A few hours after three o’clock in the morning, Dr. Mandt entered.  “Tell me candidly,” said the emperor, “what my disease is.  You know I have always forewarned you to inform me in time if I fell seriously ill, in order that I might not neglect the duties of a Christian.”

“I can not conceal from your majesty,” the physician replied, “that the disease is becoming serious.  The right lung is attacked.”

“Do you mean to say that it is threatened with paralysis?” enquired the emperor.  The doctor replied, “If the disease do not yield to our efforts, such may indeed be the result; but we do not yet observe it, and we still have some hope of seeing you restored.”

“Ah,” said the emperor, “I now comprehend my state and know what I have to do.”  Dismissing his physician he summoned his eldest son, Alexander, who was to succeed him upon the throne; calmly informed him that he deemed his condition hopeless and that the hour of death was approaching.  “Say nothing,” he continued, “to your mother which may alarm her fears; but send immediately for my confessor.”

The archpriest Bajanof soon entered, and commenced the prayers which precede confession.  The prayers being finished, the emperor crossed himself and said, “Lord Jesus, receive me into thy bosom.”  He then partook of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper with the empress and his son Alexander.  The remaining members of the imperial family were then summoned into the chamber.  He announced with firmness his approaching end, and gave to each his particular blessing.  The empress, overwhelmed with anguish, cried out, “Oh, God! can I not die with him?”

“You must live for our children,” said the emperor; and then turning to his son Alexander, he added, “You know that all my anxiety, all my efforts had for their object the good of Russia.  My desire was to labor until I could leave you the empire thoroughly organized, protected from all danger from without, and completely tranquil and happy.  But you see at what a time and under what circumstances I die.  Such, however, seems to be the will of God.  Your burden will be heavy.”

Alexander, weeping, replied, “If I am destined to lose you, I have the certainty that in heaven you will pray to God for Russia and for us all.  And you will ask His aid that I may be able to sustain the burden which He will have imposed upon me.”

“Yes,” the emperor replied, “I have always prayed for Russia and for you all.  There also will I pray for you.”  Then speaking to the whole assembled group, he added, “Remain always, as hitherto, closely united in family love.”

Several of the important officers of the State were then introduced.  The emperor thanked them for their faithful services and tried devotion, and recommended them to his son as worthy of all trust, gave them his benediction and bade them farewell.  At his request his domestic servants were then brought into the room.  To one, who was especially devoted to the empress, he said,