It is a favourite amusement of the more emancipate young Boyars and Boyarins to drive out to one or other of these gradine between ten P.M. and midnight, after the theatre, and partake of "champagne and a chicken at last" in a vine-clad arbour or, if the weather be chilly, in a snug little wooden chalet whilst swarthy songsters chant wild national legends of robbers, sprites, and giants, or interpret, with most musical voices and admirable expression, Basil Alecsandri's tender and passionate lays.