a small cataract on it; his face wore an expression of stately pride; his every movement gave proof that he was accustomed to command. All the generals, who before his arrival were strutting about somewhat haughtily in their gold-embroidered uniforms, came bustling towards him with profound bows, seeming to watch every one of his words, nay, of his movements, that they might run and see his desires fulfilled. The hetman did not pay any attention to all this, scarcely nodding his head, and went straight to the Zaporoghians. They bowed to him with one accord till their brows touched the ground. "Are all of you here?" asked he, in a somewhat drawling voice, with a slight nasal twang. "Yes, father, every one of us is here," answered the Zaporoghians, bowing once more. "Remember to speak just as I taught you." "We will, father, we will!" "Is it the Czar?" asked the blacksmith of one of the Zaporoghians. "The Czar! a great deal more; it is Potemkin himself!" was the answer. Voices were heard in the adjoining room, and the blacksmith knew not where to turn his eyes, when he saw a multitude of ladies enter, dressed in silk gowns with long trains, and courtiers in gold-embroidered coats and bag wigs. He was dazzled with the glitter of gold, silver, and precious stones. The Zaporoghians fell with one accord on their knees, and cried with one voice, "Mother, have mercy upon us!" The blacksmith, too, followed their example, and stretched himself full length on the floor. "Rise up!" was heard above their heads, in a commanding yet soft voice. Some of the courtiers officiously hastened to push the Zaporoghians. "We will not arise, mother; we will die rather than arise!" cried the Zaporoghians. Potemkin bit his lips. At last he came himself, and whispered imperatively to one of them. They arose. Then only did the blacksmith venture to raise his eyes, and saw before him a lady, not tall, somewhat stout, with powdered hair, blue eyes, and that majestic, smiling air, which conquered every one, and could be the attribute only of a reigning woman. "His Highness[21] promised to make me acquainted to-day with a people under my dominion, whom I have not yet seen," said the blue-eyed lady, looking with curiosity at the Zaporoghians. "Are you satisfied with the manner in which you are provided for here?" asked she, coming nearer. "Thank thee, mother! Provisions are good, though mutton is not quite so fine here as at home; but why should one be so very particular about it?" Potemkin frowned at hearing them speak in quite a different manner to what he had told them to do.