Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-05-04

The Russian clergy of the Greek Church
must lead free and easy lives, according TO
English accounts. In Il new book, called
Sketches of Russian life," there is the fol-
| lowing amusing anecdote:
'.All but the tall priest then threw their
cards on the table, and rose, saving. A fresh
deal after church service 1t was Sunday
morning.
| - No, no, lie said, keep your hand, part
ner; shall keep mine-it is good one
and We shall play the game after our return.
| Here. Nassli, give me I tovel-wet. That
will do. Now my robes-there, that comb.
And now 90 every one to your posts
Thus saying. he proceeded with a firm
step to the church by private entrance.
AS he left the room l saw him place his
good hand of cards within his sacred robes,
under the inside fastening. He was evident
ly determined not to lose sight of his trumps,
and carried them off on his person into the
church. | ran round to the front entrance,
and was just IN time to witness the com
mencement OF the service. 1t IS wonder
Judgment did not fall on the Chief Priest;
and 1t did IN way. At one part of the SER
vice, Just as he was stepping on the platform.
he put his hand inside his robe to pull out
his handkerchief and, as he drew it out the
cards came also unbidden, and fell scattered
over the altar floor. This would have paraly-
zed any ordinary man, but that priest never
moved for moment. He looked coolly at
the cards, then steadily at the people, as
much as to say, You all see that-take no
tice of it, shall tell you about it by-and-by.'
He then continued the services Atthe close
he pointed to the cards, then beckoned a lit
tie peasant boy, with short shirt of coarse
linen and trousers to match, not very clean,
who had been crossing and bending beside Il
poor peasant woman, his mother.
- Come here The boy went.
Turning to the congregation, he said, Il
shall give you II lesson you will not forget
tor some time. You see these cards lying on
the floor? Do you think l put them there
for nothing? We shall see. What is your
name. my boy?'
a. Peter Petroyitch.
:" Well, Peter Petroyitch. go and pick up
one OF those cards you see on the floor, and
bring 1t to me. There, that will do. Now
tell me, Peter Petroyitch, what card is thisg
= The ace of spades, said the boy, with
ready knowledge.
Very good, Peter Petrovitch; bring me
another. What card is that
The queen of spades, said Peter.
. How well you know them. Peter Bring
me another. And what may that be-
THE ten OF hearts,
- That Will do, Peter. the son of Peter
Now turn round and look at this picture
Can You tell me what saint it represents
The boy scratched his head. then shrug-
sed his little shoulders, lifting them up TO
his ears then scratched his head again, nn,.
said.
e L know not
d" Now look at this one. who Is thIs9'
The same answer.
q" And this
Il cannot tell
" That will do. Peter, the son of Peter.
you may 20 10 your mother. Turning to the
people, he continued, DO you know now for
what purpose put these cards on the floor
Do You not think shame of yourselves Tell
me, say, Is 1t not disgTacoful and scandalous
hat che nice whitehaired little boy can tell
ne III u moment the name OF every card in
he pack, and he does not know the name OF
me OF the blessed saints q shame. shame
III We, so to bring up the young after all the
.oud teaching have given We, Go away and
earn the lesson lhlve gwen You this blessed
lay. Don't forget 1t, and force me to bring
ards INTO tins holy place again. Nassill.
ut the other caIds up and Keep them for
ne
so, with solemn step he Left the church.
b play out his interrupted glme.