Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/263

Rh procession had reached the palace, they placed the coffin of Peter III. beside that of the Empress, where they were exhibited during eight days, and exposed to the comparison and malignant talk of the courtiers and the public. They were then removed with the same ceremonies to the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, where they were again exhibited for three weeks, after which they were lowered into their vaults for ever.

Our presentation at court took place according to the customary etiquette; the Court-Marshal pronounces your name, and you are obliged to fall upon your knees and kiss the Emperor's hand. The same ceremony is repeated before the Empress. I remember that, on leaving the Emperor, I awkwardly advanced in a straight line towards his august-consort. “Heavens! what are you doing,” exclaimed the two chamberlains standing beside me, “you turn your back to the Emperor;” and immediately they seized me by both arms, turned me like a horse