PETERSBURG. 
prohibiting, throughout the Empire op all the 
Russias, the use of blue colour in ornamenting 
sledges, and of red liveries. In consequence 
of this sage decree, our Ambassador, and many 
others, were compelled to alter their equipages. 
One evening, being at his theatre in the 
Hermitage, a French piece was performed, in 
which the story of the English Powder-plot 
was introduced. The Emperor was observed 
to listen to it with more than usual attention ; 
and as soon as it was concluded, he ordered all 
the vaults beneath the palace to be searched. 
Coming down the street called The Per- 
spective, he perceived a Nobleman who was 
taking his walk, and had stopped to look at 
some workmen who were planting trees by the 
Monarch’s order. — “ What are you doing ?” 
said the Emperor. “ Merely seeing the men 
work,” replied the Nobleman. “ Oh, is that 
your employment ? — Take off his pelisse, and 
give him a spade ! — There, now work yourself!” 
When enraged, he lost all command of him- 
self, which sometimes gave rise to very ludi- 
crous scenes. The courtiers knew very well 
when the storm was gathering, by a trick the 
Emperor had in those moments of blowing 
