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| 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.
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| 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...
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| 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.
Translation by Lottie Bailey (@Medesikasta)
SOURCES:
Diary: К. Р.Дневники. Воспоминания. Стихи. Письма, ed. by Ella Matonina
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