,'
or ,
* Boris, that Boyarin is drinking little at dinner,
take him a cup
' I
from me,
and Boris answers,
understand , Czar, but the Boyarin
suspects
me , send Feodor Basmanoff instead ,' and Bas
manoff obeys, and would kill his own brother
without asking why.
Do you remember when
I brought you the cup of wine from the Czar
at dinner ?
I really thought it was poisoned.”
Serebrenni laughed.
Where ,"
greater
slave
continued
effrontery,
than
I.
“ can
Have
Basmanoff,
he find
a
with
still
handsomer
you ever seen such eye
brows ? and feel my hair, it is like silk . ”
Disgust
was
depicted
Basmanoff noticed
tease his guest.
in
it, and
the
Prince's
face.
continued, as if to
“ And look at my hands, they
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
are
like
a girl's,
125
but to-day they are a
little
brown, for I never spare myself .”
“ Very likely ,” said Serebrenni, who could no
longer restrain
his indignation, “ if all that is
said of you be true.”
“ And what is said of me ?" asked Basmanoff,
winking maliciously.
“ What you say of yourself is bad enough,
but they say that you danced like a girl before
the Czar."
Basmanoff
flushed,
but
called
his
usual
effrontery to his aid.
“ What does
it matter,"
said
he,
carelessly ,
" even if I do dance ?"
“ Farewell ,” said
the Prince, “ not only will
I not eat with you, but I cannot even bear to
look at you . "
Ha,
ha ! ”
cried
Basmanoff,
with
flashing
eyes, and his indifference vanished, and he
got to lisp.
“ You have said it at last.
what you think
of
me, but I
for
I know
spit upon you
all.”
Serebrenni's brows contracted, and he grasped
126
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
his sabre, but he then remembered to whom he
was speaking, and merely shrugged his shoulders.
“ Why do you clutch
at your sabre ?”
said
If I were
Basmanoff, “ you cannot frighten me.
to draw , we should soon see who would have
the upper hand .”
“ Farewell,” repeated Serebrenni , as he lifted
the curtain of the tent.
said
“ Listen ,”
his
catching
hold
of
caftan , “ had another looked at me as you
have done ,
but
Basmanoff,
you
forgiven him ,
I would never have
fight
so
bravely,
I
that
will
not
quarrel with you .”
“ But
you
also
are
brave," said the Prince
kindly, remembering how Basmanoff had fought
that day.
“ Why do
you
to
try
look like a
woman ? ”
Basmanoff resumed his careless air .
Do not be angry , Prince.
I was not always
what I am now, but one learns everything that
is wicked at Alexandrova . ”
" It is sinful, Feodor Alexeitch.
Wh
en you are
When
on your horse and wielding your sword you are so
127
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
brave that it is a pleasure to see you ;-lay aside
your effeminate ways, cut your hair short as be
comes a man , go on a pilgrimage of repentance
to Kieff and return to Moscow a Christian man."
“ Do not be offended, Prince.
dog as you think me.
I am not such a
There are others worse
than me, and all that is said of me is not true ;
do not believe everything.
Sometimes
out
of
vexation I slander myself.”
Serebrenni, overjoyed at finding a good side to
Basmanoff's character, again asked
“
Then it is not true that you danced before
the Czar dressed as a girl ? ”
CG
Why is that idea so distasteful to you ?
Do
you think I do it to please myself, or do you
not know the Czar ?
I do not pretend to be a
saint, but I fast continually to please
him .
I
always attend matins; and every Wednesday and
Friday I prostrate myself a hundred times before
the sacred images.
If you had to walk about
dressed as a monk for two weeks, perhaps you
too would be glad to put on a girl's dress for a
change . ”
128
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
I would rather lay my head on the block ,"
said Serebrenni.
Really ? ” said Basmanoff,
mockingly,
an evil glance at the Prince ; but
tinued with
with
he still con
an air of frankness, “ Do you think
it is pleasant, Prince, that, thanks to the Czar, I
am no longer
called Feodor but Feodora ! and
not many thanks do I get for it either.
riding
the
other
day
through
the
I was
village
of
Dorogouislovo, and the peasants pointed at me,
exclaiming, “ There's
the
Czar's Feodora
riding
past !' I rushed at them , but they all ran away .
I went
to the Czar,
and asked him to punish
· Who called you
them for calling me Feodora .
Feodora ? '
asked
he.
‘ Had I
known ,' I said ,
' I would not have asked you to punish them ,
for
said
to
I
would
the
make
have
Czar ,
a
' I
avenged
will
give
dushigraika
(a
myself .'
you
Well,
forty
woman's
sables
jacket ).'
' What do I care for that ? ' asked I, ' you would
not give one
to
Godounoff, and
be treated worse than he ? '
want, Feodor ? '
why am I to
' But what do you
' Make me an Okolnitchi, that
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
129
I may no longer be a laughing -stock .'
' No , I will
not do that,' said he, ‘ you are my jester, but
Godounoff
is
my
councillor.
You
have
money but he has the honour ; however,
take
the village,
dora,
under
where
my own
sort of jester am I ?
you
I will
were called
jurisdiction .
the
Feo
And what
Since we left Moscow we
never jested, we only fast and pray, and
have
the life we lead is so tedious, that I have left
it for my own country seat, and
even there it
is wearisome, for one cannot hunt hares and game
I was delighted when the Tartars
all one's life.
And how we have
came , to make a diversion.
beaten them
We have plenty of prisoners to
!
take to Moscow.
Do you shoot with the bow,
Prince ?"
66
Why do you ask ? "
“ Because
Tartar
about
two
who would first
and
when
dinner
after
one
we
might
hundred paces
killed ,
we
can
up
off, and
shoot him through
is
tie
the
tie
see
heart,
up an
other .”
The Prince's brow clouded.
VOL . II.
a
K
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
130
“ No, I do not make a mark of a defenceless
enemy . "
Then we can hit him as he runs."
“
I will not do that either, nor will I let you
do it.
Thank God this is not Alexandrova."
“ You will not let me do it ?' ' shrieked Bas
manoff, and his
himself, he
eyes flashed : then recollecting
changed
his
tone , not
wishing to
quarrel with Serebrenni.
“ Do you not see, Prince ? ” he said , “ that I
am in jest, and you take everything that I say
seriously, and even believed in the girl's dress ;
but the customs of Alexandrova disgust me as
much as they do you .
Do you think that I am
a friend of Wiasemski and Maluta ?
Listen , Prince ,” he
I detest them .
continued , cunningly,
“ let
me return first to Alexandrova, and I will obtain
the Czar's pardon for you , and then when you are
restored to favour, you will help me.
You will
only have to whisper a word against Wiasemski,
Maluta, and the rest, and then we shall remain
his sole favourites.
be
said
against
I myself know all that can
them , but I would
rather
he
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
131
should hear it from someone else.
I will tell
you what to say, and you will thank me for it .”
The Prince felt uneasy in Basmanoff's presence ;
his bravery and seeming repentance
had made
him think more kindly of him, and led him to
believe that all his previous talk had been idle
jesting ;
but this last proposal, which was evi
in
dently made
“ Well, ”
him ,
said
“ shall we
favour ?
earnest, disgusted him.
Basmanoff,
boldly
looking
divide between
us
Why don't you answer ?
the
at
Czar's
Do you not
believe me ? "
“ Feodor Alexeitch, ” said the Prince , trying to
restrain
his
indignation
>
before his host,
you
have begun
“ What ?" asked Basmanoff.
“ It is a wicked enterprise,” said Serebrenni,
softening his tone so that his words might sound
less severe .
“
A wicked enterprise ?” repeated
Basmanoff,
concealing his anger under a look of
ment.
astonish
What ! are you a friend of Wiasemski
and Maluta ?”
132
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
May God's anger
fall on them and on all
the Apritchniki,” answered Serebrenni.
“
If the
Czar were to allow me, I would gladly tell him
frankly all I know about them ; but I will not
insinuate anything against them in secret, especi
ally not from your dictation . "
Basmanoff shot
a
venomous
glance
at
the
Prince from under his black eyebrows.
“ Then you will not divide the Czar's favours
with me ? " said he .
“ No , ” said Serebrenni.
Basmanoff
bent
down
his
head,
began
and
rocking himself backwards and forwards.
“ Poor friendless orphan that I am , ” said he
plaintively .
“ Since the Czar's affection for me
has cooled , every one is careless of offending me ;
no one loves me.
I will put a rope round my
useless neck , for I am weary of my life . ”
Serebrenni looked with astonishment at
Bas
manoff, who continued to mumble to himself in
the
same plaintive tone
funerals,
as
glancing every now
the
old women at
and
then
at
visitor, to see what effect he had produced.
his
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
133
The Prince uttered an exclamation of disgust,
and turned to leave the tent, but Basmanoff again
caught hold of him .
“ Let
the
singers
come
in ,”
said
he ;
and
several men entered , as if they had been awaiting
the summons, and barred the door.
“ My men ,”
said
Basmanoff,
in
his
former
whining tones, “ sing something so sad that my
heart may break, and that
my soul
and
body
may part.”
The singers began a strain so melancholy that
it resembled a funeral chant.
“ Let it be more mournful still, my men, as if
you were grieving over your master's death .
why
will
not
my
hour is not come .
soul
depart ?
Perhaps
But
my
If it is written that I should
die, I shall die ; but if it is written that I should
live, I must live . ”
And the singers, accustomed
to their master's changeful moods, broke, without
any transition , into a joyous air.
“ More gaily still, you brigands ! ” cried
manoff, and
he
began
snatching
clashing
up
them
two
Bas
silver cymbals,
together.
“ Quicker,
134
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
quicker , my falcons ! "
His whole
countenance
had changed, and every trace of effeminacy had
disappeared, so that Serebrenni once more recog
nised in him the brave warrior before whom so
many Tartars had fled.
“ That is better ,” said the Prince, nodding his.
head approvingly .
Basmanoff looked gaily at him .
“
You were again mistaken , Prince, and really
believed
that
deceived.
I
weeping - you
was
are
easily
Let us now drink to our friendship ,
and if it be our fate to be much together
in
future, you will see that I am not the man you
think .”
The
recklessness
moment
and
wild
gaiety
had had its effect on the
of
the
Prince, and
he accepted a goblet from the hands of his host,
saying
“ You
Alexeitch.
are
difficult
to
understand,
Feodor
I never saw any one like you before ;
perhaps you are better than you seem , and since
God
has
brought
us
together
battle, I drink to your health . ”
on
the field
of
135
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
And he drained his goblet.
That's right,
my
friend.
I
swear
before
God that I love you.
Drink another goblet to
the destruction of the
Tartars."
Wine did not generally affect Serebrenni, but
after this goblet
his
began
head
to
contents had probably been drugged.
turn,
its
He
fell
back in a stupor, through which he only heard
the sounds
of dancing and
singing,
and
the
voice of Basmanoff, saying
Quicker still, we are not at a funeral. ”
When
found
the
and
equerry ,
came
reclining
himself
himself
cushions,
his
Prince
Basmanoff,
was
trying
to
himself,
on
the
with
the
to
put
he
Persian
help
on
of
him
a
woman's dress .
“ Put on
your mantle, Prince ,” said
he, “ it
is getting damp."
The
singers
had
ceased their
songs by
this
time.
Serebrenni,
whose
senses
were
still
con
fused , was about to put on the woman's dress,
believing
it to
be
his
mantle,
when
through
..
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
136
the
momentary
silence,
the
howl
of
a
dog
was heard .
“ What
is
asked
angrily
that ? "
Bas
manoff.
“ It is the dog howling over young Maxime
Skouratoff's grave," said the equcrry .
66
Then give me a bow and arrow , and I will
teach him to disturb our pleasures ! ”
The name of Maxime restored Serebrenni to
recollection ,
“ It
is
Bouyan
calling
me
to my
brother's
grave,” said he, “ farewell, I have already feasted
too
long
with
you , and it is time for me to
depart.”
on
“ Put
your
first,
mantle
Prince,”
said
Basmanoff.
“ It was never made for me, " returned Sere
brenni ,
now
“ wear
it
before ; ”
recognising
yourself,
and
as
without
the
you
have
waiting
dress,
woman's
for
often
an
done
answer,
he left the tent.
As
he
passed
out ,
he heard the curses and
imprecations which broke from Basmanoff, but
137
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
he heeded them not ;
at
the grave
and after having prayed
of Maxime, he returned, accom
panied by the dog, to the place where the free
booters
Persten .
were
resting
under
the
command
of
I X.
CHAPTER
THE PARTING .
It was scarcely daybreak, when Persten aroused
“ My children ,” said he to the free
the band.
booters, when
and
the
they had
Prince,
has come,
and
assembled round him
departure
“ the
time
for
my
am
about
to
return
I
Volga ; farewell, my
brethren , and
to
the
forgive me,
if I have ever offended any of you .”
And Persten bowed low to the band.
“ Ataman ,”
not leave us .
they
cried with one voice,
“ do
What will become of us without
you ?"
“ Follow the Prince, my children .
The good
action of yesterday atoned for your former faults,
and he will not abandon you ."
139
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
My men,” said the Prince, “ I pledged my
word to the Czar that I would not escape from
You know that I did not leave the
his justice.
of my free will, and I now intend
prison
to
return to the Czar ; will you follow me ?”
“ Will he forgive us ? ” asked they.
“ That will be
deceive you , he
Think
you.
of
as
God
may
or
it
well,
I
wills.
may
he
not
not
forgive
me
tell
and
will
your
decision . "
The men retired to consult among themselves ,
and
after
a
little
while
they
returned
to
Serebrenni, and said,
“ We
will
go
with
you,
if
the
Ataman
goes.
“ Do
Persten.
Prince,
apart.
not
ask
it
of
“ Even
if
you
your
ways
me,
do
not
mine
and
men ,
follow
will
still
said
the
be
It is time for me to return to my own
country, and besides , we have
though
my
a broken rope can
will always remain in it.
quarrelled ; and
be tied up, a knot.
Choose another leader,
or rather, follow my advice — and
go with the
140
PRINCE SEREBRENNI,
Prince ;
I
punish
cannot
either
believe
you
or
that
him,
the Czar will
after
yesterday's
work .”
The
freebooters again
divided into
consulted ,
two parties,
the
and
larger
finally
of which
came up to Serebrenni , saying
“ Lead us, and your fate shall be ours.”
“ And the others ? ” asked the Prince.
• The
others have chosen Hlopka
as leader,
and we will not follow him ."
The worst men in the band have remained
behind , ”
whispered
They did not
Persten
fight
to
the
Prince.
as well, either, as
these
did yesterday .”
“ And you --- will you not go with us ?” asked
Serebrenni.
“ No,
--and
Prince.
the Czar
I am
different
from the
rest
is not likely to pardon me
besides, I have not seen Irmak for many years,
and
desire
to
return
to
him .
Farewell,
Prince ."
Serebrenni
pressed
and embraced him.
Persten's
hand
warmly,
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Farewell, Ataman ,” said he.
that you should return
to
141
I am grieved
“
the Volga , for that
is no life for you .
Who knows, Prince,” answered Persten, and
his eyes
had a strange
expression.
“ Perhaps
I shall not always be what I now am . ”
The band
By
began to prepare for their march.
sunrise,
he
disappeared ;
camp
the
of
under
hastily
departed
had
had
Basmanoff
cover of the night, that he might be the first
to
bear
the
tidings
of
the
victory
to
the
Czar.
As
Persten
taking
was
leave
of
his
men ,
he caught sight of Mitka, and saidFarewell, Mitka, you fought for four yester
day, and the Czar will be merciful to you .”
But Mitka only scratched his head with an
uncertain air.
“ Well ? ” asked Persten.
“ Nothing," said Mitka , still lazily scratching
his head.
" Well,
bye,”
and
if you
have
Persten
nothing to
shrugging
his
say - good
shoulders,
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
142
turned
away — but
Mitka
took
courage,
and
said
“ Ataman ."
66
What ?”
“
I don't wish to go to the village.”
“ Where , then, do you want to go ? ”
“ With you .
“You
can't
me ..
go with
I am
going
to
the Volga .”
“ Then I too will go there ."
“ Why don't you follow the Prince ?”
Mitka made a step forward, and then stopped ,
logt in doubt.
" Are you afraid of the Apritchniki ? ” mock
ingly asked Persten.
Mitka did not answer .
“ Have you
not seen them already ?
Have
they eaten you ? ”
They carried off my sweetheart, ” said Mitka.
“ What a memory you have ! ” said Persten,
laughing
bread
and
Hlopka."
“ Well ,
I
suppose
salt
with
them ,
you
so
won't
remain
eat
with
143
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“
I
don't
Mitka.
wish
to
wish
“ I
remain
to
with
with
go
him," said
you
the
to
Volga.”
“ But I am not going straight to the Volga.”
“ I don't
care
for that.
follow you.
I will
Where you
you go,
go , I will go.”
“ How tiresome you are .
I am obliged to go
first to the village .”
“ To
village ? ” said
the
eyes wide.
Mitka, opening his
Why to the village ? ”
Because,”
said
Persten,
losing
patience
“ I got some nuts there, last year -- and forgot
to bring away the shells ."
Mitka looked at him with astonishment, and
then laughed ,
cunning,
deceive
>
reason .
as
and
put
on
an
much
as
to
say— “ You
me.
I
But
know
he
it's
for
expression
some
repeated,
only
“ I
of
can't
other
will
go with you. ”
“ But what will you do then ?” said Persten ,
shrugging his shoulders.
fool, if you
like, but
you get hung .”
“ Come with me, you
don't
grumble
at me if
144
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ What
does
that
matter ? ”
Mitka,
said
quietly.
“ All right, my man .
Bid farewell
to your
comrades, and let us depart . ”
Mitka looked neither pleased
began immediately to
nor sorry , but
embrace his
companions
all round, whether they liked it or not ; if any
one
refused ,
he
took
hold
of
his
head,
and
kissed him all the same.
“ We are going by the same road , Ataman ,”
said the Prince.
“ No, Boyarin .
I can pass where you cannot ;
but do not appear to recognise me in the village,
if we should happen to meet.
I think , however,
that I shall have left before you arrive , for I
have only a little business to finish . "
Serebrenni
treasure
guessed
concealed
that
near
Persten had
the
village,
some
and
did
not insist.
Soon the two detachments moved forward in
different
directions - one
followed
Serebrenni
along the bank of the rivulet, and with
came the dog, bestowing many caresses
them
on his
140
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
new master, though
frequently casting
look
beneath which his
at
the mound
master was buried ; the
Hlopka.
followed
Persten
lazily
at
former
smaller troop followed
turned
by
back
into
Mitka.
a
third
The wide
path,
steppe
looked as still and calm as if no battle had ever
been fought on it.
Some of the Tartar horses
were to be seen grazing here and there ; the little
birds were singing merrily in
the
fields, some
even perched on the arrows which had remained
sticking among the flowers -- and now looked as
if they belonged to them , and
with them .
VOL . II.
had
grown up
CHAPTER X.
THE ENEMIES CONFRONTED.
ABOUT a week after the defeat of the Tartars,
the
Czar
returned
received
from
Basmanoff,
Raizan,
in his
who
had
just
bedroom.
Ivan
had already heard all the details of the fight,
but Basmanoff, not knowing this, hoped to be
the
first
ascribing
skill,
to
to
the
bring
him
success to
reinstate
news.
the
his
And ,
by
own bravery and
himself
in
the Czar's
lavour.
Ivan
Wassilievitch
tively, counting
his
listened
him
atten
beads the while ; and
eyes fixed on a diamond
on his forefinger.
to
his
ring, which he wore
But when Basmanoff , having
finished his narrative, added , with a self - satisfied
147
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
air,
“ Well,
Czar,
we
have
fought
well
for
your grace ,” Ivan looked up and laughed.
“ We have not spared ourselves," he continued ,
insinuatingly.
“ And you, Czar, will doubtless
not be sparing in your rewards."
“ What
would
you
wish,
Feodor ? ”
asked
Ivan, with a look of great kindness.
“ Make me an Okolnitchi ' -- that men
may
no longer despise me. "
Ivan looked fixedly at him .
“ And how shall I recompense
Serebrenni ? ”
he asked suddenly .
· The
who
man
has
incurred
your
dis
pleasure ?” said Basmanoff, hiding his confusion
under his usual effrontery.
course .
his
He escaped
brigands
Had
they
“ With a gibbet, of
from prison
nearly ruined
not
scared
the
the
and he
and
whole
affair.
we
should
Tartars,
have taken them all, as birds in a net.”
“ Is it really so ?
But I
think
the
Tartars
might have defeated you—and not for the first
time either.”
“ It
is very
usual
to
suffer
for you ,”
said
148
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Basmanoff rudely.
get thanks
“ But it is not so usual to
for it.
Maluta and
Godounoff do
not serve you as I do , and yet you heap rewards
on them . "
Of
course they do
not.
How
could they
dance as well as you do ?”
“ Czar , ” said
Basmanoff, losing patience, “ if
you do not like me dismiss me entirely.”
In saying
retain him ,
this he believed that Ivan would
but
his
absence
from
the village,
instead of reviving the Czar's affection for him,
had entirely cooled it.
habit of seeing him ;
He had got out of the
and his other favourites,
irritated by Basmanoff's arrogance, had further
estranged the Czar from him.
Basmanoff
saw
that his calculation was not a correct one, and
that the Czar was enjoying his discomfiture.
“ Let
sorrow .
it
be
so ,"
said
Ivan ,
with
affected
“ Though I shall be sad without you ,
and shall scarcely know how to govern without
your advice, yet my feeble mind must learn to
act alone.
Go where
not retain you by
you will, Feodor ; I will
force .”
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
149
Basmanoff could no longer restrain his anger,
former familiarity with the
and, spoilt by his
Czar, he now spoke freely.
“ I thank you , Czar ,” he said , “ for your bread
and salt - I thank you for dismissing your faith
servant like a dog.
ful
I will
proclaim
bounties throughout all Russia .”
your
He added in
cautiously— “ May you find others to serve you
as your Feodora has
done.
many
service,
sins
in
your
I
have committed
but
not that
of
sorcery .
The Czar, who had at first laughed , changed
his expression at these last words.
“ Sorcery ! ”
which
was
he
repeated
with
ready
turn
into
to
astonishment,
anger ;
" and
who practises that ?"
Wiasemski,” replied Basmanoff, looking boldly
at the
Czar, undismayed
“ You alone are
to
Moscow he
the
why
ignorant
always
neighbourhood
should
grace ?"
by his angry glance.
he
do
to
it
that when
retires
into
practise
if not
to
he
comes
a wood
in
sorcery ;
and
injure
your
150
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
* And how do you know about that ? ” asked
Ivan, with a piercing look at Basmanoff.
“
I
only
heard it
yesterday from
servants, ” he answered hastily.
his
own
“ Had I known
before I would have told you .”
The Czar became thoughtful.
Go,” said he, “
I will inquire into this ; and
do not leave the village without my permission .'
Basmanoff
left
the room , pleased
at having
instilled suspicion into the Czar's mind against
one of his
enemies,
but
yet
troubled
by
his
coldness to himself.
The Czar soon after quitted his bedroom and
entered the
presence-chamber, where
he seated
himself in a large arm -chair, surrounded by his
Apritchniki, and listened to the reports brought
to him by the boyars from
towns.
Moscow and other
Having given his orders and discussed
the affairs of government and his relations with
1
foreign powers, and the necessity of repulsing the
Tartars, Ivan inquired whether no one else desired
an audience.
Boyarin Morozoff,” said one of the
chamber
151
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
lains,
“ salutes
your
grace,
prays
and
to
be
admitted to the light of your countenance.”
Boyarin
Morozoff !”
thought he had
dog is tough.
repeated
Ivan ;
perished in the fire.
I
The old
However, he is no longer in dis
grace, so let him enter .”
The crowd of courtiers made way for Morozoff,
who entered , supported by two of his friends,
and , approaching the Czar, he fell on his knees.
All gazed earnestly at the old Boyarin.
was pale.
His face
On his forehead was the scar of the
wound dealt him by Wiasemski ; but his sunken
eyes
gleamed
with
all
their
former
fire
and
strength — will and determination were stamped
on his features.
Contrary to the custom of the
court, his dress was very simple .
Ivan looked at
him silently.
have read
Those who could
the
Czar's countenance would have there seen hidden
hatred and joy at his enemy's humiliation , but to
superficial observers his expression was gracious.
“ Drougina Andreivitch, ” said he, with kindly
dignity, “ you are no longer in disgrace, why are
you so simply dressed ?"
152
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Czar, ”
not fit for a man to wear
your
crave
off
his wife.
redress
cloth of gold, when
continued, “ I
Czar," he
to me
done
the wrong
for
and
house
his
burnt
have
Apritchniki
carried
kneeling, “ it is:
Morozoff, still
said
by
Wiasemski."
“ Rise,” said Ivan, “ and make your complaint .
If anyone has injured you , I will not spare him ,
though he be one nearest to me. ”
“ Czar, ”
Morozoff,
said
still
kneeling,
“ bid
Let him answer here:
Wiasemski be summoned .
before your Grace . ”
“ Well,”
said
Ivan, after a slight hesitation ,
your demand is just.
The accused must hear
the charge made by the accuser .
be called .
And
you ,"
Let Wiasemski
continued
he,
to
the
friends of Morozoff, who had respectfully retired ,
place your Boyarin on a chair,
to
await the
appearance of the accused . ”
Two months had passed since the burning of
Morozoff's house , and Wiasemski had recovered
from his wounds.
having
heard '
He lived in the village, but
nothing
of
Elène,
whom
his
153
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
servants
had been
unable to discover,
become more gloomy than ever.
peared
at court,
excuse.
He
took
alleging
no
his
part
weakness
in
the
many suspected him of insanity.
pleased at his
absence
he
had
He rarely ap
as
an
revels, and
Ivan was dis
from both
prayers
and
banquets, but as he knew of the failure of his
attempted abduction of Elène, he attributed his
conduct to
after
his
despair, and
was
conversation with
begun to
look
complaint
of
at it
indulgent.
But
Basmanoff, he had
in a different
light ;
the
Morozoff was a good
excuse
for
confronting them , and he hoped by this means
to discover more, and
for
this
reason
he had
received the old Boyarin better than his courtiers
had expected
Wiasemski soon entered.
He, too , was changed,
and he looked older and more haggard , his whole
life
seemed
concentrated
in his
bright restless
eyes.
“ Come here , Athanasius,” said the Czar, “ and
do you, Drougina,
pened . ”
relate everything as it
hap
1
!
154
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Morozoff approached , and without deigning to
look at Wiasemski, though he stood close to him ,
related the whole.
“ Was
it
asked
so ? ”
Czar, turning
the
to
Wiasemski.
Yes, "
such
answered
a question
Wiasemski,
from
the
astonished
Czar,
who
at
already
knew everything
Ivan's brow darkened .
“ How did you dare to do all this ?” he said ,
severely.
“ Do
I
allow
Apritchniki
my
to
plunder ? ”
“ You
know ,
Czar, "
said
Wiasemski,
still
more astonished , “ that it was not by my orders
that
the
house
was
plundered,
and though I
carried off the Boyarina, it was with your con
sent.”
“ My consent ! " said the Czar, slowly repeating
each word , “ when
did I give it to you ?”
Wiasemski understood that it would be use
less to allude to the hint thrown out by the Czar ,
during the banquet,
on
himself justified
acting .
in
which he
He
had thought
did
not yet
C
155
• PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
understand why the Czar thought fit to disavow
it, but saw that it was necessary to change his
ground of defence.
pate
He did not seek to
himself out
feared for
moods
his
might
of
cowardice, or
life, which
in
even now be
because
he
changeful
Ivan's
in
excul
danger, but he
still hoped to gain Elène, and all means seemed
justified which could lead to that end .
“ Forgive
me ,
Czar,” said he,
give your consent.
announce to the
to favour.
You sent me to Moscow to
Boyarin that
wife loved me,
even before
his
house
to kill me.
tacked us treacherously,
and
he was restored
You know he hates me because his
when I entered
determined
“ you did not
his
he
marriage,
and
and
Serebrenni
After dinner they
at
we defended ourselves,
the Boyarina, knowing her husband's evil
disposition,
in
her
fear
of him , asked
me to
carry her off.
She accompanied me of her own
free
after
will, but
I
fainted
know not what became of her.
in
the
wood I
I do not know
where she now is, but suppose that her husband
keeps her locked up somewhere, if he has not
156
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
He cannot reproach me with having
killed her.
dishonoured him , " he added with a jealous look
. at
Morozoff ;
“ but
he, in
concert with
Sere
brenni, attacked me in his own house . "
The Czar did not expect this answer.
Wai
speaking the
truth,
semski
he
knew was
not
story as
treat his
but it did not suit him to
Morozoff for the first time looked at his
false.
enemy.
“ You
lie,
dog ! ”
he
from head to foot.
false,
but
all
I
said,
looking
at
him
“ Every word you speak is
have
ready to swear to it.
said
is true, and I
am
Czar, order this wretch to
restore to me my wife, to whom I was married
according to the rites of the Christian faith .”
Ivan looked at Wiasemski.
What do
you
say to
asked , retaining the
that
calmness
demand ? ”
of an
he
impartial
judge.
“
I have already told you , Czar, that I carried
off the
Boyarina
fainted
in
the
at
wood ,
her
own
and
request,
when
my
then
I
servants
found me, my horse and the Boyarina had dis
157
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
appeared ;
the
they carried
miller
me to the mill, where
stanched the
There
blood.
is no
more to tell ."
Wiasemski
did not
know ,
that
naming
by
the miller, he had confirmed the suspicion which
had been awakened against him in Ivan's mind,
but
the
words,
Czar
treasuring
apparent notice of his
no
took
them
up,
however,
be
to
brought forward at the right time.
“ Do you hear ?” he said to Wiasemski, “ the
Boyarin is ready to swear to the truth
of his
istory, how then can you clear yourself ? '
“
The Boyarin is free to swear what he will ,”
said
all
Wiasemski,
now
determined
lengths, “ but I too
to
am ready to
all
go
kiss the
cross in testimony of what I say.”
A
murmur
ran
through
the
The
crowd.
Apritchniki knew the circumstances
well,
and
hardened as they were in wickedness, not
of them
have
dared
to
kiss
one
cross
Even the Czar was astonished at the
falsely.
audacity
think
would
the
of Wiasemski, but it pleased him to
that,
through
it, he should be
able
to
158
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Morozoff, while
punish
preserving
the
appear
ance of justice .
“ My
desire
brethren ,”
he
to learn the
said ,
truth, and
I never judge rashly.
shepherd,
his soul.
out
Let
their
will
see
you
that
I
know that
Both sides cannot swear
truly, one must say what
good
" you
is
allow
false, but I, as a
no
one
to
perjure
Morozoff and Wiasemski fight
quarrel
in
single
combat,
let
them
meet here in ten days, on the Red Field , each
followed by his retainers, and I will acquit him
to whom God gives the victory, while the van
quished , if still alive,
shall receive his
punish
ment at the hands of the executioner.”
The decision of Ivan caused a great sensation
among
those
all
thought
present, who
that
Morozoff's doom was sealed , as it was impossible
that
the
old
Wiasemski
Boyarin
could meet
and the young vigorous
on
equal
terms.
All
expected that he would either refuse or demand
a champion , but Morozoff bowed to Ivan, and
said calmly
“ Let it be as you will, Czar.
I am old and
159
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
infirm , and have not worn armour for a long
time,
of
judgment
the
in
but
I trust
strength but justice conquers.
mercy not to forsake
God, '
in His
cause ,
and my just
me
not
and I pray that He may show to all men the
falseness of my enemy .”
Wiasemski was
at first
elated
at the Czar's
decision , but on glancing at Morozoff he remem
bered
the
old
judgment of
popular
belief that
when
“ the
God ” was appealed to, the right
must win, and in that case he did not feel so
sure of success.
But he conquered his misgiv
ings, and also said
“ Be it as you will, Czar .”
“ Go, then , ” said Ivan , " and meet in ten days
at
the
Red
Field ;
and woe
to
him
who
is
vanquished . ”
And casting a strange, unfathomable glance at
each, he retired to his own room.
Morozoff also ,
attended by his friends, left the presence-chamber,
without looking
surrounded him .
once
at
the
Apritchniki
who
CHAPTER XI.
THE INCANTATION OVER THE SWORD.
The next day Wiasemski returned to Moscow.
1
At any other time , when preparing for a duel , he
would have counted solely on his own strength
and skill.
But
this
was
no
ordinary combat,
where Elène herself, as he believed, would be the
prize ; and as it was also the judgment of God,
the Prince , knowing his own guilt, feared lest bis
hand should sink paralysed, even before so insig
nificant an enemy as the old Boyarin Morozoff.
His fears were in some respects well founded , for
his wounds were still painful, and he had often
moments of weakness ; but as he had determined
to spare no pains in order to insure his victory,
he resolved to consult the old miller, and discover
161
PRINCE SEREBRENNT.
whether he had any herbs or charms which might
render him
thoughts, he
invulnerable.
rode
through
Engrossed
by these
the wood
by paths
overgrown with ferns, and after several turnings
and windings he found the well -known marks on
the trees, and quickened his pace.
Soon he heard
the noise of the wheel and the sound of voices,
and, dismounting, he tied his horse to a tree, and
pursued
his way on
foot.
He
saw
a
richly
caparisoned horse , and heard the miller speaking
to a tall man who was about to mount his horse ,
but whose face he could not distinguish, as his
back was turned to him.
“ You will be satisfied with me, my father,'.
the miller was saying.
favour ;
“
You will again rise into
and may God's lightning blast
me if
Wiasemski and all your enemies do not perish
before
the
irresistible
herb
I
have
given
you ."
“ That is well ,” answered the man , mounting ;
" and you , old devil, remember our compact .
If
I fail, I shall hang you like a dog."
The voice seemed familiar to Wiasemski , but
VOL. II.
M
162
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
the noise of the wheel rendered it too indistinct
for him to recognise it.
“ Of course you will succeed, my father,” said
the miller, bowing low, “ if you always wear the
herb.
And when you speak to the Czar, look
straight in his face, and show no fear.
Be lively,
and amuse him with your jests as you used to do,
and you will be sure of success.”
The horseman turned away and rode off with
out
observing
recognised
Wiasemski ;
Basmanoff,
and
but the Prince had
his
thoughts
being
entirely occupied with Elène, he deemed , in his
wild jealousy , that he had found a rival.
The miller , in
the
meantime, after watching
for a few minutes the retreating figure of Bas
manoff, sat down to count over his gold pieces ,
and was looking gleefully at them , when sud
tlenly he felt a heavy hand laid on his shoulder .
He
shivered ,
and , hastily
springing
up,
grew
white with fear, when his gaze met the black
eyes of Wiasemski.
“ What were you talking of with Basmanoff,
old wizard ?"
163
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
My father ,” said
the
miller, shaking with
terror, “ Prince Athanasius, how is your health ?"
“ Speak ! ”
cried
Wiasemski, seizing
the
old
man by the throat and dragging him near the
wheel.
“ What were you saying about me ? " and
as he spoke he held his victim over the water.
' I will tell you all ,” cried the miller, “ if you
will spare my life .”
“ Why did Basmanoff come here ? ”
“ He
came
to
fetch
a
knowing that you were
loudly,
that
you
magic root ;
and
I,
near, my father, spoke
might
hear
that
he
designs
mischief against you."
Wiasemski loosened his
grasp, and flung the
miller on the ground, but
the
the
Prince's
first
paroxysm
of
the
latter felt that
rage
had
passed .
“ How violent you are, my father ! ” said he,
rising
you
to
were
his
feet.
near.
“ I
I
tell you
have
been
that
I
knew
expecting you
ever since morning .”
“ But tell me, what does Basmanoff want ? ”
asked the Prince, in a gentler tone.
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
161
The miller had by this time quite recovered
himself, and answered , “ He says that the Czar
cares for him
no longer,
and
that he
prefers
you, Maluta , and Godounoff, and heaps all
favours on you .
root
from
me,
begged
And so, he
which
should
turn
heart back to him , and procure
bis
a
magic
the
Czar's
your
disgrace.
He tormented me so, that I gave him a herb,
but certainly no magic one , as if I would do
anything
to
injure
your
honour,
or
to
bring
you into disgrace with the Czar.”
“ The
calmly.
devil
What
loves him
came
take
or
here.
do
not ?
Have
him
I
!”
care
said
Wiasemski ,
whether
the
Czar
It is not for that, that I
you
heard
anything of the
Boyarina ? ”
“ No, my father, I can discover nothing, as I
have already told your men.
I
looked
beneath
the
For seven nights
wheel,
and
saw
the
Boyarina riding through the wood with an old
man.
and
There was a look of despair in her face,
he was
trying to
console
her,
then
the
water became troubled, and I could see no more. "
165
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ An old man ? that must be her husband. ”
No, it
cannot be
him, for
the old man I
saw was plainly dressed , and not as a
Boyarin .”
Wiasemski became thoughtful.
“ Old
man ,”
said
he,
can
suddenly,
you
cast a spell over a sword ? ”
“ Certainly I can ; but what is it you wish ?
to sharpen or to blunt its edge ? ”
“ To sharpen it, of course.”
“ I can cast such a spell over your enemy's
sword , that it shall become
blunt, or break in
pieces.”
“ But
spell.
it
is
for my
own
that
I
desire
the
I am going to fight a duel , and I must
kill my enemy ; do you understand ? ”
“ I understand you, my father, I understand
you ,” and while the miller spoke, the following
reflections
passed
whom can he be
manoff ?
through
going
Impossible.
his
mind :
to fight ?
“ With
With
Bas
The Prince spoke of him
with disdain, and he is not a man to say what
It cannot be with Sere
he does not mean .
brenni, ” for the miller knew through Michaitch
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
166
that his master had been saved by the brigands,
had
gone
away
remained
only
the
and
for
the
his.
of
abduction
and who might, on account of his great
wife,
age,
there
Then
them.
old Boyarin Morozoff, who
out
him
call
might
with
stead ;
and
so,
“ he
thoughts,
the
concluded
must
be
either
in
his
in
his
fight
champion to
a
found
have
miller
fight
to
going
with Morozoff, or with Morozoff's champion .”
my father ? ”
“ Will you allow me,
he asked
aloud , “ to get a pitcher of water, and to look
in it for the face of your enemy ? ”
“ Do
and
he
as
sat
you
think
down
best, ”
pitcher,
which
Wiasemski;
The old man brought
await the miller’s return .
a
said
on the trunk of a tree, to
he
filled
with
water
from
under the wheel, and then placed it near
the
Prince .
Oh , oh ! ” said he, looking attentively into
it.
“ I see him now, but he seems to me very
old, and I see you too, my father, and you are
fighting together.”
“ And
what
more
do
you
see ? ”
asked
167
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Wiasemski, trying to look
into the water, and
to distinguish something.
66
* Angels defend the old man ,” said the miller,
66 The
as if astonished himself at what he saw .
heavenly powers are with him ; it will be diffi
cult to enchant your sword . ”
“ And who is on my side ? ” asked the Prince,
shuddering
The miller's eyes were fixed on the water ; he
looked
called
at the
almost terrified
at
up,
only
first
with
visions
had
he
design
the
of
mocking Wiasemski .
“
Your
cause
“ But now,
too
has
defenders , ”
I see no more ;
he
said .
the water has be
come troubled .”
He raised his head
drops standing on his
“
You
have
also
and Wiasemski saw the
forehead .
defenders,
repeated, in a tone of fear.
my
“
father , ”
he
I shall be able
to enchant your sword .”
Here,” said the Prince, extending his heavy
sword .
The
* Begin .”
miller made
a
hole
in
the
ground , in
!
168
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
he
which
placed
it
covering
hilt
the
with
again
up
round it , repeating his
“ Let
this
cible -- let
it
sword
cut
of the
sword ,
earth ,
he
and ,
walked
incantations
become
through
henceforth
iron
invin
and stone, and
let it bring victory to Athanasius. ”
He
to
then took the
the Prince,
sword , and gave it back
carefully wiping
the
hilt
with
his coat .
“
Take it , my father - it will serve you well ,
if your
enemy has
not already dipped his
in
holy water."
“ And if he has dipped it—what then ? ”
can
" What
done
then , my father ?
be
Against
wait.
holy
I will
water
give
I
you
have
a
no
spell.
Yet
sparrow -hawk, and ,
if you hang it round your neck, your enemy's
eyes will become dim .”
“ Bring it here, ” said Wiasemski.
66
Directly, my father.
I will spare nothing
for your honour .”
The old man went to his room, and brought
back something sewn up in a bag.
169
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ It
has
regretted
cost
me
giving
it
dear , ”
up..
“
said
It
he,
as
if he
only
is
to
be
found in marshy places, and if you go at the
wrong time, a horrible fear scizes you .
The Prince threw him a handful of gold .
66
May God reward you ,” said the miller,
bowing low.
“ But one word more, my father.
Till
of the
the
day
any church ,
duel , beware
of entering
or of hearing mass - in which case
my incantations will lose their effect . ”
Wiasemski did not answer, but turned away
to look for his horse ; then he suddenly paused
“ Can you say for certain , ” he asked , " which
of us will be the survivor ? "
The miller hesitated .
“ It
have
must
be you ," he
already told
you ,
said
my
at
length.
father,
that
“ I
you
will not die by a sword thrust.”
“ Look once more into the pitcher .”
“ I
can
see
nothing,
my father — the
water
has become troubled .”
Then get some fresh water , " said Wiasemski ,
1
authoritatively
170
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
The
miller
obeyed ,
though
evidently
dis
pleased .
“ What
do
you
see ? ”
asked
the
Prince,
impatiently.
“
I neither see you nor your enemy,” he said
at last , growing pale .
“ I see a large place, with a crowd of people,
and
heads
fixed
is a stake, with
on pikes —on
one side
there
faggots smouldering, and men's
bones are nailed to the wood . ”
Whose
heads
are
on
the
pikes ? ”
asked
Wiasemski , surmounting his terror.
“
I cannot tell , my father—the water is again
troubled, and I only see the faggots
ing,
and
the
men's
bones
nailed
smoulder
to
the
stake."
The
he
was
miller raised
shaking,
as
his
if
head
in
a
with
difficulty,
convulsion-and ,
groaning aloud , threw he himself on the bench .
Wiasemski
mounted
returned to Moscow .
his
horse
hastily,
and
CHAPTER XII .
THE JUDGMENT OF GOD.
In the absence of Wiasemski, the Czar had con
fided
Maluta
to
the
task
of
putting all
the
Prince's servants to the torture, in order to find
out
why he
had
been
against
went to
there — and
the
others,
what
Czar's person.
them persisted in
but
the mill - how
designs
his
he
were
A great number of
denying
unable to
often
their master's guilt,
endure the torture, said
all that Maluta put into
their mouths.
Some
said that he had tried to undermine the Czar's
health
by sorcery ----others
that
he
place Ivan's cousin on the throne.
wished
to
Though all
their confessions were utterly absurd , they were
carefully
taken
down
and
read
to the
Czar.
172
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
God only knows, whether he believed them or
but he
not,
Maluta
ordered
to
from
conceal
Wiasemski the reason that his servants had been
imprisoned, and to pretend that they had been
convicted
of robberies
in
the
As all
Palace.
these confessions were very contradictory , Ivan
sent for Basmanoff to demand of him the con
firmation of his insinuations against Wiasemski.
Basmanoff could not be found in the village,
he had gone to Moscow, and the Czar's anger
was great, on hearing of his disobedience .
Ma
luta therefore improved the occasion by turning
his master's suspicions against him also .
“ Who
you ?
knows ,
Czar, why he
has
disobeyed
He is very possibly Wiasemski's
accom
plice, and only spoke against him to injure you
more surely."
Ivan commanded Maluta to keep silence on
the
whole subject, and not to allow Basmanoff
to discover that his absence had been remarked .
The day fixed for the trial by single combat
approached.
was
crowded
Even before sunrise, the Red Field
with
spectators,
and
both
the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
windows and
filled
the
roofs
with people.
spread
The
of
had given
houses
were
news of the duel had
far and wide, the
combatants
the
173
noble names
of
the
a keen interest
to
the
affair, and from many towns and villages, and
even from Moscow itself, men of all ranks and
classes came to see to whom God would give the
victory.
comrade ,” said a gaily -dressed
“ Come along,
dulcimer player to his companion, a man with
" Push your
an honest though stupid expression.
way,
and we shall
the barriers.
perhaps
be able
reach
to
Let us pass, good
What a crowd !
people ; we have come all the way from Vladimir
But his request
to see the judgment of God . ”
was unheeded, for the crowd was so great that
it was impossible to make way.
“ Can't you push through , you great whale ? "
said the dulcimer player again.
“ I
will ,”
squaring
right
his
said
other
shoulders,
and left,
angry threats
the
by sheer
he
man
parted
strength.
lazily ,
the
and
crowd
Cries and
broke from the people near,
but
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
174
the
comrades
two
went
without
on
heeding
them.
“ To the right, fool I” said the elder man , “ to
the right, where you see the spears.'
The place the man indicated was that prepared
It consisted of a platform , covered
for the Czar.
with red cloth ,
on which was placed the Czar's
chair, and the spears and lances belonged to the
Apritchniki who surrounded it.
Other Apritch
niki guarded the barriers, to prevent the people
pressing forward , and kept them back with their
sabres.
The
two
dulcimer
players
had
now
reached the chain which was stretched across.
“ Why are you pushing forward like that ?? "
said an Apritchnik, raising his sabre.
The tall
man
looked
open -mouthed
comrade, as if to ask what
make ;
answer
at
his
he should
but the other immediately took off his
cap, which was adorned with a gold ribbon and
a peacock's feather, bowed low to the
Apritchnik ,
and said ,
“ Allow us, good sirs, to look at the judgment
of God.
We are two poor dulcimer players, who
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
175
have come all the way from Vladimir to see it !"
and his white teeth glittered as he smiled .
Well, as
you
are
here, you
can
answered the Apritchnik , “ but if you
further, I will
friends
of
fell
both
you
to
parties
remain ,'
push any
the ground .”
were
walking
The
about
within the enclosure , also a great many boyars
and two secretaries, whose duty it was to see
that
the laws of single combat were observed.
One of them was holding in his hand the edict
on duels, which had been promulgated by the
great Prince Ivan III. , and
was recapitulating
all the circumstances which had been provided
for by it.
He was still reading it aloud, when
he was interrupted by the cries of the multitude
outside,
“ The Czar !
the
Czar ! ”
and
all un
covered their heads .
Surrounded by a large number of Apritchniki,
Ivan Wassilievitch rode up to the platform , and
then
dismounting, he
bowing
to
the
people,
ascended the steps, and
seated
himself
on
his
throne, with the air of a man about to witness
an amusing spectacle.
His courtiers stood round
176
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
him.
to
At the same time , the church bells began
ring,
and
from
opposite
sides
Wiasemski
and Morozoff entered the field, both accoutred
for battle.
Morozoff was
encased
in complete
armour, his gauntlets and greaves glittered with
silver ;
on
his
head
he
wore
a
helmet,
from
which descended a sort of veil made of steel ,
and
fastened
At his side,
on his
breast
by a
silver
clasp.
and fastened to his many -coloured
sash, hung his weapons of defence, with various
insignia of rank .
These weapons might have been useful to the
Boyarin
in former
days, but now the strength
to wield them
failed
black
with
charger,
broidered with
silver,
him.
red
velvet
red
rode
He
a heavy
housings,
tassels
hung
at
em
its
head, and its bridle was made of silver links.
The horse stepped out bravely, and when Moro
zoff stopped about five paces from his enemy,
it shook its long mane, and pawed the ground
impatiently, and looked well suited to its noble
rider.
Wiasemski was far more lightly armed ,
he was still suffering too much from his wounds.
177
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
to permit of his bearing a shield , or any heavy
armour, and he wore, instead, a light
coat of
mail,
On
glittering
head was
a
a
with
steel
cap,
protected by a gold
through
which
blows ;
not
the
precious
visor
back
being
net embossed with
was
considered
was
the
stones.
passed
only
rubies,
gold
a
his
arrow ,
a great protection from
but Wiasemski, careless of danger, had
closed his visor, so
that his pale face and
black eyes were distinctly seen ;
and the gold
arrow gleamed above his helmet like a plume .
His
sash ,
tained
fastened
the
magic
by
a
sword,
jewelled
in
which
clasp,
sus
placed
he
all his confidence ; the saddle was covered with
purple
velvet,
studded
with
silver
nails ;
his
small battle-axe, in a purple velvet sheath, hung
at
the
saddle-bow.
Under
the
coat
of
mail
was seen the white silk shirt, embroidered with
gold , which
fell
over
red
silk
trousers ,
fastened at the knee over the boot
of
had
pearls.
silver
The
Prince's
housings
hung
and
with
rows
cream-coloured
steed
with
hollow
silver
bells, the saddle - cloth was a panther's skin , the
VOL. II.
N
178
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
frontlet
was
studded
with
large rubies set in
gold , its feet were unshod, but at the
hung a silver bell .
tossed
heavy
his
the
ground
charger.
would
have
with
rein ,
singular
his
this,
reared,
wards,
had
and driven
and
it
the
former
not
the
stood
the
still
Prince
but,
have
in
and
not
his
him
to
in
doing
fallen
back
loosened the rein ,
spurs
with
had
compelled
and would
pointed
drew
swerved,
barrier,
position ;
the
Morozoff's
Prince
horse
skill,
and
advanced, hardly
confront
the
leapt
resume
it
to
When
glittering
rider,
He champed his bit,
his head proudly, and
touching
fetlocks
its flanks,
into
dilated
nostrils
and
fiery eyes .
When
Wiasemski,
glittering
with
gold
and
precious stones, entered the lists, the dulcimer
player could not restrain his pleasure.
He was
“ There's a
especially delighted with the horse .
steed ! ”
he
never
saw
added
to
exclaimed , stamping his foot.
such a beauty .
himself ,
“ that
What
the
a
“ I
pity ,” he
horse
rider never came to the Stagnant Pool !
and
his
Which
179
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
horse pleases you best, fool ? ”
he asked
aloud
of his companion.
“ The
other," answered the man, pointing to
Morozoff's charger.
* Why ? ”
“ Because he looks the strongest,” answered the
other lazily.
The dulcimer -player laughed loudly ;
but
at
that moment the herald's voice was heard .
“ Orthodox people ,” he said , turning to all sides
of the square , “ the fight is now to begin between
the Czar's follower, Prince Athanasius Wiasemski,
and the Boyarin Morozoff, who accuses him of
pillage and plunder, and of the abduction of the
Boyarina, his wife.
Pray, therefore, good people,
to the Holy Trinity that victory may attend the
right.”
The whole place became still , while all prayed
and crossed themselves, while the Boyarin whose
duty it was to superintend the duel
approached
the Czar, and asked in a low voice
“ Do
Czar ? "
you
command
the
combat
to
begin,
130
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
' Begin ,” said Ivan.
The Boyarin gave the signal ; the combatants
At the second signal they
drew their swords.
were to charge, but, to the astonishment of all,
Wiasemski
suddenly reeled
in
his saddle, and
would have fallen had not his attendants helped
him to dismount.
His equerries seized his horse's
rein.
“ Lead him
away,” said Wiasemski faintly ; “ I
will fight on
Seeing
that
foot.”
his
Morozoff followed
adversary had
his
horse to his attendants.
example,
dismounted,
and
gave
his
One of them brought
him a leathern shield embossed with steel , such
as were used in hand -to -hand encounters.
Wiasemski's
shield, inlaid,
and fringed with
gold, was also brought ; but he had not strength
to put it on his arm .
His legs trembled, and he
would have fallen had not his retainers supported
him .
“ What ails you , Prince ? ” asked one of them
with astonishment.
“ If you do not fight, it is
as if you acknowledge yourself vanquished.”
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
• Take off
my
armour, ”
said
181
he ;
“ I am
suffocating."
He tore off his jewelled collar as he spoke, and
flung
from
him the silken cord to which was
attached the little bag containing the sparrow
hawk .
“ Hateful sorcerer ! ” he exclaimed, as he threw
66
curses on you for having
it far from him ;
deceived me !"
Morozoff approached Wiasemski with his sword
drawn, and, brandishing it over his head , said
Dog , confess your guilt !”
The attendants interposed.
“ No ,” said Wiasemski, and his eyes flashed
fire ; “ it is too soon yet.
You have cast a spell
over me by dipping your sword in holy water ;
but I will find a champion to fight in my stead ,
and we shall then see who will be victor.”
The retainers on both sides began to dispute,
Morozoff's adherents declaring that the judgment
of God was already decided in his favour, while
the others contended that where there had been
no fight there could be no judgment.
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
182
The Czar meanwhile had observed Wiasemski's
movement, and ordered the amulet to be brought
He examined it with curiosity, and then
to him .
called Maluta .
66
Keep this ,” said he, “ till I ask for it. . And
now , " he added aloud, “ call Wiasemski to me."
“ Well , Athanasius ,” said he, with a mocking
laugh, when Wiasemski obeyed his summons, “ it
seems you cannot resist Morozoff.”
Czar,” said the Prince, whose face was of a
deathly pallor,
“ my enemy has
means against me.
used unlawful
I have never worn armour
since my recovery, and now my wounds have re
opened — you can see how the blood is flowing
beneath
my dress.
herald
I ask you, then , to allow the
demand whether
to
any champion will
come forward and undertake my cause. '
Wiasemski's request was against all rule.
If
he had found himself unable to fight, he ought
to
have
demanded
a
champion ,
long
before ;
but once in the field , he had no right to one .
But the Czar, being desirous to ruin Morozoff ,
consented.
183
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Order
the
whether there
herald ,”
is
said
he ,
“ to
demand
any one, who is braver than
you — if not, Morozoff must be declared victor,
and
you
will
be
delivered
to
the
execu
tioner . ”
Wiasemski was led away, and , by his orders ,
men walked round the lists, crying
“ If there is any one from Moscow,
Alexan
drova, or elsewhere, who will undertake Prince
Wiasemski's cause against Morozoff, let him come
forward .”
All were silent ;
and no champion appeared.
“ Come forward , good men ,” cried the herald ;
“ to the man who fights and conquers Morozoff
-the Prince promises — if he be of gentle birth,
broad lands ; if he be a peasant , all his gold .”
No
cause
zoff's
hated
he
answered ; for
one
all knew that Moro
was just — and the Czar, much
the Boyarin, was
about to
as
proclaim
him victor when cries were heard.
“
A
champion
comes !”
and Homack entered
the lists.
“ Hoidà !”
cried he,
brandishing his sword.
184
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Come
on ,
Boyarin ,
I
will
fight
for
Wia
semski.”
At the sight of this man , Morozoff, who had
been waiting till now, with unsheathed sword,
turned angrily to those around him .
“
I will not fight with a substitute,” said he,
“ The Boyarin Morozoff cannot fight
proudly.
with Skouratoff's equerry .
And ,
sheathing
his
sword,
he
came
up
to
where Ivan was sitting.
Czar , ”
enemy
do
the
to
said
he,
demand
“ you
a
same, or else
have
champion ;
let
the
allowed
allow
my
me
combat be
to
post
poned .”
Much as the Czar desired the destruction of
Morozoff, the Boyarin's request was too
able
reason
to be refused ; and Ivan did not dare to
appear prejudiced in a judgment which had been
committed to God.
Call a herald , ” said he, angrily, and demand
a champion.
“
If you cannot find one ; either
fight, or acknowledge yourself vanquished, and
lay your head on the block.”
$
185
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Homack, in the meantime, was walking round
the lists , and mocking the spectators.
“ What a number of black crows are here ! ”
said he,
them .
bright
one
not
“ and
among
falcon
Will no one come out, and let me try
this new sword for the Czar's amusement.
But
with
lying
I
suppose
all
got
idle,
cried
the
dulcimer
have
you
on warm stoves. '
“
“
You
devil ! ”
player.
I would show you what I could do, if I had
my sabre
here.
Look ,"
comrade a push.
The
other
he
added,
giving
“ Do you recognise
did not
his mouth wide,
answer ; he
and seemed
to
him
had
be
his
?"
opened
devouring
Homack with his eyes.
“ Well,
Homack .
will
no
“ You
one
bakers
come
and
out ? ”
asked
merchants,
will
none of you fight ?
“ I
will,”
said
the
dulcimer player's
com
panion ; and , seizing the chain with both hands,
he passed it over his head, and entered the lists,
nearly pulling out the wooden posts to which it
was attached .
He looked himself astonished at
186
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
his
own
wide
daring ;
open , he
Apritchniki,
and,
stared
and
the
with
mouth
and
eyes
at his opponent, at the
Czar,
without
saying
a
word.
Who
are
you ? ”
asked
the
Boyarin
who
superintended the combat.
“ Who am I ? ” he repeated , and after thinking
for a little he laughed.
“ Who are you ?" asked the Boyarin again .
Mitka,” he answered simply, as if astonished
at the question.
“
I thank
you ,
young man ,”
said
Morozoff,
“ I thank you for undertaking the defence of a
just
cause.
If you
are victor,
I will not be
sparing of my gold, for, through God's mercy , I
have
not
been
so
plundered
as
not
to
have
enough left to reward my brave champion . ”
Homack had seen Mitka before at the Stag
nant Pool, when his horse had been killed by a
blow
from him ;
but
not noticed his face,
in the
confusion he had
which was indeed nothing
very remarkable ; and now he did not recognize
him.
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
187
“ With what weapons will you fight ?" asked
the Boyarin, looking with interest at the young
man , who had neither arms nor arrows.
“ With
what
weapons ?"
repeated
Mitka,
looking round for the dulcimer player, to consult
him ; but his friend had apparently changed his
position , for he could see him nowhere.
“ Well,” continued the Boyarin , “ take a sabre
and a coat of mail, and enter the lists . ”
Mitka looked astonished and perplexed ;
and
his strange ways amused the Czar, who said —
“ Give him weapons, and let us see if he knows
how to use them .”
An old suit of armour was brought to Mitka ,
but he could not get his arms into the coat of
mail, and the helmet was so small, that it stuck
at the top of his head.
Mitka, who
was
In
this accoutrement
sorely puzzled ,
turned
from
right to left, in search of his friend and adviser.
The Czar laughed loudly ; and his example was
followed , first by the Apritehniki, and then by
all the spectators .
“ What
are you laughing
at ? ”
said Mitka ,
188
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
angrily ; “ I can fight that man," pointing as he
spoke to Homack, “ without your iron cap and
steel shirt,” and he pulled them
off.
This declaration was received with a fresh burst
of merriment.
“ With what will you fight, then ? ” asked the
Boyarin.
“ Have you not got a heavy cudgel ?" asked
he , turning to the Apritchniki.
“ Where did this fool come from ? how did he
get in ? ” cried they.
“ Do you think , idiot, that
we fight like peasants with sticks ? ”
But
the
Czar,
who
had
been
amused
by
Mitka's proceedings, forbade his being dismissed .
“ Give him a bludgeon ,”
said
he, “ and
let
him fight in his own way .
Homack was offended .
Czar, ” said he, “ do not allow a peasant to
insult your servant.
I have served you faithfully
in the Apritchniki , and
with such weapons ."
But
the
answered
Czar
was
have never yet fought
in
a merry
mood ,
and
189
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ You can fight with your sword , and let him
fight with his club .
Let one be brought to him ;
let us see how a peasant will defend Morozoff.”
Several
clubs were brought ; Mitka took up
one after the other, and then turned to the Czar :
“ Are
there
none
these ?” he asked,
bigger
looking
and
heavier than
interrogatively
into
Ivan's face.
“ Let the shaft of a cart be brought to him
said the Czar, delighted
at
the novelty of the
amusement awaiting him .
The Apritchniki brought Mitka a shaft which
they had taken from a cart, standing in a neigh
bouring court.
“ Will that do ? " asked Ivan .
Yes ,"
said Mitka,
“ I
think that will do,"
and seizing the shaft by one end , he whirled it
round with such force that he made the dust fly .
“ What a devil ! ” said the Apritchniki, looking
at one another.
The Czar turned to Homack :
“ Place yourself, ” he said, in a tone of com
mand ;
and
then added mockingly, “ we
shall
see how you will ward off the peasant's cudgel.”
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
190
Mitka
meantime
the
in
turned
had
up his
sleeves , spat into his hands, and brandished his
club, as he looked at Homack.
All his timidity
had vanished.
“ Place yourself,” said he, disdainfully ; “ I will
teach you how to carry off men's sweethearts . "
Homack's
position, opposed to
weapon and to Mitka's
immense
an unwonted
strength, was
not a pleasant one , especially as the spectators
began to take the part of the young man and to
deride Homack.
His confusion amused the Czar,
who looked upon the fight in the light of a bear
bait or a performance of tumblers.
“ Let
the
fight
begin ," said he, seeing that
Homack wavered.
Mitka raised
his
shaft, and whirled it round
and round his head as he approached Homack .
The latter tried to deal a blow at him with his
sword , but he was soon forced to defend himself
against
the
tremendous
weapon which whirled
round Mitka and made him invincible ;
and, to
the delight of the Czar and the rest of the specta
tors , he began to retreat, thinking only of his
191
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
safety.
sprang
But Mitka, with the address of a bear,
towards
him ,
and
his
shaft . performed
threatening gyrations round Homack's head.
“ I will teach you to carry off sweethearts ,"
.said he ;
and in his rage he aimed a shower of
blows at Homack's head and legs.
The sympathy of the spectators found a vent
in exclamations of delight.
66
That's right, that's right ! ” they cried , forget
ting the
presence
of
the
Czar.
done,
“ Well
young man ; stand fast for Morozoff and for the
just cause.
But Mitka was not thinking of Morozoff.
66 I
will teach you to carry off sweethearts , ” repeated
he, pursuing Homack , who vainly tried to evade
him .
Several times the Apritchniki who were guard
ing the barrier were
·escape
the
sounding
menacing
blow
was
forced
to stoop down to
cudgel.
heard ,
Suddenly
a
re
and
Homack , who
had been struck in the side, fell
on the ground,
with arms extended .
The spectators burst into a shout of triumph.
192
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Mitka
fell
on
Homack with
the
intention of
strangling him.
“ Let him go, let him go !” cried the Apritch
niki ;
and Maluta , bending down, whispered to
the Czar, with a troubled face
Czar,
order
that
devil
Homack is the best man
to
be
dragged
off.
in your body-guard . ”
“ Drag the fool away by his legs , ” cried the
Czar, “ but do not harm him . ”
The
Apritchniki succeeded with
obeying the command .
difficulty in
But Homack was already
dead ; and while the attention of all was fixed on
his purple face, the dulcimer -player approached
Mitka, and, pulling him by his coat, whispered,
“ Come away, idiot, and save your head .”
they both disappeared in the crowd.
And
CHAPTER
XIII.
THE AMULET OF WIASEMSKI.
THE Czar commanded Morozoff to be called .
The
spectators were silent; their attention was fixed
on the Czar, and all held their breath in expecta
tion .
“ Boyarin Drougina,” said Ivan with dignity,
rising from his seat, “ the judgment of God has
cleared you in
In giving you the
my eyes.
victory, the All -Merciful
has
shown that
your
cause was just, and I will not refuse you my
favour ;
my
but
do
“ is
only
Wiasemski come
When the
VOL. II.
quit
the
village
without
This, however,” continued
permission.
gloomily,
not
half
my
judgment.
he ,
Let
forward ."
Prince
appeared, the Czar looked
0
194
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
long
at
him
with
unfathomable
an
expres
sion .
Athanasius, " said he at last, " you know that
I always keep my word, and that I have already
declared that the vanquished of to -day would be
doomed
to
death .
Your
champion
been
has
defeated .”
“ Well,
then ,"
answered
Wiasemski
firmly,
“ order me to be beheaded .”
A
strange
smile
d
passe
passed
the
over
over
Czar's
face.
“
Beheaded only ! ” said he, angrily ; “ do you
think that would be a sufficient punishment ?
It
might have been, if you had only been guilty
towards
upon
Morozoff ; but
you.
Maluta,
there
bring
is
here
a
heavier
the
sin
amulet; "
and , taking from the hands of Maluta the little
bag,
cast
from
him
by Wiasemski,
he
lifted
it by the silken string.
“ What is this ? ” asked he , looking furiously
at Wiasemski.
The Prince would have answered
--but the Czar did not give him time.
“ Unfaithful
servant," said
he, in
a terrible
195
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
voice,
and
tators.
“
I
raised
have
and
a shudder
I
have
ran
through
placed you
you
what have you
to
near my throne,
dignities
done ?
spec
the
and
honours ,
In your polluted
heart, you have turned against me like a serpent ;
and have tried to destroy me, your Czar, by magic.
This is why you wished to be enrolled in my
body -guard.
What are the Apritchniki ? ” con
tinued he, looking round and raising his voice,
so as to be heard by the people.
by God
over
“ I am placed
my people, as the
vineyard, in order to cultivate it.
counsellors
and
my
and
conspired
would
against
give
me — then
master
of a
The boyars
help,
me
no
I
took
my
vineyard from them, and gave it to other hus
bandmen — who
whom I called
are
Apritchniki.
Those
feast, would not
come,
the
to the
so I sent into the highways and hedges, to call
all who would come ; and these again , are the
Apritchniki.
Now I ask you , what punishment
does the guest deserve, who appears at the feast
What
says the
without
a wedding garment!
Bible ?
Let him be bound hand and foot, and
196
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
cast into outer darkness, where shall be weep
ing and gnashing of teeth . ”
So spoke Ivan — and the people listened un
murmuringly to this strange application of the
Bible.
They felt no sympathy for Wiasemski,
though they were greatly startled
of the haughty favourite.
niki
either
dared
or
by the fall
None of the Apritch
desired
to
defend
Terror was depicted on their faces.
him .
The wicked
eyes of Maluta expressed only prompt obedience
to the Czar's will.
And Basmanoff, also , looked
exultant, though he strove to hide his feelings,
under an appearance of indifference.
He knew Ivan,
thought all defence was useless.
and
resolving
to
bear
Wiasemski
bravely
the
torments
awaiting him , he remained calm and unmoved .
“ Lead him away,” said the
have the same punishment as
Czar.
“ Let him
the robber who
entered my bedroom , and is now awaiting his
doom.
The sorcerer must also
be
sought out,
and brought to the village, where he must be
put
to
the question.
Great is the wickedness
of the Prince of Darkness," continued he, raising
197
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ He is like a roaring lion ,
his eyes to heaven .
who goeth about seeking whom he may devour ,
and he finds
nearest to me.
ready instruments even in those
But I have faith in God's mercy ,
and, with His help, I will root out treason from
the land . ”
Ivan descended from the platform , and, mount
ing his horse, returned to the palace, surrounded
by the
troop
of
silent
courtiers.
Maluta
ad
vanced to Wiasemski with a cord .
“ Do not be angry , Prince," said he,
laugh, binding his hands behind him .
my
duty ;"
guards, to
talking
and
he
led
the prison.
over the
events
him,
The
with a
It is
surrounded
people
by
dispersed ,
of the day, and soon
the crowded plain was deserted .
CHAPTER
XIV.
THE AMULET OF BASMANOFF.
WIASEMSKI
question,
to the
was put
but
With
tortures could wring from him a word.
strength
incredible
inhuman
make
torments
him
confess
he
will,
of
by
which
treason
supported
the
Maluta tried
against
no
to
Czar.
the
Whether from pride or scorn, or because life had
become bitter to him , he did not even try to
diminish the effect of Basmanoff's insinuations,
by denouncing
of
the
visitors
him ,
to
as
the
orders, the miller had
brought
to
been
having
also
mill.
By the
also been
arrested
the village, but had not yet
put to the question.
one
Czar's
and
been
Basmanoff attributed the
success of his slanders to the herb, which he now
1
199
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
constantly
wore
neck ; and he
his
round
had
still greater faith in its magic power, from the
fact that the Czar showed no suspicion of him
him
mocking
and, though
occasionally,
as
he
used to do, was generally kind and affectionate.
Having ruined one of his rivals, and being igno
rant of the miller's arrest, he fancied his
influ
and
more
ence
still
became
unshaken ,
more
overbearing, and, following the advice given him ,
spoke boldly
he
the
to
and rudely responded to
stopped
his jests.
with
favourites,
his
freely,
Ivan bore
of his excursions,
Once, in one
all patiently.
he
Czar ; laughed
whom
among
were both Basmanoffs, to hear early mass at a
neighbouring
convent ;
entered the prior's
a slight repast.
a
after
and,
apartments,
to
He was seated on
corner, under the sacred
the
service ,
partake
of
a stool in
images, surrounded
by his chief courtiers, who were all there, with
the
exception
bowing
low ,
of Skouratoff - when
placed
on
fresh eggs, milk, honey,
in a gay mood .
the
and
table
fruit.
the
prior,
before
him ,
Ivan
was
He tasted of everything, joked
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
200
condescendingly,
With
Basmanoff,
than
usual,
and
and
he
spoke
was
the
of
even
young
holy
more
man
it to the working of the herb .
things.
gracious
attributed
At this moment,
a horse's hoofs were heard .
Feodor,"
said
the
Czar,
see
who
has
arrived ."
Basmanoff had
not time to reach the door ;.
when it opened , and Maluta entered .
wore
a
strange
expression ,
His face
through
which
gleamed a wicked joy.
Enter, Maluta ," said the Czar, kindly, “ with
what news does God send you hither ? ”
Maluta advanced into the room, glanced fur
tively at the Czar, and made the sign
of the
cross before the images.
“ Whence do you come ?"
repeated Ivan, as.
if his coming were unexpected .
Skouratoff did not answer immediately ;
he
merely bowed, and then went up to the prior.
“ Bless me, my father ,” said he, saluting him ,
at the same time looking askance at Basmanoff,
over whom crept dark forebodings.
201
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ From whence come you ?”
persisted Ivan,
winking at Skouratoff.
“ From the prisons, Czar.
I have been
put
ting the sorcerer to the question .”
“ And what does he say ?" asked the Czar,
with a side glance at Basmanoff.
“ He keeps
when
not
his limbs were dislocated , he said, that
only
also
muttering indistinct words, but
Wiasemski
Feodor
herb,
neck , ”
had been
Basmanoff,
which he now
and
young man ,
Maluta
whose
whom
to
always
looked
face
with
him , but
he
gave
wears round
at
the
a
his
unfortunate
changed , and all
his
assurance vanished .
Czar ,"
effort
at
said
Basmanoff,
calmness.
“
I
accuses me, because I told
making
suppose
a
violent
the
miller
your Grace that he
was a sorcerer.'
“ But,” interrupted Maluta, “ when we burnt
his feet, he cried
out, that Basmanoff required
the herb to injure your Grace's health .”
Ivan fixed his eyes on Basmanoff, who quailed
beneath his gaze.
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
202
Father Czar,” said he, “ why do you listen
to
should not
accomplice, I
If I had been his
says ?
what the miller
have denounced him
to you .
“ We
caftan ,
shall
and
about
see
let
us
see
that..
what you
Open
your
wear round
your neck . ”
“ Nothing,
holy
Czar,
images,”
said
except the
cross,
Basmanoff, in
and
the
a trembling
voice .
“ Undo your caftan ,” repeated Ivan .
Basmanoff,
with
shaking
hands,
unfastened
the top buttons of his dress.
“ Here it
with
images,
is,” said
but the
he, offering Ivan
a chain
Czar had seen a silken
cord also round his neck.
“ What is that ?" said he, himself undoing the
ruby button
of his shirt,
and tearing
out the
amulet.
That,” said Basmanoff, with a last effort of
despair,
my mother blessed me with that.”
“ Let us see the relic ;" and Ivan handed the
amulet to Graiznoy, saying, “ open it . ”
203
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Graižnoy
knife,
immediately cut
and displayed
it
a piece
open
with
his
of rag, enclosing
something which he emptied on the table.
66
Well, what is it ? " asked the Czar.
All bent over the table with curiosity, and saw
the bones of
mingled with
fragments of grass,
The prior crossed himself.
toads .
“ Is that your mother's gift ? " asked the Czar
mockingly.
Basmanoff fell on his knees.
Forgive
your
your
slave,
is
merely
“ It
terror.
affection .
The
Czar, ”
a
miller
order that your slave might
in your
eyes, but I
cried
herb
he
in
to
recover
it
me,
in
gave
again
find
favour
never dreamed of treason,
Czar.”
“ And the toad's bones ? ” asked Ivan, enjoy
ing the despair of Basmanoff, of whose effrontery
he was weary .
“ Of the bones I know nothing, Czar ; as God
is great, I know nothing."
Ivan turned to Maluta.
* You
say that the miller accuses Feodor of
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
204
having come to him, in order to obtain something
to harm me.'
Yes, Czar, " and Maluta's lips curled with a
wicked
smile
at the
thought of his foe's
dis
comfiture.
- Well, Feodor," said Ivan with a laugh, “ you
must be
confronted with the
miller.
He
has
been put to the torture, now it is your turn to
taste a little of it, or else they will say that the
Czar is unjust, and spares his Apritchniki."
Basmanoff fell at the Czar's feet.
" My
bright sun, ”
cried he ,
catching at
dress ; “ light of my eyes, spare me.
his
My falcon ,
my white ermine, remember how faithfully I have
always served and obeyed all your commands ."
Ivan turned away ..
Basmanoff in his despair rushed to his father.
“ Entreat the
life of his slave.
Czar ," said he, “ to
spare the
I will not only wear a woman's
dress, but a buffoon's.
I will serve the Czar as
his jester ."
But all feelings of family affection and sym
pathy had long since died in Alexi Basmanoff's
205
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
heart.
He feared falling himself into disgrace by
showing any pity for his son .
“ Begone,"
from him .
of mine.
“
said he,
rudely pushing
his
son
The Czar's enemy can be no son
Go where his Grace sends you .
“ Holy Father, ”
prayed
Basmanoff,
crawling
from his father to the feet of the prior, “ Im
plore the
Czar for mercy ;"
but the prior was
terrified , and trembling kept his eyes fixed on th
ground.
“ Leave
necessary
the
he
prior,”
said
Ivan,
coldly ;
" if
will pray for you when you
are
dead . "
Basmanoff looked round
met
only
cold
and
imploringly, but he
indifferent
faces ;
then a
change came over his heart, he understood that
he could not escape torture so terrible, that death
would probably be the result.
had nothing to lose,
returned .
and his
He felt that he
former
assurance
He rose proudly, placed his hand in
his girdle, and looked with a mocking smile at
Ivan .
“ Czar ,"
his earrings
said he, shaking
his
curls till
tinkled , " it is by your order that I
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
206
go to torture and to death ; let me thank you for
the
last
time,
for
all your kindness.
conspired against you, but
when I
I
am
never
led to
execution , I will declare your wickedness before
the people ; and you, prior, listen now to my con
fession ."
The Apritehniki and the elder Basmanoff led
him
away ,
and having bound him to a horse,
Maluta had him taken immediately to Alexandrova.
“ You see,
father,”
said
Ivan
to
the
prior,
“ how I am surrounded by secret foes ; pray God
to bless the good work which I have begun, that
I may root out all treason from the land.”
The Czar rose, and having made the sign of the
cross before the images, asked the prior for his
blessing.
him to
The prior and the brethren reconducted
the gates of the convent, where mag
nificently
caparisoned horses awaited Ivan
and
his retinue.
For
some time
after the last traces of them
had disappeared in a cloud of dust, they
tinued to gaze after them with bowed heads.
con
CHAPTER XV.
FOOL'S
THE
DRESS .
The same morning, two courtiers, who had re
mained at Alexandrova, came to Morozoff, and
invited him to dine at the Czar's table.
When
he arrived at the palace, the hall was filled with
Apritchniki, the tables were
servants
in
rich
dresses
arranged ,
were
and the
preparing them .
Morozoff saw he was the only Boyarin present,
and understood that the Czar intended to show
him
great
trumpets
honour.
sounded ,
The
and
bells
then
rang
the
and
Czar
the
Ivan
entered , with a gracious and kindly countenance,
accompanied
Basmanoff,
by
the
Father
Godounoff,
and
Levky,
Maluta.
the
elder
Having
returned the salutations of his guests, the Czar
208
took
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
his
seat,
the
courtiers placed
themselves
according to their rank ; one seat, below Godou
noff, alone remained unoccupied.
“ Sit down, Boyarin ,” said the Czar to Moro
The Boyarin's
zoff, pointing to the empty seat.
face flushed .
" Czar," said he , “ as I have acted all my life
so will I do till my death .
I am too old to
accommodate myself to new customs.
Disgrace
me again , deprive me of the light of your counte
nance, but I will not sit lower than Godounoff.”
All present looked at each other in astonish
ment.
The Czar alone seemed prepared for the
answer, and remained calm .
“ Boris ,”
said he to Godounoff,
“ two
ago the Boyarin made the same answer ;
years
it seems
it is time for me to change my customs, and to
receive orders from the boyars.
I and my fol
lowers must take refuge elsewhere; they will send
me from here as they did from Moscow . ”
“ Czar," answered Godounoff humbly, wishing
to save Morozoff, “ it does not become us to judge
of our
precedence, but old people like old cus
209
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
toms ; do not be angry with the Boyarin because
Let me sit below
he wishes to keep his place .
him, all places are equally good at your table . ”
He half rose , but a look from Ivan made him
resume his seat.
“ The Boyarin is old , ” said he coolly, astonish
ing all present by his calmness ; but they felt
that something extraordinary was about to hap
pen , though they could not guess in what way
the Czar would give vent to
the anger which
was visible in the workings of his face.
There
was a general feeling of oppression, as before a
storm .
“
Yes, ” continued Ivan , “ the Boyarin is old in
years, but young in spirit ; he loves a joke , which
I also appreciate, in the hours not occupied by
prayers or affairs of state.
But since the death
of my jester, Nogteff, no one knows how to amuse
me .
I see that Morozoff would like his
office.
I have promised to show him favour, and there
fore name him my chief jest
jester.
Bring, ” said he
to the servants, “ the caftan which belonged to
Nogteff, and put it on the Boyarin .”
VOL. II.
P
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
210
The muscles of the Czar's face worked violently,
but his voice remained calm .
Morozoff was thunder - struck ; he turned pale,
and the blood rushed to his heart ; but his eyes.
flashed, and he knit his brows with an expression
of
such
fury,
that
countenance
his
appeared
terrible, even beside that of Ivan .
He could not believe his ears .
really
wish
Boyarin,
to
to
dishonour
whose
deeds
Did the Czar
him ?
of valour
the
proud
were
known
all ?. He gazed silently at Ivan, as though
expecting
him
to
retract
his words — but ever
since Basmanoff had asked for the jester's cap
as a substitute
for the torture, this outrage to
Morozoff had been a fixed idea with the Czar.
All had been prepared beforehand, and, at a
sign from the Czar, Graiznoy brought a many
coloured caftan, adorned with tinkling bells.
“ Put it
gives
you
on , Boyarin , ” said he .
“ The Czar
the
his
garment
worn
by
former
jester. ”
“ Stand back ,” said Morozoff, pushing
Graiznoy.
“ Do
not
dare,
wretch,
to
away
lay
a
211
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
tors
cleaned
their
kennels
the
mine,
of
ances
Your
Boyarin Morozoff.
finger on the
and
were
serfs ; " then turning to Ivan, he said
agitated , indignant
tones ,
in
retract your
“ Czar,
word , let me be put to death , my head is at
your disposal, but you have no right to touch
my honour . ”
Ivan looked at the Apritchniki.
see
“ You
Boyarin
loves
I
right in saying, that the
am
a
joke .
I
have
to
right
no
promote him to the office of jester ! ”
“ Czar,” cried Morozoff, once
plore
you
to
retract
your
“ I im
more.
words.
I
was
in
favour with your father before you were born ;
when,
together with Habarom
defeated the Tcheremiss,
and
and
when
Simsky, I
with
the
Princes Odoevsky and Mstislavsky, I drove back
the
Khan
Tartars
of
from
the
Crimea,
Moscow.
and
Much
repulsed
blood
the
have
I
spilt in the service of your father and yourself.
I
fought
bravely for you
in
the
field ; and,
when you were a child , I defended yours and
your mother's rights in the council against the
212
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Schouiskys.
For
honour,
and
stained .
Will
that
block ,
has
Czar.
as joyfully
as
my
lay
I
was
prized
my
remained
un
hairs
grey
the
servant ?
will
I
only
always
mock
you
faithful
your father's
headed,
myself , I
of
Have
me
be
head
on
the
wont
to
go
to
battle ."
All were subdued by the words of Morozoff ;
when the voice of the
Czar
broke
in
on
the
general silence.
“ Enough
passing
from
anger.
“
of
parleying ,”
said
he,
severely,
his jesting tone to one
of open
show you
to be
well fitted for a jester — put on the coat.
And
Your foolish
continued
you ,”
help
him - he
words
the Czar
is
to
the Apritchniki,
accustomed
to
be
waited
on ."
Had Morozoff fallen at
the Czar's feet, and
implored mercy, he might perhaps have relented ;
but there was defiance in his look and words,
even when he sued for mercy , which Ivan could
not brook.
that
He could not bear opposition, and
was why he had latterly begun to
hate
213
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Wiasemski,
whose
decision
of
character
was
well -known, without being able to explain the
reason even to himself.
In
his
a
moment, the Apritchniki had torn
dress,
and
put
on
off
the caftan with bells.
After the Czar's last words, Morozoff made no
resistance, but looked silently at the Apritchniki,
while
they derisively arranged
his
dress.
He
was deep in thought.
“ You have forgotten the cap," said Graiznoy,
putting a parti -coloured one on his
head , and
then retreating, he bowed low before him.
“ Boyarin,” said he , “ allow me to congratu
late you on your
Now amuse us,
new office.
as did the former jester, Nogteff.”
Morozoff raised
his head,
and looked round
on the assembly.
“ Well,” said he, resolutely, “
I accept the new
office the Czar has conferred upon me.
It was
not fit for the Boyarin Morozoff to sit at table
with Godounoff — but the fool may hold company
with the Basmanoffs.
Make way for the new
jester, and listen all of you, how he will amuse
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
214
Ivan Wassilievitch .”
gesture,
ing
before him.
Morozoff made a command
and the Apritchniki gave way
With his bells ringing the Boyarin
came up to the table, and sat on a stool before
Ivan ;
to
but with
wear
such
a royal
dignity, that he seemed
mantle instead
of
the
fool's
he
said,
caftan .
“ How
putting
shall
his
elbows
straight into
find new
SO
many
your
Ivan's
witticisms
jests
reign.
youth,
divert
I
in
You
on
Czar,"
you ,
the
table, and looking
is difficult to
" It
eyes.
for you ; there have been
Russia
amused
since
you
yourself
by trampling the people in
the
began
in
your
streets,
under your horse's hoofs ; you amused yourself
at the chase , by ordering the huntsmen to cut
Prince
the
Schouisky to pieces , and throw him to
dogs .
You
amused
yourself,
when
the
men of Pskov came to complain of him whom
you
had
set
over
them ,
by
having
burning
pitch thrown over their heads."
The Apritchniki started from their seats, but
the Czar restrained them by a look.
215
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ But," continued
.childish
freaks,
Morozoff,
and they
“ all those were
soon
wearied
you.
You began to immure noblemen in monasteries,
in
order to
wives
and
tired .
You
servants
your guilty
daughters ;
next
for
you long.
fill
but
selected
torture ;
halls
of
this
your
but
this
deride Christ's Church .
lowest rabble,
time you
Czar ?
divert
and
What
to
So you chose out the
murders,
and
In the
at
day
night
you
You are covered with blood , yet
and ring the
to say mass.
you .
faithful
not
and dressed them up as monks ;
commit
sing psalms.
ment,
you
and you determined
and you also dressed as a monk.
sing
also
most
did
their
You found it tiresome to mock the
people and the boyars,
you
with
bells,
and would like
This seems your favourite amuse
no
one
else
had
shall
thought
I
say
to
of
it
amuse
before
you,
This : while you are dancing in masks
with your Apritchniki ; while
you are ringing
the bells for matins, and covering yourself with
blood, Sigismund, with his Poles and Germans,
will fall on you from the West, and from the
216
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
East will come the Khan , and with his hordes
will attack the holy city, and there will be no
commanders to
defend
Moscow .
The churches
of God will be burnt, and all the sacred relics.
with them ; and you, the Czar of Russia, will
have to
kneel
before
the
Khan,
and
kiss
his:
stirrup.”
Morozoff ceased .
No
breath
flashing
listened
one
in
all
held
their
The
Czar,
pale,
with
foaming
at
him ;
interrupted
suspense .
eyes,
and
silently.
the
He grasped the. arms
mouth ,
of
his
chair convulsively, and bending forward, seemed
afraid to lose a single
word ;
as if he desired
to remember them all, in order to allot to each
a different torture.
Godounoff
Godounoff, with eyes bent down ,
look at him .
seemed
his
The Apritchniki dared not
afraid
attention .
to
move,
Even
lest he should attract
Maluta
felt
uncomfort
able.
Suddenly
rushing
zoff
up
Graiznoy
to
Ivan ,
drew
said ,
his
dagger,
pointing
to
and
Moro
217
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Permit me, Czar, to stop his mouth.”
“
with
Do
whispered
dare ,”
not
“ let
rage ;
his
choking
Ivan,
honour
finish
his
dis
course. "
Morozoff gazed proudly round him .
“
Do you want more diversions, Czar ?
then , I will continue.
illustrious birth,
Well
One faithful servant, of
still
remained
You
you.
to
had not yet thought of destroying him , perhaps
because you feared the anger of God ;
because
you
worthy
of
could
think
He
him.
of
lived
perhaps
punishment
no
disgrace,
in
far
from you , and you might have forgotten him ;
but you never forget,
your
and
accursed
carry
demand
Czar.
Wiasemki
off his wife ;
redress
for
his
You sent to him
to
burn
his
house
and when he came to
wrongs,
you
arranged
a duel between them for your diversion, in the
hope that your young
courtier would
kill the
old Boyarin.
But God did not allow this, and
gave
the
then ,
to
him
Czar ? ”
ling voice,
victory.
What
continued Morozoff,
and
the
fool's
bells
did
in a
you
do
tremb
tinkled as
he
218
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
" then
spoke ;
outrage unheard
pushing
seat,
man
he
back,
table
the
à
fool's
saved
had
who
Czar , "
Toula
his
Morozoff
forced
Moscow
and
an
and
from
sprang
Boyarin
and you
dress,
by
him
Then
of before .
then you ordered the
wear
to
dishonoured
you
the
to
divert you and your wretched courtiers . ”
The look of the old warrior was terrible as he
stood
with
uplifted
Apritchniki.
to disappear.
beard fell
hand
among
the
silent
The absurdity of his dress seemed
His
over
eyes
the
flashed fire, his white
chest
scarred
with
wounds, and now covered by a fool's
many
apparel.
There was so much dignity and nobility in his
bearing,
that
beside
him ,
the
Czar
looked
mean.
“ Czar ," continued he, raising his voice, “ your
new fool stands before you .
jest.
Listen to his last
While you live the voice of the people is
silenced by fear, but when your hateful reign is
over, and only the memory of your deeds remains,
your name will
be cursed
from generation to
generation , until God's judgment day, and then
219
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
the hundreds and thousands killed by you — men ,
women , and little children, all whom you have
put to death and tortured - all will stand before
God appealing against you , their murderer ; and
in that dreadful day, I too will appear, in this
same dress, before the awful Judge, and will de
mand again the honour you had taken from me
on earth ; and you will have no body- guard then
to defend you , and the Judge will hear us, and
you will be cast into everlasting fire, prepared
for the devil and his angels.”
Morozoff ceased, and casting a disdainful look
upon the courtiers, he turned round, and slowly
retired .
He passed
None dared to stop him.
with dignity between the long tables , and only
when the sound of his bells had ceased did the
Apritchniki
recover
from
their
from
the
astonishment ,
said
to
Do you order him to be put to death
at
Maluta ,
and
rising
table ,
Ivan
once, Czar, or cast into prison ? ”
“ Into
dare
to
prison , ”
torture
gasped
him ,
lest
Ivan ;
“ and
he should
do
die
not
pre
220
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
maturely.
You will answer for him with your
head .”
That same evening Maluta had a long inter
view with the Czar.
politan
Philip,
prison ,
tortured
The relations of the Metro
who
had
long
by Maluta,
treasonable plots, in which
involved .
in
confessed
to
many others
were
Those who were taken up had been
tortured in Moscow and
they,
had
languished
in their turn,
in Alexandrova ;
had named
and
many others,
so that three hundred persons were condemned
to death ;
ance
to
but as Ivan attached much import
the favourable
ambassadors,
waited
he
opinion
for
the Lithuanian envoy before
for
a
place
general
execution ,
the
he
which
publicly in Moscow , in
the people
into
of the foreign
obedience.
Wiasemski and Basmanoff to
departure
of
fixed the day
was
order
to
to
take
terrify
He also intended
be put to death
on the same day.
The miller, being a sorcerer,
was condemned to
the stake ;
and
Korschoun ,
who had dared to enter the Czar's bed - chamber,
was
to
be
killed
by
unheard -of tortures, the
221
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
same fate being reserved for Morozoff.
concerning the
the Czar
details
consulted
so
of
this
long
the cock had already twice
Czar retired to his devotions.
It was
execution
that
with Maluta, and
crowed before the
CHAPTER
XVI .
THE EXECUTION.
On the evening after the departure of the Lithu
anian envoys, the people of
Moscow saw with
terror the preparations that were being made for
the executions.
On the great market place, in
that part of the town called the Chinese town ,
many gibbets were erected, and
blocks
were
placed.
A
little
between them
further,
a
large
cauldron hung from two beams, and on the other
side, workmen were building up a pile of faggots
round a stake.
Many unknown instruments of
torture were scattered around, and impressed the
spectators with vague fear.
Not only the market
place, but all the neighbouring
streets
became
deserted ; the inhabitants shut themselves up in
223
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
their houses, and whispered their apprehensions
to
each
other
pervaded
feared
in
secret.
Moscow,
the
A
death - like silence
shops
were
closed ;
all
to show themselves in the streets, only
from time to time horsemen galloped to and fro,
bearing the
favourite
orders
palace.
Chinese town,
of Ivan ,
No
who
was
in
his
sound was heard in the
except
the
hammering
of
the
workmen , who were erecting the scaffolds, and
the voices of the Apritchniki, who were directing
them .
As the night advanced, even these sounds
ceased, and the moon looked down on the weird
looking market -place, bristling with scaffoldings.
No
lights
were
seen
in the windows, and
all
the shutters were closed, only here and there a
lamp
was
burning
before
outside the churches.
in
Moscow ,
every one
the
sacred
images,
No one slept that night
prayed, while
awaiting
the dawn.
At length , the
and
large
dreaded
multitudes
of
morning
crows
appeared ,
covered
the
minarets and spires of the churches, as if they
scented blood afar off.
The silence was broken
224
by
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
the
of tambourines approaching the
music
market-place,
and
then
appeared
a
troop
of
mounted Apritchniki, five abreast, preceded by
the men who shook the tambourines, in order
to warn the people to make room for the Czar ;
useless ceremony, since there was not a soul in
the
streets.
Czar
After the
Apritchniki
Wassilievitch
Ivan
came
on horseback ,
the
richly
dressed, with a quiver at his saddle -bow , and a
gilt bow hanging at his back ;
ornamented
enamelled
with
Saviour, of the
his helmet was
images
of
the
Virgin, and of St. John ;
the
saddle -cloth was encrusted with precious stones,
and
a
dog's
head
black charger.
hung
at
the
neck
of
his
At his side rode his son Ivan ,
followed by all the courtiers riding three abreast,
and then
came
demned to death.
the
three
hundred
men
con
Bound with chains, exhausted
by tortures, they could only advance with diffi
culty,
though
urged
The procession was
on
closed
by
the
Apritchniki.
by a large body of
troops .
When they had reached the square, and the
225
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
soldiers
had
scaffolds,
around,
taken
Ivan ,
and
up
their
without
he
saw
places
round
dismounting,
with
surprise
the
looked
that there
was not a single spectator.
“ Call out the people,” he said to the Apritch
niki, “ and
that
the
bid them fear nothing.
Czar
only
punishes
the
Tell them
guilty ,
and
that he spares the innocent.”
The people soon came forth at this summons,
and
at
the windows appeared crowds
of pale,
fear - stricken faces.
In
the
meantime,
the
faggots
beneath
the
cauldron were set on fire, and the executioners
mounted the scaffolds.
Ivan
the
the
less
guilty
among
ordered
some
condemned
to
of
be
brought forward.
“ Men , ” said he, in loud , distinct tones, so as
to be heard by all, “ by your friendship with
traitors, you
have
merited
their
punishment ;
but in the humility of my heart, I sorrow for
the perdition of your souls, and grant you life,
that by repentance you may expiate your faults,
and
may
VOL. II.
pray
for me,
unworthy
as
I am ! ”
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
226
And
at a sign
from
the Czar,
they were
led
away.
“ Men of Moscow ," continued Ivan, “ you will
see punishment and tortures this day, but I am
only punishing those who have desired to betray
country
their
their
surrender
judge
placed
the
to
enemy.
bodies
to
the
With
tears
torture,
by God over my people.
as
I
the
There
with
me, for like
unto Abraham, who lifted up his
knife to slay
is no distinction of persons
his son,
the
I sacrifice those nearest to
blood
I
shed
fall
on
the
May
me.
heads
of
my
enemies."
The Boyarin Drougina Morozoff was now led
forth .
Ivan, in his first rage against him , had
doomed him to the most unearthly tortures ; but
afterwards, either through the natural instability
of his character, or because he feared the general
veneration in which all Moscow held the Boyarin ,
he decided on a less cruel death.
His secretary,
who was standing near the scaffold, unfolded a
long roll, and read aloud.
“ Drougina, formerly Boyarin , you have boasted
227
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
of being able to stir up the kingdom to revolt,
and to
the
call
Crimea,
down
Russia
the
King Sigismund, and
enemies.
With
the
the
Czar,
upon
Khan
of
many other
biting words you have mocked
great prince of
all the Russias.
You have merited tortures worse than death , but
our
great sovereign,
remembering
your former
services, permits you to die by a speedy death,
and to be beheaded ; and after your death your
estates will not be confiscated ."
Morozoff, who was standing on
the scaffold,
crossed himself.
“
I
am
innocent
before God and before the
Czar,” said he calmly.
“ I commit my soul to
my Lord Jesus Christ ; and from the Czar I only
crave one favour, namely, that all my property
may be divided into three parts — one to be given
to God's churches, that masses may be said for
my soul; the second to the poor ; and the third
to
my
faithful
their liberty.
servants .
To
my
serfs I give
I forgive my wife, and she may
marry whom she will."
With
these
words
Morozoff
crossed himself
228
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
once more, and laid his head on the block .
dull
sound was
heard,
and
head
the
of
А
the
Boyarin fell, covering the scaffold with his blood.
To the astonishment of the people, the Apritch
niki next led forward the Prince Wiasemski, the
cup -bearer,
Basmanoff,
and
his
father,
Alexi,
whom he had accused in his torture.
“ Men
them ,
of
“ you
Moscow ,”
see
said
Ivan,
pointing to
my enemies as well as yours.
They forgot their oath, and oppressed you in my
name - you , my good people, whom I had en
trusted
to
them .
May they
now receive
the
reward of their deeds !”
Wiasemski and the Basmanoffs were condemned
to dreadful tortures for having abused the Czar's
confidence.
The secretary read aloud their accu
sation, in which it was said that they had sought
to injure the Czar by magic, and had oppressed
the people in his name.
When the executioners led Feodor Basmanoff
on to the scaffold, he turned to the people, and
said in a loud voice
“ Orthodox people, I desire before my death
229
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
confess my
to
sins to
you .
Hear me ,
good
people
But
Maluta, who was
did not suffer him to
standing behind
continue ;
him,
with a quick
blow of his sword he struck off his head before
he
had time
to
complete his confession .
The
bloody corpse fell to the ground, and the head,
with its long earrings, rolled beneath the feet of
the Czar's horse, which neighed with fear at the
horrible sight.
Basmanoff, by his last stroke of audacity, had
escaped the torture ;
his father and Wiasemski
were not so fortunate.
brigand
They, together with the
Korschoun, were
led
to
the
scaffold ,
where dreadful instruments of torture were pre
pared for them , while the old miller was chained
to the stake.
Wiasemski, exhausted by the rack ,
had no strength to stand, and was supported by
the
executioner.
He
cast wild
glances
round,
but in his eyes were seen neither fear nor repent
ance .
stake
When he
and
the
saw the miller chained to the
flames
curling round
him ,
the
Prince remembered the words of the old man
230
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
while casting spells over his sword, and he also
recalled the vision he had seen at the mill, on
1
that moonlight night, as he gazed into the rip
pling water under the wheel, where, instead of
the brilliant future he had hoped for, he had seen
only flowing blood and iron chains.
did not notice him , but, absorbed
thoughts, he
mumbled
something
The miller
in
to
his
own
himself,
while he danced, as if in frenzy, at the stake .
“ Libralù ,” said he , “ the crows have gathered
to
a great feast ; the
wheel
has
turned ,
and
May the wind that
the high has become low.
blows from the mill suffocate the flames ; ” and,
as if in obedience to his incantations, the wind
went through the square, but instead of extin
guishing the flames, it made them burn more
fiercely, and
the
smoke
hid
him
from view .
His wild words were heard for a while behind
the smoke, then ceased, and nothing was heard
but the crackling of the faggots in the flames.
Korschoun's appearance was not changed, either
by
torture or by his
strong frame
had
long imprisonment;
endured
his
all the cruelties to
231
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
which he had been subjected ; but his expression
was
his
no
longer the
eyes
he
and
it
was
From
the
night when
taken in the Czar's
bedchamber
looked
had been
same,
calm .
imprisoned,
his
conscience
torment him ; he
accepted
an
expiation
his
the
first
for
time , he
his
former
slept
softer,
had
and
ceased
to
punishment
as
crimes,
and,
soundly, even
for
on the
damp straw .
The secretary read to him his sentence, and
the punishment awaiting him .
Korschoun made
the sign of the cross , and bowed to the ground
on all four sides.
“ Forgive
“ for
he,
sinned
my sins,
me
my robberies
against
you
good
and
all — I
people ,”
murders.
have
I
deserved
said
have
my
death ; forgive me, good people .”
And, turning to the executioner, he himself
put his hands into the handcuffs.
“
Bind
me
to
the
stake, ” he
said,
shaking
his grey head ; and these were his last words.
Then,
at
a
sign
from
Ivan,
the
secretary
read to the rest of the condemned the accusa
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
232
1
tion made against
Novgorod and
them , of wishing to betray
Pskov
to
King
the
Sigismund
1
and
Poles.
the
Some
were
led to the
block,
some to the gibbets, some to the torture.
The people began to pray aloud..
God,
“ My
quickly !
Pray
for us,
souls
their
receive
God,
my
men ,
holy men,
when
you
stand before God's throne.”
The
Apritchniki,
to
drown
these
words ,
shouted—
' So perish all the Czar's enemies ! ”
At this moment, the
crowd
parted, and all
heads were turned in one direction .
“ The Man of God comes ! ” they cried.
- See
he is coming."
At
the
end of the square, appeared a man
about forty, with
a shaggy beard , pale, bare-
foot, and
in
dressed
a linen
shirt.
His
face
was very gentle, and on his lips was a strange
childlike
smile ; his
appearance amid all those
wicked scowling faces, produced a strong effect
on all present.
The crowd
became quiet ; the
executioner paused — all knew the Man of God ,
233
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
but
none had
ever seen his face with the ex
pression it now wore ; it worked as if another
feeling was struggling
with his usual
gentle
ness ; he advanced straight to Ivan , his chains
and crosses clanking round him .
· Ivashka ! ” he
off.
cried,
still
while
some way
“ Ivashka ! you have forgotten me. ”
On seeing him, Ivan tried to turn his horse's
head, but the man was already close to him.
“ Look at me,” he said, catching hold of the
Czar's
bridle.
put to death ?
“ Why
have
you
not
had
me
Why is Wasia worse than the
others ? ”
“ God be with you ,” said the Czar, drawing
a handful
of gold pieces
hung at his girdle.
from
the purse that
Here, Wasia, take them ,
and go and pray for me.”
The Man of God
put
out
both
his
hands,
and then suddenly withdrew them , so that the
gold pieces fell to the ground .
They burn, ” he said, blowing on his fingers.
do you coin your gold pieces in the
“ Why
fires of hell ? ”
234
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Go,
Wasia , " said Ivan,
impatiently ; “ this
is no place for you ."
“ No, no ! my place is here, with the martyrs.
Give
you
me
thus
also
the
insult
martyr's
me ?
Give
crown.
Why
me the
do
same
as
you have given to the others !”
“ Go ! ” repeated Ivan , angrily.
“ I will not go,” said the fanatic firmly , still
holding the bridle.
Then he burst into a laugh , and pointing at
Ivan, said
What has he got
is
it, Ivan?
on his
You have
forehead ?
What
got horns like a goat,
and the head is that of a dog ! ”
The Czar's eyes flashed..
“ Get away, madman !” cried he, and seizing
a spear from the nearest Apritchnik , he lifted
it against the Man of God .
An angry cry burst from the crowd.
“ Do not touch him ,” cried the people,
not touch the Man of God .
" do
Do what you will
with our heads, but his you shall not touch .”
The man continued to smile strangely.
235
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Pierce me, King Saul, ” said he, lifting the
crosses from his breast, “ strike me
to the heart.
Send
here, right
How am I worse than the others ?
me also into the kingdom of heaven ;
or
perhaps you are jealous of not being there your
self, King Herod, wicked King ! ”
The spear trembled
in the hand of Ivan, in
another moment he would have plunged it into
heart of the
the
fanatic,
had
not a wild
cry
from the people arrested his hand.
The
Czar
controlled
himself for a moment,
and then with foaming mouth and flashing eyes,
he
dashed
into
midst
the
of the
condemned ,
and plunged his spear into the heart of the one
nearest to him.
Then he returned to his place,
the bloody spear in his hand.
had
Ivan
already got the
waved
recommenced
his
fanatic
hand,
their
and
work.
The Apritchniki
out
the
His
of the
way .
executioners
pale
face
was
flushed , his eyes dilated , the large veins on his
forehead were swelled, and his nostrils quivered.
At length, satiated with the sight, he turned
his
horse
and
rode
slowly
away, himself and
236
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
his attendants covered with blood .
flew
down from
the
churches, and settled
Boris
Godounoff had
The crows
spires and domes of the
on the
mangled
not been
corpses.
present
at the
execution , he had asked for permission to recon
duct the envoys.
The next day the square was cleaned , and the
bodies were buried in a heap within the Kremlin .
There
the
inhabitants
of
Moscow
built many
wooden churches, “ over the bones and the blood ,”
as the old manuscripts tell.
Many years passed,
and the memory of that terrible execution faded
from the minds of the people, but the
wooden
churches still remained , and those who prayed
there, listened to masses for
the souls of those
who had been tortured
murdered
and
order of the Czar Ivan Wassilievitch IV .
by
the
CHAPTER
XVII.
THE RETURN TO THE VILLAGE.
AFTER having struck the
deepest
awe into the
hearts of the people of Moscow, the Czar now
desired to
By
show
orders
his
clemency
his
the prisons
liberality.
and
were thrown open,
and those who had long ago ceased to hope for
mercy were
them he
passions
his
now set at liberty.
sent presents.
which
breast had
ebullition ;
and
equilibrium , was
picions
had been
found
his
no
of treason.
It
so
To some
seemed
long
as
of
if the
seething
in
vent in this last terrible
mind, having regained its
longer haunted
The
shedding
with
sus
of innocent
blood did not always occasion him any qualms
of
conscience ;
supernatural
occurrences
acted
238
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
indeed
on his fervid imagination, and then he
publicly
repented.
conflagrations
But
took
when
no
famine
then
his
conscience
place,
slumbered , and the inner voice was still ;
so,
at
the
time
of
which
we
are
or
and
speaking,
Ivan's soul was at peace.
When he had shed
torrents
satisfied ,
hungry
of blood
man
he
when
felt
he has been
as
does
satiated
a
with
food ; and on his way back to Alexandrova, he
stopped
habit
his
at
the
than
retinue,
throwing
when
Troitza
from
as
need
usual ,
handfuls
he
monastery , more
of
prayer.
galloped
from
Some
before
him,,
and
of silver to the poor ;
quitted the
left
convent, he
of
in
the
hands of the prior a large sum of money to be
expended in prayers for his welfare.
In the meantime, an event was taking place
at Alexandrova, unexpected by all.
who
had
for the
the
been
Czar's
necessary
house, where
sent
on
beforehand to prepare
reception,
orders,
he
Godounoff,
had
after
having
retired
to
his
given
own
sat, lost in reflections on the
occurrences of the last few days — the executions,
239
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
of which he had avoided being a witnesson
the strange humours of the terrible
Czar,
and
on the best way of retaining his favour, with
servant
up
rose
that name
At
Serebrenni.
Nikita
Godounoff
in
was
The Prince
astonishment.
in
Prince
announced the
and
entered
Apritchniki — when
the
with
part
out taking
a
he had
disgrace, and under sentence of death ;
fled from prison , and any intercourse with him
hospitality,
Prince
Czar,
his head ;
cost Boris
might
would have
refuse the
or to denounce him to the
an unworthy
been
have
Godounoff would
which
to
yet
by
act,
to
feared
lose
the good opinion of the people, which was so
He also remembered that the
dear to him .
Czar
he
was
for
decided
the
moment
once
at
how
disposed , and
well
to
act.
Without
going out to meet the Prince, he ordered him
to
be
admitted .
were no
There
their interview , and
witnesses
to
Godounoff could therefore
receive him cordially ..
“ Welcome
Nikita .
Prince ! ”
“ How
could
he
you
said ,
venture
embracing
to
return
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
240
to Alexandrova ?
let me
offer
fatigued ;”
But before we begin to talk ,
you
and
refreshment ;
at
the
orders
you
must
of
be
Godounoff
a slight repast was prepared.
“
Tell me,
Prince ," he continued , “ did any
one see you as you entered ? "
“
I
do
simply.
not
“ I
know ,"
may
answered
have been
Serebrenni,
seen,
for
I
did
not try to conceal myself, but rode straight to
your house.
I
know
you
are not a friend of
the Apritchniki.”
Godounoff frowned .
“ Boris
confidingly,
Feodoritch,"
" I
am
continued
not
alone,
the
two
Prince,
hundred
freebooters have come with me."
“ Is it possible ? ” exclaimed Godounoff.
· They
are
waiting
continued Serebrenni.
outside
the
gates ; '
“ We have come to
lay
down our heads before the Czar, that he may
punish or forgive us, as he pleases."
“ I have heard, Prince, how you fought at their
head
against the
Tartars ;
but do
you know
what has taken place in Moscow since then ? ”
241
PRINCE SEREBRENNI,
“ I know ," answered Serebrenni, with a frown.
I had hoped to find the Apritchniki
but
I
see it
is
worse
forgive the Czar !
than
abolished,
ever.
May
God
It is a sin for you to look
on in silence .”
“ I see, Prince Nikita, that you are still the
same.
But
what
could
I
say to
the
Czar ?
Would he listen to me ? "
“ That is not the question .
and
to speak,
hear the
he should
your duty
It is
truth
from
you . "
“ Do you think he does not know the truth ?
Do
you
think that
he
believes
the
slanders
through which so many perish ?”
Godounoff regretted
they
were
spoken ;
whom he was
his
but
words
he
as
soon
remembered
conversing, and that
as
with
Serebrenni
was incapable of treachery.
“ You wrong me,” he continued in a whisper.
“ The Czar punishes those whom he hates, but
no
one has
heart
Bible.
is
in
influence
the
hands
Morozoff tried
VOL. II.
over
him.
* The
king's
of the Lord ,' says
to
act
uprightly ,
the
and
R
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
242
what
did
he
gain by
it ?
He
was
put
death, and no one was the better for it.
you ,
Prince,
do
not
seem
to
care
for
to
But
your
head, as you have returned here . "
When
pronounced
Godounoff
sighed
Serebrenni
Morozoff,
name
he
deeply ;
of
had
though he had robbed
Boyarin ,
loved the old
the
him of his happiness.
“ One cannot escape one's fate, ” he answered ;
“ and
I
do
not
care
for
life,
it is no longer
worth having in Russia . ”
66
“ But though you do not take care of your
I cannot
self, God seems to care for “ you.
understand
long.
you
how
have
Had you returned
a
escaped
death
so
week ago I know
not what your fate might have been ; but now
things
hurry
may turn out differently ;
into
me see him
“ Do
“ but
not
the
presence
of the
only do
Czar,
not
but let
first.'
think
intercede
for
of
the
Prince,
companions;
though
me,"
my
said
they were formerly freebooters, they have bravely
atoned for their faults. "
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
243
Godounoff looked at him with astonishment.
He could not understand
such
simplicity and
such indifference to life.
“ Is it sorrow that makes you so careless of
life ?" he asked.
Perhaps it is ,” answered the Prince.
6. Would
you believe it, I often think of Prince Kourbski ;
and the longing to leave
escape
into Lithuania ,
my country, and to
comes so strongly upon
me ? ”
66
It is so,” said Godounoff.
“ There are only
two paths open now — one to fly one's country,
like Kourbski ;
Czar,
the
neither
follow
him ;
Russia,
forsake
but
you must
if
the
we
words
might
drop
we
of
But
will
you
remain
in
will, and perhaps
you he
assist
nor will
wish to
obey his
spoke might
water
Czar
you
give up the Apritchniki.
a
near the
neither the one nor the other.
if he came to love
him ,
remain
to
and strive for his favour, as I do.
you, Prince, do
You
other
might voluntarily
If we two were near
each
be
of
other,
use,
gradually
and
the
for
even
wear
away
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
244
a stone.
But
with
violence you will do
thing.'
“ If he were not
the Czar
should
know
what to do , " answered Nikita, gloomily ;
“ but
I cannot see
now
my
I
no
duty.
God
does
not
allow us to oppose the Czar, and yet to think
as he does is impossible to me.
be
friends
with
the
I could not
Apritchniki,
were
he
to
cause me to be torn in pieces .”
Remember
“ Do
not
despair,
former words.
selves
will
The Apritchniki left
devour
each
other .
and
many of the
rest will
to
Their
chiefs, Wiasemski and the Basmanoffs,
dead ;
my
Prince.
them
three
are now
share
their
fate .”
“ And till then ?” asked Serebrenni.
“ And till then ,” said Godounoff, not wishing
to dwell on the thought, which he had sought
to suggest to the Prince, “ the Czar will allow
you to fight the Tartars. ”
The Prince could never follow two trains of
thought at once, and the prospect
of fighting
the Tartars eclipsed for the time his sorrow .
245
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Yes, that is the only way
“Instead
of waiting
for them
left ," he
to
said .
invade
us,
we should fall with all our troops on the Crimea ,
and perhaps we might conquer it.”
And he laughed gaily at the thought.
Godounoff questioned him
about his
escape
from prison, also about the fight before Raizan.
It was getting dark , and they were still
sorbed
in
conversation , as
they sat
ab
over their
wine.
Serebrenni rose .
“ Farewell, Boyarin ,” said Godounoff ; " night
Remain with me.
The Czar
is drawing on.
arrives to -morrow , and then I will speak to him
about you ."
I must return to my
That is impossible.
companions,
for I
fear that
may get into some brawl.
without
me
they
Had the Czar been
here, we would have gone at once to him , but
in
his
absence
I
am
afraid
of
some
dispute
with the Apritchniki.”
“ As you will, Prince ; but remember not to
show yourself to the Czar before you receive a
246
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
message from me.
ceiving
Nikita
that
he
Hoy ,”
was
continued,
per
towards
the
going
front door, " that is not the way ;" and he led
him to the back entrance.
“ God
“ Farewell , ” he said , embracing him .
is merciful, and all may yet be well . ”
He then
waited
till the Prince was out
of
sight, and returned to his apartment, delighted
at his offers of hospitality having been refused .
The next morning the Czar returned in state as
à conqueror.
the
palace,
Onoufrievna,
The Apritchniki preceded him to
crying “ Hoida .”
was
the
only
His
one
aged
who
nurse,
received
him with angry words.
“ You wild beast !” she said, as she met him on
the steps ; “ I wonder the earth does not swallow
you up.
You
smell
of
blood, you
murderer !
How did you dare to go to Troitza after your
Moscow massacre ?
God's thunderbolts will fall
on you and your fiendish troop .”
But for this time her menaces remained un
heeded , for the day was bright and the sun shone
gaily on the many - coloured turrets of the palace.
247
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Ivan did not answer her, and went into his own
apartments.
“ Wait a little ," said she, following him with
her eyes and striking the ground with her stick ;
God's lightning will yet fall
palace,
and
burn
it
to
ashes. ”
on
your guilty
And
the
old
woman retired slowly to her room, casting angry
glances at the courtiers, who avoided
her with
superstitious fear.
The same day, after dinner, Godounoff, seeing
that the Czar was calm and cheerful, and was
preparing, contrary to his usual habits, to retire
to rest, followed him into his bed -chamber, which
the Czar’s favour gave him a right to do, especi
ally if he had anything important to communi
cate to him .
The room contained two beds-one of
hard
boards, on which he slept when his conscience
tormented him , as a penance for his sins; the
other, wide, and covered with soft cushions and
warm coverlets, and this was used when nothing
weighed on his mind ; but as this did not often
happen, the bed was generally undisturbed.
One
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
248
required to know the Czar well to
state of his
mind.
When
his
divine the
conscience
was
awake, he was not always merciful, as he often
ascribed its reproaches to the suggestions of the
Evil One ; and in that case , with many prayers.
and crossings, he
continued
his pitiless career.
The calmness of his face was also very treacherous,
and he delighted in giving way to a paroxysm of
anger just when the suppliant thought himself
most sure of mercy ; but Godounoff had studied
the minutest shades of his character, and, with
wonderful acuteness, penetrated its most subtle
Waiting till Ivan had stretched him
windings.
self on the soft bed, and reading no expression on
his face save that of weariness, he said , without
any preface
“ Czar, do you know who has returned ?"
“ Who ?” asked Ivan , yawning.
Serebrenni, the same who dealt such a hard
blow at your traitor, Wiasemski, and who was.
imprisoned for doing so . ”
“ Ah," said Ivan , “ so the bird is snared !
took him
?"
Who
249
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ He came of his own accord , and has brought
with
him the
Tartars
at
freebooters who vanquished
Raizan .
They are
the
come to lay
all
their heads at your feet . ”
“ Have you seen him ? "
“ I have, Czar ; he came straight to me, think
ing your Grace was in the village.
I wished to
arrest him , but was afraid of Maluta saying that
I had taken upon me his office ; and Serebrenni
will not go
away , as he returned of
his own
accord .”
Godounoff spoke frankly and unhesitatingly,
as if there was not a shade of hypocrisy in him
or of partiality for the
Prince.
When he had
conducted him to the back entrance, he had not
done so with a view to hide his visit from the
Czar — that would have been too dangerous ; but
lest some courtier should see him , and take the
first news of his return to the Czar, and by this
means prejudice him against Godounoff himself.
The allusion to Wiasemski was in order to place
Serebrenni in the light of the dead man's enemy,
and had been carefully thought over by Godou
250
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Czar yawned
The
noff.
again, but remained
silent ; and Godounoff, who was carefully watch
On the
ing him , saw no expression of anger.
contrary,
Czar seemed pleased
the
intention of throwing himself
brenni's
Sere
with
on
his
clemency ; for though he made all tremble before
him , he liked to be thought just and merciful.
All
his murders wore the appearance of strict
impartiality ;
gratified
and the trust now placed in him
him
the
more
it
as
was
so
rarely
After pausing a few moments, Godou
shown .
noff determined on forcing an answer from the
Czar.
Shall I summon Maluta,
But the last
and a
his
execution
Czar ? ” said he.
had
satisfied
Ivan ,
few more deaths could not minister to
amusement, or revive his thirst for blood.
He looked attentively at Godounoff.
“ Do you think ?” said he, sternly, " that I
cannot live without taking men's lives ?
There
is a difference between traitors and Nikita.
As
to
to
be
them
all
the
freebooters,
punished,
and
who
I
will
see who
forgiven.
Let
is
251
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
assemble
my
in
chamber,
the
I
court,
will
and
decide
when
what
I
is
leave
to
be
done. "
Godounoff wished him a pleasant rest ; and,
on
bowing
low,
retired .
All
depended
now
the humour in which the Czar would awake.
CHAPTER
XVIII.
THE FORGIVENESS.
The Prince and his companions, summoned by
Many
Godounoff, were assembled in the court.
of them were
in
limbs,
bandaged
and bare -headed.
appearance.
tattered
barefooted ;
or
all
with
unarmed
They stood awaiting the Czar's
It was not for the first time that
Many had come here as
they saw the palace.
dulcimer
many
clothes,
players,
bear - leaders,
or
or beggars.
Some had taken part in the fire during which
Persten
old
had
saved
acquaintance
Serebrenni. Many
were
there — but
of our
many too
were missing — who had died fighting for their
country, or who would not trust to the Czar's
mercy.
Persten
Persten
was
absent,
Mitka,
and
old
253
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
combat, Persten
single
After the
Korschoun .
and Mitka had disappeared , and old Korschoun's
body was food for the crows.
waiting for two
The band had been
hours:
with downcast eyes, not guessing that the Czar
was looking at them through a small window .
Serebrenni stood apart,
They were all silent.
not heeding the spectators who
round the gatesold
nurse, who
had
assembled
among whom was the Czar's
stood
on
the steps,
observing
all with her dim eyes, and awaiting the Czar,
with the intention of restraining his anger by
her presence.
Ivan , who had been delighting himself with
the sight of these men , who were hanging as
they
thought - between
suddenly
appeared
on
life
and
the
death,
steps,
now
attended
by several courtiers.
At the
sight of the
Czar,
dressed in cloth
of gold, and leaning on a crozier, all fell on
their
knees,
and
bent
their
heads
to
ground.
Ivan remained silent for a few moments .
the
254
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Welcome, brigands,” said he,
turning
to
Serebrenni,
he
why have you returned ?
at last — then
continued ;
and
Do you sigh for a
prison ? ”
calmly.
Serebrenni,
answered
Czar ,”
“
I
did not leave the prison by my own will ; I
was carried
We have
Tartars ;
the
against
together
fought
freebooters.
off by the
and
together we throw ourselves on your mercy
do with us as your Grace wills .”
to
it was
“ So
night to
the
How
village ?
came
him , you
fetch
you
had
that
become
acquainted with him ?”
“ Father Czar," answered they in a whisper,
“ he saved our Ataman at the village of Med
vedevka,
and he delivered
the
Prince
from
prison .”
“
was
I
remember,"
then
you
said
gave
Homack
had
forgiven
that
beating.
I
you
were
prison
in
wounding my
Ivan,
men
How can you excuse
for
in
laughing ;
and
you
another
“ it
his
men
that,
but
fault ;
for
the house of Morozoff.
that ? ”
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
255
The Prince would have answered , but the old
nurse interposed.
“ Cease
searching out
angrily to
his
faults,”
said
she
Ivan , " but rather recompense him
for defeating the Tartars, and defending Christ's
church .
Have you not had murders enough at
Moscow ? wolf that you are .”
“ Be silent,
“ It
is
not
old woman , ” said Ivan , sternly.
your business
to
teach me ;"
but
though he was displeased with her, he did not
wish further to
excite
her
wrath ,
so, turning
from Serebrenni, he addressed the brigands :
Let him come
“ Where is your Ataman ?
forward . "
Serebrenni answered for them .
“ He
is not
here,
Czar ;
he
left
us
imme
diately after the battle ; I asked him to accom
pany us , but he declined . ”
“ He declined ,” repeated Ivan ; " that Ataman
must be the blind man who
room.
“ The
entered my bed
I will have him caught and impaled .”
devils
will
impale
world,” said the old woman.
you in
the
next
256
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
The
Czar pretended
not to
Let five
Are
thrown yourselves
barrels
you
of
mead
satisfied, old
and
“ You, I
tinued looking at the band .
for having
hear,
on
fool ? ”
said
forgive,
my
be given
con
mercy .
to
them .
he
to the
nurse .
She muttered something.
“ Long live the Czar ,” shouted the brigands,
“ we shall serve you faithfully, Father Czar . ”
“ Let a caftan and a piece of money be given
to each man ,” said Ivan, “ they shall be enrolled
Will you serve in my
among the Apritchniki.
body- guard ? "
hesitated ,
Some
but the
greater
part
said,
“ We will serve your Grace, where you will. "
“ What
pleased
do
look
you think ? ”
to
Serebrenni,
said Ivan , with
“ will they
a
serve
well in the ranks ? ”
“ They
Prince ;
will
“ but
fight
do
bravely ,"
not
enrol
answered
them
the
among the
Apritchniki, Czar ."
Ivan thought he
considered the honour too
great for the freebooters.
257
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ When I show mercy , I do so unreservedly ,"
he said.
“ But
what mercy
is
that,
Czar ? ”
asked
Serebrenni.
Ivan looked at him with astonishment.
the
done a good work ,”
have
They
Prince,
“ had
it not
been
Tartars would have attacked
“
continued
the
them ,
for
Raizan .”
Then why cannot they serve in the Apritch
niki ? ” asked the Czar, fixing a searching glance
on Prince Nikita.
“ Because ,
a
fit
yet
Czar," he answered , hesitating for
expression,
they
are
“ though
they
better
than
are
bad
your
men,
body
guard .”
This unexpected frankness puzzled Ivan.
He
remembered it was not the first time the Prince
had
he
spoken
had
so
been
openly ;
remembered
condemned to
returned of his own free will.
death,
also
that
and
had
He was doubt
ing how to take this daring speech, when a new
An old man ,
figure attracted his attention .
decently
VOL. II.
dressed ,
was
trying
to
attract
the
S
258
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
notice of Serebrenni, without being observed by
the Czar, but failing to do so, he had retired
into the crowd.
“ Who
is
that
demanded the
rat ? ”
Czar,
pointing to the new-comer ; but he was already
lost in the crowd .
“ Make way, men ,” said Ivan, “ and let that
man
who
is
hiding
among
you,
be brought
forward .”
Several
Apritchniki
seized
the
man ,
and
dragged him before the Czar.
“ Who are you ?” asked Ivan, suspiciously.
“ It is my equerry , " quickly said Serebrenni,
recognising
his
old
servant
Michaitch.
“ He
has not see me since
“ Just so, Father Czar,” said Michaitch, tremb
ling with fear and joy.
Prince
since
he
was
“
I have not seen the
Allow me ,
imprisoned.
Czar, to look at my Boyarin .
“ What did you wish to say to him ? ” asked
the Czar, still looking doubtfully at him .
“ Wh
were you trying to hide yourself ? ”
“ I was afraid of the Apritchniki, Czar Ivan.
259
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
You
know
what
kind
of
men
And
Michaitch stopped.
What
to
look
kind of men ?"
gracious.
asked
“ Speak
Ivan ,
openly,
trying
old man .
What sort of men are my Apritchniki ? ”
Michaitch
looked
at the Czar and
was
re
before
we
assured .
“ We
went to
pended
had
never
Lithuania.
seen their like
They are
not
to be de
on .”
Ivan looked piercingly at him, wondering to
hear the servant speak as boldly as his master.
“ Why are you staring at him ? ” asked
old
nurse .
66 Do
you
wish
to
devour
the
him
?
He speaks the truth .
It is true, that before
murderers
such
murderers were
never seen in
them
Russia ”
Michaitch , overjoyed at having found an ally
in her, continued, “ That is right, old woman .
They have
they
have
done ' much
spoken
harm
against
not believe them , Czar.
to
my
He is
Russia,
Boyarin .
your
and
Do
faithful
servant ; but Wiasemski slandered him , and the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
260
old woman says truly , that
they are thorough
murderers.
And approaching Serebrenni, he looked round
Apritchniki
the
at
defiantly,
as
as to
much
say
Though you are wolves, I am not afraid of
you .”.
The
Czar
intention
of forgiving the freebooters ;
wished
had
uncertainty.
been ill
him,
but
apartment with the
left his
had
to
them for some
keep
but he
time
in
The remarks of his old nurse had
timed ,
had very
and
was
fortunately he
nearly
in
a
angered
merciful
mood, and instead of giving way to passion he
determined to make game of the
in
order
to
diminish
her
old woman,
importance
in
the
eyes of the courtiers.
“ So you do
not
like
my body -guard ? ” he
asked of Michaitch.
Who
does
like them ,
Father
Czar ? "
an
swered Michaitch .
“ Since
our
they
have
brought nothing but evil on my master.
return
to
Russia
But
261
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
for them he would
still
have
been
in favour
with your Grace .”
And the old man looked round with fear at
the Apritchniki, but then immediately reflected
that
he would
save
his master's
head
at
the
risk of his own .
" You have got a faithful equerry,” said the
“ I wish my servants were
Czar to Serebrenni.
as faithful.
Has he served you long ? ”
“ I have served him since he was a child ,"
quickly answered Michaitch, quite reassured by
the
Czar's
him ;
mildness,
and my
and my
“and
father
children ,
his
father
served his
if I
had
any,
before
grandfather ;
would have
served his.”
“ Then
you
have
no
children ,
old
man ?”
asked Ivan, kindly .
“ I
had two, but they were both
killed
in
battle, in the service of your Grace. ”
66
That cannot be helped ,” said Ivan, nodding
his
head as if taking a
deep
interest
in
story ; “ but perhaps you may have others .”
“
But I am a widower, Father Czar.”
the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
262
“ Well then ," said the Czar, consolingly, “ you
can marry again .”
much
equerry was
The
delighted with
this
conversation with the Czar, and answered
“ It is not difficult to find a wife, but I am
too old to marry .
Here,” said
Ivan, catching hold of
Onou
frievna by her dress, “ here is a wife for you.
I
hope
you
will
live long and happily
with
her .”
The Apritehniki enjoyed the Czar's joke, and
laughed loudly ; but Michaitch in terror looked
at the Czar, to see if he were really in earnest,
but his face was unmoved.
The dim eyes of the old woman sparkled.
shameless
“ You
heretic, ”
cried
she,
you
shall not mock me ;" and she struck her stick
against
the
steps,
and
began
to
mutter
an
grily.
“ Do not be foolish , old woman ,” said Ivan ,
“ I have found a good
will
place
love
this
you ,
and
evening
husband
for you, who
take
the
marriage
shall
after
vespers.
How does
263
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
your
wife
you ?”
please
he
added
to
to
Mi
chaitch .
“ Have mercy, Father Czar ," said the terrified
man.
Why, does she not please you ? ”
“ How can she ?" said he , recoiling.
“ You will love each other in time,” said Ivan ,
" and I will give her a good dowry.”
“ Father Ivan Wassilievitch , ” cried Michaitch,
• Let me
looking with disgust at the old nurse .
rather be beheaded . "
The Czar was silent for a few moments, then
burst into loud laughter.
“ Well,” said he, letting go his
nurse, who immediately retreated ,
hold of the
“ I wished to
make you happy, but will not force you to be so.
Continue to serve your master faithfully.
you, Nikita, come forward .
And
I forgive your second
fault, and I will not enrol the brigands in my
body- guard, as the latter might be offended.
I
will permit them to join a regiment which is to
fight the Tartars.
And you ,” he continued, lay
ing his hand graciously on the Prince's shoulder,
264
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
you shall remain with me.
I will reconcile you
with the Apritchniki, and when
you
come
to
know us better , you will hate us no longer .
It
is well to fight the Tartars, but I have worse
enemies than they.
Nikita," he went on, still
keeping his hand on his shoulder ; " your heart
is upright and your tongue knows no guile.
I
require to have such servants near me.
Become
one of
the Apritchniki,
Wiasemski's place.
and
I
will give
you
I know you will not betray
me.”
The
Apritchniki
looked
with
envy
at
the
Prince ; they saw in him a new favourite, and a
murmur of displeasure arose amongst them , at the
Czar's placing
over them a man of noble birth
and princely descent, who had been, too, so lately
in disgrace.
Serebrenni's heart failed him at Ivan's words.
“ Czar , " he said, with an effort, “ I thank you
for your great kindness ; but let me rather serve
against
the
Tartars.
I
could
never
accustom
myself to the life here ; but there I would serve
you faithfully to the death .”
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
265
“ Oh, so we are not good enough for you ,” said
the Czar, withdrawing his hand.
“ It is more
honourable, is it, to be enrolled among the free
booters than among my body - guard ? Very well,”
continued he mockingly, “ I force my friendship
on no one.
Farewell, chief of brigands,” and
casting a disdainful glance at Serebrenni, the Czar
re - entered the Palace.
CHAPTER
XIX.
THE DEPARTURE FROM ALEXANDROVA .
GODOUNOFF
in
his
he
had
house
proposed
was
SO
shades
asked the
till the
it
this
accustomed
of
he would
the Czar's
only be
day
time
to
Prince
to remain
of
departure ;
his
cordially,
observe
the
character, that
cold
to Prince
for
he
slightest
he
knew
Nikita,
not
angry .
Remembering his promise to
brenni,
after leaving the
Maxime, Sere
Palace,
went to
his
grieving mother, to give her the cross sent to her
by her son.
Maxime's
The poor woman
death,
had heard
of
and received the Prince as a
friend ; but when he had given her all the sad
details, she dared not detain him , lest her hus
267
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
band, who was then absent, should return .
She
gave him her blessing.
In the evening, when
Godounoff retired,
in
order to allow Serebrenni to rest, Michaitch gave
vent to his joy.
“ At last, Boyarin ,” said he, “
day, after all our trouble.
I
imprisoned
have
been
I have a merry
Ever since you were
about
wandering
for
news of you, and to -day, when I heard that you
had returned with the freebooters, I rushed to
find you .
I shall never forget the emotions of
this morning.
I shall have two Te Deums sung
to -morrow - one for your welfare, the other that
my marriage with
that witch
may never take
place."
And Michaitch began, with many digressions,
to
all that had happened to him since
relate
their
and
separation,
how
he
had
conducted
Elène to her husband's country place.
Serebrenni
listened with
impatience
to
the
old man's long tale.
“ I
am
blushed
for
not
blind,
you
Prince , "
when
I
saw
said he,
you
6' and
sit
at
268
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
that old Boyarin's
I
table.
know you meant
Now
no evil, but it was not right to act so.
She can do as she pleases, and
it is different.
she is too young to remain a widow . ”
“ Do
not reproach me,
Michaitch, " said the
Prince, with displeasure.
“ Tell me at once all
you know about her. ”
“
I
Do not hurry me,
took
her
to
her
Prince.
From the mill
husband's place.
On the
road she was so unhappy that she would not
at first raise
her
eyes ;
then
she
asked
after
her husband, and at last, with much hesitation ,
she inquired about you , and , woman - like,
tended indifference.
the place
she
But when
became
yet
more
pre
we approached
sad.
I
tried
to comfort her, by telling her that her husband
was well, and that you, though in prison , must
be
well
also.
would not
go
At
last she told me
to her husband's
see,' she said ,
that she
house.
" You
those golden spires in the wood ;
take me there.
I will remain there a week to
pray,
I
that
and then
I
am
there,
will let
and he
my husband know
will
send for
me. '
269
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
There
took
was
her
nothing to
to
the
be
convent,
done,
and
Prince,
left
so
her
I
with
the abbess ."
“ Is the convent far from here ? ” asked Sere
brenni.
“ It is about fifty versts from the mill.”
“ Michaitch, do me a service.
this
before
the oath of
hasten
morning,
as
fidelity to
to the
convent,
my
I cannot leave
men
the Czar ;
and
tell
must take
but do you
her all ; and
ask her to decide on nothing till she sees me.'
“ Certainly I will obey you ; but do you fear
that she
be,
will
my father.
take the vows ?
She
That will not
will mourn
Boyarin
the
Drougina for some time, then , at the end of a
We
year, there will be a marriage
must
not mourn for ever."
That same night the equerry left Alexandrova.
The
next morning
Godounoff farewell.
the
Prince
went
The latter had
turned from matins, which he always
to
bid
just
re
attended
with the Czar.
Why did you rise
so
early,
Prince ? ”
he
270
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ It is all very well for us to
asked .
of
But perhaps you were not comfort
yesterday.
piercing
the
and
able ;”
fatigues
the
after
have rested
should
you
rise, but
Godounoff
of
eyes
seemed to say that he knew the Prince's secret.
kindness,
unfeigned
His
he
services
brenni,
rendered
had
touched
him ,
he confided to
and
many
the
and
him the
Sere
secret
of
his love.
“
I
all
knew
a smile.
your
arrival; by
when
Godounoff,
said
day of
on
the
your manner
to
Wiasemski ;
guessed
spoke
I
before , ”
it
" I
with
and
that
to
you
of Morozoff,
you
answered evasively, though he was your friend.
You
cannot
keep
secret ;
a
every
emotion is
expressed in your face, and you are too frank .
I was vexed and terrified for you when you so
roundly refused
to
serve among
the
Apritch
niki. "
“ But
what
answer
ought
I
then
to
have
made ? "
“
You should have thanked the
2
accepted his kindness.
Czar,
and
271
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ You are joking.
for
such
an
How could I thank him
offer ?
Do
you
belong
to
the
Apritchniki ? ”
“ I am
different,
Prince.
do ; I never contradict the
I
know
Czar.
what
He did not
But
himself wish to enrol me among them .
you — had you
would have
taken
served
Wiasemski's
We
perhaps
have acted together, and
2
mined the Apritchniki.
“
place,
country.
the
I
you
should
even under
I should not have known how to act, Boris
Feodorovitch .
You say yourself that
my face
betrays me .”
“ Because you
will
not
Had you accepted the
try
Czar's
to
offer,
dissemble.
we
could
have done whatever we wished , but now I am
alone.
I
fear
every one,
every word I speak.
to be
“
first
I
must weigh
Had we been united , we
should have been strong.
' that the
and
I will tell you frankly,
time I saw you I felt you were
trusted .”
I am not fit for such work .
I have
tried
many times, but in vain, to conceal my thoughts ;
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
272
but you
are
accustomed to
truth , I have often been
speak
against
your
it.
to
shocked
denied
cussing it
me that talent.
The Czar
now .
now
But
It is useless
has
the
hear you
but
convictions ;
know you do it from good motives.
has
say
To
I
God
dis
enlisted me in
a regiment on the frontiers . ”
“ That
defeat the
and
even
does
not
Prince ;
you
will
Tartars, and then you will return,
if you
will still return
do not
when
hood has expired.
Vows.
signify,
overcome them , you
Elène's year
of widow
Do not fear her taking the
I know the human heart.
She did not
marry Morozoff for love, and she will not enter
a convent from
sorrow at his loss.
Only give
time for her tears to dry, and I will assist at
your marriage. ”
“ Thanks to you .
I can never repay all you
have done for me, and I would
willingly
lay
down my life to serve you ; but I cannot remain
near the Czar.
To do so, one must either have
no conscience, or be as wise as you.
shown to every one his path.
God has
The falcon's flight
273
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
is different to that of the swan , but each must
do his duty .'
So you have ceased to accuse me, Prince,
“
of walking in crooked paths.”
in me to accuse
“ It would be a sin
It would have fared
you do good to so many.
ill, but for you, with my poor comrades.
not for nothing
that
you ;
you
are
loved
It is
the
by
people, all begin to look up to you . ”
slight flush
A
came
over
Godounoff's
dark
To
face, and a pleased light shone in his eyes .
have
made
an
upright
man
like
Serebrenni
believe in him, was no slight triumph , and gave
him the measure of his power.
“
will
Thank you, in my turn , Prince ; but if you
not
help
me, do me at least this favour.
If you should hear evil spoken of me, do not
believe it,
and tell
my
slanderers
what
you
know of me.”
“ Do not fear.
evil of you .
ing for you.
May
VOL. II.
the
I will allow no one to speak
Even now my comrades are pray
May God give you long life. ”
Lord
preserve
those
who
walk
T
274
in
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
his
ways,"
said
Godounoff, looking
modestly, “ all depends on His holy will.
well, Prince, but remember you
down
Fare
have promised
to invite me to your marriage.”
They embraced affectionately.
Serebrenni felt encouraged .
He was so accus
tomed to rely on Godounoff's experience, that
all his fears about Elène seemed to
disappear.
He placed himself at the head of his band ; but
before he could leave the village, an untoward
circumstance
tious
feelings
happened , which, to the
of the
times,
was
an
supersti
omen
of
evil.
They were stopped by a number of beggars,
who were surrounding a church , and seemed to
be awaiting rich alms from some nobleman
the church .
Gently
dividing the
in
crowd, Sere
brenni heard the chanting of a funeral mass.
He
asked for whom were the prayers ?
They
told him, it was Maluta mourning for his son .
At that moment a loud cry was heard, and the
childless mother was borne out fainting.
Maluta,
in a mourning dress, appeared on the steps, and
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
his eyes
met
those of the
275
For once ,
Prince.
the evil expression of his face had vanished, and
he seemed stunned with despair.
wife to
be laid gently on
turned into
the
church ;
Ordering his
the ground, he re
and
Serebrenni
and
his followers, having uncovered their heads and
crossed
themselves,
funeral chants
continued
still ringing
their
way ,
in their ears.
the
The
memory of Maxime came mournfully upon him,
but the predictions of Godounoff gradually effaced
all sorrowful impressions.
As he entered the thick wood, he looked back
upon Alexandrova, and as its golden turrets dis
appeared , he felt as if a weight had fallen from
his heart.
The morning was bright and sunny,
the freebooters, ' well clothed and armed , marched
gaily behind him , while Bouyan bounded merrily
round him .
CHAPTER
XX .
THE LAST MEETING .
AFTER several days' march, Serebrenni stopped
near the road
having
which led
left his
to the
followers
convent, and
there,
alone to meet his equerry .
he
advanced
He soon perceived
a fire of wood, near which Michaitch was sitting.
On seeing the Prince, he sprang to his feet.
“ Go no farther, my father, it is useless . ”
“ What
has
happened ?”
Serebrenni,
said
and his heart sank .
All is over .
God
does not
will
you
to
be happy.”
The Prince sprang from his horse.
“ Speak ,”
said
to the Boyarina ? ”
he.
“ What
has
happened
277
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
The old man remained silent.
“ What
has
happened to
Elène ? ” repeated
Serebrenni in terror.
“
The
Boyarina
replied
his
Elène
no
servant gloomily.
there is now only Sister
longer
“ In
exists ,”
her stead ,
Eudoxia .”
The Prince leaned against a tree.
Michaitch
looked at him despairingly.
“ What
God's
can
will ;
do,
we
my
we
were
all,”
said the
father ?
not
born
in
It
a
was
lucky
hour .”
“ Tell
grieve me.
to
fear
me
“ Do
not
she take
the
Prince.
When
did
vows ? ”
“ When
husband.
he
she
heard of the
execution
of her
The Czar sent a list of those whom
had put to death , with orders to pray for
them .
It was the evening before I arrived .”
“ Did you see her ? ”
“
I did , my father . ”
Serebrenni could not speak
“ She only saw me for a moment.
not wish to receive me, at first."
She did
278
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Did she give you
any message
for me ? ”
asked the Prince, with difficulty .
“ She asks you to pray for her . ”
“ Nothing else ? ”
Nothing else, my father . ”
Michaitch , "
pause,
said the
Prince, after a short
“ lead me to the convent.
I must bid
her farewell."
The
father
old
do
servant
not
shook
trouble
his
her
head.
now ,"
“ My
said
he.
“ She is a saint, let us go on our way. ”
“ I
cannot,” said Serebrenni.
Michaitch brought him his own horse.
“ Yours is very
“ Mount this one,” said he.
tired ; ” and they rode on in silence.
The road led
through
a wood ;
and
they
soon came to a rivulet, on the banks of which
were the charred remains of a building.
“ Do you recognise this place, Prince ?
This
was the mill where the sorcerer formerly lived .
When he was taken , they burned his dwelling,
expecting to find treasure.”
Serebrenni
looked
with
indifference
at
the
279
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
ruins,
as
they
passed.
After
a
few
hours'
march , the wood became thinner, and they saw
white
stone
the usual
ings,
its
practice
was
narrow
could
not
with
on
not
seen ,
contrary
to
regard to such build
an
windows,
be
convent,
The
walls.
eminence ;
the
but
and
surrounding
from
country
only the dark
pines
close by.
The riders
gates.
dismounted, and approached
And,
in
a
short
time,
the
the
sound
of
keys was heard.
Glory to our Lord
Jesus,” said Michaitch,
gently.
“ Amen ,"
gates.
said
the
sister
who
opened
the
“ Who is it that you wish to see ? ”
“ The
Sister
Eudoxia , "
said the
servant
in
a whisper, fearing to pronounce that name aloud
before his master.
“ You
know me, my mother ?
I
was
here
not long ago ."
No, I do
Agnes
who
not.
opened
It
must
have
the gate :"
been Sister
and
looked suspiciously at the new comers.
the
nun
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
280
“ Never mind, my mother, but let us in , and
tell
the
abbess
that
Prince
Nikita
Serebrenni
has arrived .”
The
nun
looked
with
then retreated,
and
after
her ;
fear at the
shutting
and her
voice
Prince,
the wicket gate :
was
heard
in
the:
distance, saying
“ Lord Jesus have mercy on us.”
“ What does this mean ? ” thought Michaitch.
Why
should
she be afraid
of my master ? ”
but as he looked at the Prince, and remarked
his dusty armour, his clothes torn by the bushes
in his
look
furious course — and his haggard
he understood her terror — for he was so changed ,
that even Michaitch would hardly have recog
nised him.
After a while the returning steps of the nun
were heard.
“ Don't
“ the
be
abbess
angry ,”
cannot
said
receive
she,
you
hesitatingly ;
at
present..
Return to - morrow after matins."
“
I
cannot
wait,”
said
Serebrenni;
and
burst open the wicket - gate with his foot .
he
The
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
abbess
was
standing
before
281
him ,
looking
as
pale as himself.
“ In
the name
she, trembling
of
our
Saviour,
stop,"
said
“ I know why you have come,
but God punishes murderers, and the innocent
blood shed will fall on your own head . ”
“ Holy
mother ,"
answered
the
Prince,
not
comprehending her terror, but too much agitated
to be surprised at it, “ Let me see Sister Eudoxia
only for one moment — to bid her farewell. ”
“
To bid her farewell ?" repeated the
abbess .
“ Is that all you wish ?”
“Let me bid
I
will
her farewell, my mother, and
bestow all
my
wealth
on
your
con
vent.”
The abbess looked at him in perplexity.
“ You have forced
your way in .
You
call
yourself a Prince, but God only knows who
I know
you are, and wherefore you have come.
that the Apritchniki are visiting the
convents
to kill the wives and daughters of those lately
executed in Moscow.
Sister Eudoxia was the
wife of one of those boyars."
282
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ I am no Apritchnik ,” cried Serebrenni.
would
down
lay
Morozoff.
His
my
life
for
“ I
Boyarina
the
Let me see her, holy mother . ”
words
abbess was
sounded
relieved ,
so
and
truthful
looked
at
that
the
him with
sympathy
“ I have sinned against you, ” said she, “ but
You are
I have been mistaken .
thank God
no Apritchnik .
sister
The
came to the
who
gate frightened me , and I wished to gain time ,
in order to conceal Sister Eudoxia ;
but if you
are a friend or a relation of her family , I will
lead you to her.
through
Follow
cemetery .
the
Boyarin ,
me,
Her
cell
here ,
in
the
cell,
sur
is
garden .”
She
led
rounded
bench,
by
Elène
and veil.
wind
had
her dress.
raised
the Prince
wild -brier
was
a retired
There,
roses.
sitting
on
her black
in
a
dress
It was the end of summer , and the
scattered
She was
her head at
footsteps,
to
and rose
rose -leaves
the fallen
absorbed in
the
to
sound
meet
on
thought, but
of approaching
the
abbess,
but
283
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
on seeing Serebrenni, sunk back on the bench
with a cry .
“ Do
not fear,
soothingly .
your
my child , " said
“ This
husband's,
Boyarin
and
has
was
the
a
to
come
abbess,
friend
bid
of
you
farewell.”
Elène could not answer.
She trembled , and
looked at the Prince with terror.
Both were
silent.
“ I little thought we should meet thus,” said
Serebrenni, at last.
“ We
could not
meet
otherwise,"
answered
she.
Why did you not wait for me, Elène ? "
Had I waited ,” murmured she, “ my strength
would have failed me.
I have sinned enough .”
They were again silent.
The Prince's heart
beat wildly.
Elène,” said he, with a choking voice,
bid you an eternal farewell.
face once more .
She put back
“ I
Let me see your
Put back your veil .”
the
veil
with
her emaciated
hand, and he saw again the sweet eyes swollen
284
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
the
and
tears,
with
face
wan
he,
sleepless
from
nights.
to
“ Farewell,
Elène,"
said
her feet.
“ May
God
bowing
help me
"
that we might have been happy .
“ We
she.
could
never
have
“ My husband's
dered
that
been happy,” said
blood
impossible.
down
forget
to
would
But
have
none
ren
happy
are
now . ”
“ Yes," said
Serebrenni, 6. God is
ciful to Russia ; but
still
not
mer
I never thought we
should be parted for ever.”
Not for ever, Prince Nikita ; only for this
life.
us
It
to be
must be so .
happy
It
while all
would not
are
become
suffering such
great wrongs."
Why did I not fall on the battle - field ?
Why
did not the Czar have me put to death when I
returned ?
What remains for me in this world ?"
“ Bear your cross, Prince, as I do mine.
fate is more tolerable.
country,
while
I
can
repent of my sins."
You
can
Your
defend your
only pray for you
and
285
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
" Defend my country
the
Prince.
“ It
destroying it,
thoughts
are
is
against whom ? ” cried
but the
Czar
confused ;
you
guided me aright.
Tartars
not the
are
All my
himself.
alone
who
could have
Now I know not where truth
or falsehood lies ; all good has died out of me.
Often have I thought of
example ; but I drove
long as I had an
following
Kourbski's
away those thoughts as
object in life.
Now I have
none, and my courage fails me.”
May God guide
become
a
traitor,
you, Prince.
while
silence, merely because
stroyed ?
in
all
your
Remember that
Russia suffers in
happiness is
God
order that we may meet
world.
Would you
de
sends us trials
again in
another
Do not act against your conscience . ”
The Prince bent his head.
His anger melted
His
before his innate sense of duty .
“ Bear your cross ,” she repeated ; " go where
the Czar sends you.
You were right in refusing
to join his body -guard.
Now fight against the
enemies of your country , and I will pray for us
both until my last hour .”
286
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
Farewell, Elène ; farewell, my sister ! " cried
he, as he rushed towards her.
She looked at him calmly, then embraced him
three times as a brother, without manifesting any
emotion, for the feelings which had thrown her
into his arms two months ago
had completely
passed away .
“ Farewell,” she
repeated , and, lowering
her
veil, she retired to her cell.
The
Prince
bells
gazed
for vespers began to
after her.
ring.
The
He did not hear the
words of the abbess ; he did not feel the touch
of
her
hand
as she led him to the gate.
In
silence he mounted his horse, and, followed by
his servant, rode back through the pine woods.
The sound of the bells was insupportable to him .
But as he listened longer, he thought he heard in
them the words of
Elène's last farewell ;
and
when they died away in the distance he felt alone
on the earth .
On the next day the Prince rejoined his fol
lowers, and, placing himself at their head, they
continued their way.
He had only one bright
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
287
thought to comfort him in his despair, and that
was the consciousness that he had never swerved
from the path of duty ; and that is the greatest
treasure of an upright man.
It gave him courage
to support life ; and as he recalled Elène's parting
words, he
wicked
convinced himself
to feel
happy in
that it would be
such
troubled times.
He also remembered his conversation with Godou
noff, and he laughed mockingly at his pretended
knowledge of the human heart.
“ He may under
stand the Czar's character, and may know what
Maluta would say on a given occasion , ” thought
he ;
“ but
he
could
never
know what those
would think who do not pursue their own ends."
Thoughts of Maxime then came into his mind.
He would not have said, as Godounoff had done,
that she did not marry Morozoff for love.
words would
brother ;
His
have been—“ Hasten to her, my
do not lose a moment ;
from every rash act . ”
withhold her
And deep regret filled his
heart, for he knew he would never again meet a
kindred soul.
They continued their way through the dark
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
288
wood.
The
squirrels
did not
fear
the
armed
band , and the woodpeckers only paused to look
at them , and then continued tapping the trees.
One of the men, struck by the beauty of the
scene, began to sing, and the others joined in
the chorus.
The tale might have ended here, but we must
now speak of some of the
other
We must allow seventeen long
actors in it,
years to elapse
before we hear of the Prince again , and that
will be at Moscow, in the glorious year of the
conquest of Siberia.
CHAPTER
XXI.
THE EMBASSY OF YERMAK .
Many years
Alexandrova,
have
passed
at the head
since
Serebrenni left
of the
freebooters ;
many changes have come over Russia ; but Ivan
continued, as before, to suspect and put to death
his most faithful subjects ; then he repented , and
sent large donations to the convents, with orders
that masses should be said for his victims.
of his former favourites had survived.
None
Maluta,
the greatest among them , who had never for a
day been in disgrace, had been killed at the siege
of a Livonian town, and in his honour the Czar
had caused all the Germans and Swedes to be
burnt at the stake.
Thousands of Russians fled
in despair to Poland and Lithuania .
VOL. II.
Only one
290
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
fortunate event had happened in all these years ; by
the advice of Godounoff, the Apritchniki had been
disbanded.
The Czar had again taken up his
residence in Moscow, abandoning his palace at
Alexandrova.
Pestilence and famine were thin
ning the towns
and
villages ; the Tartars
had
devastated the environs of Moscow, and had even
burnt part of the old town .
Batthory, who had
succeeded the Polish King Sigismund, had con
quered
all
the
western provinces.
The young
Czarevitch Ivan, though as wicked as his father,
still felt deeply the humiliation of his country,
and asked permission to go and fight against him ;
the
Czar fancied he wished to rebel, and, in his
fury, killed him with a blow of his iron staff.
It
is related that Godounoff, in trying to shield the
Prince, was also wounded, and that his life was
only saved by the skill of a surgeon from Perm ,
called Stroganoff.
After this assassination Ivan
assembled his council, and announced his inten
tion
of
overcome
retiring into
by
the
a
monastery, but
entreaties of his
being
boyars,
he
consented to continue to reign , and soothed his
291
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
conscience by rich donations to churches, while
he began anew his executions.
He put to death
two thousand three hundred men , accusing them
of not having
sufficiently
defended
a fortress,
though Batthory himself had been astonished at
their
daring.
Seeing
himself
deprived
of
his
best provinces, surrounded by foes, Ivan's pride
was deeply wounded ; he neglected his dress, his
tall figure
became bent, his eyes
dim, and he
looked like an old man ; but when in the presence
of others, he tried to look haughty, and glanced
suspiciously round, to see if any remarked how
much his spirit was broken .
to be
feared than before ;
lived in such terror.
unhoped -for news
He was still more
Moscow
had never
At this unpropitious time,
came from the east,
stored courage to the country.
and re
From the banks
of the Kama, arrived in Moscow, the rich
mer
chants Stroganoffs; they had permission from the
Czar to live in those distant provinces, like inde
pendent princes ; they had their own troops, and
were bound to
defend the frontier against the
wild Siberian tribes.
Having been attacked by
292
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
some of the Khans, they decided on carrying the
war into their country, and, to insure success, they
addressed
themselves
to
the
freebooters,
who
called themselves the Atamans of the Cossacks,
and were then pillaging the banks of the Volga
and the Don .
The
most remarkable
of these
were Yermak and Koltzo, whom we have known
as Persten, and who, though condemned to death,
had been so miraculously saved .
They accepted
the Stroganoffs' rich presents, and brought their
troops with them , with which they put to flight
all the savage tribes, took prisoners the Siberian
chiefs and conquered the town of Siberia , which
stood on the banks of thc Irtisch.
Not content
with this, Yermak continued his conguests, and
obliged the vanquished to swear fealty to the Czar,
to whom he sent his favourite Ataman , Koltzo,
with the good news.
The Stroganoffs
first, bearing the
intelligence,
and
followed
embassy
Yermak .
public
by
joy
the
was
unceasingly, and
the churches.
of
unbounded .
arrived
they
were
The
The bells rang
Te Deums were
sung
in
all
Thc Czar received the Stroganoffs
293
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
very
of the halls of the
for
the
in
one
throne,
a
Upon
of Koltzo.
reception
day
a
named
and
graciously,
Kremlin, sat
the
Czar,
in
robes of cloth of gold , embroidered with pearls,
On his right
and in all the pomp of royalty.
stood
the
Czarévitch
Guards
Godounoff.
Feodor,
in
white
on
left,
his
caftans,
satin
embroidered with silver, surrounded the throne,
and
the
princes
and
The Czar looked less
boyars
filled
hall..
the
gloomy than usual,
and
even smiled as he addressed Godounoff, but his
face was much aged.
and he
The wrinkles were deeper,
was nearly bald , and the
beard had grown scanty.
hair
of his
Godounoff had risen
highly in favour during these last years.
His
sister Irène had married the Czarévitch Feodor,
and he himself had become Master of the Horse.
It was said , that once, before a large assembly,
the Czar had raised his hand,
on
which
three rings, and pointing to them , said ,
is Feodor, this
I should feel
Irène, and
pain if one
this
Boris ;
“
This
and as
of my fingers
cut off, so would it be if I
were
were
lost one of these,
294
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
my three children ! ”
Such extraordinary favour
had not rendered Boris overbearing or haughty.
He looked as humble as ever, and was as kind
and careful
of his
words, only his
demeanour
had become still more dignified , as befitted his
high position .
It was not without some sacrifice
of principle that he had risen to this eminence ;
for
instance,
when
he
saw
that
Maluta
was
too powerful to be undermined , he became his
firm friend, and married his daughter.
years
spent
Ivan
had
talented
beside the
changed
man
into
throne
him
an
from
of a
a
Twenty
Czar
like
high-minded
unscrupulous
criminal.
When one gazed at the Czarévitch Feodor, one
could not but
feel
how feeble were the hands
into which Ivan's power would fall.
There was
not a line of either moral or physical decision
in his kindly face.
Though he had been married
for two years, he still looked a child .
He was
short of stature and very pale ; his face wore a
constant smile, and he seemed timid and abashed .
It was
said
regret for his
that the
lost son,
Czar, in his moments of
used
to reproach him
295
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
with being more fitted for a bell -ringer than a
Czar's heir.
God
“ But
merciful ,”
is
thought
the boyars ; “thank Heaven, he neither resembles
his father nor his brother, and Godounoff will
aid him to reign ."
A
blast
of
trumpets
was
embassy sent by Yermak
Stroganoffs.
the
and
quaint
Koltzo,
Rich
flashing
borne
and
the
followed by
vessels
furs,
of
gold,
behind them .
embassy, was a man
chief of the
of about fifty years
with
entered,
armour, were
the
heard,
of age, of middle height,
black
eyes,
and
short
black
beard.
“ Great Czar ,” said he, approaching the steps
of the
throne,
Cossacks,
“ Yermak ,
the Ataman
and all those whom you
of the
condemned
to death , have endeavoured to efface their sins,
by
conquering
for you
your new possessions
joins
the
now
Siberia,
Almighty
aid
O
a
kingdom .
new
of Kasan
mighty
you to
and Astrakan
Czar,
keep
To
it
and
may
while the
world lasts ."
Having ended this short address, Koltzo and
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
296
his
companions
knelt down,
and
bent
their
heads to the ground.
Rise, my faithful
were formerly in disgrace now
“ Let those who
Approach,
enjoy my favour.
Czar held
said the Czar.
servants,”
out his hand,
Koltzo, " and the
which Koltzo kissed ,
having previously thrown down his fur cap, sa
as to step on it, instead of on the velvet
steps:
of the throne.
“ I thank the Holy Trinity,” said the Czar,
raising his eyes to
rounded by
heaven, “ that though
enemies
and
with
traitors,
sur
even
among those nearest to me, God has given me
strength to conquer the heathen ; ” and
round fiercely
at
the
boyars,
he
looking
added,
“ If
God is for us, who or what can be against us ?
He who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Then
feeling that he was damping unnecessarily the
general joy, he turned to Koltzo and said more
kindly
“ How do you like Moscow ?
see
such palaces
or churches ?
have been here before ? "
Did you
ever
or perhaps you
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
297
I
Koltzo
smiled
teeth
gleamed
could
I
have
meaningly,
through
seen
his
such
shrugging his shoulders.
and
his
white
" Where
beard .
marvels ? ”
he ,
said
* We live like peasants
on the Volga, and only know Moscow by hear
say .”
“ Remain here, ” said the Czar, " and you shall
be
hospitably
entertained .
I
have
read
Yer
mak's letter, and have commanded five hundred
soldiers to be sent to him .”
“ We
are
very
thankful,
great
Czar , ”
said
Koltzo, “ but that is a small number . ”
Ivan was astonished at his frankness.
“ Would you wish me in person to fly to your
help ? ” asked he severely, “ do you think that I
have no other care than your Siberia ?
quire men against the Tartars and Poles.
what is
given
follow you .
Russia,
you,
and
enrol
other
re
I
Take
men
to
Many are dying daily of famine in
and instead
of my being troubled to
provide them with bread, let them emigrate to
Siberia .
I have ordered
ten priests to be sent
there, to perform God's service for you .”
298
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ We
priests,
thank your
Grace ;
but
besides
the
could you not also give us good arms
and gunpowder ? ”
“ Nothing
shall
be
wanting.
I
have
given
orders for that too.”
“ And our clothes are worn out, ” said Koltzo.
“ You have no one to plunder in Siberia, I
suppose, ” said Ivan , displeased with his pertina
city.
“ I see you forget nothing ; but my feeble
mind has already noted everything.
The
Stro
ganoffs will supply you with clothes, and to you
At
I give a pelisse from my own shoulders.”
a sign from him, two men brought a cloth of
gold mantle, lined with rich fur, and put it on
Koltzo.
“ Is your
asked Ivan .
sabre
as
sharp as your tongue ?”
' Once, it was so, but it has been blunted on
the skulls of the
Siberians.”
“ Then choose from my armoury the one that
pleases you the most.
I do not think you will
hesitate to select the handsomest.”
The eyes of Koltzo sparkled with joy.
299
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ Great Czar, ” said he, “ this is the highest of
vours
your fa
favours..
I will certainly choose the
best ;
but, ” continued he, after a moment, “ if
you do not object, I think I had
the sabre from your Grace to
“ I will
not forget
better
carry
Yermak .”
him either ;
but
if you
like, you may choose two, one for yourself, and
one for him . "
“ Thanks, Czar, we shall serve you faithfully
with them ."
“ That is not enough ,” said Ivan, “ you must
have armour ; we can
find a suit
for you, but
how shall we know what will fit Yermak ? "
“ He is about my height, but rather stouter ;
we might try the armour on this
continued
Koltzo, pointing
lowers, who
dering
was standing
at all
to
young man,
one
of his
open -mouthed,
fol
won
the magnificence before him , and
had even approached the guards, asking them if
they were
looked
at
not all
him
so
Czarévitches ;
menacingly,
but they had
that
he
had
hastily retreated .
“ Let the large suit of armour with the eagle
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
300
brought,” said the Czar, “ and try it upon
be
that fellow . "
A
heavy
suit
was
brought,
which
was
so
admirably made , that it was received with ex
clamations of delight.
it
“ Put
whale !”
you great
on,
said
the
Czar.
The man obeyed, but could not get his arms
in .
A faint recollection flashed through Ivan's
mind.
“ Take it off,” said Koltzo, “ you will spoil it.
Czar, the armour is good, and will fit Yermak ;
this
man
has
such
huge fists,
he
cannot get
into it. ”
“ Show me your
fists,"
said the
Czar,
with
curiosity.
The
man
looked
puzzled.
“ Do
you hear,"
said Koltzo, “ his Grace wishes to see your fists. ”
“ And if he has my head cut off after seeing
them ,”
said the
man
slowly,
with
a look
of
fear.
The
Czar laughed loudly , and the courtiers
with difficulty restrained their merriment.
301
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ You
always
indignantly ;
will
and
be
a
fool,”
dragging
said Koltzo,
him
forward ,
he
showed the Czar his fists, which more resembled
bears' paws than hands.
“ Pardon this stupidity, Czar ; he is a brave
man , and , with these hands, killed one of the
Siberian princes.”
“ What is his name ? ” asked Ivan .
“ Mitka, " said the other, simply.
“ It
seems to me,” said the Czar, suddenly
recognising
him ,
“ that
formerly fought for
the
is
he
Boyarin
who
man
Morozoff ;
I
did
not recognise him immediately . ”
"
recognised
I
you
at
once ,”
said
Mitka.
-“ You were sitting on a large throne .”
All laughed loudly.
“ Thank
you , ”
said
Ivan ,
“ for
getting me, humble man that I am .
not
for
How did
you escape after that duel, and get to Siberia ?”
The Ataman touched Mitka, wishing him to
be silent, but
and
said ,
-away."
he misunderstood
pointing to
the intention,
Koltzo— “ He took
me
302
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
been
away ,”
you
took
“ He
at the Ataman .
looking
remember you now .
I think I
see,
before ; but, let me
here
Ivan,
said
“ You told me you had never
I think you related tales
to me , once upon a time ; and you carried Sere
brenni
out
your sight,
you
offer
touch ? ”
him ,
How
of prison .
blind
man ?
And
prayers ?
and
the
enjoying
Czar
his
you
did
recover
At what shrine
did
what relics did you
looked
piercingly
“ Well,”
confusion .
tinued he , at last, " what is past
at
con
is forgotten ;
but after fighting at Raizan, tell me why you
did not come to me with your comrades ? ”
“ Because ,
then
Czar,"
said
Koltzo,
“
I
had not
merited your Grace's pardon ; and I re
turned to the Volga to fight for my country .”
“ And who
plundered the ships that I sent
up the Volga with money ?? ”
The Czar's look
was rather mocking than stern .
Seventeen
long years
anger had died away .
was laughing at him ,
had passed,
and
his
Koltzo saw that the Czar
and merely said :
are guilty before your Grace. "
“ We
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
“ It
is
well, ”
said
Ivan ,
“ you
303
have
now
effaced your faults, but if you had then fallen
into my hands
Koltzo thought to himself— “ That was why I
did not return ."
“ Your friend, the other brigand chief, must
here ," said the
be
Czar ;
turning
and,
to the
courtiers, he asked, “ Where is Serebrenni ? ”
A whisper ran through the assembly, but none
answered .
66
“
I ask, where is
Do you hear ?" said Ivan .
Serebrenni ? "
An old Boyarin stepped forward, and said
“ He is not here.
He was killed seventeen years
ago, with his whole band, fighting against the
Tartars.”
" Really ,” said Ivan , “ I did not know it.”
The Ataman's face expressed sorrow .
“ Do
you
regret
him ?" asked
Ivan, with
a
laugh.
“ Yes, I do," said Koltzo, boldly.
Could
it be true that Ivan was ignorant of
Serebrenni's
death , or was
it
only feigned, to
304
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
show his indifference to those who did not court
his favour ?
He took no heed of the answer he
had received, but merely said to Koltzo
“ Remain here, and when Prince Bolhovskoy
goes to Siberia with the troops, you shall accom
pany him .
But perhaps he would not like to
serve under Yermak , being a Prince of the house
of Rurik ;
Siberia .
and
And
possessions,
so
to
and
I
name
Yermak Prince of
the
Stroganoffs
they
may trade
I
in
give rich
all
the
towns free of duty .”
The Czar then
The Stroganoffs bowed low .
examined the presents
amused
himself
by Yermak,
sent
by joking
with
and
Koltzo, after
which the whole assembly dispersed.
On that day the Stroganoffs and Koltzo dined
at the house of Godounoff.
After having drank
to the health of the Czar and his family, Godou
noff raised a gold goblet, and proposed the health
of Yermak and his companions.
May he live long, for the glory of Russia ! ”
said the guests, bowing to Koltzo .
' We salute you,” said Godounoff, bowing to
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
305
him also, “ and beg you to transmit to Yermak
the salutations of the princes and
boyars ; and
may his name and that of his companions be
loved and venerated by posterity .”
The Ataman
rose to return thanks ;
his lips
quivered, and, perhaps for the first time in his
life, tears were
live
Russia ,"
seen in his bold
murmured
he,
eyes.
and
“ Long
then
sat
down .
Godounoff begged him to relate their exploits
in Siberia ; and Koltzo told them how brave and
how just Yermak
was, how pious,
and
how
merciful to the vanquished.
“ He has even done more by his goodness than
by his great strength.
Whatever town he took, he
gave presents to the inhabitants and treated them
kindly ; and when we made one of the princes
prisoner,
he
showed
him the
greatest honour.
And his fame spread far and wide.
Men found
that his yoke was easy , and many princes sub
mitted to him
of
their own
accord.
regretted one thing ," he continued ,
I
“ and
was that Prince Nikita was not with us .
VOL II.
only
that
You
X
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
306
were his
friend,” said he to Godounoff ; “ let us
drink to his memory .”
May he rest in God's kingdom,” said Godou
noff, with a sigh ; and, wishing to show sympathy
with
his
guest, he
added— “ I
often
think
of
him .”
The dinner lasted long,
and then Godounoff
asked his guests to rest and spend the day with
him .
It was late when they left him , and all
were
enchanted
with
the
cordiality
of
Boris
Godounoff.
Three centuries have passed since these events,
and the recollection
of them has
faded
away,
though the people still remember the riches and
the cruelty of the terrible Czar, and sing songs
about the death of the Czarévitch and Yermak ,
whose portrait still hangs in all the huts of Siberia.
But these memories have become legends, where
truth is mingled with fiction .
remain to
records ;
The buildings which
us of those times are more truthful
for instance,
the
church
of
Wassily,
outside the Kremlin , gives an idea of what the
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
village
of Alexandrova
must
have
307
been,
and
the small church of Trifon , built by the Falconer,
still exists, with the picture of his patron saint,
holding a white falcon on his wrist.
The village
of Alexandrova, when abandoned by the Czar,
was deserted, and remained a dark monument of
the terrible years he had spent there.
it became
Prince
animated ,
Michel
Only once
when the young warrior
Shouisky
assembled
his
army
within its strong walls and forced the Poles to
raise the siege of the Monastery of Troitza .
Many years later, tradition relates that on a
cold winter's day a black cloud hung over Alex
androva ; a terrible clap of thunder was heard ,
and the lightning
reduced to ashes this
abode
of crime.
May God help us, too, to forget those dreadful
times, which left their trace
on
many genera
tions ; let us forget the sinful shade of the Czar
Ivan, for he does not bear the responsibility of
his deeds alone ; the people who had fallen too
low to be indignant at his crimes had helped to
confirm him in them , and by their servility re
308
PRINCE SEREBRENNI.
sembled the Romans, who allowed themselves to
be governed by a Nero and a Caligula.
Characters like Wasia, the Man of God, Prince
Repnein,
Serebrenni,
stars amid the
and Morozoff, shone
darkness.
like
Let us forgive Ivan,
but remember kindly the honest men who did
their duty in those difficult times, when servility
was called fidelity, and treachery became a habit,
and
men
only followed
their wicked
passions.
May their souls rest in peace, brave men ! Though
they accepted
Ivan as a scourge sent by God,
yet they acted uprightly, fearing neither punish
ment nor death ; and their lives have not been
useless, for every good action and word leaves
an impress behind, and the root of much that is
good in the Russian people was planted in the
dark depths of the past.
THE END .
CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.
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