Page:The Boy Travellers in the Russian Empire.djvu/220

214 the Varangians, to come and rule over them. The Northmen, or Varangians, were called 'Russ' by the Slavs, and from them the new monarchy was called Russia. Rurik came with his two brother, Sineus and Truvor, and at Novgorod laid the foundation of this empire that now covers one-eighth of the land surface of the globe.

"The story is admirably told in verse by Bayard Taylor. I have copied the lines from his poetical volume, and will read them to you."

In a full clear voice the youth then read as follows, having previously explained that Mr. Taylor was present at the millennial celebration already mentioned:

A thousand years! Through storm and fire,

With varying fate, the work has grown,

Till Alexander crowns the spire,

Where Rurik laid the corner-stone.

The chieftain's sword, that could not rust,

But bright in constant battle grew,

Raised to the world a throne august—

A nation grander than he knew.

Nor he, alone; but those who have,

Through faith or deed, an equal part:

The subtle brain of Yaroslav,

Vladimir's arm and Nikon's heart;

The later hands, that built so well

The work sublime which these began,

And up from base to pinnacle

Wrought out the Empire's mighty plan.

All these, to-day, are crowned anew,

And rule in splendor where they trod,

While Russia's children throng to view

Her holy cradle, Novgorod.

From Volga's banks; from Dwina's side;

From pine-clad Ural, dark and long;

Or where the foaming Terek's tide

Leaps down from Kasbek, bright with song;

From Altai's chain of mountain-cones;

Mongolian deserts, far and free;

And lands that bind, through changing zones,

The Eastern and the Western sea!