self before another, while to another he will in addition
prostrate himself, even with his head to the ground; this latter is also
very frequently done at intervals during the celebration of their services:
but their churches are always open, so that if any one wants to pay
devotion to a particular image (or picture) while no service is going on,
he can do so.

I understand that they consider they worship the deity through these
representations. In the present day these gods are called _obraaz_, of
which the literal translation is _image_. The old Sclavonic word for them
is _eekona_, which was formerly in general use, and has exactly the same
meaning, answering to the Greek word [Greek: eikon]. As far as I can make
out, neither of these words can be translated _picture_; but I do not
remember to have found this point touched upon in any books I I have read
on Russia or its religion; and hope, if any correspondent is able to give
us farther information on the subject, he will do so.

The Russians also believe in relics, in their efficacy in healing diseases,
working other miracles, &c. Notwithstanding this, a very short time ago, a
new relic was found in the south of Russia, and a courier being immediately
despatched with it to the Emperor at St. Petersburg; on his arrival, his
Imperial Majesty (expecting some important news regarding his operations in
the neighbourhood of Turkey), when told his errand, exclaimed, "Away with
the relic! it is time to put an end to such nonsense." Would that this were
to be carried out! But their superstitions seem too deeply rooted to be
done away with in a short time.

J. S. A.

* * * * *

LEICESTERSHIRE EPITAPHS.

Having seen only one epitaph from this county among those which have
appeared in "N. & Q.," I annex a few specimens, which you may perhaps deem
worth inserting in your pages.

Burbage:

"These pretty babes, who we did love,
Departed from us like a dove;
These babes, who we did much adore,
Is gone, and cannot come no more."

Hinckley:

"My days on earth they were but few,
With fever draughts and cordials few,
They wasted like the morning dew."

Braunstone:

"All triumph yesterday, to-day all terror!
Nay, the fair morning overcast ere even:
Nay, one short hour saw well and dead, War's mirror
Having Death's swift stroke unperceived given."

{583}

Another:

"An honest, prudent wife was she;
And was alwa