Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-01-06

you be sptted like one of the toads in my
summer house. The last lived three days, Rod
ma, with nail through his belly"
So saying, Constantine sprang upon his horse,
which was of the true Tartcr breed, with tail
that swept the ground, and name like hurri-
cane. With remarkable skill he put the animal
through the most difficult evoutions, at the same
time executing sundry parties and thrnsts with
his lance.
All ready 2 cried the Czarewitsch, coming up
to me.
Ready, your hghncss,' replied and he, set
ting spurs to his horse gaoped off to the farther
end of the avenue.
Surely all this is joke = said to General
Rodna.
by no means = was the reply. You 'cil
either lose yoNr life or gain the appointments
Defend yourself as if you were on "a battle field.
now saw that matters were taking a more
serious turn than had altogether bargained for.
Had considered myself at liberty TO return blow
for blow, could have taken my chance without
uneaslness bu: feeling myself bound to control,
as well as to use, keen edged sabre, while en-
posed to the sharpeMed lance of reckless an
tagonst, the chances of this imperial diversion
were rather against me. 1t was too late how
ever, to draw back, summoned in aid all the
GOODNESS and address possessed, and prepared
to face the Czarewtsch, who had already reach
ed the end of the avenue, and turned his horse
about In spite of what General Rodna had told
me, had not renqnished all hope that Con-
stantine was jesting but when saw him bring
his lance to the guard, and push his stced into a
gallop became convinced that had to defend
my life. The horse advanced at full speed, and
the CzarewsCh was crouched down upon his
neck. in such manner that he was nearly con-
ceaed by the abundant name. | could only see
the top OF his head appearing between his char
gers ears. Wien he reached me, he made a
point at my breast but parted his thrust and
bounding on one side, horse and rider, carried
away by their own impetuosy, passed without
doing me any injury. When he saw that he had
missed his aim, the Czarewitsch pulled up short
with admirable dexterity.
"Nery good very good !" said he-"try
again. And without giving me time for objec-
ton or remark, lie took space for his career,
and after again asking me if | was ready, re-
turned to the charge with still more fury than
the first time but, as before, kept my eyes
fixed on his, and not one of his motions escaped
me. At the decisive moment parted en- quar-
te, and by spring to the righ, made his second
attack as harmless as the preceding one.
At this second failure, the Czarewitsch utter
ed howl of disappointment. He had entered
into the spirit of oar t,ltng-match as ardently
as if it had been real combat, and had moreo-
yer made up his mine that it should terminate
in his favor; but, when saw him retracing his
ground for third assault, determined that it
should be the last. Again he approached me
with wlirlwind speed this time, however, in
stead Of conteptng myself with mere parry,
| dealt violent backhanded blow on the pole
of the lance, which was severed by the stroke,
and the C2arcwitsch found himself dsarmed.
Then quick as thought, | seized the bride of
the horse, and by violent jerk threw him on
his launches, at the same time placing the
point of my sabre Oh the breast of tue rider
General Rodna uttered cry of alarm he
thought was going to kill the Grand Dlke
Constantine, doubtless, had the same Impress
ion, for the color left his cheeks for an instant
Stepping pace backward, and bowling TO the
Czarewsch, said, "Your highness has now
seen what | am able to teach to Russian sol.
Giers, and is able TO judge whether | am wor-
thy to become their professor
Yes, by my soul, you are Never saw BRAY,
er fellow; and regiment you shall have, if
can get it for YOU Lead Puk 10 the stable
Lubenski,' added he throwing himself off his
horse. Now, follow me, Sir Frenchman.
Then leading the way to his apartments, he tool
up pen and wrote at the foot Of my petition -
Il humb!y recommend the petitioner to YOU
Imperial Majesty, believing him in every way
worthy Of the favor he solicits.'
Take this paper said he 'and give it into TIT
Empcrors hands. Put you in prison, perhaps
but, ma fo, he who risks nothing can gan
nothing, Farewell and, if ever you visit War
saw, come and see me-
| bowed and took my leave, delighted witt
my success and no little elatcd at having pass
ed SO well through the ordeal imposed upon IN
by this eccentric and formidable parsonage.
AT ten o'clock the following morning | start
ed for the Empcror's present abode, the palac
Of Tzarsko Selo, determined to walk in the gar
, dens until met him, and to risk the penalty c
Imprisonment, incurred by all who ventured t
, present petition to his imperial majesty. NJ
stock Of patience however, was very nearly OK
hausted, when waited and wandered more tina
four hours in the palace gardens, which contai
in their vast enclosure, slopes levels, lakes, an
+ forestry; grottoes, pyramids, and statues. A
these ! had visited, without perceivng any on
7 but the sentries and few loungers and wa
, beginning to despair of meeting him whom
- came to seek, when the avenue ! had Just er
tered was crossed by an officer in undress un
> form, who saluted me and continued his prone
made. ! askeda gardeners boy at work nea
me, who that very polite officer was.
The Emperor" answered he.
. Immediately darted down an alley which
/ calculated would traverse the path AeXandC
was following. had scarcely gone hundre
yards, before | found myself so near his males
that paused in some alarm. The Emper
, haulted for an instant then seeing that respe
= prevented me from approaching him, he advau
= ed towards mo, aud awaited his coming stan
ing uncovered on the side of the foot pat
n The Emperor limped slightly, owing to the r
~ opening of an accidental wound in the leg, r
= ceived in one Of his journeys to the banks of Il
7 Don. As he slowly advanced, ! had leisure
W observe the great change which had taken pa,
y in his appearance since had seen him in Par
. His countenance formerly so open and cheerfl
"a had now a sckly and mOurnful expression, al
" he was evidently prey to the deepest mela
;, choly. Notwithstanding this, his looks were
- benevolent that felt treasured, and as he pas
> ed near me- ventured to address him.
Sire!
Put on your hat, SIR replied he. 1t is t
b, cold to remain bareheaded'
~ Seeing that hesitated, from respect, 10 OBJ
~ him, he seized my hat, clapped it on my hei
holding my arm the while to prevent my TAXI
:, it off again. When he found that ! made
further resistance, he said
well, sir, what have you to say TO me 7
'Sir-this supplication and drew the pc
I ton from my pocket. The Emperor's coun