210 
MOSCOW. 
chap, numerous table, that should any one of the sa- 
1X ' , tellites usually surrounding them forsake his 
post at dinner, to swell the train of any other 
person, the offence is rarely forgiven; they will 
afterwards persecute the deserter, by every 
means of revenge within their power. We met 
with persons who were victims of their own 
affability, in having accepted invitations which 
decoyed them from the banquets of their lord. 
Similar motives have given rise to the prodigious 
hospitality described by travellers. Before the 
reign of Paul, a stranger was no sooner arrived 
in Moscow, than the most earnest solicitations 
were made for his regular attendance at the 
table of this or that nobleman. If his visits 
were indiscriminate, jealousy and quarrels were 
the inevitable consequence. During the reign 
of Paul, Englishmen were guests likely to in- 
volve the host in difficulty and danger; but, 
notwithstanding the risk incurred, it is but jus- 
tice to acknowledge, that the nobles felt them- 
selves highly gratified by the presence of a 
stranger ; and, having requested his attendance, 
they would close their gates upon his equipage, 
lest it should be discerned by the officers of the 
police. 
The curious spectacle exhibited at theii din- 
ners has not a parallel in the rest of Europe. 
