Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/256

228 of deformed monsters, with two small holes in lieu of eyes? These are Kalmouk officers. I also met there my ci-devant countrymen forming part of this motley multitude. In short, it would be impossible to see anywhere such a medley, such a variegated mosaic.

The corps of chevaliers-gardes who perform the service within the palace is splendid; it is composed of nearly one hundred gentlemen, selected from the youngest and handsomest officers. It was the stud of Catherine II. Nothing can equal the richness and magnificence of the uniform in which these gentlemen are attired. They wear white justaucorps, having white velvet collars and facings, with lace upon every seam; this lace is surmounted by broad embroideries; a kind of light silver breastplate; massive silver chains falling from the shoulders upon the breast; Roman helmets of gilded silver, with large ostrich feathers; and, as if that was not enough, thick massive silver plates adorning both sides of their boots, all the length of the leg. The crowd of