139. Речь Благочестивейшему Государю Императору Николаю Павловичу, пред вступлением в Успенский Собор, по возвращении Его Императорского Величества из Закавказского путешествия

(Spoken October 27; printed separately and in collections of 1844 and 1848) Most pious Sovereign! God bless. You're coming back. You crossed the mountains, and took the mountains away from our hearts, preoccupied with the difficulties of Your gigantic paths across the lands and seas of Your gigantic power. But the end of caring thoughts. All that was left was to rejoice in surprise. Continuing and perfecting what the Transformer of Russia began, how long ago, like him, did You stand on the shore of the Neva, and, under Your own eyes, the created ship, with your own wave, rushed into the waters of the western seas? And now You are coming to us from that eastern region, where the far-sighted Peter barely had time to set his foot, and where You rule firmly and extensively. Meanwhile - there - the strongholds with which You protect our safety became even stronger under Your feet. There, the mountains, consecrated by the Apostle of Russia, humbled themselves under Your kneeling before the ancient shrine. There - the fields of Ascension trembled, there - the waves of the Black Sea trembled, from Your thunders, peaceful, but strong, like battle, peaceful, but nevertheless victorious: for with Your prudently well-ordered army and in the midst of the world, You constantly conquer and overthrow, if not enemies, then the very spirit of enmity and anxiety that was accustomed to shake Europe. Most pious Sovereign! exploits do not tire you. But if, according to the words of the Wise One, “there is a time for every thing” (Eccl. 3:1), and consequently there must be some time of rest: then come, let Your laboring Spirit rest much for us on our hearts. May the blessing of the Lord, which alone gives and affirms true peace and tranquility, rest upon You, and on Your August Family, and on Your Russia. You might be interested in: