NITCHEGO.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue II, 14 July 1894, Page 47

NITCHEGO.

In 1862, Prince Bismarck, then Ambassador of Prussia at the Court of St. Petersburg, was invited to the imperial hunt. Being an enthusiastic hunter, he went to the designated place on the evening before the appointed day in order to have a little sport by himself. Game was abundant, and Bismarck had a good time, but somehow he lost his way. When the time for the imperial hunt approached, Bismarck found himself fourteen miles away from the place. A peasant ottered his services to take Bismarck to the right place. He appeared with a team of ponies and a village sleigh. Bismarck doubted that the Russian driver could get him there in time to engage in the hunt. * Are you sure you can get me there in time?’ asked Bismarck.

• Nitchego !’ answered the moujik quietly. (‘Nitchego’ is the Russian for ‘ never mind,’ or ‘ all right.') * These are rather rats than horses,’ remarked Bismarck, taking bis seat in the sleigh. ‘ Nitchego !’ was the answer.

The peasant whipped up his horses, and they went as swiftly as a pair of falcons. Bismarck could scarcely keep his seat.

‘You do not spare your horses at all,’ remarked the famous passenger, gasping for breath. • Nitchego !’ said the driver. ‘You say “Nitchego,” but they may fall dead on the way.’

• Nitchego !’ ‘ You will break my neck !’ finally exclaimed Bismarck, scared in good earnest. ‘ Nitchego !’ answered the Russian, with a bit of a smile on his face.

Presently there was a smash. Bismarck Hew against a tree and bruised his face. He jumped up very angry, snatched an iron-rod from the sleigh, and rushed at the peasant, vowing vengeance. The driver coolly picked up a handful of snow, with which he good-naturedly wiped the blood stains from Bismarck’s face. • Nitchego !’ he uttered, as he finished the operation.

• That invariable Russian “ Nitchego ” disarmed me,’ said

Bismarck, telling the story to a Russian diplomatist. ‘ When I returned to St. Petersburg I ordered a jeweller to make me a ring from the rod, with the inscription in Russian, “ Nitchego. ” ’ The Russian * Nitchego ’ became the watchword of Bismarck’s policy. • Whenever,’ said lie, ‘ I meet troubles and dangers, 1 say in Russian, “ Nitchego !” then I go ahead.’