Weekly Trinity journal., 1873-12-06
RUSSIAN IMPERIAL MARRIAGES.

who would entitle him the Father of His
torical Lies and, indeed, much Of the
narration is palpably absurd to a degree
that makes one suspect the truth of even
his more responsible statements. Ac-
cordingly, in this era of historical scep-
ticism, one is not inclined to place too
much credence in his account of the Ba-
bylonian marriage regulations. He tells
us that it was the custom in that ancient
city to assemble annually all the unmar-
ried maidens in certain public locality,
dressed in their gayest attire, and auction
them of as wives to the highest bidders.
The story is, perhaps, more amusing than
credible bus it appears that the Byzan-
tine and Slavonic historians of compare
lively modern times have recorded anal
ogous customs as prevailing in the latter
days of the Greek Empire, and in Russia
during the sixteenth and seventeenth CEN
turies. OF the truth Of their statements
in this regard their is no room to doubt.
Monsieur Alfred Rambaud, in an admir-
able criticism contributed to the RcDie3c
deS DeHr MoadeS, upon some recently
published works of Russian history, has
given us some extremely interesting facts
upon the lives Of the Czarinas during the
period of the Renaissance, which arc IL
Illustrative of the curious customs referred
to. According to Greek historians Of the
ninth century, the Empress Euphrosyne,
being desirous of marrying her son The
! ophilus, then but twelve years old, sent
messengers into all parts OF Europe and
Asia, commanding them to seek out and
bring before her all the most beautiful
maidens they could End. On the return
of her ENJOYS, the girls they brought
with them were arrayed in the great hail
Of the palace !, and Euphrosyne, leading
her son into the apartment, placed
golden apple in his hand, aud told him to
present it to the virgin of his choice
Among the many beauties there assem-
bled, the maiden Icasia shone lairest Of
all. Pausing before her in wonder at the
sight offs much loveiness, the boy Prince
involuntarily uttered an axiom which had
been taught him by his prestly tutors
Women are the cause Of countless
evils" Yes" answered the unabashed
beauty, " but they are likewise the source
Of much bliss" The young fool, either
piqued or confused at this ready reply,
gave the apple to Theodore of Paphla-
gonia, who was supposed to be about the
worst match in this galaxy of Beauties
This story has flavor Of Oriental ro-
nance but the history Of the Czarinas
| furnishes us with actual reaizations Of
certain tales in the " Arabian Nights"
1t is pretty certain, however, that the
Cars subsequently obtained this custom
Of wile-hunting from the Greek Empor-
ors the more so as the first prince Of all
the Russias who thus obtained spouse
was the son Of Greek -Vassili INano-
witch.
1t must be borne in mind, however,
that, at the epoch when the Russian EN-
perors chose their companions after this
fashion, it was next to impossible for them
to form marriage alliance with any Eu-
ropean powers. The great schism Of the
Greek Church, and the Tartar conquest
that plunged Russia into Oriental barbar-
ism, had reared well-nigh impossible
social barrier between the Court Of Mos
COW and tho Courts of Europe and the
Greek and Latin Churches were equally
inmical to such an alliance.
We have previously mentioned the
marriage Of Vassili Ivanovitch rs the
first instance in which Russian potentato
thus obtained bride; 1000 young girls
being brought from all parts Of Russia to
await the Emperor's choice. The second
Gar who contracted marriage under
these singular circumstances was Ivan,
the Terrible, who issued the following
ukase in the year 1916:
From Ivan Vassiievitch, High Prince
Of all the Russias, in the city OF Novgo-
rod the Great, our patrimony, to the
Princes and children, boyars dwelling
within fifty and two hundred versts Of
Noygorod. ! have sent forth N aud
N, and have commanded them to
inspect all the unmarried ladies, your
daughters, betrothed to US. When this
letter shall reach you, those among you
who have unmarried daughters shah i'm
mediately start with them for Novgorod-
the-Great. IL Those amongst YOU
who shall conceal their daughters and
fail to bring them to our boyars, shall
bring upon themselves great disgrace
and terrible punishment. Circulate my
letter amongst you without suffering it to
remain oven one hour within your hands.
1t was after this fashion that Ivan, the
Terrible, obtained his first and best be-
loved wife Anastasia Roumanof. Previous
to his third marriage, 1000 young girls
Of all ranks were brought before him,
each one accompanied by her family,
many Of whom had travelled from the
most distant parts Of Russia, over districts
destitute Of roads, and at no little expense
to themselves. After a long examination
twenty-iour were chosen as candidates,
which number was reduced by yet moro
severe and searching scrutiny % twelve,
upon whose comparative physical excel
lencies doctors and midwiyes were sum
moned to decide. Butall, it is said were
found equal in health, vigor aud beauty.
A contemporary witness has informed us
that tho maidens had all been at first con- /
Quoted to a fine mansion, and twelve girls /
placed in each room containing a splendid |
throne and twelve beds. The Car, en- |
tering each room in turn, seated himself
upon the throne the girls arose and came
forward one at time, knealing at the
Emperor's feet SO long as he chose to in
spect her and each young woman, ere