MOSCOW. 
To prevent this, the latter live in cities, remote 
from their own people, and altogether unmindful 
of all that concerns their slaves, except the 
tribute the latter are to pay. Many of the 
Russian nobles dare not venture near to their 
own villages, through fear of the vengeance 
they have well merited by their crimes. In 
this sad survey, it is soothing to point out 
any worthy object, whereon the attention, wea- 
ried by a uniform view of depravity, may for 
a few short moments repose. Some noble 
traits have presented themselves among the 
slaves. 
Noble Be- The father of Count Golovkin was reduced to 
Count Go- the necessity of selling a portion of his peasants. 
Peasants, in consequence of debts contracted in the 
service of the Crown. Upon this occasion, 
deputies chosen among the slaves came to 
Moscow, beseeching an audience of their lord. 
One venerable man, the oldest of the number 
advertised for sale, begged to know why they 
were to be so dismissed. “ Because,” said the 
Count, “ I am in want of money, and must 
absolutely pay the debts I have contracted. ’ 
“ How much?” exclaimed at once all the deputies. 
“ About thirty thousand roubles," rejoined the 
Count. “ God help us ! Do not sell us ; we will 
bring the money.” 
120 
CHAP. 
VI. 
