On the Baltic Russia had not then a single port.

Her maritime trade with the other rations of Christendom was entirely carried on at Archangel, a place which had been created and was supported by adventurers from our island.

In the days of the Tudors, a ship from England, seeking a north east passage to the land of silk and spice, had discovered the White Sea.

The barbarians who dwelt on the shores of that dreary gulf had never before seen such a portent as a vessel of a hundred and sixty tons burden.

They fled in terror; and, when they were pursued and overtaken, prostrated themselves before the chief of the strangers and kissed his feet.