Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1828-12-23

10 n""oiSi' Dul IL the non was chained
1T was not destroyed; if it slumbered 4
might be suddenly aroused in its anaa,
to dart ITS fangs into the heart of the vic.
tim. The advice of an old bishon who
during the preceding reign had been ban.
Ished from the court for his crimes and
whom Ivan consulted on the best means
of governing his kingdom, made a pro.
found impression on the mind of the
Tar. If you wish to be truly soyer-
eign," said the bishop, never seek a
counsellor wiser than yourself; never re-
ceive advice from any man. Command
but never obey, and you will be terro,
to the boyards. Remember that every
one who is allowed to advise, ends by rui-
ing his sovereign" Ivan kissed the old
mans haad. exclaiming. MY own father
could nos have spoken more wisely =,
Still, SO long as Anastasia lived, no change
was perceptible in his conduct he ami
ed himself increasingly to the welfare of
his subjects; but on the death of that ex-
cel!ent princess, in 1860, the sIumberipu
demon arose in all the terror of his MIGHT
and gained for Ivan the appelIation of the
Muscovite Monster" On the 25th Tn.
ly, eighteen gibbets were erected in the
market-place of Moscow; instruments of
torture were displayed an enormous fire
was made, over which was suspended an
immense copper cauldron. Seeing those
frightful preparations, the Muscovites
were persuaded that their last hour was at
hand-the Tar was about to annihilate
the capital, and exterminate its inhabitants.
Terrified out of their senses, they fly and
conceal themselves, leaving their shops
open, their merchandise and money ex-
posed. Immediately the streets are
deserted; no one is seen except a troop
OF Opritsniks ranged in profound silence
round the gibbets and blazing fire. Sud-
denly the air resounds with the beating Of
drums; the Tar is seen on horseback,
with his eldest son, the beloved object of
his affections. He is also accompanied
by his boyards, princes, and devoted legi-
on, who marched along in perfect order.
Alter these came the condemned. in num-
Der exceeding three hundred, who resem-
bled spectres; they were bruised, torn.
and bloody, and scarcely able to crawl
along. On arriving at the foot of the
gallops, the Tar looks around hin he
is surprised to find that no spectators are
present and he commands his DICTIONARIES
to collect the inhabitants in the same
place. He becomes impatient at their
dilatoriness, and runs himself to call the
Muscovites to the treat which he had pre-
pared for them; at the same time asures
them of his pefect good will towards them.
None dared to disobey Immediately all
issued from their hiding places, and with
trembling steps fastened to the scene of
execution, which was instantly crowded !;
the walls and roofs also were covered with
spectators. Then the Tar cried aloud,
People of Moscow, you are about to
witness tortures and punishments and |
punish none but traitors. Tell me, is
mine righteous judgment :" The air
instantly filled with acclamations, Long
live the Tar, our lord and master! May
his enemies perish ~ Ivan separated
from the crowd of victims one hundred
and twenty, to whom, as less guilty, he
granted life. The secretary to the privy
council then read the names of the rest
from long roll of parchment which he
held in his hand. Viscovaty was first
made to advance, to whom the emperour
read these words: John Mikaiof, conf
dental ex-counsellor of the Tar you have
served me disloyally, and have written to
King Sigismund, offering to put him in
possession of Novgorod this is your first
crime p The Tar then struck him on
the head with whip, and continued,
"The second crime is not SO heinous ;
ungrateful and peridious man, you have
written to the Sultan, encouraging him to
seize on Astrakan and Kazan." Two
blows follow. You have also invited
the Khan of Tauris to invade Russia
this is your third crime" Here Viscova-
ty, in modest but firm voice, replied,
lifting his eyes to heaven, Il take the
teacher of hearts to witness-he who
knows the most secret thought-that
have faithfully served my sovereign and
my country. All that have heard is a
tissue of infamous calumnies but to de-
fend myself is vain, for my earthly Judge
is deaf to the voice of pity; he who reigns
I in heaven knows my innocence and you
also, Sire, will one day acknowledge ii
before the throne of the Almighty" The
assassins rush on him to stop his mouth
they hang him up by the feet, and cut him
to pieces .Skuratof first began the execu.
ton, by dismounting and cutting off the