The character of the Russians and a detailed history of Moscow. Illustrated with numerous engravings. With a dissertation on the Russian language; and an appendix, containing tables, political, statistical, and historical; an account of Imperial Agricultural Society of Moscow; a catalogue of plants found in and near Moscow; an essay on the origin and progress of architecture in Russia, &c. &c / By Robert Lyall.

  • Robert Lyall
Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The character of the Russians and a detailed history of Moscow. Illustrated with numerous engravings. With a dissertation on the Russian language; and an appendix, containing tables, political, statistical, and historical; an account of Imperial Agricultural Society of Moscow; a catalogue of plants found in and near Moscow; an essay on the origin and progress of architecture in Russia, &c. &c / By Robert Lyall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    112/876
    crew, both of males and females, associated together, of all ranks and character, and appearance ; an association often the most in- congruous, and the most disgusting imaginable to British feeling. Yet, at the departure of the guests, if they bid their host adieu, they are thanked politely for their company, and begged not to absent themselves in future. But it is more common for strangers, after a few visits, to go to dinner, or supper, or evening parties, and to make their retreat when they please, without saying a word.* The following anecdote well illustrates the good nature, the urbanity, and the hospitality of the Russians. Some time ago, a descendant of one of the noble families of our island visited Russia, and I had the pleasure of accompanying him in a number of his peregrinations, and, of course, knew of most of his movements. This nobleman was not fluent in French, a circum- stance which he found a great disadvantage, both at Petersburg!] and Moscow, and which led to some curious adventures of which I shall say nothing. Being at a party, he was introduced to a number of the highest of the nobles, and received several general invitations. A lady, who was rather pressing to enjoy his society, “ hoped he would be of her party on the following evening.” The invitation was accepted, and, in due time, he drove off, having previously ordered his lackey to stop the carriage at the lady’s house. In obedience to command the carriage stopped, the nobleman alighted, tripped up stairs, announced his name, and passed through a suite of apartments, until he was met by the lady of the house. He now made his obeisance, and was most politely received. A conversation followed, much attention was paid to the guest, and he was intro- duced, by his title, to a number of great personages; all of whom, he perceived, were strange to him. The farce continued, both parties acting their parts well, and equal strangers to each other. Unhappily the nobleman at length ventured to “ hope that the lady had got well home yesterday evening.” Her ladyship * The reader may consult p.ii.