Note 90 — Chapter XVII
Aylmer Maude translation
Stenka Razin was by origin a common Cossack. His brother was hung for a breach of military discipline, and to this event Stenka Razin’s hatred of the governing classes has been attributed. He formed a robber band, and subsequently headed a formidable rebellion, declaring himself in favour of freedom for the serfs, religious toleration, and the abolition of taxes. Like the Government he opposed, he relied on force, and, though he used it largely in defence of the poor against the rich, he still held to
“The good old rule, the simple plan,
That they should take who have the power,
And they should keep who can.”
Like Robin Hood he is favourably treated in popular legends.—Trans.