The knout, of which such cruel stories are told, has long been banished as a punishment in the army and navy.
"Due North or Glimpses of Scandinavia and Russia"
Maturin M. Ballou
In Italy, for example, and in a minor degree in Germany, John Bull, as the symbol of Great Britain, is usually represented by a travesty of Punch's, with a brutal head and bandy legs, and the whole figure bent in body to suggest a bull, horns sometimes protruding beside the hat; while Russia is courteously represented as a frantic Cossack of terrific mien, brandishing a knout with violent and savage intent.
"The History of "Punch""
M. H. Spielmann
He became the adorer of Bestuchef; he worked diligently in the cabinet of the chancellor, and appeared to be the best of Russian patriots, and seemed ready to kiss the knout with the same devotion with which he kissed the slipper of the chancellor's wife.
"Berlin and Sans-Souci"
Louise Muhlbach