Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-09-13

Wbetner Soou or Dad, operate equally on the
native and foreigner in their social condition
AN OLD NATIVE.
SKETCH OF THE EMPEROR NICOLAS.
"The predominant expression Of his coun-
tenance is that Of restless severity, which
strikes bcholder at the first glance, and, in
spite Of the regularity Of his features, con-
veys by no means a pleasant impression
Physiognomists pretend, with much reason,
that tie hardness of the heart INJURIES the
beauty Of the countenance. Nevertheless,
this expression in the Emperor Nicolas APP
pears to be the rosul. Of experience rather
than the work Of nature. by what long and
cruel sufferings must not man lave been
tortured, when bis countenanoo cxcites fear,
notwithstanding the voluntary confidence
that noble features inspire.
"Nevertheless, at times, some CLEANS of
softness temper the imperious looks Of this
monarch and then, the expression Of aha-
hility reveals all the native beauty of his
classic features. In the heart Of the hus-
band and the father, humanity triamphs for
moment over the policy Of the prince
When the sovereign rests from bis task of
imposing the yoke upon his subjects, he APP
pears happy. This combat between the
primitive dignity ofthe man and the affected
gravity of the sovereign, appears to me wor,
thy OF the attention Of an observer: it occu-
pied mine the greater part Of the time !
passed in the chapel.
"Thc Emperor is above the usual height
by half head his igue is noble, although
little stiff; he has practiced from his youth
the Russian custom of girding his body alb owe
The loins TO such degree as to push up the
stomach into the chest, which produces an
unnatural swelling or extension about the
ribs that is as injurious to health as it is I'M
graoeful in appearance.
"This voluntary deformity destroys all
freedom Of mo yement, impairs the elegance
of the shape, and imparts an air of constraint
to the whole person. They say that when
the Emperor loosens bis dress, the vicera,
suddenly giving way, are disturbed for a
moment in their equilibrium, which produces
an extraordinary prostration Of strength
The bowels may be displacod-thoy cannot
be got rid of.
"The Emperor has Grecian profile, the
forehead high, but receding; the nose
straight and perfectly formed the mouth
very finely cut the face which in shape is
a very long oval, is noble the whole air
military, and rather German than Sclavonic.
His carriage and his attitudes are naturally
imposing. He expects always to be gazed
at, and never for moment forgets that be
is so. 1t may be even said that he likes this
homage of eyes.
"lie passes the greater part Of bis exis
lance in the open air, at reviews, or inrapid
journeys. During the summer, the shade Of
his military hat'tlraws across his forehead an
oblique line, which marks the action of the
sun upon the skin. 1t produces singular
effect but is not disagroeable, as the cause is
at once perceived.
Gin examining attentively the fine person
of this individual, on whose viii hangs the
fate OF so many others, l have remarked with
involuntary pity, that he cannot smile at the
same time with the eyes and mouth want
Of harmony which denotes perpetual con
straint, aud makes one remember, with re-
greet, that easy natural grace, So. conspicuous
II the less regular but more agreeable coun-
tenance of his brother, I he emperor Alexan-
der. The latter always pleasing, had yet at
times, an assumed manner. The Emperor
Nicolas is more sincere but he has an hab-
itual expression of severity, which some times
gives the idea of harshness and infexiblity. |
If, however, he is less fascinating, he Is more
irm than his brother but then, it must be
added, that be has also proportionately
greater need of fmness. Graceful courtesy
nsuros authority by removing the desire of
resistance This jndioious economy in the
exercise of power is a secret of which the
Emperor Nicolas is ignorant; he is one who
lesircs to bs obeyed where others desire to
)e loved"
yrS-S= Mauk;rJ NAV, he dividad into cl,ssas |