Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/265

Rh consequence to see me at his feet; but, as he is so plain, I would be much more sorry to see him at mine.”

I will not expatiate farther upon the etiquette, ceremonies, and pageantry of the court, as I saw just as much of them as was necessary to prevent me compromising myself.

The ceremonies of the Greek church, without being splendid, are more overcharged than those of the Catholic. The mass is chanted by a chorus composed of forty young men; its air is very sweet. After the service, the officiating priest pronounces a benediction on the Emperor, who takes his hand as if to kiss it, but the priest dexterously withdraws it, and presents to him a crucifix, and it is by this trick that they avoid the ancient Russian custom, according to which the Czar himself is obliged to kiss the hand of the priest.

There are in St. Petersburgh many curious, interesting, and even rare objects to be seen. I am now sorry for not having visited them, but, at that time, every thing was some how