He impressed a kiss upon the brow of his wife,
and in a low tone called her by the tenderest names.
The child awoke and smilingly looked up from Anna's bosom to both of his
parents. Anna lifted up the little Ivan.
"Look there, my son," said she--"there you will no longer be an emperor,
but you will have the right to be a free and happy man. No crown awaits
you there, but freedom, worth more than all the crowns in the world."
Little Ivan exultingly stretched forth his tiny arms, as if he would
draw down to his childish heart this future and this freedom so highly
lauded by his mother.
And, like the child, the parents looked smilingly out upon the broad
expanse that stretched away before them.
Look only forward, constantly forward, where the skies are clear, and
dream of happiness! Look forward--no, turn not backward your glance, for
the horizon darkens in your rear; misfortune is closely following upon
your track! You see it not, you only look forward and still you smile.
It draws nearer and nearer, this black cloud of evil. It is the ravens,
the booty-scenting ravens who are following you!
Look forward, dream yourselves happy, and smile yet. What would it help
you to look back! You cannot escape the calamity.
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