UNDER PETER THE GREAT 105

weeks, besides every Wednesday and Fridaythroughout the year ; and so tenacious is theignorant superstitious multitude of this less essentialpart, that when great numbers of sick have beenlanded from aboard the Russian fleet, especially inthese fasting seasons, and the Tsar has ordered aprovision of fresh meat and set a guard to preventthe introducing all other support, many have actuallyperished rather than violate their ill-informed con-sciences in eating of prohibited viands. Andalthough the Tsar, in his private opinion highlycondemns this impolitic custom ; yet perceiving thestrong attachment of the populace, he forbears toabolish it by public edict ; but underhand en-deavours to overthrow [it] by turning it into ridicule,with many other extravagances in their religion andcustoms ; and herein is seconded by many of themodern Russ both in the army and the navy, thathave been abroad in the world. Notwithstanding,so little progress is made, that scarce one in ahundred amongst the under-officers and seamen,will, unless by pure compulsion, break in upon thisestablished notion ; so strong an impression theyreceive from their priests, inculcating under painof damnation, an avoidance of such innovations.However, this abstinence emaciates them andmightily aggravates their dejection of spirit ; takingaway both strength and inclination to any work thatrequires activity and force of body ; and as thecase stands, I can’t see that anything, unless longtrading voyages, will serve to eradicate this bigotryout of their minds.

[During] one or two summers, [on] some few dayscruisers, continuing a good while at sea, took severalprizes ; and thereby the Russ common sailors,permitted to taste of the sweets of success, werebrought to a greater improvement than ordinary.