A RUSSIAN SLEIGHING SONG.
Away, away, along the road
The fiery troika bounds,
While ’neath the douga, sadly sweet,
The Valdai bell resounds.
Away, away, we leave the town,
Its roofs and spires behind,
The crystal snow-flakes dance around
As o’er the steppe we wind.
Away, away, the glittering stars
Shine greeting from above,
Our hearts beat fast as on we glide,
Swift as the flying dove.
CHAPTER L.
We found the road much better after leaving the government of Perm and entering that of Viatka. The yemshicks we took in this region were “Votiaks,” descendants of the Finnish races that dwelt there before the Russian conquest. They had the dark physiognomy of the Finns, and spoke a mixture of their own language and Russian. They have been generally baptized and brought into the Greek churches, though they still adhere to some of their ancient forms of worship. They pay taxes to the crown, but their local administration is left to themselves.
Approaching Malmouish we had a sullen driver who insisted upon going slowly, even while descending hills. Indignantly I suggested giving the fellow a kick for his drink money. The doctor attempted to be stern and reproved the delinquent, but ended with giving him five copecks and an injunction to do better in future. I opposed making undeserved gratuities, and after this occurrence determined to say no more about rewards to drivers during the rest of the journey.
Memorandum for travelers making the Siberian tour: