“In 1613, at the very time when Russia was preparing to emerge with honor from the difficulties created by the unfavorable conditions of the Time of Troubles, in London, on one of the rainy winter days, some special, intensified movement was noticed on the streets. Entire crowds of the most diverse people hurriedly and animatedly walked in the same direction where the huge, clumsy carriages of the nobility, drawn by four white horses covered with bright blankets, were slowly crawling, rumbling and knocking. Every now and then, loud, commanding voices of walkers are heard, clearing space for the lady’s crew. A group of officers, sparkling with the polished steel of their cuirass, follows on the sides and behind, riding on heavy Andalusian horses...”