But “classics” doesn’t stop there either. artistic originality a story that carries within itself a still weakly expressed romantic beginning. History dealt a cruel blow to educational thinking, and Karamzin puts forward an irrational, romantic explanation of events governed by fate, fate, and fate. Hence the mystery in the story, the mystery of some episodes.
The poeticization of the republican virtues of ancient Novgorod in “Marfa Posadnitsa” is especially obvious in cases where Karamzin deliberately departs from facts well known to him as a historian. First of all, the interpretation is different. public life Novgorod in recent years his liberties. The “History of the Russian State” shows the struggle between two parties, one of which quite openly sympathized with Moscow, the other supported the separatist plans of the Boretskys. In Marfa Posadnitsa everything looks different. The Novgorodians are shown as a friendly military camp rallied around Marfa.
The story of Miroslav’s birth and the reason for the favor of the Moscow sovereign towards the Novgorod youth are mysterious. The fate of Martha is also marked by mystery. Even at birth, the Finnish sorcerer predicted her a glorious life and, apparently, a tragic death, but one can only guess about the latter, since the author breaks off the prediction mid-sentence. In this regard, legends and omens gleaned from the Novgorod chronicles of the 15th century turned out to be extremely valuable for Karamzin. destruction of Yaroslav's tower, on which the veche bell was located; the appearance of a fiery cloud over Novgorod, anxiety taking over animals and birds. Here, the religious consciousness of the ancient scribes in a peculiar way echoed Karamzin’s thoughts about a higher providence that governs events.
In the “History of the Russian State,” Moscow’s military actions against Novgorod are presented without any embellishment. “Smoke, flames, bloody rivers,” writes the historian, “moans and screams from the east and west rushed to the shores of Ilmen. The Muscovites expressed indescribable frenzy: the traitorous Novgorodians seemed to them worse than the Tatars. There was no mercy for either poor farmers or women.” In the story there are pictures of reprisals against civilians are missing. John emerged as a formidable, but at the same time magnanimous and merciful winner. Entering conquered Novgorod, he looks at the Novgorodians not as a conqueror, but as a wise, condescending ruler.
But in order for one of these principles to triumph, the active intervention of the people is necessary. Therefore, a desperate struggle is constantly being waged for popular opinion. At the very beginning of the story, two appeals to the Novgorodians are given - first from Prince Kholmsky, then from Martha. In essence, each of the speakers strives with logic, eloquence, and civic passion to win over the people to his side, and after each speech Karamzin reports on the reaction of the listeners to it. The people, according to Karamzin, are a great force, but they require constant leadership. This is a giant, endowed with a child's soul and a child's mind. The writer repeatedly turns to this thought in his story.
“Ah, my friend! Pity the unfortunate man! Colds, coughs, chest pains hardly allow me to put pen to paper; but I must certainly inform you of my melancholy adventure. Do you remember the young Yverdon beauty with whom we dined in Basel, at the Stork tavern; Do you remember, perhaps, that I was sitting next to her, that she spoke to me kindly and looked at me with tenderness - ah! What granite mountain could protect my heart from her piercing gaze? What snowy masses could extinguish the fire ignited by these glances at the source of my life? Yes, my friend! I studied anatomy, medicine, and I know that the heart is definitely the source of life, although the venerable doctor Megadidaktos, together with the worthy Mikrologos, sought the soul and the principle of life in the wonderful plexus of nerves, hidden from our eyes... But I am afraid to move away from my subject and therefore, leaving this time the venerable Megadidactos and the worthy Mikrologos, I will tell you frankly that the Yverdon beauty aroused in me such feelings that I now cannot describe. I don’t know what would have come of me and what I would have done if she had—oh, cruel blow! - did not leave the tavern on that very night in which my soul was busy with her with the greatest fervor and in which a comforting sleep did not close my eyes. You took me out of Basel; travel, pleasant places, meeting a Frenchwoman, little Pierre, a squirrel, an evil squirrel, new acquaintances, waterfalls, mountains, girl G* - all this could not completely erase the image of the beautiful Yverdon in my heart. For a long time I tried to overcome myself; but in vain! A fast river sooner or later tears apart all strongholds: so does love! Having hired a horse in Lausanne, I rode on horseback to Yverdon; I galloped, flew, and at ten o’clock in the morning I was already in place - I stopped at a tavern, powdered myself, took off my dagger and spurs, and went where my heart longed. There, a sixty-year-old man, the father of my beauty, met me with a gloomy look. "Dear Sir! - I said. - The respect with which my soul is filled with your dear daughter; a great, strong desire to see her...” - At that very moment she entered. "Julia! Do you know this gentleman?” the old man asked her. Julia looked at me and politely answered that she did not have this honor. Imagine my surprise! I was all trembling - trembled out loud as Klopstock says. It seemed to me that all the Swiss and Savoyard mountains had collapsed on my head. It was all I could muster my courage and, without saying a word, I handed it to the unconscious Yulia. notebook mine, where she saw her name, her with my own hand written The color appeared on the face of a cruel woman; She began to apologize to me and told my father: “I had the honor of having dinner with him in Basel.” He asked me to sit down. My blood still could not calm down, and I did not have the courage to look at Julia, who was also confused. The old man, hearing from me that I was a doctor of medicine, was very happy and began to talk to me about his illnesses. "Alas! “I thought, “is this why fate brought me to Yverdon to talk about the hemorrhoidal attacks of a decrepit old man?” Meanwhile, his daughter sat, sniffed tobacco and looked at me, but not at all the same as in Basel. Her gaze was as cold, as cold as the North Pole. Finally, my vanity, severely wounded, forced me to get up from my chair and take my leave. “How long will you stay in Yverdon?” asked Julia in her pleasant voice (and with such a grin that very clearly said: “I hope that you will not come to us another time”). “A few hours,” I answered. - “In that case, I wish you a safe journey.” “And happy practice,” said the old man, taking off his cap. We parted, and when I went out into the street, the hired servant, my guide, told me that the girl Yulia would soon marry Mr. NN. "A! Now I know the reason for the cold reception! “- I thought and redoubled my steps in order to quickly move away from the house of Mr. NN’s future wife. “The city of Yverdon has become disgusting to me. I was looking forward to dinner with great impatience and, sitting down at the table, ordered the servant to saddle my horse. Four Englishmen dined with me, who decided to drink my health with all the wines that the innkeeper had. I myself ordered two bottles of Bourgogne to be served to thank them, and thus about three hours passed unnoticed. My heart forgot all earthly grief and forgave the unfaithful Julia. The British, as usual, came up with different sentimental, or sensitive, health. I also, in turn, had to offer three or four. At the last one, I poured a full glass, raised it high and said loudly: “Whoever loves beauty and tenderness, drink with me to Julia’s health and wish the beauty a happy marriage!” The glasses rattled, the wine began to foam, and all the English exclaimed in one voice: “ We drink to Julia’s health and wish the beauty a happy marriage! “Meanwhile, I asked ten times if my horse was ready, and ten times they answered me that it had been standing at the porch for a long time. Finally the servant came to say that I could not go. - "It is forbidden? For what?” – “It gets late and clouds appear.” - “Nonsense!” I'll go! Horse!“ – Half an hour later the servant came again. “You can’t go.” - "It is forbidden? For what?” – “It’s getting late; The clouds thickened and it began to snow.” - “Nonsense!” I'll go! Horse!“ – A few minutes later the servant came up to me again. “You can’t go!” – “You can’t? For what?” – “It’s night outside; The snow is falling in bursts, and soon a strong wind will blow snowdrifts everywhere.” - “Nonsense!” I'll go, I'll go this minute! Horse!“ He said, got up from his chair, shook hands with the English, belted his dirk, paid the owner, jumped on his horse and set off at full speed along the Lausanne road. The wind and snow blew in my face, but I rubbed my eyes and constantly spurred my horse. Soon there was a terrible blizzard, and the white darkness completely deprived me of vision. I felt like I was driving off the road, but there was nothing to do. Forward, forward, to the will of God - and thus he wandered until half the night. Finally, the good mine, my faithful comrade, was completely exhausted and became. I got off him and led him by the bridle, but soon my strength was exhausted. Your unfortunate friend was already ready to fall onto a fluffy snowy bed, cover himself with a blanket of snow and entrust his fate to God; cold death with all its horrors hovered over me! Alas! I was already saying goodbye to my fatherland, to my friends, to chemical lectures and with all my flattering hopes! But fate showed me mercy, and suddenly I saw a peasant house in front of me. You can easily imagine my joy, and for this reason I will not describe it. It’s enough that they accepted me there, warmed me, fed me, and calmed me down. The next morning I forced the owner to take six francs from me and at ten o’clock in the morning I returned to Lausanne - with a severe cold. This is the end of my novel! Vale! V. – P.S. As soon as my cough subsides, I will return to my old home, the Republic of Geneva, under reliable protection magnificent syndics. They say you make a lot of noise!”
HISTORICAL STORY
Here is one of the most important cases Russian history? says the publisher of this story. Wise John (2) had to annex the Novgorod region to his power for the glory and strength of the fatherland: praise be to him! However, the resistance of the Novgorod residents is not a rebellion of some Jacobins; they fought for their ancient charters and rights, given to them in part by the great princes themselves, for example Yaroslav, the asserter of their freedom (3). They acted only recklessly: they should have foreseen that resistance would lead to the death of Novugorod, and prudence required them to make a voluntary sacrifice.
Our chronicles contain few details of this great incident, but chance brought me into my hands an old manuscript, which I report here to lovers of history and fairy tales, correcting only its syllable, which is dark and unintelligible. I think that this was written by one of the noble Novgorod residents resettled by Grand Duke Ivan Vasilyevich to other cities. All major incidents agree with history. Both chronicles and ancient songs do justice to the great mind of Martha Boretskaya, this wonderful woman who knew how to master the people and wanted (very inappropriately!) to be the Cato of her republic.
It seems that the ancient author of this story did not even blame John in his soul. This does honor to his justice, although when describing some cases, Novgorod blood clearly plays in him. The secret motivation he gave to Martha's fanaticism proves that he saw in her only a passionate, ardent, intelligent woman, and not a great or virtuous woman.
BOOK ONE
The sound of the veche bell rang out, and hearts in Novgorod trembled. Fathers of families break away from the embraces of their spouses and children in order to rush where their fatherland is calling them. Bewilderment, curiosity, fear and hope attract citizens in noisy crowds to the Great Square. Everyone asks: no one answers... There, in front of the ancient house of Yaroslav, posadniks with gold medals on their chests, thousands with high staffs, boyars, living people with banners and elders of all five ends of Novgorod (4) with silver axes had already gathered. But no one is yet visible in the place of forehead or Vadimov (5) (where the marble image of this knight stood). The people drown out the ringing of the bell with their shouts and demand the opening of the evening. Joseph Delinsky, an eminent citizen, who was a dignified mayor seven times - and each time with new services to the fatherland, with new honor for his name - ascends the iron steps, opens his gray, venerable head, humbly bows to the people and tells them that the prince of Moscow sent his boyar to Veliky Novgorod, who wants to publicly announce his demands... The mayor descends - and boyar Ioannov appears on Vadimov’s place, looking proud, girded with a sword, and in armor. It was the governor, Prince Kholmsky, a prudent and firm husband - right hand Ioannov in military enterprises, his eye in state affairs - brave in battle, eloquent in advice. Everyone is silent. The boyar wants to speak... but the young arrogant Novgorod residents exclaim: “Humble yourself before the great people!” He hesitates - thousands of voices repeat: “Humble yourself before the great people!” The boyar takes off his helmet from his head - and the noise stops.
“Citizens of Novgorod!” he broadcasts, “the prince of Moscow and all Russia is speaking to you - listen!
Wild peoples love independence, wise peoples love order: and there is no order without autocratic power. Your ancestors wanted to rule themselves and were victims of cruel neighbors or even crueler internal strife. The virtuous elder, standing on the throne of eternity, conjured them to elect a ruler. They believed him: for a man at the door of the tomb can speak only the truth.
Citizens of Novgorod! within your walls the autocracy of the Russian land was born, established, and glorified. Here the magnanimous Rurik (6) did justice and truth; In this place, the ancient Novgorod residents kissed the feet of their father and the prince, who reconciled internal discord, calmed and exalted their city. In this place they cursed the disastrous freedom and blessed the saving power of the One. Previously terrible only for themselves and unhappy in the eyes of their neighbors, the Novgorod residents under the sovereign hand of the Varangian hero became the horror and envy of other peoples; and when Oleg (7) the brave moved with his army to the borders of the south, all the Slavic tribes submitted to him with joy, and your ancestors, comrades of his glory, hardly believed their greatness.
Oleg, following the flow of the Dnieper, fell in love with its red banks and in the blessed country of Kyiv founded the capital of his vast state; but Veliky Novgorod was always the right hand of the great princes when they glorified the Russian name with deeds. Oleg, under the shield of the Novgorodians, nailed his shield to the gates of Constantinople. Svyatoslav (8) with the Novgorod army scattered the army of Tzimiskes (9) like dust, and the grandson Holgin (10) was nicknamed by your ancestors the ruler of the world,
Citizens of Novgorod! Not only do you owe military glory to the Russian sovereigns: if my eyes, turning to all the ends of your city, see everywhere the golden crosses of the magnificent churches of the holy faith; if the noise of the Volkhov reminds you of that great day on which the signs of idolatry died with noise in its fast waves, then remember that Vladimir built the first temple to the true God here; Vladimir overthrew Perun into the abyss of Volkhov!.. If life and property are sacred in Novgorod, then tell me, whose hand protected them with safety?.. Here (pointing to Yaroslav’s house), here lived a wise legislator, the benefactor of your ancestors, a magnanimous prince, their friend , whom they called the second Rurik!.. Ungrateful offspring! listen to fair reproaches!
The Novgorodians, having always been the eldest sons of Russia, suddenly separated from their brethren; Having been loyal subjects of the princes, they now laugh at their power... and at what times? O shame on the Russian name! Kinship and friendship are known in adversity, love for the fatherland is also... God, in his inscrutable advice, decided to punish the Russian land. Countless barbarians appeared, strangers from countries unknown to anyone (11), like these clouds of insects that the sky in its anger drives like a storm into the sinner’s harvest. The brave Slavs, amazed by their appearance, fight and die; the Russian land is stained with the blood of Russians; cities and villages are burning; The chains rattle on the maidens and elders... What are the Novgorod residents doing? Do they rush to help their brothers?.. No! taking advantage of their distance from the places of bloodshed, taking advantage of the general misfortune of the princes, they take away their legitimate power, keep them within their walls, as in a prison, expel them, call on others and expel them again. The Novgorod sovereigns, descendants of Rurik and Yaroslav, had to obey the mayors and tremble the veche bell like the trumpets of the terrible judgment! Finally, no one wanted to be your prince, a slave to the rebellious veche... Finally, the Russians and Novgorod residents will not recognize each other!
Why is there such a change in your hearts? How ancient tribe could the Slavic forget its blood?.. Selfishness, selfishness has blinded you! Russians are dying, Novgorod residents are getting rich. The corpses of Christian knights killed by infidels are brought to Moscow, Kyiv, Vladimir, and the people, showering ashes on their heads, greet them with a cry: foreign goods are brought to Novgorod, and the people greet (12) foreign guests with joyful exclamations! Russians count their ulcers: Novgorod residents count gold coins. Russians in bonds: Novgorod residents glorify their freedom!
Liberty!.. but you are also a slave. People! I'm talking to you. The ambitious boyars, having destroyed the power of the sovereigns, took possession of it themselves. You obey - for the people must always obey - but not to the sacred blood of Rurik, but to rich merchants. Oh shame! the descendants of the Slavs value the rights of rulers with gold! The princely families, renowned since ancient times, rose to prominence through deeds of courage and glory; your mayors, thousands, living people owe their dignity to a favorable wind and the cunning of self-interest. Accustomed to the benefits of trade, they also trade in the good of the people; whoever promises them gold, they promise you. Thus, the Prince of Moscow is aware of their friendly, secret connections with Lithuania and Casimir (13)! Soon, soon you will gather to the sound of the veche bell, and the arrogant Pole will tell you at the place of execution: “You are my slaves!..” But God and the great John still care about you.
Novgorodians! The Russian land is being resurrected. John aroused the ancient courage of the Slavs from sleep, encouraged the sad army, and the banks of the Kama witnessed our victories (14). The arc of peace and covenant shone over the graves of princes George, Andrei, and Mikhail. The sky made peace with us, and the Tatar swords gave way. The time has come for revenge, the time for glory and Christian triumph. The last blow has not yet struck; but John, chosen by God, will not lower his sovereign hand until he crushes his enemies and mixes their ashes with the dust of the earth. Dimitri (15), having struck Mamai (16), did not liberate Russia; John foresees everything; and knowing that the division of the state was the cause of its disasters, he had already united all the principalities under his power and was recognized as the ruler of the Russian land. The children of the fatherland, after a sad long-term separation, are embraced with joy in the eyes of the sovereign and their wise father.
But his joy will not be complete until Novgorod, ancient, Veliky Novgorod, returns to the shadow of the fatherland. You insulted his ancestors: he will forget everything if you obey him. John, worthy to rule the world, wants only to be the sovereign of Novgorod!.. Remember when he was a peaceful guest among you; remember how amazed you were at his greatness when, surrounded by his nobles, he walked along the hills of Novagrad to the house of the Yaroslavs; remember with what kindness, with what wisdom he talked with your boyars about the antiquities of Novgorod, sitting on the throne set for him near the place of Rurik, from where his gaze embraced all the ends of the city and the cheerful surroundings; remember how you unanimously exclaimed: “Long live the Prince of Moscow, great and wise!” Isn’t it nice to obey such a sovereign, and for the sole purpose of completely freeing Russia from the yoke of the barbarians? Then Novgorod will be even more decorated and exalted in the world. You will be the first sons of Russia: here John will set up his throne and resurrect the happy times when not a noisy meeting, but Rurik and Yaroslav judged you, like fathers of children, walked through the haystacks and asked the poor if the rich were oppressing them? Then the poor and the rich will be equally happy, for all subjects are equal in the face of the autocratic ruler.
People and citizens! May John reign in Novgorod, as he rules in Moscow! or - listen to his last word - or a brave army, ready to crush the Tatars, in a formidable militia will first appear before your eyes, and pacify the rebels!.. Peace or war? answer!"
With this word, Boyar Ioannov put on his helmet and left the place of execution.
The silence still continues. Officials and citizens are in amazement. Suddenly the crowds waver, and loud exclamations are heard: “Martha! Martha!” She ascends the iron steps, quietly and majestically, looks at the countless gathering of citizens and is silent... Importance and sorrow are visible on her pale linden... But soon her gaze, overshadowed by grief, flashed with the fire of inspiration, her pale face was covered with blush, and Martha said:
“Vadim! Vadim! here your sacred blood flowed; here I call heaven and you as witnesses that my heart loves the glory of the fatherland and the good of my fellow citizens; that I will tell the truth to the people of Novgorod and am ready to seal it with my blood. My wife dares to speak at the veche (17): but my ancestors were friends of Vadimov; I was born in a military camp under the sound of weapons; my father and husband died fighting for Novgorod. This is my right to be a defender of freedom, it was bought at the price of my happiness.
“Speak, glorious daughter of Novagorod!” the people exclaimed unanimously - and deep silence again expressed their attention.
“Descendants of the generous Slavs! They call you rebels!.. Is it because you raised their glory from the grave? They were free when they flowed from east to west to choose a home in the universe, free, like the eagles that soared over their heads in the vast deserts of the ancient world...<...>
True, over time, new passions were born in souls; ancient, saving customs were forgotten, and inexperienced youth despised the wise advice of the elders: then the Slavs called to themselves the Varangian princes, famous for their bravery, and command the young rebellious army. But when Rurik wanted to rule arbitrarily, Slavic pride was horrified by his carelessness, and Vadim the Brave called him before the court of the people. "Let the sword and the gods be our judges!" - responded Rurik - and Vadim fell from his hand, saying: “Novogorodians! To the place stained with my blood, come to mourn your foolishness - and glorify freedom when it appears triumphantly again within your walls...” The desire of the great husband was fulfilled: the people gather at his sacred grave to freely and independently decide their fate.
So, the death of Rurik - let us give justice to this famous knight! -wise and courageous Rurik, resurrected the freedom of Novgorod. The people, amazed by his greatness, involuntarily and humbly obeyed; but soon, no longer seeing the hero, he woke up from a deep sleep, and Oleg, having experienced his stubborn inflexibility many times, withdrew from Novagorod with an army of brave Varangians and Slavic youths to seek victory, tributaries and slaves among other Scythian, less brave and proud tribes. From that time on, Novgorod recognized the princes as its only generals and military commanders: the people elected civil authorities and, obeying them, obeyed the charter of their will. Our fathers loved the Slavic blood among the people of Kyivians and other Russians, served them as friends and brothers, defeated their enemies and were famous for their victories with them. Vladimir spent his youth here; here, among the examples of a magnanimous people, arose great spirit his; here the wise conversation of our elders aroused in him the desire to ask all the nations of the earth about the mysteries of their faith, so that the truth would be revealed for the good of people; and when, convinced of the holiness of Christianity, he accepted it from the Greeks, the Novgorodians, more intelligent than other Slavic tribes, expressed more jealousy for the new true faith. The name of Vladimir is sacred in Novgorod; The memory of Yaroslav is sacred and dear, for he was the first of the Russian princes to establish the laws and freedom of the great city. Let insolence call our fathers ungrateful for repelling the power-hungry enterprises of his descendants! The spirit of Yaroslav would have been offended in the heavenly villages if we had not been able to preserve the ancient rights consecrated by his name. He loved the people of Novgorod because they were free; their gratitude gladdened his heart, for only free souls can be grateful: slaves obey and hate! No, our gratitude triumphs as long as the people, in the name of the fatherland, gather in front of Yaroslav’s house and, looking at these ancient walls, say with love: “Our friend lived there!”
The Prince of Moscow reproaches you, Novgorod, with your very prosperity - and we cannot justify ourselves in this guilt! So, of course: the Novgorod regions are blooming, the fields are covered with gold, the granaries are full, wealth is flowing to us like a river: the Great Hansa (18) is proud of our union; foreign guests seek our friendship, are amazed at the glory of the great city, the beauty of its buildings, the general abundance of citizens and, returning to their country, say: “We saw Novgorod and have not seen anything like it!” So, of course: Russia is in poverty - its land is stained with blood, villages and towns are deserted, people, like animals, take refuge in the forests; the father looks for the children and does not find them; widows and orphans beg at crossroads. So, we are happy - and guilty, because we dared to obey the laws of our own good, we dared not to participate in the civil strife of the princes, we dared to save the Russian name from shame and reproach, not to accept the Tatar shackles and preserve the precious dignity of the people!<...>
John wants to command a great city: no wonder! he saw its glory and wealth with his own eyes. But all the peoples of earth and future centuries would not cease to marvel if we wanted to obey him. With what hopes can he deceive us? Some unfortunate people are gullible; Only the unfortunate ones want change - but we are prosperous and free! We prosper because we are free! May John pray to heaven that in its anger it will blind us: then Novgorod may hate happiness and wish for destruction; but as long as we see our glory and the misfortunes of the Russian principalities, as long as we are proud of it and regret them, until then the rights of Novgorod are most holy to us in God.
I do not dare to justify you, men chosen by general power of attorney to rule! Slander in the mouth of lust for power and envy is unworthy of refutation. Where the country blooms and the people rejoice, there the rulers are wise and virtuous. How! are you selling the people's good? but can all the treasures of the world replace the love of your fellow free citizens? Whoever knows her sweetness, what does he want in the world? Is it the last happiness to die for the fatherland?
John's injustice and lust for power do not overshadow his commendable qualities and virtues in our eyes. For a long time already, popular rumor informed us about his greatness, and free people wanted to have the autocrat as a guest; their sincere hearts poured out freely in joyful exclamations at his triumphal entry. But the signs of our zeal, of course, deceived the Prince of Moscow; we wanted to express to him the pleasant hope that his hand would overthrow the Tatar yoke from Russia: he took it into his head that we demand from him the destruction of our own freedom! No no! may John be great, but may Novgorod be great too! May the Prince of Moscow be famous for the extermination of the enemies of Christianity, and not for the friends and brethren of the Russian land, for which it is still famous in the world! May he break her chains without placing them on the good and free Novgorodians! Akhmat (19) also dares to call him his tributary: let John go against the Mongol barbarians, and our faithful squad will open the way for him to Akhmatov’s camp! When the enemy is crushed, then we will say to him: John! You returned to the Russian land honor and freedom, which we never lost. Possess the treasures you found in the Tatar camp: they were collected from your land; there is no Novgorod stamp on them: we did not pay tribute to Batu or his descendants! Reign with wisdom and glory; heal the deep ulcers of Russia; make your subjects and our brothers happy - and if someday your united principalities will surpass Novgorod in glory; if we envy the prosperity of your people; if the Almighty punishes us with strife, disasters, humiliation, then - we swear in the name of the fatherland and freedom! - then we will come not to the capital of Poland, but to the royal city of Moscow, as the ancient Novgorodians once came to the brave Rurik, and we will say not to Casimir, but to you: “Control us! We no longer know how to rule ourselves!”
You shudder, O generous people!.. May this sad lot pass us by! Always be worthy of freedom and you will always be free! Heaven is just and plunges only vicious peoples into slavery. Do not be afraid of John’s threats when your heart burns with love for the fatherland and its holy statutes; when you can die for the honor of your ancestors and for the good of your descendants!
But if John speaks the truth; if, in fact, vile greed has taken possession of the souls of Novgorod residents; if we love treasures and bliss more than virtue and glory: then soon the last hour of our freedom will strike and the veche bell - its ancient voice - will fall from the Yaroslav tower and will be silent forever!.. Then, then we will envy the happiness of peoples who have never known freedom. Her menacing shadow will appear to us like a pale corpse and torment our hearts with useless repentance!
But know this, O Novgorod! that with the loss of freedom, the very source of your wealth will dry up: it revives hard work, sharpens the sickles and goldens the fields; it attracts foreigners to our walls with the treasures of trade; She also hails the Novgorod ships when they rush along the waves with a rich cargo...
Poverty, poverty will punish unworthy citizens who did not know how to preserve the heritage of their fathers! Your glory, O great city, will fade; your crowded ends will be desolate; the wide streets will be overgrown with grass, and your splendor, disappearing forever, will be the legend of the nations. In vain would a curious wanderer, among the sad ruins, want to look for the place where the veche gathered, where the house of the Yaroslavs stood and the marble image of Vadim: no one will show them to him. He will think sadly and say only: “Novgorod was here!..”
Here terrible scream He didn’t let the people speak to the mayor. “No, no! We will all die for the fatherland!” countless voices exclaim. “Novgorod is our sovereign! May John appear with the army!” Martha, standing in Vadimov's place, is amused by the effect of her speech.<...>
Suddenly there is a crash and thunder in the Great Square... the earth shakes under your feet... the alarm bell and the noise of the people fall silent... everyone is in amazement. Thick cloud dust covers Yaroslav's house and the place of execution from the eyes... A strong gust of wind finally blows away the thick darkness, and everyone sees with horror that the high tower of Yaroslav, a new proud building of the people's wealth, has fallen with the veche bell and is smoking in its ruins... ( 20) Struck by this phenomenon, the citizens remain silent... Soon the silence is interrupted by a voice that is intelligible, but similar to a dull groan, as if coming from deep cave: “O Novgorod! So your glory will fall! So your greatness will disappear!..” Hearts were horrified. Eyes were directed to one place; but the trace of the voice disappeared into the air along with the words; they searched in vain, in vain they wanted to know who said them. Everyone said: “We heard!”, no one could say from whom? Eminent officials, frightened by the popular impression more than by the incident itself, ascended one after another to Vadimov’s place and tried to calm the citizens. The people demanded the wise, generous, courageous Martha: those sent could not find her anywhere.
Meanwhile, a stormy night arrived. The torches lit up; a strong wind blew them incessantly; fire had to be constantly brought from neighboring houses. But the thousands and boyars worked zealously with the citizens: they dug up the veche bell and hung it on another tower. The people wanted to hear its sacred and kind ringing - they heard it and seemed at peace. The sedate mayor dissolved the veche. The crowds were thinning. Friends and neighbors also stopped in the square and on the streets to talk to each other; but soon there was a general silence, like at sea after a storm, and the very lights in the houses (where the wives of Novgorod were waiting with restless curiosity for their fathers, spouses and children) went out one after another.<...>
BOOK THREE
<...>At dawn, military tambourines thundered. All the Moscow legions were on the move, and Kholmsky, with his sword drawn, galloped along the haystacks. The people trembled, but gathered on the Great Square to find out their fate. There, on the scaffold, lay an axe. From Konets Slavyanskogo to the place of Vadimov stood warriors with shiny weapons and a menacing appearance; the commanders sat on horses in front of their squads. Finally, the iron bars fell, and the Boretsky gates dissolved: Martha comes out in golden clothes and a white veil. Elder Theodosius carries the image before her. Pale but firm Ksenia leads her by the hand. Spears and swords surround them. Martha's face is not visible; but she always walked so majestically through the haystacks, when officials were expecting her in the council or citizens at the assembly. The people and soldiers observed dead silence; terrible silence reigned; the mayor stopped in front of Yaroslav's house. Theodosius blessed her. She wanted to hug her daughter, but Ksenia fell; Martha put her hand on her heart - she showed pleasure with a sign and hurried to the high scaffold - she tore the veil from her head: she seemed languid, but calm - she looked with curiosity at the place of execution (where the broken image of Vadimov lay in the dust) - she looked at the gloomy, cloud-covered sky - with majestic despondency she lowered her gaze to the citizens... she approached the instrument of death and loudly said to the people: “Subjects of John! I am dying as a citizen of Novgorod!..” Martha was gone... Many involuntarily exclaimed in horror; others covered their eyes with their hands. The mayor's body was dressed in a black cover... They struck the tambourines - and Kholmsky, holding the charter in his hand, stood in Vadimov's former place. The drums fell silent... He took off the feathered helmet from his head and read loudly the following: “Glory to the justice of the sovereign! Thus perish the perpetrators of rebellion and bloodshed! People and boyars! Do not be horrified: John will not break his word; his merciful right hand is upon you. The blood of Boretskaya reconciles the enmity of the same tribe; one sacrifice, necessary for your peace, forever confirms this unbreakable union. From now on, we will consign to oblivion all the past disasters; from now on, the entire Russian land will be your dear fatherland, and the great sovereign will not be a free will, but a disastrous one! prosperity, justice and security are the three pillars of civil happiness: John promises them to you before the line of Almighty God..."
Then the Prince of Moscow appeared on the high porch of Yaroslav’s house, unarmed and with his head uncovered: he looked at the citizens with love and put his hand on his heart. Kholmsky read further: “He promises glory and prosperity to Russia; he swears on his own name and that of all his successors that the benefit of the people will forever and ever be dear and sacred to the Russian autocrats - or may God punish the perjurer! may his family disappear, and the new, heaven-blessed generation yes reigns on the throne to the happiness of the people!" (21)
Kholmsky put on his helmet. The princely legions cried out: “Glory and longevity to John!” The people were still silent. They started playing the trumpets - and in a single instant the high scaffold collapsed. In its place the white banner of John waved, and the citizens finally exclaimed: “Glory to the Russian sovereign!”
Elder Theodosius again withdrew into the desert and there, on the shore of the great Lake Ilmena, buried the body of Martha and Xenia. The foreign guests dug a grave for them and painted letters on the coffin, the meaning of which remains a mystery to this day. Of the seven hundred German citizens, only fifty people survived the siege of Novgorod: they immediately retired to their lands. The veche bell was removed from the ancient tower and taken to Moscow; the people and some famous citizens accompanied him far. They followed him with silent sorrow and tears, like tender children following their father's grave.
1. Martha the Posadnitsa, or the Conquest of Novagorod a. - For the first time - "Bulletin of Europe", 1803, Nos. 1-3. Karamzin based the story on a real historical fact- conquest of “free” Novgorod by Ivan III. From the 12th to the mid-15th century, Novgorod, separated from Ancient Rus', formed the Novgorod feudal republic. By the middle of the 15th century, the independence of Novgorod impeded the important historical process of eliminating the feudal fragmentation of Rus'. The boyars, who were in power in Novgorod, wanting to preserve their privileges, began to seek the transition of the republic to the side of Lithuania. The fate of Novgorod was decided at the Battle of the Sheloni River in 1471, when the troops of Moscow Prince Ivan III defeated the Novgorodians. In 1478, Novgorod and its possessions finally became part of the Russian centralized state
While correctly depicting the main course of events, Karamzin at the same time deviates from history in particulars, in details, and especially in the coverage of facts. Thus, in accordance with his philosophical and aesthetic beliefs, he forces Marfa Boretskaya (a real historical figure) to deny the connections of the Novgorod boyars with Lithuania. An even more characteristic deviation from historical truth is made when depicting the fate of Martha: Karamzin describes the execution of Martha; in reality she was not executed, but exiled to a monastery.
2. Wise John... - Ivan III Vasilievich(1440-1505) - Grand Duke of Moscow, who annexed Novgorod to the Russian state.
3. ...for example, Yaroslav, the asserter of their freedom. - Yaroslav the Wise (978-1054) reigned in Novgorod, from 1014 - Grand Duke of Kiev; marked the beginning of the separation of Novgorod from Kievan Rus.
4. These were the names of the parts of the city: Konets Nerovsky, Goncharsky, Slavyansky, Zagorodsky and Plotninsky.
5. ...in place... Vadimov... - Vadim the Brave is the legendary leader of the Novgorodians, who led the uprising against Prince Rurik (see below).
6. Rurik - the semi-legendary first Russian prince (IX century), called, according to the chronicle, by the Slavs from the Varangians.
7. Oleg (d. 912 or 922) - Prince of Novgorod and Kiev.
8. Svyatoslav Igorevich (d. 972 or 973) - Grand Duke of Kiev, who won victories in the wars with the Byzantine Empire.
9. Tzimiskes John I (925-976) - Byzantine emperor.
10. ...grandson of Olgin - Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (d. 1015) - Grand Duke of Kiev, during whose reign Christianity was introduced in Rus'. Olga (d. 969) - Grand Duchess Kyiv.
11. This is how they thought about the Tatars in Russia.
12. That is, merchants.
13. ...secret connections with... Casimir. - Casimir IV (1427-1492) - Polish king.
14. ...shore. The Kama River witnessed our victories. - The troops of Ivan III defeated the Tatars on the Kama River in 1468.
15. Dimitri Ivanovich Donskoy (1350-4389) - Grand Duke of Moscow. He defeated the Tatars in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380.
16. Mamai (d. 1380) - Khan of the Golden Horde, leader of the Tatar troops defeated by the Russian army in the Battle of Kulikovo.
17. The wife dares to speak at the meeting... - Novgorod laws did not give women the right to speak at public meetings.
18. The Union of Free German Cities, which had its offices in Novgorod.
19. Akhmat - Akhmet is the last khan of the Golden Horde; in 1465 and 1472 he undertook unsuccessful campaigns on Russian soil.
20. Our chronicles speak of the fall of the new bell tower and the horror of the people.
21. The Ioann family is extinguished, and the blessed family of the Romanovs reigns.
The events take place in 1478 during the reign of John III, who gathered the leveled principalities into a single power. The Novgorodians do not want to part with the freemen given to the great princes, do not agree to the annexation of their lands to Muscovy and decide to resist the large army of the sovereign.
The ringing of the bell called the townspeople to the Great Square. The eminent townsman Delinsky from the place of execution announces to the people's veche: the Prince of Moscow has sent the boyar Kholmsky, who will announce John's demands.
In a long speech, the boyar calls on the citizens of Novgorod to join the Principality of Moscow, reproaches them for their prosperity, trade and friendly relations with Poland and Lithuania while Rus' is drowning in blood. The Emperor will not stop until he crushes the foreign yoke. If Novgorod does not wish to voluntarily join, a brave army, ready to crush the Tatars, will appear and pacify the rebels. So peace or war?
After the passionate speech of the envoy Ioanov, the famous townswoman Marfa Boretskaya ascends to the place of execution to the approving cries of the crowd. She asks: is it really the fault of the Novgorodians for their prosperity? Novgorod did not participate in the civil strife of the princes, but bravely defended itself against Batu, who sought to tear the city to pieces. The fathers preferred honor and freedom to slavery. If the Novgorodians go to bow to John, they will lose both glory and prosperity.
The people do not allow the mayor to finish; calls for war are heard louder and louder. The ambassador sadly agrees: let there be war. Everywhere in the city the alarm bell is heard as a sign of the declaration of war. Martha hurried to her grandfather, the pious Theodosius. The elder foresees disasters. The woman brought the young orphan Miroslav with her and asked to bless the knight for battle. In the morning, Martha convinces the veche to confirm Miroslav as leader.
Anticipating evil, on the eve of the battle Martha marries her daughter Ksenia to Miroslav. The bishop himself crowns the newlyweds. Martha tells the newlyweds her story, what a meek wife she was. Only after the death of her beloved husband, who lived and breathed the fatherland, did she become a defender of Novgorod freedom. A messenger sent to the neighbors returned with sad news: Pskov refused to support Novgorod. The defenders began to arm themselves even more decisively and marched towards the selected army of the sovereign.
For a long time there was no news from the battlefield. Then a chariot appeared in the clouds of dust. Martha immediately understood: Miroslav was killed, John was the winner. In the brutal battle, many Novgorodians were killed, and Martha’s two sons were also killed. The mayor asks the citizens: do they regret their disobedience? If they crash, let them send her head to John, he will forgive the rest. The townspeople are ready to die, but not to surrender Novgorod. The battles begin again. John, unable to defeat the city in open battle, proceeds to a long siege.
Famine sets in, the last desperate defenders die in battles, Martha's enemies begin to grumble more and more loudly. Elder Theodosius is elected mayor, he gives the winner the keys to Novgorod. John forgives all the townspeople, he needs only one sacrifice... Rising to the scaffold, Martha exclaims: “I am dying a citizen of Novgorod!..”
As a sign of the abolition of the Novgorod veche, the bell is removed from the tower and taken to Moscow.
The events take place in 1478 during the reign of John III, who gathered the leveled principalities into a single power. The Novgorodians do not want to part with the freemen given to the great princes, do not agree to the annexation of their lands to Muscovy and decide to resist the large army of the sovereign.
The ringing of the bell called the townspeople to the Great Square. The eminent townsman Delinsky from the place of execution announces to the people's veche: the Prince of Moscow has sent the boyar Kholmsky, who will announce John's demands.
In a long speech, the boyar calls on citizens
Novgorodsky to join the Moscow principality, reproaches them for their prosperity, trade and friendly relations with Poland and Lithuania while Rus' is drowning in blood. The Emperor will not stop until he crushes the foreign yoke. If Novgorod does not wish to voluntarily join, a brave army, ready to crush the Tatars, will appear and pacify the rebels. So peace or war?
After the passionate speech of the envoy Ioanov, the famous townswoman Marfa Boretskaya ascends to the place of execution to the approving cries of the crowd. She asks: is it really the fault of the Novgorodians for their prosperity? Novgorod did not participate in the civil strife of the princes, but bravely
He defended himself from Batu, who was trying to tear the city apart. The fathers preferred honor and freedom to slavery. If the Novgorodians go to bow to John, they will lose both glory and prosperity.
The people do not allow the mayor to finish; calls for war are heard louder and louder. The ambassador sadly agrees: let there be war. Everywhere in the city the alarm bell is heard as a sign of the declaration of war. Martha hurried to her grandfather, the pious Theodosius. The elder foresees disasters. The woman brought the young orphan Miroslav with her and asked to bless the knight for battle. In the morning, Martha convinces the veche to confirm Miroslav as leader.
Anticipating evil, on the eve of the battle Martha marries her daughter Ksenia to Miroslav. The bishop himself crowns the newlyweds. Martha tells the newlyweds her story, what a meek wife she was. Only after the death of her beloved husband, who lived and breathed the fatherland, did she become a defender of Novgorod freedom. A messenger sent to the neighbors returned with sad news: Pskov refused to support Novgorod. The defenders began to arm themselves even more decisively and marched towards the selected army of the sovereign.
For a long time there was no news from the battlefield. Then a chariot appeared in the clouds of dust. Martha immediately understood: Miroslav was killed, John was the winner. In the brutal battle, many Novgorodians were killed, and Martha’s two sons were also killed. The mayor asks the citizens: do they regret their disobedience? If they crash, let them send her head to John, he will forgive the rest. The townspeople are ready to die, but not to surrender Novgorod. The battles begin again. John, unable to defeat the city in open battle, proceeds to a long siege.
Famine sets in, the last desperate defenders die in battles, Martha's enemies begin to grumble more and more loudly. Elder Theodosius is elected mayor, he gives the winner the keys to Novgorod. John forgives all the townspeople, he needs only one sacrifice... Rising to the scaffold, Martha exclaims: “I am dying as a citizen of Novgorod. »
As a sign of the abolition of the Novgorod veche, the bell is removed from the tower and taken to Moscow.
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