, without even exacting a promise from them never
more to draw their swords against the czar, in case the king of Sweden
should ever be able to take the field again.

So generous a proceeding both merited and received their utmost
acknowledgments: but he put an end to the serious demonstrations they
were about to make him of their gratitude, by saying,--I pay you no more
than I owe you:--I have wronged you:--this is but part of the
retaliation I ought to make:--besides, added he laughing, Mattakesa
promised Mullern his freedom; and as she has done me the good office,
tho' undesignedly, of revealing to me her own treachery, I can do no
less than assist her in fulfilling, her covenant.

To prove how much he was in earnest, he called his secretary, and
ordered him to make out their passports with all expedition, that they
might be ready to depart next morning; after which he made them repose
themselves in his palace the remainder of the night; which being in a
manner vastly different from what they had been accustomed to of a long
time, indeed ever since their quitting Alranstadt, they did not fail to
do, notwithstanding the discontent of their minds.

Prince Menzikoff, being now convinced of the fidelity of Edella, passed
into her apartment, where the reconciliation between them took up so
much time, that it was near noon next day before he appeared: his new
guests had not quitted their chambers much sooner; but after reproaching
themselves for having been so tardy, went altogether to take leave of
the prince, and accept the passports he had been so good to order. As
they were got ready, he gave them immediately into their hands, and told
them, they were at liberty to quit Petersburg that moment, if they
pleased; or if they had any curiosity to take a view of that city, they
might gratify it, and begin their journey next morning. As it was now so
late in the day, they accepted his highness's offer, and walked out to
see a place which had excited so much admiration in the world, since
from a wild waste, in ten years time, a spacious and most beautiful city
had arose in the midst of war, and proved the genius of the founder
greater in civil than in military arts, tho' it must be owned he was
indefatigable in the study of both.

The officers of the king of Sweden were entertained with the same
elegance and good humour they had been the night before; and as they
were now resolved to quit the city extremely early, the princ