transcript

Speaker 1:
[00:00] Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios and is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and premium members. If you'd like to listen ad free and access weekly bonus episodes, extra long stories and our entire back catalog, you can try out premium free for seven days by following the link in the episode notes. Now, a quick word from our sponsors.

Speaker 2:
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Speaker 2:
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Speaker 1:
[01:30] Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas, and I'm your host. Thank you so much for tuning in. I'm so delighted to say that tonight, we're returning to one of my all-time favorite series on Get Sleepy, the Library of Time. A few years ago, we did several episodes set in this magical place that transports us to lands and events from the distant past. On this occasion, Jessika will be reading to us as we travel to 18th century Russia and visit the court of Catherine II. You might know her as Catherine the Great, the Russian Empress celebrated by many. She exceeded everyone's expectations and went on to shape an entire generation. We'll learn all about her in just a moment. And I want to thank Jo Steer for writing this wonderful episode. Before we begin, let's take a bit of time to relax and settle. Just as we always do, here on Get Sleepy. You may find that simply listening along to my voice, loosely focusing on my words, and enjoying the comfort of your bed is enough to bring forth this process of unwinding. Or, perhaps, you're still feeling a bit restless and stimulated from the day, and you may like to join me in a few mindful breaths to help release those energies. For the first couple of breaths then, try squeezing your shoulders up to your neck and holding any tension in the body there for a few seconds. Then, when you're ready, release the breath and let the shoulders soften and relax. Again, breathing in, squeezing tension into the shoulders, then letting it go. One more time like this. Breathing in, holding the tension, then letting it all go. And now, on the following few breaths, sense yourself breathing in the essence of calm and tranquillity. Then, as you release the air back out, clear your mind of any disruptive thoughts or worries. Breathing in calming energy. Releasing busy thoughts and any stresses. You can continue those breathing techniques for as long as you like, listening to what your body needs and inviting a deeper sense of peace to wash over you. As your mind clears and your body relaxes, imagine that you are facing a grand wooden door. Adventures await you through this door, and it is here where our story begins.

Speaker 3:
[06:49] The door is like none that you've ever seen. Each inch is decorated with intricate patterns. The wood is dark, glossy, and aromatic. It might be cedar, or maybe walnut, or mahogany. The figure of a woman stands out at the center, framed by patterns engraved in the wood. She wears a long gown and has a crown on her head. In her hands, she holds an orb and a scepter. The woman somehow looks familiar. She seems bold and confident, like a powerful leader. Yet, there's also a softness, a kindness in her eyes. Above the image of the woman, letters have been carved into the wood. They're so entwined that you can't fully make them out. What looks like the letter C is looped around two Roman numerals. Something about the door seems to draw you towards it. You raise a hand to its surface, tracing the carvings with your fingers. The wood feels smooth as you follow the grooves and indentations. It smells beautiful, like fresh woodland trees. It's as if it were carved just hours ago. The surface vibrates as you trace the letters with your fingers, and then more so as you reach for the handle. Resting your hand on the cool bronze, you push down gently and open the door. Although it's heavy, it falls open easily. Behind it is the foyer of the grandest library. You assume it's a library because there are countless bookshelves lit by the glow of hanging chandeliers, though it also resembles the hallway of a grand cathedral with its stained glass windows and massive stone pillars. As the sun shines through the windows, colorful patterns are reflected onto the marble beneath your feet. You wander slowly across the room, walking between rows of mahogany bookshelves. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, everything beneath it glitters and sparkles. There are also many candlesticks, positioned atop bookshelves and cabinets all around the room. One of these candlesticks draws your attention. It sits alone on a small round table at the end of the hall near a staircase. You walk towards the table, and pick up the candle. Then, you notice a plaque that's been hung on the wall. The writing has been embossed in gold, and it shines in the candlelight. You read it aloud. Welcome to the Library of Time. Only the most curious of souls can find this place. Each and every book connects to a different time and place. While in the past, you will neither be seen nor heard. You cannot change the past after all. You can only learn from it, and learn you shall. Feeling intrigued, you turn towards the staircase and make your way slowly up carpeted steps. One hand rests loosely on the smooth wooden banister. The other holds the candlestick which lights the way. Step by step, the next floor is revealed. There are countless wooden bookshelves. Each one is crowded with books of every color, shining like gemstones from top to bottom. The shelves are lit by tall candlesticks which stand at shoulder height. You meander between shelves, gazing at the colors, until a particular book captures your interest. You reach towards one with a powder blue cover. On its spine, written in silver, is the year 1770. You can't explain the way you're feeling, but something tells you that you're destined to read it. And somehow, you know that there's an area behind the bookshelves, a cozy place meant for you to discover. You carry the book and the candlestick towards the section behind the shelves, where a blue sofa is positioned beneath a skylight. There's a small end table next to the sofa, where you set down the candle. Then, you sink down into the cushions, making yourself comfortable before you begin reading. Catherine II was the Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796. She defied expectation, overthrowing her husband, Peter III. Catherine would be Russia's longest-reigning empress and would earn the title Catherine the Great. She expanded Russian territory in the West and South, gaining over 200,000 square miles for the Russian Empire. She made liberal reforms across a range of areas, particularly in the arts and education. Culture flourished under Catherine. She played a vital role in the Russian Enlightenment. As you close the book and place it on the table, you wonder what it must have been like to live in Catherine's court. To see the Empress at the height of her power. Your eyes fall closed as you let yourself imagine the sights and sounds, the fragrances and textures. A feeling overtakes you as you sink into the sofa. You feel as though you're floating through time and space. It's a strange experience, but also very pleasant, similar to the feeling of soaking in a bathtub. Sensations of warmth and comfort move in waves across your body. You're awash with calm as you open your eyes, and what you see now fills you with curiosity. You're no longer on the sofa in the library. Instead, you're seated at a large dining table in a grand room lit by the light of many candles. The dining room is far smaller than the library, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in opulence. Ivory walls showcase gold and bronze moldings, a match for the fixtures and fittings around the room. The paintings on the walls have elaborate gold frames, as do the mirrors, which run floor to ceiling between them. In one mirror, you see the reflection of the banquet that's taking place at the table. The diners are dressed in the fashions of the 18th century. The men wear jackets over frilled waistcoats and breeches, while the women wear floor-length dresses pulled in at the waist around a corset. Both the men and women wear wigs, they're white or off-white and carefully styled. Many of the ladies have jewels in their hair and wear elaborate tiaras of pearls and rubies. You're not really sure who these people are, but something tells you that you're in good company. Everyone seems relaxed, happy and easygoing, and they're seemingly unaware of your presence at the table. They sip from glasses of the finest crystal, talking as if you weren't there. The mood is warm and friendly, and everything seems to glow softly in the light of the candles. The food has been served, but no one is eating. You get the impression that they're waiting for something. That something, or rather, someone, enters the room just moments later. Catherine the Great is immediately recognizable in her fine gown of light blue and gold. She wears a silk sash diagonally across her shoulder, a ribbon of sapphire that reaches all the way to her hip. The white curls of her wig fall in ringlets around her neck, framing a necklace of sparkling diamonds. The necklace matches her large dangling earrings and a bejeweled silk headdress. She's a near perfect match to portraits you've seen before, including one on the wall behind you. Though in person, perhaps, she's a little less serious. There's the hint of a smile as she walks towards the table. The diners all stand as Catherine joins them at the head of the table. She raises a glass of sparkling crystal and leads the group in toasting the occasion. She speaks in Russian, like everyone at the table, but you're able to understand every word. You learn that today is May the 2nd. You're in the Royal Court of Russia and the year is 1770. The date is significant because it's Catherine's birthday. She's celebrating with friends as she turns 41. Perhaps that's why the group looks so merry and why the Empress seems so relaxed and smiley. The group raise their glasses to Catherine's good health and sip their drinks before sitting once again. They reach for cutlery once the Empress is eating and continue to gossip between mouthfuls of food. You're seated beside the Empress, though the table is so large that you're about a meter away. It's the perfect spot to eavesdrop on conversations all while enjoying the food on your plate. The feast before you is one fit for royalty. The meats are succulent and expertly seasoned, while the vegetables beside them are fresh and colorful. You suspect they've been grown in the grounds of the palace. The conversation is as scintillating as the food is delicious, and the Empress seems relaxed among her friends and loved ones. By modern standards, the dinner party is very formal, but to the Empress of Russia, it's like most other evenings. She seems to be in a mood that's both cheerful and reflective. As she talks to those around her, she reminisces about how far she's come. Catherine was born in Stettin in the Kingdom of Prussia. Her father was a German prince, making her a princess. But despite these titles, Catherine's family had little money, and in a political system that was restrictive and competitive, Catherine could better her circumstances only through marriage. She laughs as she sips from her glass, telling her friends that she was an attractive prospect. Although she was something of a tomboy, she'd received a princess's education and been trained in etiquette by her French governess. However, her marriage to Peter, the future emperor of Russia, wasn't entirely the result of her charms. It was primarily the outcome of political maneuverings and the interference of Catherine's mother, a notorious court gossip. That isn't to say that Catherine didn't work hard when she arrived in Russia at the age of 15. Already fluent in French and German, she studied late into the night, learning the Russian language. She remembers deciding to do whatever was required, whatever it took to wear the crown. In fact, Catherine explains, she worked herself into illness. Those late nights of study in the cold Russian winter led her to develop a case of pneumonia. Thankfully, she recovered to the joy of all, perhaps none more so than the Empress Elizabeth. Elizabeth was Peter's aunt, and she had quickly grown fond of Catherine. Her affection only grew when Catherine converted from Lutheranism and was welcomed into the Russian Orthodox Church. Catherine had been known as Princess Sophie, but received a new name upon her conversion. She was named after Catherine I, Elizabeth's mother, and Peter's grandmother. For a moment, Catherine pauses, and her eyes sparkle as she pulls a string on the table. To your astonishment, the plates disappear. Each one is turned over to reveal empty place settings, as if the used plates have been magicked away. In fact, the table is connected to the kitchen via complex hidden mechanism. Plates travel down individual chutes to the other room, where the staff are busy preparing dessert. As Catherine waits for the dishes to appear like magic, she recalls her royal wedding in St. Petersburg. It was 1745, and Catherine was 16 years old. Thanks to the efforts of Empress Elizabeth, it was the talk of Europe. Unfortunately, however, the marriage itself was disappointing. Catherine had disliked Peter from their very first meeting. He was immature, and at times, abrasive. The couple had little in common. Both Catherine and her husband had affairs as a distraction from what was essentially a marriage of convenience. Nonetheless, they did manage to produce an heir, a son named Paul. One day, he'll become Paul I, the first emperor of Russia. As the Empress continues talking, dessert appears. Plates full of food pop up around the table. There's a mixture of cakes and delicate pastries with nuts and berries drizzled with honey. You savor your sweet dessert while remaining gripped by Catherine's conversation. She's recalling the circumstances of how she came to power after Elizabeth's passing in 1762. That's when Catherine's husband ascended the throne as Peter III, emperor of Russia. Catherine gained the title of Empress Consort, sharing her husband's rank, if not his power. This changed dramatically just six months later when Catherine's allies led a coup against her husband. His policies had alienated his Russian supporters, and his plans to attack Denmark had a similar effect abroad. Catherine made a speech to the imperial army, asking for protection from her husband. Peter was arrested and forced to abdicate. He would pass away just eight days later. While Catherine continued to indulge in affairs, she chose not to marry. Never again would she share her power. The clergy ordained Catherine as sole ruler, in a series of events that amazed the outside world. She was crowned in Moscow in 1762. The Imperial Crown of Russia was created for the occasion. Catherine's wearing it, in fact, in the portrait on the wall. It's distinctive in shape, comprising two half spheres. They represent the connection between east and west. The crown is said to be made of nearly 5,000 diamonds, some of which are arranged in the shapes of leaves. Looking at the painting, you notice that there's a cross at the top of the crown. Just below is a magnificent gemstone, a red spinel, which resembles a ruby. In the painting, Catherine is in her early thirties, as fresh-faced and lovely as she is today. The crown sits on top of her natural brunette curls, her cheeks are rosy, and her lips curled in a smile. Only now do you see that it's the very same woman whose depiction you saw earlier, the carving on the library door. Just as before, Catherine holds an orb and sceptre, but here they're in color, a dazzling shade of gold. You stand up and wander over to the portrait, wanting to take a closer look. It's the kind of painting that you could stare at for hours, becoming lost in the creases of the silky gown. You're not sure how long you've been standing there by the time you turn around and look back at the table. But the dinner party appears to have concluded. The room is empty, except for a few servants tidying up. You can hear voices outside the door. Catherine's tone is soothing and familiar. You follow the sound down a marble corridor beneath vaulted ceilings adorned with gold. You recognize the décor as being Rococo, sometimes referred to as late Baroque. It's a style that might be described as excessively ornamental, with sculpted molding, painted frescoes, and an abundance of gold and silver. The décor would have impressed Louis XIV, the king responsible for the Palace of Versailles. Although here in Russia, at dusk in early May, it's a little cooler than it might be in France. You discover this yourself as you wander outside, through a glass panel door that opens out to a terrace. The tiles are black and white, like a chessboard, and the terrace is lit by large fire pits that are dotted around its edges. Here you find Catherine paused in conversation, her blue silk gown trailing along the ground. She's speaking to a man in a suit of green velvet. You gather from their conversation that the man is an architect and that this is the Imperial Summer Palace known as Catherine's Palace after Catherine the First. The palace is located near St. Petersburg in a place known as Tsarskaya Silo. The name means Tsar's Village. You follow behind the pair as they set off walking along the white gravel pathways that weave around the gardens. You realize that you've been dining in a remote building, a private hermitage that's separate from the palace. Looking over your shoulder, you examine its powder blue façade. There are many white pillars and large arched windows with decorative details in gold. In the middle is a balcony with wrought iron railings. Every inch is decorated in black and gold patterns, with the image of a crown front and center. You can see that the main palace is similarly decorated. Even from afar, it dominates the landscape. It must be hundreds of meters long, with more than a thousand doors and windows. From the conversation between Catherine and her architect, you learn that there are 40 state apartments and a hundred private rooms. There's a chapel and a Chinese room full of porcelain, as well as a portrait hall, a light gallery, a conservatory, and hanging gardens. It sounds like the palace has been renovated many times. Each new monarch has made their mark on the building. Catherine is planning to do just the same, replacing baroque features with neoclassical design. There's talk of materials like silk from France in a shade of bright, yellowy gold, and lapis lazuli from Lake Baikal in Siberia to form cobalt panels across doors and tables. Plans also extend to the gardens, where Catherine has ideas for several grand monuments. For now, though, she's focused on the planting of a so-called English garden. Pioneered in England, this type of garden has become fashionable throughout Europe, replacing the symmetrical French gardens of the 17th century. It's considered more informal than its French counterpart, with designs inspired by painters of the time. Landscapes reflect an idealized view of nature. They're raw and natural, rugged and romantic. Catherine is very fond of this design. As she walks along the path, she gushes about the slopes and curves of English gardens and the beauty of their lakes. The English garden will form a brand new section, alongside other features that were built earlier. A large pond, a toboggan slide, and a grotto and pavilions. You're not really sure which part you're in now, as you follow the Empress through a charming grove. Trees are lined up like imperial bodyguards standing to attention. The evening breeze rustles gently through the leaves, carrying the scent of woodland towards you. It reminds you of the smell of the library door, blended with the fragrance of flowers and springtime. It's hard to imagine any need for improvement as you look around at this sprawling estate. At dusk, the fire pits only add to its magic. The leaves of the trees look sumptuous, like velvet shining in the firelight. Beyond the treeline, you see water glistening, a large lake surrounded by nature. You follow the pair as they stroll towards the lake, with the main palace visible in the distance. It dominates the landscape like a sapphire gemstone in an expanse of emerald lawns. The empress and the architect walk towards a building of similar design, a blue and white pavilion that's a miniature of the palace. It's similar to the hermitage where you ate your grand dinner, though it's perhaps even prettier. The building is named the Grotto Pavilion, a name traditionally given to waterside structures. To you, it looks like a palace or Greek temple with the blue and white columns that surround its exterior. At the front of the building is a stone terrace and steps that lead down towards the water. It's here that Catherine bids farewell to the architect who heads back to the palace. The Empress turns towards the water where her staff are waiting beside a gilded rowboat. Catherine climbs in and you take a seat opposite, ready to be transported across the great pond. The Empress looks relaxed as the boat glides across the water. She closes her eyes as if she's listening to the sound. It's lovely to see this powerful monarch being soothed by the water, just like anyone else. It's a sound that you also find relaxing, the lapping of waves against the boat. But unlike the Empress, you keep your eyes open and watch the sun as it sets over the horizon. Moment by moment, the daylight fades and the trees around the lakeside are transformed into silhouettes. By the time Catherine opens her eyes, it's to a night sky. A blanket of shining stars is mirrored on the surface of the lake. Catherine looks up into the dark sky. Something begins to happen as you follow her gaze. With a burst of sound, colors begin to spread across the sky. Fireworks are being lit in honor of the Empress' birthday. Catherine's face glows as she stares in wonder at the sky above her. Fireworks sparkle in hues of bronze, gold, and silver, and form the patterns of flowers opening in springtime. You catch their reflection on the water around you, where the fireworks are mirrored on its rippling surface. It creates a truly dreamlike picture. One that moves and alters with each passing moment. You watch the colors dance across the water as the boat slows down by an island. Catherine steps out and heads over to a building, a gorgeous pavilion in the center of the lake. You follow the empress up the steps of the entrance, where fire pits light the way behind a row of Greek columns. You relish the warmth that radiates from the fire as you wander inside, through a large wooden doorway. The interior of the pavilion is lit by chandeliers and the flames of candelabras, which are reflected in the mirrors. The building is rococo in design, like the rest of the palace, with a gold ceiling and patterned wooden floor. Marble columns are lined up around the room, stretching from the floor up to the ceiling. Opulent vases are dotted between them, along with the busts of historic figures. Bookshelves are lined up against the back wall, not far from a desk of engraved cedar. A blue silk chair sits behind the desk, matching the other seating in the room. Catherine wanders over to the desk, where she's quickly attended by one of her servants. He brings her a drink in a small crystal glass and serves up a letter tied neatly in a ribbon. You read the letter over the Empress's shoulder. It's from Voltaire, the famed French writer and philosopher. You remember reading that the pair never met, but were friends and pen pals for over 15 years. On the page, the affection between them is obvious. Voltaire refers to the Empress as the Star of the North. He also goes on to discuss principles of the Enlightenment movement, which has been sweeping across Europe since the late 17th century. Catherine looks thoughtful as she reads the letter, and then reaches for parchment from a drawer within the desk. As she writes a response, you watch from behind, listening to the sound of her quill tip on paper. Catherine writes to the philosopher much like a friend, discussing plays she's seen recently, and comedies that she's read. She updates him proudly on her museum in St. Petersburg, which now houses more paintings than anywhere in the globe. There's also much talk of matters of state, as if Voltaire were one of the Empress' advisors. She reports on the progress of a commission she's at the head of. Their task is to incorporate philosophy into law. It's clear that Catherine has progressive ideas, though by modern standards she's far from democratic. She seeks to maintain her own autocratic power. However, she believes in a monarchy governed by laws. The principles of the Enlightenment emphasize science and reason alongside the separation of church and state. Catherine explains that she's welcomed many experts to Russia, botanists, mathematicians, astronomers and other scientists. She's also in favor of a more secular curriculum in schools and has many other educational reforms in mind. Her passion is clear as she writes to Voltaire about a new kind of person that this system might create. Catherine is determined that girls should be educated as well as boys. She envisions a curriculum of maths, science and history which also includes practical life skills and instruction on morals. There's something quite special about being witness to this moment and seeing the Empress finish up her letter. For a flash, you see just an ordinary woman lost in the ritual of writing to a friend. Catherine smiles after signing her name, and then hands the letter to a servant. Next, she wanders towards the shelves, where she selects a book. Catherine takes a seat on a blue silk sofa beside the light of a candle on a table. You watch as she shuffles into place, leaning on her side with the book before her. You expect that she's reading about philosophy or economics, judging by the tomes that line the shelves behind her. But a glance at the pages proves you wrong. It's a work of fiction, a romantic comedy. As she reads, the Empress has never looked more relatable. The book is written in her native German, the language she grew up with when she was Sophie from Stettin. She laughs at the funnier passages, appearing at times like a mysterious child. Pass out through the windows, her face full of wonder at the ongoing fireworks. You're not really sure what Catherine's night holds, whether she'll head out once again after finishing another chapter. Perhaps she'll rejoin friends to watch the celebratory fireworks. Or maybe she'll doze off on the sofa. She strikes you as a woman who's both serious and playful, someone intent on enjoying every moment. Whatever Catherine does, it will be her choice to make, and she'll likely savour the experience. You ponder this as you take a seat on a soft blue couch, like the one the Empress is lying on. Closing your eyes, you listen to the fireworks, and sink back into the mound of silk cushions. Again, you experience that strange but pleasant feeling, as if you're floating through time and space. Waves of comfort wash over your body until you open your eyes and find yourself gazing up at the skylight. Somehow, you're back in the library on that luxurious sofa. The book you were reading remains shut on the table, while the flame of the candle has now gone out. With sleepy eyes, you look up at the skylight, where the moon and stars glow silver through the glass. There's also what looks like the trace of a firework, a bronze-gold pattern opening up like a flower. It's the last thing you see before you close your eyes, stretching out your arms as you let out a yawn. Then, you shuffle into place on the soft, plush sofa and fall into a deep and dreamy slumber.