The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1877-05-11
A TaEE-AND-EAsy CLERGY.
Card Playing in the Greek Church as One Of
the Sacred Diversions.

The Russian clergy of the Greek Church
must lead free and easy lives, according to
English accounts. In new book called
"Sketches of Russian Life," there is the
following amusing anecdote:
CAN but the tall priest then threw their
cards on the table, and rose, saying. "A
| fresh deal after church-service. [It was
Sunday morning]
"'No, no. he said, keep your hand,
partner shall keep mine-it is good
one-and we shall play the game after our
return. Here, Vassill; give me towel
wet. That will do. Now my robes-there,
that comb. And now go every one to your
posts"
"Thus saying, he proceeded with a
firm step to the church by private en-
trance.
GAS he left for church | saw him place
his good hand of cards within his sacred
robes, under the inside fastening. He was
evidently determined not to lose sight of his
trnmps, and carried them off on his person
into the church. ran around to the front
entrance, and was just in time to witness
the commencement Of the service. It is a
wonder Judgment did not fall on the chief
priest; and it did in way. At one part of
the service, just as he was stepping on the
platform, he put his hand inside his robe
to pull out his handkerchief, and, as he drew
If ont fhp m rdc nIc
fell scattered over the altar floor. This
would have paralyzed any ordinary man, but
the 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 notice Of it; shall tell you by
and-by about it, He then continued the
services. At the close he pointed to the
cards, then beckoned little peasant boy,
with a short shirt of coarse linen and trous-
ers to match, not very clean, who had been
crossing and bending beside poor peasant
woman, his mother.
"sCome here.'
" The boy went
Turning to the congregation, he said,
4 shall give you lesson You will not for
get for some time. You see those cards
lying on the floor? Do you think put
them there for nothing? We shall see
What is your lame, my boy?'
"'Peter Petrovitch.'
"'Well, Peter Petrovitch, go and pick
up one of those cards you see on the floor,
and bring it to me. There, that will do.
Now tell me, Peter Petrovitch, what card is
this?'
"'The ace of spades, said the boy, know
ingly.
"'Very good bring me another. What
card is thatP'
"'The queen of spades
How well you know them, Peter
Bring me another. And what may that
be?'
"sThe ten of hearts.
That win do, Peter, the son of Peter.
Now turn round and look at this picture.
Can you tell me tho name of the saint it
represents p
The boy scratched at his head, then
his little shoulders, lifting them
up to his ears, then scrat tched his head
again, and said
q Il know nor.'
"sNow look at this one can you tell who
this is ?''
The same answer.
And this?'
9s'I cannot tell
That will do, Peter, the son of Peter
you may go to your mother
Turning to the people, he continued:
:" DO you know now for what purpose l |
put these cards ON the floor? Do you not
think shame of yourselves Tell me, is it
not disgraceful and scsndalous that the
nice white-haired little boy can tell me in |
the name of ever, card in the pack
aud he not know the name of one of the |
blessed saints? o shame, shame on We, SO
to bring up the young after all the good
/ have given ye! Go away and !
learn the lesson have given you this bless
ed day. Don't forget it, and force me to |
bring cards into this holy place again. Vas
sill, put the other cards up and keep them
for me-
o,with solemn step he left the church, i
to finish his interrupted game"