opinion by their example.  The two present empresses have made those virtues beloved, of which they are themselves the models.  In this respect, however, as in a great many others, the principles of morality are not properly fixed in the minds of the Russians.  The ascendancy of the master has always been so great over them, that from one reign to another* all maxims upon all subjects may be changed.  The Russians, both men and women, generally carry into love their characteristic impetuosity, but their disposition to change makes them also easily renounce the objects of their choice.  A certain irregularity in the imagination does not allow them to find happiness in what is durable.  The cultivation of the understanding, which multiplies sentiment by poetry and the fine arts, is very rare among the Russians, and with these fantastic and vehement dispositions, love is rather a fete or a delirium than a profound and reflected affection.  Good company in Russia is therefore a perpetual vortex, and perhaps the extreme prudence to which a despotic government accustoms people, may be the cause that the Russians are charmed at not being led, by the enticement of conversation, to speak upon subjects which may lead to any consequence whatever.  To this reserve, which, under different reigns, has been but too necessary to them, we must attribute the want of truth of which they are accused.  The refinements of civilization in all countries alter the sincerity of character, but when a sovereign possesses the unlimited power of exile, imprisonment, sending to Siberia, &c. &c. it is something too strong for human nature.  We may meet with men independent enough to disdain favor, but heroism is required to brave persecution, and heroism cannot be an universal quality.

None of these reflections, we know, apply to the present government, its head being, as emperor, perfectly just, and as a man, singularly generous.  But the subjects preserve the defects of slavery long after the sovereign himself would wish to remove them.  We have seen, however, during the continuance of this war, how much virtue has been shown by Russians of all ranks, not even excepting the courtiers.  While I was at Petersburg, scarcely any young men were to be seen in company; all had gone to the army.  Married men, only sons, noblemen of immense fortunes, were serving in the capacity of simple volunteer, and the sight of their estates and houses ravaged, has never made them think of the losses in any other light than as motives of revenge, but never of capitulating with the enemy.  Such qualities more than counterbalance all the abuses, disorders, and misfortunes which an administration still vicious, a civilization yet new, and despotic institutions, may have introduced.

CHAPTER 19.

Establishments for Public Education.—­Institute of Saint Catherine.