Diaries of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich — October 1879

The Marble Palace

 6th October — Strelna

Christie didn't come, and I was unhappy in the evening. It would have been so glorious to spend it together with Christie on the Turkish sofa, stirring the soul with elevated conversation. In this respect, [my] fascinating friendship with Christie is a true blessing for my small moral world, and I thank God for a friend whose presence has such a good influence on me. With all the strength of my soul I grab every new, sublime thought keeping me from the dirt of life, from constant, daily, empty vanity...

8th October — Strelna

Read in full a collection of letters by A. S. Pushkin. I liked one letter, written in '22 to his brother in French. Pushkin's brother finished his studies and was preparing to go into the world; I liked the advice in the letter about meeting new people. Pushkin warns his younger brother off infatuations and charms, advising to potentially have a low opinion of new acquaintances: this will lower itself on closer relations; with such a method, you will not meet with sad disappointments, so painful for the young, trusting soul and destroying the charm and attractiveness of life. I copied this into my book. 

8th October [Cont] — Marble Palace

I apparently still haven't noted in this book that in the new year I want to get a company, and until then will watch closely.

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Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)

SOURCES:

Diary: К. Р.Дневники. Воспоминания. Стихи. Письма, ed. by Ella Matonina

Prozhito, diary of Konstantin Romanov

Photos:

Marble Palace

Diaries of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich — September 1879

Konstantin (right) with his siblings Nikolai, Olga, and Vera c. 1860

 2 September — Baltic Port

Left the Baltic port under power of sail, not leaking vapours, in the morning at 11 on my watch.

During 'all hands on deck' I'm on the tank, in charge. Sometimes I'm involved in the general work, but often feel cold-blooded to the mess surrounding me, and find such apathy that it's as if I'm falling asleep, I think about anything and see and hear nothing. My comrades noticed with ease long ago that I serve by requirement and not by personal inclination. I don't brag about my naval knowledge, instead only try to find out and learn more.

We all really love Pavel Pavlovich. P. P. Novosilsky, rank II captain, commander of Svetlana. Though he is often very angry with us for inability and negligence. But he approaches naval matters, which he knows to the core, with such zealousness and love and always teaches and helps so well that we are all disarmed when he gets angry with us...

3 September

Stood the last watch on deck with such joy and didn't go down!

4 September

Started to drag on my watch. The flag was lowered at the Merchant's Gate: I crossed myself. Sad. The last time lowering the flag, that solemnity really plays on the soul. Got into the military harbour wonderfully quickly, less than two hours. 

A pity that the first wonderful minutes of expecting to be home again have passed. Yesterday when I was approaching the palace at Strelna and didn't know for sure whether or not Mama and Mitya were there, and calmed down upon seeing light in the windows—how my heart was beating. One of the best feelings in life—expectation and joy, when you enter your home door. 

Approaching the house, every pebble, every insignificant thing reminded me of something in the past. With what pleasure I ran up the stairs and saw the first familiar face.

The Konstantin Palace at Strelna

24 September—Strelna

Today did a big walk at Gatchina. Having got to Gatchina, we went at once to look at the palace. Walked, walked, wandering through every room, looking with curiosity at the portraits and all sorts of valuable things. The rooms of Paul I occupied us more than anything, and especially his bed, transported from Petersburg, on which he died. On the white pillows stains were visible similar to traces of blood, this sight produced a sorry impression on me. We stayed a long time with Nikolai Feodorovich and Pereslavtsev in Paul Petrovich [Paul I]'s rooms, rummaging through his books and papers. We found a bible in red velvet with gold crosses, in which are some kind of masonic addresses with Greek and Latin sayings. Apart from this, there were a few books with mystical contents and other essays: memoir de Sully, a herbarium, drawings of some sort of unknown flags, sermons, some books from the end of the century etc. 

We were brought to the Tsar's hunting place, we were in pens while wolves and foxes ran freely around us, we were shown Borzoi and hounds...

26 September — Strelna

Yesterday evening after the propeller[?], Nikolai Feodorovich read us the dialogue of two of Dostoevsky's brothers Karamazov. We heard the tense development of thoughts and the collisions of human contradiction, about the torment of children, about the final existence and the impossibility of harmony. The argument became fierce, minds were lost, there was shouting in every room, and, of course, nothing was resolved. What great power of mind Dostoevsky has! He leads one round such thoughts that one grows fearful and one's hair stands on end. Yes, not one country has produced such a writer, and all else pales before him. 

30 September — Petersburg

While we were drinking tea today at Aunt's and everyone around me was having a lively discussion, a blissful moment came upon me: I felt as though I was in the kingdom of heaven, watching, smiling at everyone around me; life seemed cheerful and pleasant and seemingly, nothing could upset my moral peace. But this condition soon darkened, thinking that such a minute was found through new acquaintance with Christie, that is from love for a new friend. I'm embarrassed to realise that I can still love friends, believe in friendship enthusiastically, like a child.

Today I was somehow seized by love for Elena, a wave of longing for her, and my life seemed broken and unhappy to me without her. 

                                                                                 ⧫⧫⧫

Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)

SOURCES:

Diary: К. Р.Дневники. Воспоминания. Стихи. Письма, ed. by Ella Matonina

Photos:

Konstantinovichi

Strelna

Diaries of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich - August 1879

Konstantin (far left) with his mother and siblings Nikolai, Olga, Dmitri, and Vera c.1863

 1 August — Svetlana — Finnish gulf

I still don't fully understand steamer work. I'm often frightened when I think of the idea of a lone steam watch. I pray to God a lot, delving into all around me. I willingly ask advice from Pavel Pavlovich (commander of Svetlana — E. M.), not especially trusting Skrydlov.

Today came dark minutes, overwhelming sorrow, it seemed to me that I don't know anything and will never learn to be a decent sailor. Reminisced about home, about the rooms of Pavlovsk, about the balcony with curling plants, about peaceful days. And here every minute one prepares for something unexpected...

3 August — Svetlana

Again my head hurt and despondency found me. When my head hurts, it always makes me miserable. Remembered poetry, thought how good it would be not to serve at all and do everything according to one's own will, and most of all to stay at home. 

I heard all the wonderful words of "Demon". 

4 August — Baltic Sea

In the morning read about the new ships of the German fleet. It should be significant in the future. 

Watch from 1 to 6.

On artillery watch commanded the battery. Around 6 tore a training mine. —From 12 walked around the steamer, sails fixed, deadliest calm. 

5 August

I read Dostoevsky's short story "Poor Folk", already the third day of reading and I finished it today. It made me so afraid and sad following the people invented in this story, I long to find out where in all the world there are such people and to help them. I barely held on in the mess, ran to my own cabin, knelt by the bed and burst into tears. For a long time I could not calm myself, kept thinking of the terrible things in my life and cried all the more. Everything I felt in the last few days, all the adversity in my soul leaked out with the tears.

Now I feel excellent, and was not lazy to go on watch, and fear nothing in the future, and pray well. 

8 August — Kiel

Despondency has again begun to take me apart, Copenhagen frightens me with various festivities. Trying to drive away the thought that I don't want to serve in the fleet. —This is my home—need to submit to fate.

9 August

Prayed diligently, asking God to help me in my twenty-second year to be an honourable person. In the mess they heartily congratulated me...

13 August — Copenhagen

I was met so sweetly, so sincerely, as if I had come to my own home. And the King and Queen welcomed and questioned so affectionately. I was very happy to see our "ducky Tsesarevna", she has been staying in her home country for two months. She brought me to her children who wanted to see me, they were lying in bed and waiting for me...

Then the Tsarevna brought me to another room where Crown Princess Louise and Princess Alix were, lovely as day to look at her, she is so wonderfully beautiful and sweet. —Then we all gathered indoors, in the corner room for the evening. In this room I saw our Tsesarevna for the first time, she was in mourning for the old Tsesarevich and was still silent in front of Sasha*. This was 14 years ago in '65. 

15 August — Copenhagen

Went to call on Princess Caroline, the Crown Princess, and the widowed Queen. Stood watch from 6 to midnight. This familiar life is very tiring. 

17 August 

My watch from 8 in the morning. Wind (SW) was very fresh and roaring. The senior officer went to shore to the Thorvaldsen Museum, I stayed behind, and with me on watch was Tolstoy. Thus I was for a few hours the senior officer—caliph for an hour; running on the decks, checking everything's in order.

Dropped the second anchor. Very fresh. Went to shore...Called on the Queen, Minnie and Alix for tea, quickly sat on the floor—ma position. Then Minnie brought me to Alix's room, she lay on the sofa and I again sat on the floor. So we remained until lunch. 

...One can see that there was and always will be familial happiness [here], there are clean and simple relations between everyone, not as we have. I understand that both Sasha and Minnie come here in order to rest from the tedious, awkward moral situation in Petersburg. Even the children are here somehow more cheerful, free and casual. 

Returned around 9.

18 August

From hour to hour the yacht Tsarevna is expected, on which the Tsesarevich should arrive from Stockholm. 

At 9 in the morning went ashore with the officers on a tender. Went with Tolstoy, Denisov and the old doctor first to change money, then to the Thorvaldsen Museum. I was covered in benevolent feelings at the sight of the simple grave of the famous sculptor, covered with ivy, in the middle of all his works. His Hermes I liked most of all. 

Thorvaldsen's Hermes

19 August

The Tsesarevich, finally, arrived at 6 in the morning on a private steamer from Malmö. After breakfast I went to him and stayed there all day. It was glorious to watch Sasha and Minnie together, they both look so happy. 

This time lunch was accompanied by solemn music, there were many invitees who lunched in another room, and the family separately in the dining room—the King stood and drank to Sasha's health, and he became very confused and red despite his considerable size and heavy form. Sasha is modest and shy to the extreme. 

In the evening everyone went to the widowed Queen; she is wonderfully preserved, you can't tell that she's in her ninth decade; I really like her, such a glorious, important old lady, clearly a queen; and she lives peacefully and serenely, everything so simple and sweet and in an altogether grand style.

20 August

My watch was from midday, I...telegraphed the Tsesarevich to say that I won't come. 

I still haven't said anything about our frigate monk; today because of him there were a few unpleasant happenings on the frigate which I will use to describe the personality of the priest. Father Ilya the Second joined the frigate when we sailed from the Novgorod-Skovorodsky monastery; his appearance is not very attractive; he is an elderly person with sparse greying hair, his forehead is wrinkled and slopes completely up—a sign of underdevelopment.

Really, Father Ilya is extremely stupidly developed and completely uneducated: he speaks poorly, stuttering and stumbling even during worship, and pronouncing the letter "V" like little Russians [Ukrainians] do "U". As a dark person he is, of course, not opposed to strong drink. —In the mess society is split in two halves; at one end of the table the golds—sailors, at the other—the silvers, that is the mechanics and navigators. Today at dinner one of the navigators gave Father a drink so that he completely passed the limits of decency, especially as a spiritual person. —Some went to laugh at the priest, to prevent him giving a sermon, others, partly I, resented this. However, I confess, I couldn't resist and heard "the word" of Father Ilya "about the soul". Of course "the word" was a laughing stock and finally, by general force, we persuaded the priest to lie down and sleep in his own cabin

Then an old officer stood to protest, finding it extremely indecent to get a priest drunk, that it's disrespectful to the mess and disrespectful to spiritual dignity; the guilty young navigator got it sharply, he was besieged and shut up. 

21 August

After breakfast returned to shore. Dropped in to an antiquarium, looked out some old carved cabinets for myself, bought a bronze of Thorvaldsen's Mercury.

25 August — Copenhagen

I stood watch from 8-12 and during this watch the Tsesarevich and Tsesarevna visited the frigate. While viewing the frigate the Tsesarevich wished to see the sails drill. Opened the sails and then fixed them. Then there was an alarm for the battery; artillery drill went fairly well—the best old mariners on the barge for Sasha and on guard as if the runners[?] were not there—unsurprising that the sail drill was not glittering. Nonetheless the Tsesarevich and Tsesarevna remained absolutely satisfied. 

26 August — Svetlana

I'm terribly tired—at breakfast we left. Said goodbye to everyone and thanked [them] for a wonderful reception...

27 August 

We weighed anchor at 7.30 in the morning. Still ten days, but maybe less—and I will be home. I count the days, numbers, watches when I stand them. Impatience grows greater and greater. 

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*Princess Dagmar of Denmark was initially engaged to Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich who died at 21 from meningitis. His dying wish was that she should marry his brother Alexander "Sasha", the new heir.

Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)

SOURCES:

Diary: К. Р.Дневники. Воспоминания. Стихи. Письма, ed. by Ella Matonina

Photos:

Konstantinovichi

Hermes

Diaries of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich - July 1879

 

Konstantin by Aniklot Pasetti, 1870s

17 June[sic] — Pavlovsk

We are celebrating the 25-year anniversary of Papa's deliverance from drowning. It is the day of St. Marina. Papa asked permission from the Sovereign to take part of the holy relics, located in the chapel of the Winter Palace, to our chapel in the Marble [Palace]. Today the relics were brought to Pavlovsk. A moleben was served, the former officers from Lefort 25 years ago were gathered. Solemn breakfast in the Greek Hall...

18 July — Kronstadt

The Sovereign viewed the cruisers Europe, Asia and Africa; the clippers Robber and Rider, Equestrian, Gaydamak, and the corvette Bayan on the eastern Kronstadt roadstead. — I was in the suite. Out of the family the Sovereign was accompanied by the Tsesarevich, Papa and Alexei. At 12 we left from Petersburg on the yacht Alexandria. 

The weather remained favourable, a cloudy sky, over time the sun was hidden; however it was very warm. —First the Sovereign visited Gaydamak, then Equestrian, Bayan, the American corvette Enterprise and Europe. On Gaydamak and Equestrian the alarms were piercing, the review of the artillery was executed with remarkable speed. On Bayan they opened the sails. On Enterprise there was a ceremonial march. Puppet comedy. 

20 July — Ilyin day — Pavlovsk

Did a big walk with Tatiana Mikhailovna and Pavel Egorovich. We are now good friends. After breakfast all three gathered at Tatiana Mikhailovna's. General Kireev read to us a note titled: "Should we dispose of nihilism?", which he wishes to give to the Sovereign. 

The reasons our nihilism was spawned are explained in the note, and the methods to which it is necessary to resort in order to save the youth from it. 

It seems to me that Kireev has missed an advantageous opportunity to keep silent, wishing to give his note to the Sovereign. I am convinced that his advice will not only have no effect, but will even be totally overlooked, still this is the lesser evil: he could also pay for his words. But I respect Kireev precisely because he always acts according to his conscience, and not as will benefit him. 

Tatiana Mikhailovna Lazareva, 1860s

22 July

I'm composing the poem "Willow". 

23 July — Gatchina

We—that is, Mama, Tanya Lazareva and I—conducted Maria Pavlovna and Vladimir to Gatchina. When their train moved, we were met at Gatchina station by P. S. Keppen. Sat four in the carriage and we were brought to Gatchina through the garden. 

At Gatchina, in the park, in the palace, there is a seal of loneliness, historical antiquity and secrecy; when you arrive, you are covered in the soul of the old world, not possessed by any other Petersburg country palace. Involuntarily at Gatchina, from every corner of the palace rooms it is as if hidden sighs can be heard, and quiet tears, and laughter, and laughter[sic], and the fun of the good old years.

We stayed a long time in the Chinese gallery, looking at old portraits and pretentious chinoiserie. The sun, shining through the yellow glass, lit up the bronzes and Chinese porcelain; didn't want to leave there. —We didn't manage to see the rooms of Paul I and his bed, on which he died—there was not time before the train left...

Chinese gallery at Gatchina, early 20th c

29 July — Kronstadt

At 9 in the morning weighed anchor under steam. Under the command of Skrydlov and taking the advice of other officers, I cleaned the anchor. My first watch while travelling was at 12 in the afternoon. 

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Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)

SOURCES:

Diary: К. Р.Дневники. Воспоминания. Стихи. Письма, ed. by Ella Matonina

Photos:

Konstantin

Tatiana Mikhailovna

Gatchina

Diaries of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich - June 1879

Konstantin, c. 1875

1 June — Novorossiysk

In the morning dropped anchor at Novorossiysk bay. Around it are green mountains of monotonous, despondent appearance. The wharf suffers from a cruel "bora", especially in winter. In '48 in this roadstead during a "bora" storm the schooner Jet was sunk, went to the bottom under pressure of an ice crust. A very unimportant place for anchoring. 

Wonderful weather, very warm. I was so happy at the thought that tomorrow I will be in Oreanda. I so love the view of Yalta and the Yalta roadstead, the smell of laurels, the steep scales of Ai-Petri. When I'm sad, it's nice to remember all this, especially the slope of the mountains to the sea outside Yalta, to make the heart feel better. 

Novorossiysk gives the impression of a boring, empty city. A dirty church, unfortunate public garden, inconspicuous streets, nasty bridges, barracks, hospital, Greeks and some sort of Russians. I went with Obezyaninov to the mountain, accompanied by Colonel Nikiforaki. He, it seems, is a very businesslike, skilful and good person. He will surely get a lot from the engineers; Papa noticed that the cathedral is in a very obscene state, and asked who maintained it: the colonel answered, the engineers. Papa gave a stern dressing-down to the engineering department in the presence of the officers, instructing them to convey this to their superiors. Obezyaninov promised me to warn them in Tiflis that the engineers are really guilty—and that Nikifiraki didn't dole this out to them, but Papa himself noticed the dirty environment of the church.

3 June — Oreanda

After breakfast talked about "going through hard times". I gave comfort, saying that the world does not revolve around a wedge*, that people have lived and live and will go on living. Talked about the trial of Solovev, who committed an attempt on the Sovereign's life, and about his execution on 27 May.

4 June

Read about the state criminal Solovev and a description of his execution. It made a heavy impression on me, my head even started to hurt...

5 June — Oreanda

Last day here. Someday I will again see dear Crimea. God grant that I will then be at least no worse than I am now.

7 June — Nikolaev

At 11 in the morning was on the Bug at Spasskaya pier. Big meeting, admirals in uniform, flowers, gates, "Welcome" sign and so on—all as it should be... Set out with Kormanovsky to wander around the city. Were at the craft school; at a shelter for old men, women, and children, at an organised society; at a girls' boarding house and the Konstantin literacy school.

Then I went to the cemetery; wanted to visit the graves of my first teacher Elizaveta Ivanovna Iliny and my dear Gavrishev, who died of his wounds at Mama's infirmary. I prayed at his grave, asked him to pray to God to strengthen Mama's health and happiness. And it seemed to me, that Vladimir's soul was closer to me. —At home found out that our departure from here has been postponed until tomorrow. Can't express how upset this made me: I so hoped to finish with the tedious and boring inspections of all sorts of establishments and workshops. I gathered myself, prayed to God to calmly shift my trouble. I prayed also to Gavrishev. And the prayer helped and strengthened me wonderfully. I soon came to see and find some satisfaction in wandering the admiralty behind Papa, among the huge suite. A few times Papa got very angry over the idiotic and careless trimmings of a few objects of the Nikolaev port.

9 June — On the bank of the Bug

The whole time the weather remained wonderful, very sultry. Went with N. I. Kaznakov to a missile factory, and to a Bulgarian boarding house.

Bathed in the Bug. Was with Papa at the Panferova women's boarding house, the Alexandrovsky gymnasium and examined an excellent, still unfinished naval hospital.

At 4:45 left Nikolaev. Mama asked [me] on the telephone to plant jasmine and mignonette at Gavrishev's grave. I instructed this to Kaznakov, he promised to fulfil it. Mama asked [me] to plant exactly these flowers, because [her?] old governess saw the dead in her sleep, as though to reproach her for not taking to his grave mignonette and jasmine, his favourite flowers. 

10 June

In Kharkiv Papa was met by the temporary governor-general Loris-Melikov. We were there with him, he told Papa about the current mood of Kharkiv society and about the socialist-revolutionary society. I liked Melikov's beliefs, though I have read little and know little to judge people's view on management. All my inner feelings rejoiced, seeing that in Kharkiv the governor-general doesn't take any steep, careless measures as leader.

11 June — Moscow

At 6 1/2 were in Moscow. By custom, went upon arrival to bow to the ikon of the Iveron Mother of God. The people awaited us around the wide porches and greeted with a welcoming "hoorah". Going into the chapel, made two earthly bows, venerated the ikon and again bowed to the earth, I heard the church singing, and on exiting my hearing was again deafened by the "hoorah" of the people. It was nice to feel the connection, seemingly non-existent between other peoples and their princes.

I experienced joy and a racing heart, seeing Red Square, Lobnoe Mesto, Vasily the Blessed, and then, when we removed our caps beneath the Spassky Gates, a man on a wagon, having removed his hat, also took the hat off [his] coachman. 

We settled in at the Small Kremlin Palace. In every step here Papa has childhood memories. After lunch he took me to Alexandria, where every room also reminds him of childhood and his deceased sister Alexandra Nikolaevna (aunt Anchen), with whom he was especially friendly. Alexandria belonged to Count Orlov-Chesmensky and was bought by the deceased Sovereign for the Empress. We also went in the garden. Papa wanted to show me the pavilion where in his childhood he ran between lessons. Now Sergei Nikolaevich Solovev lives there, he's very ill, the doctors say that he has liver cancer.

We went to him and found him working on a manuscript of the history of Ekaterina. We live under one roof with the Chudovsky Monastery, where the relics of Saint Alexei lie.

Alexandria Palace, c. 1884

12 June 

Prince Dolgorukov sent me T. V. Merlin who was under him—Count Uvarov is not here—and in the morning I went all around Moscow with Merlin. Today I went to the cathedrals: Uspensky, Archangel and Annunciation; venerated the relics and looked at the shrines and sites. Was at the palace, in the Facteted and Gold palaces, at the Terem, saw the inner churches...

We went with Papa to the anthropological exhibition, where the committee received us with breakfast. Then we viewed the exhibition. The archeological section was very captivating and interesting. 

Had lunch at Dologrukov's; I sat beside Maria Nikolaevna Mansurova, the niece of the prince...

Yesterday were at the Maly Theatre, for a conservatory staging of "Evgeny Onegin" by Tchaikovsky, under the direction of N. G. Rubinstein. The role of Tatiana was beautifully played by the student Klimentova. 

13 June

In the morning went with Merlin to the patriarchal sacristy and armoury palace. After breakfast was with Papa at the anthropological exhibition. From there again with Merlin went to the archive of the ministry of foreign affairs, where my nerves were tried to the extreme by the obsequiousness of the archive director Baron Buhler.

Before leaving we walked around the whole Kremlin wall; the weather was good, the view of Moscow was delightful—Had lunch again at Dolgoruky's.

14 June — Moscow

In the morning saw the Saviour on the Bor, Vasily the Blessed...Was in the women's Passion Monastery. There is an ikon of the Holy Mother of God, and the head of St. Anastasia. I came to the Hegumen. Want to send a lamp to the ikon in this monastery. Was at Merlin's, and no matter how much I refused and was embarrassed, I was obliged to take a gift from him of a few antique things from his own unparalleled collection...Were at the cathedral of the Saviour under construction; saw the raising of the bells. The cathedral's appearance, especially inside, is of amazing size and beauty.

Were at the house of S. M. Tretyakov, ["голови" is the whole clause here but I don't really know what he means by this], viewed his gallery. Were also at the museum of applied knowledge, then Soldatyonkov's gallery and the other Tretyakov's.

15 June — 1879 — Pavlovsk

Went with Papa to Tsarskoe. The Sovereign gave me a badge with his monogram, having said: "For you, in memory of the day when you were with me during Plevna". Papa told the Sovereign about all our travels, gave him a good impression of sailing on Popovka. Were at the Empress'; she was also interested in Popovka and in our travels generally.

...Here I heard that I will not go around the world this year. I am lost in assumptions, and give my fate into the hands of God.

19 June — Pavlovsk

Completely orphaned; now Pavel Egorovich has gone as well I remain alone, however I am not sorry, I'm fine alone.

In the morning went up to the storerooms, looked out the old and intricate in a pile of things; found a jacob armchair, and such a magnificent bureau. Among all the junk found a portrait of Peter the Great and the king of England Charles I. Took all this to my room. Mama helped me to arrange it, and it turned out very sweet.

22 June

Got up very late and thus wasn't happy with myself, head hurt a bit. Was late to a walk with Tatiana Mikhailovna.

After breakfast went to Tsarskoe. Met the Sovereign and Empress in a carriage; a Cossack on the box, in front, mounted Cossacks at the sides and behind, a few at a distance...in drozhki. I confess, it hurt to watch how the Tsar should travel as a prisoner—and then where? In Russia itself. 

22 June [cont?]

Was at Elena Sheremeteva's; she lives in Tsarskoe at the Kreylitz Dacha[?]. We were very, very happy to see one another. On the path to hers I pondered my love and could not account for it: is it right that my inner self is meek and accustomed to all sorts of sorrow, or was the love not real? I remember how it hurt me, pained me, but I never felt jealous and even fell in love with Volodya. And now, though I really wished to be Elena's husband when it was possible, I don't feel despair...

About my sailing nothing more has been said, I don't know anything. I confess it's a rather unpleasant state...

Elena Sheremeteva, née Stroganova, c. 1870s

23 June

In the morning read the biography of Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna "In Old and New Russia". 

It often occurs to me that my diary also, after sixty, seventy years, will appear in print somewhere: often, I confess, this makes me pay attention to the style and truthfulness of my notes...

Laroche came to me, professor of music theory at the Petersburg Conservatory. He's my friend, I happily showed him our palace; it never tires me and cannot bore me to talk for the hundredth time about various rooms, the porcelain, the bronze, the wallpaper and the old furniture, showing all these to charm guests...

24 June — Pavlovsk

Our family had lunch at the Tsar's; the Empress is extremely weak, her appearance is sickly and tired, she coughs harshly. Because of her weakness she near enough didn't participate in the conversation between the Sovereign and Papa, she, unmoving, sat in an armchair, often closing her eyes, and had the most pathetic appearance. The conversation was boring for our generation: about former commanders of the guard regiments, about the chiefs of sections of these regiments' manoeuvres. Must be confessed that these luncheons are not famous among we who are cheerful or at all curious. 

Late evening at Pavlovsk I was at Tatiana Mikhailovna's and sat there until one in the morning. Told her about my life on Svetlana and then on the bank of the Danube, my childish attachment to Alexei Valentinovich and how these feelings changed to sincere and strong friendship. 

Told her, per her request, about the Silistrian situation and how I received the George cross. 

Returned home by the yard; loved the view of the palace in the light and bright June night, illuminated by the full moon. 

25 June — Petersburg

If Nicholas I were alive, he would be 83 years old today. The family gathered for a panikhida in Petersburg, in the fortress. 

28 June — Pavlovsk

Mama returned from Strelna extremely agitated. Entering the Tsarskoe Selo garden, at the big palace, not far from the arsenal, she was met by a Cossack on horseback. Behind him were harnessed a pair of English horses which the Sovereign ruled, leading a basket, in which apart from the Sovereign was Princess Dolgorukaya and the children. Pavel Egorovich [and] Countess Keller, accompanying Mama, noticed that the Sovereign looked extremely embarrassed.

It's understandable that Mama was extremely upset after such a meeting. I thanked God that I didn't go with Mama. The heart pours blood to see what our Tsar is doing, the Autocrat of all Russia, and even after the wonderful escape from the attempt on his life.

29 June

My fate now, it seems, has changed. Papa was at Kronstadt yesterday. He inspected the corvette Bayan, which has returned from distant sailing. The thought came to him to send Bayan around the world again in autumn with a guards' crew. He wants to send me with them. Here now everything has changed. I'm happy, however Petersburg winter frightens me, with divorces, festivities and so on...

                                        ⧫⧫⧫

*Idiom essentially meaning 'not the be all end all'. 

Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)

SOURCES:

Diary: К. Р.Дневники. Воспоминания. Стихи. Письма, ed. by Ella Matonina

Konstantin

Elena

Alexandria

The Waves Drifted Off / Задремали Волны (1879) — Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich Poem

The Crimean Coast in the Moonlight by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1853

From the cycle "At the Shore"

The waves drifted off

The vaulted sky clear;

Moonlight shines across

Water azure.

The silver tipped sea

Flickering aflame...

Thus joy does sorry

Things brighten again.

Oreanda
May 1879

Из цикла «У берегов»

Задремали волны,

Ясен неба свод;

Светит месяц полный

Над лазурью вод.


Серебрится море,

Трепетно горит...

Так и радость горе

Ярко озарит.

Орианда
Май 1879

                                         ⧫⧫⧫

Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)

SOURCES: 

Poem: К. Р. Избранное : Стихотворения, переводы, драмы, ed. by Evgeni Osetrov

Aivazovsky

Diaries of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich - May 1879

Konstantin with his sister Olga [Olya], c. 1880s

25 May — Crimea

...For the last time we drank coffee "at the swan"*—on the bank of the pond in the silence of the thick trees, below the rock and the church. The goodbyes began: all the inhabitants of Oreanda poured out of the entrance to wish everyone happy travels...

" — Sevastopol

Arrived in Sevastopol around 4... Spent 2 miserable hours before the departure of the Tsar, Tsaritsa, Mama, Sergei and Mitya. 

Tears flooded, the minutes of separation came. Olya and Mama cried: I felt the tears rising in my throat and also cried. Thanked the Sovereign and the Empress sincerely for their tenderness and care. 

We remained there: Papa, Olya and I. Drove to the north side, to the considerable Sevastopol war cemetery. It reminded me of '73, when I was here with Ilya Alexandrovich. I then really loved Lushkov and found the grave of his father and his name carved in gold on marble in the church. 

We went with awe into the pyramid church. Over the entrance is a mosaic image of Christ. I looked at the grand and quiet, meek parts and it seemed that it should be good to lie peacefully under the earth [here] and to rest from work, cares and wounds when such a Guardian is protecting against them. 

Every ikon in the Church evokes the time when the dead will leave their graves. 

We went around the cemetery, reading left and right on the headstones the names of those killed, those who died from injuries and the terrible words "mass grave". 

The sun went down, the cemetery garden looked cosy and natural, the warm air well-scented with flowers. Recalled the words: "Wait a little—you'll rest too..."

We had lunch on Popovka. With terror I awaited the minutes of last kisses with Olya—new tears. Longed to break at once and shatter in different directions. Brought Olya to the steamer Konstantin...Going away on a tender, I shouted to Olya: "Goodbye, Christ be with you". I heard her last words "Thank you". I got out on Popovka. On her Papa and I will sail the Black Sea...

Inside Popovka gives the impression of a terrible hellish machine. In the middle, between two funnels and thick ventilators, opens the wide abyss of a tower. At will, from there rises like bloodthirsty crocodiles 12-inch (40 ton) guns and they can get any angle of elevation. Suddenly all this abyss begins to rotate rapidly, and this action doesn't interfere with the guns rising in the same way. And suddenly, among the darkness, a Yablochkov candle lights up—and immediately everything around is bright and glittering.

V-A Popov [Popovka] c. 1873

26 May — Black Sea — Vice-Admiral Popov

Popovka is commanded by Balk. The society which gathers at Papa's is, with a few exceptions, not very likeable to me. There is no one with whom I could talk, more than to just unburden oneself...

I'm trying to pay attention to naval matters. I can't help but confess that questions of state interest me more than private naval matters. Had I my own way, I would serve in the civil service. But now it is my duty to be a sailor...Tomorrow morning maybe Batumi...

29 May — Batumi

Around us opened the mountainous shore, at the foot of the mountains is located a small, unattractive town with several mosques. At the edge of the spit enclosing Batumi bay lies the Turkish forces, in the middle of which is a pole to raise the lighthouse fire. The entrance to the bay is open and wide, though the bay itself is not great and cannot accommodate a large fleet. But private ships often come, Turkish steamships, English, French, the Austrians maintain contact with Trebizond, and the Russians with Poti.

The city is populated with Turks, Greeks, Armenians. In the mountains and outskirts of the city live Kabulets, Adjarians, [the transcriber has written "Ladi" here but I think it should be Lazi], and Gurians. 

Here Papa met: Prince Sviatopolk-Mirsky, temporary intercessor in the position of Deputy, the military governor, General-Major Komarov and corps commander General Svoev. They all had breakfast at ours on Popovka and also a Turk—Mustafa-Pasha. At 3 all went ashore with Papa.

At the pier was an honour guard of the Vladikavkaz regiment with many Georgian cavaliers. We were planted in carriages, some sat astride. Observed the Turkish coastal forces. Papa visited the military camps and hospital. Then went into the mountains. At the steep bridge Papa, I and Mirsky also went on horses into the mountains.

From that height was an excellent view of the sea and the neighbouring mountains. The city itself is in a low-lying, coastal and swampy ravine, the mountains start a little way back from the shore. The mountains here are not very high, but extremely picturesque and covered with fresh greenery. The sky was covered with clouds and they encased the snowy peaks of the inner spine. 

Around 7 we returned to Popovka. 

31 May—Simonovo—Kanonitsky Monastery

Weighed anchor at 1 in the morning. At 4 were in Psereti, went out to shore. Near to the shore was a stone church, surrounded by the ancient collapsed walls of a Genoese fortress. The bells were tolling, we were met at the pier by monks in vestments with crosses and holy water. They led us to the church and served a short moleben. We all then went over the mountain to look at the ancient temple. On the road the superior told us about how the monastery was founded. In ancient times Andrew the First-Called and Simon the Zealot, also called the Cannonite because Christ was at his wedding in Cana of Galilee, came to Abkhazia to preach Christianity. According to legend the Apostle Simon founded a church here on the riverbank...and there he died and was buried. In this century several monks came here, to Psereti, from the Athos Monastery. They founded a church and school for little Abkhazians. In the last war this was all destroyed. But, at the conclusion of peace, the monks returned, in 3 months built the stone church where we were, and will start the school again. 

We heard the noise of the river, though it was not visible through the thick vegetation; the mountains towered around, covered all over with forest. Here we saw a huge, branchy hazel grove, behind it an ancient temple of Byzantine construction made from hewed stone, half-destroyed, and covered with ivy and climbing plants; legend says the Apostle Simon is buried there. 

Above the entry dome of the church grows a huge fig tree—its trunk is inside, between the walls of the building. We went into the church. The dome is collapsed, the floor overgrown with burlock, and ivy papers the walls beautifully...To my delight, surprisingly, the ancient colours are visible on the walls; on the western wall, opposite the altar and among the ancient remains of the wall, paintings of the Assumption of the Mother of God are visible...

                                       ⧫⧫⧫

*Maria Sosnogorova's guide to Oreanda mentions a pond with swans, presumably this is what the Konstantinovichi called it. 

Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)

Sources:

Diary: К. Р.Дневники. Воспоминания. Стихи. Письма, ed. by Ella Matonina

Konstantin and Olga

Popovka