Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-01-06
..... PASSAGE IN THE
LIFE OF A MAITRE D'ARMES.

with the intention of establishing myself as
fencing. master in that capital. Introductions
from distinguished individuals in Paris enabled
me to make friend of Count Alexis W.; and
that young nobleman was good enough to inter.
est himself warmly in my success. Not con-
tent with procuring me several pupils, himself
included, he urged me to petition the Emperor
for the appointment Of fencing master to reg-
ment, and offered to give me a letter of recon-
mendation to an aid.de-camp Of The Czarewitsch
Constantine, who was then at the Castle OF
Strelna, near st. Petersburg
'If his imperial highness," added the Count,
twill write line in your favor at the end the
petition, you will have an excellent chance of
obtaining what you desire. Present yourself
boldly, flatter his military pride, and try to gain
his good word by the frank and soldiery deport-
ment which has done more for you, with myself
and others. than any letters of Recommendation"
. The morning after receiving this advice, |
hired droschk, and set out for Strelna, taking
with me a letter 10 General Rodna, d-de-camp
Of the Czarcwitsch also my petition to the EN-
peror, which had been drawn up in due FORM
After driving couple of hours along good
road bordered on the left by country mansions
and parks, and on the right by plains extending
TO the Gulf Of Finland, reached the convent Of
St Sergins, the saint Most venerated in Russia
after St. Alexander Neuski. Ten minutes af-
forwards arrived at the castle, and, after some
parley with the sentry, obtained admittance.-
Some officers who were lounging about, inform
ed me that the General was occupied with the
Czarewtch One of them, however, took in
my letter, and desired me to wait in a saloon
which looked out on magnificent garden. The
same officer speedily returned, and ushered me
into the apartments of the Enperor's brother
In one of these, discovered a man standing
L.. L. 4: HI
by the most uncouth and forbidding counten-
ance ever beheld. Between pair of prom-
nent cheek bones that would have graced CAL
muck Tartar, appeared what, in France, we term
a nose eerass, with pair of upturned nostrils-
the combined effect Of which gave the owner a
strong resemblance 10 large monkey nor am
| sure whether, in such a comparison the dsad-
vantage would not have been on the side of the
animal. The eyes of the Cir duke, (for he
it was,) were remarkable for their restlessness.
They were small, deep set, and of color which
II would be difficult TO define. His complexion
was deep unvarying red. The frogs and loops
which fastened his dark. green frock across his
breast, nearly disappeared beneath a profus.on
Of crosses, decorations, and ribbons of every COL
or Of the rainbow. lie was tapping his boot with
his riding whip, and The undried spIashes of mud
on his pantaloons indicated that he had but re-
Gently returned from ride or review. At a
table near him was seated General Rodna, pen
in hand, and apparently writing under his mas
tiers dictation.
Not expecting so prompt an introduction, |
stopped short on entering the room. The door
was scarcely closed when the Czarewitsch, pro-
Jecting his head without moving his body, and
fixing me with his piercing eyes, abruptly en-
CURED,
what countryman =
French, your highness.'
AAge!'
'Six-and.twenty.'
Name! =
g.
, 'You want to be fencng-master to regiment
MAY it please your highness, such is the OBJ
ject Of my ambition
Are YOU first rate swordsman y
i have fenced in public since my arrival in St.
Petersburg, and your highness can easily as
certain the opinion Of those who were present
4 heard of you, but you had only second-rate
fencers to contend with
which gave me just claim on my forbear.
ance, your highness.'
'Forbearance' he repeated, with flashing eyes
and somewhat scornfu! curve Of the lips but
if less considerate, what then =
Il should have buttoned them ten times fol
every twice they touched me your highness.'
lila and could you do that with me ?
THAT might depend ON how your mperia
highness might wish to be treated. If as
prince, it is possible your highness would touch
ane ten times, and be touched twice. But if YOU
highness wished to be treated like any othe
person the ten hits would probably be achieved
by me, and the two by your highness.'
'Lubensk = cried the Czarewitsch, rubin.
his hands; 'Lubensk! bring the foils! w,
shall see, Sir Braggard !
is it possible your highness would condo
scend'--
sMy hghness orders you to touch me tie
times, if you can. Do you want to back out al
ready! Now, take this foil and mask. Guard
1T is your highness's absolute command =
yes a thousand times yes!
u am ready
Ten times = repeated the Czarewitsch as h
attacked me,-ten times, mind you less won
do. Ha ha =
Notwithstanding all this encouragement,
kept on the defensive, contentng myself wit
parrying his thrusts without returning them.
'Now then! cried he somewhat angrily-
What are you about! You are not doing you
best. Why don't you thrust'
'Your highness the respect-
Curse your respect, sir Thrust! thrust!'
Observing, through his mask, that his cheek
were flushed and his ewes bloodshot, I took az
vantage of the permission granted with such ev
dent sincerity, and touched him three times rur
ming.
bravo = cried he. MY turn now. IIa
hit a hit! He had touched me, then touc
ed him four times in rapid succession, and WI
touched once.
sHurrah ! cried he, quite delighted, al
stamping with his foot. 'Rodna did you st
that! Twice to his SEVEN
Twice 10 ten, your highness = replied
pressing him hard. 'Eght-nine-ten No
we are quits
q Good good = cried the Czarewitsch appro
ingly-'Very good but that's not all. II
small sword-not enough-no use to the caval
want the SABRE Now could you defend you
self on FOOT against mounted lancer Par
lance thrust! Eth ?
Il think could, your highness
'Think so (! Not sure--eh 2
?. pardon me, your hghness, have no dou
Of it,
Lubenski! Lubenski !! again shouted I
Czarewitsch. The officer appeared
"A lance and horse horse lance ! S
ere Quick quick
But your highness'--l interposed--
'Ha pous arez peur =
u am not afraid but, with your highness,