"Some people would sell their souls to obtain a cross or an order," said another Armenian. "But every patriot amongst us who has read of what our country once was will scorn the idea of being degraded into a Muscovite."
"Are the Russians so very degraded?" I remarked.
"They possess all the vices of the Turks, and none of their good qualities. They drink like swine; many of their officials embezzle the public money; and as to lying, they can even outdo the Greeks in this respect."
"You have not a high opinion of the Tzar's people?" I observed.
"No, Effendi; better a hundred times remain as we are than be forced to submit to his rule."
"Is that really so? I thought that you were always complaining about the want of liberty in Turkey," I remarked.
"Yes, Effendi, all we wish for is to be placed on the same footing as the Turks themselves. This is the Sultan's desire; a firman has been issued to that effect, but it is a dead letter. The Cadis ought to carry out the law; they will not do so. They ought to be forced to carry out the Padishah's orders."
On returning to my quarters, the Caimacan, who accompanied me, remarked,—
"Effendi, did you notice the Hodja's (schoolmaster) conduct?"
"I did."