DON COSSACKS. 
352 
chap, and perhaps there is nothing with which it 
* may be more aptly compared than the sounds 
produced by an iEolian harp. The words they 
use are Russian; and these are everywhere the 
same, “ Lord have mercy upon us!"' We did 
not find them altered even among the Cossacks ; 
it was still “ Ghospodi pomilui /” but trilled 
In notes with many a winding bout 
Of linked sweetness long drawn out” 
At last there was an interval of silence : after 
v this, other voices, chaunting solemn airs, were 
heard within the sacristy. The doors were then 
thrown open ; and a priest, bearing upon his 
head a silver chalice, containing the conse- 
crated bread, covered with a white napkin, 
made his appearance. He was preceded by 
others, who advanced with censers, dispersing 
incense over the doors of the sacristy, the 
pictures, the priests, the General, the officers, 
and the people. After some other ceremonies, 
bread was distributed among the congrega- 
tion : then those who came out of the sacristy 
having retired, its doors were again closed, 
and prayers were read for all the Royal family ; 
(1) It is an antient Heathen prayer. Vomits says that Ki/jis h.iw» . 
was a usual form of prayer among the Gentiles as well as the Jews, 
So Arrian, ah 1 TntK).ouptvos, htcptfiet aurov, Kugit Ixir.irov' 11 Culling 
upon God, tee pray, Lord have mercy upon us!" Jrrian. lipid, 
lib. ii. c.l. 
