It is difficult to discover the fundamental peculiarities of a nation which has long laboured under the yoke of an oppressive slavery ; but by comparing it with other nations in a similar condition, it may be possible in some measure to separate the original from the assumed features of the character. The subjection of the Lettes was an easy task to the Germans, whilst their wars with the Esthonians were long and bloody. Even when the conquest was concluded, the conquerors were for some time troubled by perpetual insuiTections among them ; whereas the Lettes submitted unresistingly to their yoke. This alone would be sufficient to prove the greater spirit and energy of the Esthonians ; and although they have been deprived of freedom for so long a time, they have never ceased to value it, and never lose an opportunity of struggling to recover it. The Russians and Poles wear the fetters of their slavery with an ease and cheerfulness perfectly astonishing. They kiss the foot which is planted on their neck. The proud, stubborn, independent Esthonian, on the contrary, shows continually that his submission is forced, not voluntary. He humbles liimself with difficulty, and bears his wrongs with smothered indignation. The Germans of Dorpat and other places, rank the character of the Esthonians, on this account, far higher than that of the Lettes ; they despise the latter, wliile thy fear the former. Whilst both nations were yet free, the Lettes used to suffer much from the aggressions of their warlike and adventurous neighbours.
The Lettes, and still more the Russians, have polite, respectful, and conciliating manners, while those of the Esthonians are rough, stern, and repulsive. They never greet one another in a friendly manner on meeting, as even the lowest Russians do ; and even a German, if he does not happen to be their master, receives no sign of recognition. Deceitfulness
384 HOUSES, COSTUME, AND MANNER OF LIFE.
treachery, laziness, and a gloomy indifference to any improvement in his condition, the Esthonian shares with most other serfs ; and these quahtiea he possesses in a far higher degree than the Russian, who is as faithful and industrious as a serf can possibly be. The peculiar disposition to petty thieving, which we have remarked as characteristic of the Lettes, may be also observed in their Esthonian brethren.
To the oppressed and tormented serfs of the Russian empire, brandy is so necessary as an antidote to the whip, that drunkenness is a sin equally prevalent among Esthonians, Lettes, Cossacks, and Russians. Brandy is with them the milk of young and old, the delight of men and women.
Though more energetic than the feeble Lette, the Esthonian only shows his energy in fighting and quarreling, and he is still more indolent at work. The plastic, quick, and pliable nature of this people is one of the most remarkable things about them. To imitate the skill of German mechanics, to learn to read and write very quickly, and almost without instructers, to become servant, soldier, steward, and labourer, with equal ease and rapidity, is as easy to the Esthonian as to the Lette and Russian. A nation whose favourite perfume is asafoetida (the women and children among the Esthonians are fond of hanging small pieces of asafoetida round their necks by way of a smelling-bottle) cannot be a deUcate, tasteful, or cleanly people. In fact, with the exception of the Polish Jews, they are the most deficient in these points of any race in Europe. The Esthonians scarcely know what disgust is ; and their dwelling-houses are more filthy and repulsive than the stables of the Lettes and Russians.
The Lettes are generally despised as effeminate and cowardly, and the Esthonians as discourteous and filthy ; but on the whole, the former have far more that is agreeable and lovable, and are more generally liked.
Like all Finnish races, the Esthonians are not of a large stature. Slender and tall figures are rarely seen among them. Their Mongolian origin is evident in their features ; in their small eyes, broad cheeks, pointed noses, double chins, and small mouths. Their complexion is more sallow than that of the Lettes, and their hair flaxen or yellow. The women are generally fatter than the men ; but it may be more owing to the state of servitude in which they live, than to any natural peculiarity, that a portly man is so rarely seen among them.
HOUSES, COSTUME, AND MANNER OF LIFE.
The appearance of an Esthonian Bauehof is the ne plus ultra of dirt, disorder, and misery. Their villages look as if they had been plundered by a Tartar horde. Their household utensils and furniture are rough and rude, and their food coarse and scanty. No doubt many savages enjoy more comfort and luxury in their miserable wigwams, than these Esthcnians m their still more miserable houses.