Dmitri; A Dramatic Sketch from Russian History (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 Excerpt: ...the Czar, our Sovereign Lord and Most Potent Master.' Wherefore this haste--need it be done so soon? MINISTER OF JUSTICE. A prompt example better marks such crimes. DMITRI. It is too hasty. I will give some pause, Some little space. My lord, were you so placed, Methinks you would but choose to have some time Wherein to try and make your peace with God. It is the body we would kill; the soul Should meet with gentler treatment at our hands. 'Judge as ye would be judged, '--mysterious words Pregnant of meaning. Yes he shall have time. Three rising suns from this I give to him, Then, ere the fourth gives light unto the day, Let Justice have its course, and Schouiski die. MINISTER OF JUSTICE. Your pardon, Sire. Schouiski stands not alone: His son and some score others share his crime. DMITRI. A score of lives scratched out by one poor pen No, my good sir One head shall ransom all, For clemency must temper all our acts. Alexis Schouiski and the rest are free. MINISTER OF JUSTICE. Your Majesty would give them liberty? DMITRI. Would give them what? I did not catch the word. MINISTER OF JUSTICE. Sire, it was liberty. DMITRI. No marvel, then, That dulled perception could not seize on it, So seldom does the word strike on my ear. Yes It is liberty I give to them. A gift beyond all price. A flawless gem Reflecting rays of light to earth from Heaven, To guide our footsteps in the tortuous paths Which lead man onward, towards the unreached goal Of human progress. Without liberty, Man would but grope around a prisoned space With downcast eyes, not daring to look up, Or speak great thoughts, or coin new ideas, Or search for truth, or lay bare hidden lies, Or change a worn out system for a new, Or wrestle with the tyranny of wrong, And strike the fetters off the necks of...