I 
136 MOSCOW. 
chap, prove that Russia, when they were written, 
> ' appeared as it does at this day, but also as 
curious examples of early English poetry. The 
work in which they are contained is extremely 
rare, and bears an enormous price. Indeed 
we are authorised in maintaining, that any 
inquiry into the history of the people (whether 
directed to writers who describe the brightest 
In his Letter to Parker, the Tahtar dress and manner are thus strik- 
ingly introduced : 
“ Their garments he not gay, nor handsome to the eye ; 
A cap aloft their heads they have, that standeth very hie, 
Which Colpaek they do terme. They weare no ruffes at all : 
The best have collers set with pearle, which they Rubascu call. 
Their shirts in Russie long, they worke them downe before. 
And on the sleeves with coloured silks, two inches good and more. 
• • • 
“ These are the Rustics robes. The richest use to ride 
From place to place, his servant runnes, and followes by his side. 
The Cassacke beares his felt, to force away the raine : 
Their bridles are not very brave, their saddles are but plaine. 
• • • 
“ For when the Russie is pursued by cruel foe. 
He rides away, and suddenly betakes him to his boe. 
And bends me but about in saddle as he sits. 
And tlierewithall amids his race his following foe he hits. 
Their bowes are very short, like Turkic bowes outright. 
Of sinowes made with birchen barke, in cunning maner dight. 
• » » 
“ The maners are so Turkic like, the men so full of guile. 
The women wanton, temples stuft with idoles that defile 
The seats that sacred ought to be, the customes are so quaint. 
As if I would describe the whole, I feare my pen would faint. 
In surnme, I say, 1 never saw a prince that so did raigne, 
Nor people so beset with Saints, yet all but vile and vaine. 
Wilde Irish are as civill as the Hussies in their kindo. 
Hard choice which is the best of both, ech bloody, rude, andblinde.” 
Ibid.pp. 387—389. 
