MOSCOW. 
203 
The lid of the coffin being now removed, the 
body of the Prince was exposed to view; and v. 
all the relatives, the servants, the slaves, and 
the other attendants, began the ululation, accord- 
ing to the custom of the country. Each person, 
walking round the corpse, made prostration 
before it, and kissed the lips of the deceased. 
The venerable figure of an old slave presented 
a most affecting spectacle. He threw himself 
flat upon the pavement, with a desperate degree 
tooth-aehe; for which n rub on this board is a specific. Plato laughed 
as he told us this ; but said, “ As they do it DE bon cieur, I would not 
undeceive them." This prelate has beeu long very famous in Russia, 
as a rnau of ability. His piety has been questioned; but from his 
conversation we drew a very favourable idea of him. Some of his ex- 
pressions would have rather surprised a very strict religionist; but the 
frankness and openness of his manners, and the liberality of his sen- 
timents, pleased us highly. His frankness on subjects of politics was 
remarkable. The Clergy throughout Russia ave, I believe, inimical to 
their Government ; they are more connected with the peasants than 
most other classes of men, and arc strongly interested in their suffer- 
ings and oppressions ; to many of which they themselves are likewise 
exposed. They marry very much among the daughters and sisters of 
their own order, and form almost a Cast. I think Buonaparte rather 
popular among them. Plato seemed to contemplate his success 
as an inevitable, and not very alarming prospect. He refused to draw 
up a Form of Prayer for the success of the Russian arms. “ If," said 
he, “ they be realty penitent and contrite, let them shut up their places 
of public amusement for a month, and / will then celebrate public 
prayers." His expressions of dislike to the nobles and wealthy classes 
were strong and singular ; as also the manner in which he described 
the power of an Emperor of Russia, the dangers which surround him, 
and the improbability of any rapid improvement. “ It would be much 
letter," said he, “ hud we a Constitution like that of England." Ye t 1 
suspect he does not wish particularly well to us, in our war with 
I'rance.” Heber’s MS. Journal. 
CHAP. 
IX 
