Page:Notes upon Russia (volume 1, 1851).djvu/153

Rh foreigners, wash his hands from the pollution of having touched those of an ambassador of another creed. It is likewise the custom for ambassadors coming from Lithuania, Sweden, Livonia, etc., to offer presents to the grand-duke, which are delivered publicly at their first audience; and, indeed, it is customary not only for the ambassadors themselves, but also for the friends who accompany them, to bring presents. It is usual, therefore, after the delivery of the address, for one of the chief councillors to say to the prince:—Great Master, N. N. strikes his forehead to thee, and gives thee pominki—so they call the presents—which he mentions by name; after which, a secretary writes down the names of the donors, and the description of the presents. When we had delivered our address, those who stood behind us amongst our suite called out ‘pominki’, in order to remind us to deliver the presents, to which our attendants answered, that this custom was no longer in use at the court of Austria. It was true, that this had been the custom also amongst us in former times; but as it was generally expected that presents of as much value were to be given in return, in consequence of which they became more and more extravagant, the custom was at last abolished.”

The first dinner is described at length by Herberstein, from which we only quote the following details as peculiarly worthy notice:—Brandy was served round before the eating commenced. The principal dish consisted of swans, which was served round with sour milk, pickled gerkins, and plums. The princi-