After meeting Emperor Francis, Andrew decides he must return to the army because Napoleon is advancing on Vienna.
Summary:
Andrew is finally presented to the Emperor Francis. The Emperor’s questions to Andrew reflect a general lack of interest in understanding the battle. After meeting the Emperor, Bolkónski was invited everywhere, and had to spend the whole morning calling on the principal Austrian dignitaries. Then he learns that Napoleon has crossed the Danube, because the guard at the bridge fell for a French trick. Going outside, Bolkónski finds the city is being evacuated before Napoleon arrives. Now on the same side of the river, the French are in position to cut off Kutúzov’s army. He wants to get back to the fighting as quickly as possible since Kutúzov’s troops are in great danger. Andrew is imagining that once in battle he will display himself a hero and military genius. Bilíbin urges Andrew to remain in Brünn to avoid the danger, but Andrew leaves for the army.
quote from the chapter:
I come from the archduchess’. I heard nothing there.
And you didn’t see that everybody is packing up?
I did not… What is it all about? inquired Prince Andrew impatiently.
What’s it all about? Why, the French have crossed the bridge that Auersperg was defending, and the bridge was not blown up: so Murat is now rushing along the road to Brünn and will be here in a day or two.
What? Here? But why did they not blow up the bridge, if it was mined?
That is what I ask you. No one, not even Bonaparte, knows why.
Bolkónski shrugged his shoulders.
But if the bridge is crossed it means that the army too is lost? It will be cut off, said he.
That’s just it, answered Bilíbin.
Book 2, Chapter 12
After meeting Emperor Francis, Andrew decides he must return to the army because Napoleon is advancing on Vienna.
Summary:
Andrew is finally presented to the Emperor Francis. The Emperor’s questions to Andrew reflect a general lack of interest in understanding the battle. After meeting the Emperor, Bolkónski was invited everywhere, and had to spend the whole morning calling on the principal Austrian dignitaries. Then he learns that Napoleon has crossed the Danube, because the guard at the bridge fell for a French trick. Going outside, Bolkónski finds the city is being evacuated before Napoleon arrives. Now on the same side of the river, the French are in position to cut off Kutúzov’s army. He wants to get back to the fighting as quickly as possible since Kutúzov’s troops are in great danger. Andrew is imagining that once in battle he will display himself a hero and military genius. Bilíbin urges Andrew to remain in Brünn to avoid the danger, but Andrew leaves for the army.
quote from the chapter:
I come from the archduchess’. I heard nothing there.
And you didn’t see that everybody is packing up?
I did not… What is it all about? inquired Prince Andrew impatiently.
What’s it all about? Why, the French have crossed the bridge that Auersperg was defending, and the bridge was not blown up: so Murat is now rushing along the road to Brünn and will be here in a day or two.
What? Here? But why did they not blow up the bridge, if it was mined?
That is what I ask you. No one, not even Bonaparte, knows why.
Bolkónski shrugged his shoulders.
But if the bridge is crossed it means that the army too is lost? It will be cut off, said he.
That’s just it, answered Bilíbin.
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