[1]The meads of Little Russia, Lithuania, and Poland are renowned for their flavour, which, like that of some wines, increases with being kept. They are very strong and act especially on the legs, so that sometimes a glass of mead is sufficient to deprive the most experienced drinker of the use of his legs, although his head may remain perfectly clear. Some ascribe the fact of so many Poles suffering from gout to nothing more than the immoderate use of mead.
[1]The meads of Little Russia, Lithuania, and Poland are renowned for their flavour, which, like that of some wines, increases with being kept. They are very strong and act especially on the legs, so that sometimes a glass of mead is sufficient to deprive the most experienced drinker of the use of his legs, although his head may remain perfectly clear. Some ascribe the fact of so many Poles suffering from gout to nothing more than the immoderate use of mead.
[2]A sort of guitar peculiar to Little Russia.
[2]A sort of guitar peculiar to Little Russia.
[3]Union, in the Russian acceptation of the term, means the mixed religion, uniting the rites of the Greek Church with the dogmas of Popery, which was enforced by Poland upon Little Russia and Lithuania, and which gave the Poles occasion to commit the most abominable cruelties on the adherents of the Greek Church, and roused the vengeance of the latter. A correct and most strictly true picture of those struggles is to be found in this tale.
[3]Union, in the Russian acceptation of the term, means the mixed religion, uniting the rites of the Greek Church with the dogmas of Popery, which was enforced by Poland upon Little Russia and Lithuania, and which gave the Poles occasion to commit the most abominable cruelties on the adherents of the Greek Church, and roused the vengeance of the latter. A correct and most strictly true picture of those struggles is to be found in this tale.
[4]A rank in Russian irregular troops corresponding to that of captain or commander of a company.
[4]A rank in Russian irregular troops corresponding to that of captain or commander of a company.
[5]The above-mentioned college was placed under the orders of an abbot, and the professors and tutors in it were monks.
[5]The above-mentioned college was placed under the orders of an abbot, and the professors and tutors in it were monks.
[6]Formerly Saturday was a dreaded day in Russian schools. Every pupil received on the evening of that day a severe flogging—the bad pupils as a punishment for their past misdeeds and laziness, the good ones as a foretaste of what awaited them in case of their altering their conduct. Some strange notion existed of accustoming the pupils to endure bodily pain, and of giving a periodical impulse to the circulation of their blood, and this had some connection with the barbarous system.
[6]Formerly Saturday was a dreaded day in Russian schools. Every pupil received on the evening of that day a severe flogging—the bad pupils as a punishment for their past misdeeds and laziness, the good ones as a foretaste of what awaited them in case of their altering their conduct. Some strange notion existed of accustoming the pupils to endure bodily pain, and of giving a periodical impulse to the circulation of their blood, and this had some connection with the barbarous system.
[7]Acossackinmeans a Cossack's dress, which is a coat fastened by hooks down the middle of the breast, and fitting closely to the figure. It is furnished with skirts which never descend lower than the knee.
[7]Acossackinmeans a Cossack's dress, which is a coat fastened by hooks down the middle of the breast, and fitting closely to the figure. It is furnished with skirts which never descend lower than the knee.
[8]This is a Russian custom still observed. Before a departure every one present sits down for a minute or two in silence; then all rise at once, making the sign of the cross, and invoking the protection of Heaven on the intended travellers.
[8]This is a Russian custom still observed. Before a departure every one present sits down for a minute or two in silence; then all rise at once, making the sign of the cross, and invoking the protection of Heaven on the intended travellers.
[9]Voevoda, governor of a city or province.
[9]Voevoda, governor of a city or province.
[10]The pupils intrusted to the care of theconsuls(or elder pupils).
[10]The pupils intrusted to the care of theconsuls(or elder pupils).
[11]A species of guitar.
[11]A species of guitar.
[12]: A verst is about two-thirds of an English mile.
[12]: A verst is about two-thirds of an English mile.
[13]Dwellings.
[13]Dwellings.
[14]Rada, general assembly of the Cossacks, in which every one had a voice, and which was summoned on important occasions, such as declaration of war, conclusion of peace, or the election of thekoschevoï ataman, supreme head of the Zaporoghian commonwealth.
[14]Rada, general assembly of the Cossacks, in which every one had a voice, and which was summoned on important occasions, such as declaration of war, conclusion of peace, or the election of thekoschevoï ataman, supreme head of the Zaporoghian commonwealth.
[15]Supreme chief of the Zaporoghian Ssiecha.
[15]Supreme chief of the Zaporoghian Ssiecha.
[16]The elective chief of the kooren, subordinate to the Koschevoï Ataman.
[16]The elective chief of the kooren, subordinate to the Koschevoï Ataman.
[17]General assembly or council.
[17]General assembly or council.
[18]Different sorts of guitars, common in Little Russia.
[18]Different sorts of guitars, common in Little Russia.
[19]The Russians adorn their church images with metallic (i.e., copper, silver, and golden) covers, which reproduce, in basso-relievo, the painting which is placed under them, and of which nothing but the flesh parts of the painted saint (i.e. the face, the arms, hands, and sometimes the feet) are left visible. Some of the metallic cloths, as they are called, are very heavy and costly; upon some of them may be seen precious stones of great value.
[19]The Russians adorn their church images with metallic (i.e., copper, silver, and golden) covers, which reproduce, in basso-relievo, the painting which is placed under them, and of which nothing but the flesh parts of the painted saint (i.e. the face, the arms, hands, and sometimes the feet) are left visible. Some of the metallic cloths, as they are called, are very heavy and costly; upon some of them may be seen precious stones of great value.
[20]That is, in the western part of Little Russia, subjected to Poland and governed by an elective prince(hetman), confirmed in his office by the King of Poland.
[20]That is, in the western part of Little Russia, subjected to Poland and governed by an elective prince(hetman), confirmed in his office by the King of Poland.
[21]These statements, as well as the subsequent, are strictly historical. The vexations inflicted by Polish lords upon persons professing the Russian-Greek faith—not only at the times spoken of in this tale, but even within the present century—account sufficiently for the inveterate and indelible hatred with which Russians look upon Poles.
[21]These statements, as well as the subsequent, are strictly historical. The vexations inflicted by Polish lords upon persons professing the Russian-Greek faith—not only at the times spoken of in this tale, but even within the present century—account sufficiently for the inveterate and indelible hatred with which Russians look upon Poles.
[22]Truly historical.
[22]Truly historical.
[23]The costume of the Polish Jews consists of a coat which goes down to the heels. On their feet they usually wear slippers. Their head is covered with a closely fitting skull cap, from beneath which on either side hands a long lock of hair which, together with their beard and mustachios, form thesanctum sanctorumof their persona.
[23]The costume of the Polish Jews consists of a coat which goes down to the heels. On their feet they usually wear slippers. Their head is covered with a closely fitting skull cap, from beneath which on either side hands a long lock of hair which, together with their beard and mustachios, form thesanctum sanctorumof their persona.
[24]Common people in Russia, even now, use no socks or stockings; but strips of linen, in which they wrap their feet.
[24]Common people in Russia, even now, use no socks or stockings; but strips of linen, in which they wrap their feet.
[25]A proverbial expression still used by Russians.
[25]A proverbial expression still used by Russians.
[26]Voevoda—governor of a city or province.
[26]Voevoda—governor of a city or province.
[27]A dish somewhat like starch, much used in Russia by the common people.
[27]A dish somewhat like starch, much used in Russia by the common people.
[28]The catacombs of thePeckerskoï(i.e., of the caverns) cloister at Kieff, were, like those of Rome, the places of worship and of burial of cenobites, whose relics are still preserved there by the Russians.
[28]The catacombs of thePeckerskoï(i.e., of the caverns) cloister at Kieff, were, like those of Rome, the places of worship and of burial of cenobites, whose relics are still preserved there by the Russians.
[29]The Polish Jewesses, when married, follow very strictly the prescription of their law to hide their hair and their ears; but, as a compensation for not showing their beautiful hair, and wearing no earrings, they wear wigs on their head, and pieces of cloth adorned with jewels over their ears.
[29]The Polish Jewesses, when married, follow very strictly the prescription of their law to hide their hair and their ears; but, as a compensation for not showing their beautiful hair, and wearing no earrings, they wear wigs on their head, and pieces of cloth adorned with jewels over their ears.
[30]TheSsiemwas one of the most incongruous phenomena of the Polish administration. Every landed proprietor had a voice in this assembly, which was convoked on every important occasion: such as the election of a king, the declaration of war, the conclusion of peace, &c., &c. Thevetoof a single member was,de jure, sufficient to put a stop to any political or administrative measure proposed to these assemblies;de facto, however, the king availed himself of the support of some powerful magnates to enforce the execution of his will; but as this was only an infringement of the law, so it never failed to excite the opposition (very often, armed) of the malcontents. No wonder, then, if theSsiems, forming the supreme constituent power in the state, brought upon Poland the miseries of which the history of that country is one long and uninterrupted story.
[30]TheSsiemwas one of the most incongruous phenomena of the Polish administration. Every landed proprietor had a voice in this assembly, which was convoked on every important occasion: such as the election of a king, the declaration of war, the conclusion of peace, &c., &c. Thevetoof a single member was,de jure, sufficient to put a stop to any political or administrative measure proposed to these assemblies;de facto, however, the king availed himself of the support of some powerful magnates to enforce the execution of his will; but as this was only an infringement of the law, so it never failed to excite the opposition (very often, armed) of the malcontents. No wonder, then, if theSsiems, forming the supreme constituent power in the state, brought upon Poland the miseries of which the history of that country is one long and uninterrupted story.
[31]Polish cuirassiers wore brass helmets adorned on each side with small wings, like those allotted by mythology to the travelling cap of the Greek Hermes. Some of them, also, wore large wings fastened to their cuirass behind their shoulders.
[31]Polish cuirassiers wore brass helmets adorned on each side with small wings, like those allotted by mythology to the travelling cap of the Greek Hermes. Some of them, also, wore large wings fastened to their cuirass behind their shoulders.
[32]The ancient fashioned Polish overcoats were put on over a sleeve coat, from Which they were distinguished by their colour, and had sleeves hanging behind the shoulders, and sometimes hooked together on the back for convenience' sake.
[32]The ancient fashioned Polish overcoats were put on over a sleeve coat, from Which they were distinguished by their colour, and had sleeves hanging behind the shoulders, and sometimes hooked together on the back for convenience' sake.
[33]A very frequent practice of the Turks with their Zaporoghian prisoners was, to cover them with tar and then burn them alive.
[33]A very frequent practice of the Turks with their Zaporoghian prisoners was, to cover them with tar and then burn them alive.
[34]Thearkanof the Cossacks is like the lasso of the Mexicans—a rope with a running slip-knot, which is thrown over the object of the Cossack's chase (a wild horse or an enemy). The Caucasian mountaineers make use of the same instrument, and, like the Cossacks of yore, often drag their prisoners at their horses' heels with the knot round their neck or their waist—the other end of thearkanbeing tied to the saddle. This practice involuntarily reminds one of Achilles dragging the body of Hector tied to his chariot.
[34]Thearkanof the Cossacks is like the lasso of the Mexicans—a rope with a running slip-knot, which is thrown over the object of the Cossack's chase (a wild horse or an enemy). The Caucasian mountaineers make use of the same instrument, and, like the Cossacks of yore, often drag their prisoners at their horses' heels with the knot round their neck or their waist—the other end of thearkanbeing tied to the saddle. This practice involuntarily reminds one of Achilles dragging the body of Hector tied to his chariot.
[35]Gentlemen Officers.
[35]Gentlemen Officers.
[36]The Nakaznoï or temporary Ataman was elected for ope single campaign, during which he had the full power of the Koschevoï, and at the conclusion he resigned it to the latter.
[36]The Nakaznoï or temporary Ataman was elected for ope single campaign, during which he had the full power of the Koschevoï, and at the conclusion he resigned it to the latter.
[37]In the original, there follows here a list of Cossacks' names, perfectly uninteresting: and almost unpronounceable to an English reader. In several other places they have also been omitted.
[37]In the original, there follows here a list of Cossacks' names, perfectly uninteresting: and almost unpronounceable to an English reader. In several other places they have also been omitted.
[38]Constantinople.
[38]Constantinople.
[39]This is a usual phrase in Russian tales of olden times, when recording the deeds of knights fighting (for the most part singly) against swarms of infidels.
[39]This is a usual phrase in Russian tales of olden times, when recording the deeds of knights fighting (for the most part singly) against swarms of infidels.
[40]The Zaporoghians had their trowsers made (when they had the means to do so) of the most costly cloth, especially red, and to express their contempt of luxury, besmeared them with tar. Thenagaïkasis the Cossack whip, a weapon the impression of which many a Frenchman bore on his back, after the invasion of Russia by Napoleon the Great. Its handle is not more than half a yard long, the lash, of the same length, consists of an iron wire, plaited all round with leathern thongs, terminating in a square piece of leather, about an inch in width. A blow of the nagaïka may break a bone, and a well-aimed stroke of its square end may cut out a piece of flesh.
[40]The Zaporoghians had their trowsers made (when they had the means to do so) of the most costly cloth, especially red, and to express their contempt of luxury, besmeared them with tar. Thenagaïkasis the Cossack whip, a weapon the impression of which many a Frenchman bore on his back, after the invasion of Russia by Napoleon the Great. Its handle is not more than half a yard long, the lash, of the same length, consists of an iron wire, plaited all round with leathern thongs, terminating in a square piece of leather, about an inch in width. A blow of the nagaïka may break a bone, and a well-aimed stroke of its square end may cut out a piece of flesh.
[41]Heydukes (properly haydooks) formed a select body in the Polish army, and were recruited among the tallest and strongest men.
[41]Heydukes (properly haydooks) formed a select body in the Polish army, and were recruited among the tallest and strongest men.
[42]For an account of the Sseim, see footnote 30.
[42]For an account of the Sseim, see footnote 30.
[43]The introduction of Popish rites into the Greek Church.
[43]The introduction of Popish rites into the Greek Church.
[44]Boonchookis the name of a Turkish standard, consisting of a horse-tail nailed to a pole. The Cossacks also used them besides banners, which bore the image of the Saviour or the Virgin.
[44]Boonchookis the name of a Turkish standard, consisting of a horse-tail nailed to a pole. The Cossacks also used them besides banners, which bore the image of the Saviour or the Virgin.
[45]All this is truly historical, and will be readily believed by any one in the least acquainted with the national character of the Poles.
[45]All this is truly historical, and will be readily believed by any one in the least acquainted with the national character of the Poles.