The wealthy men of Moscow gather to await their meeting with the Emperor. They disagree on what they ought to say to him.
Summary:
The Emperor has come to Moscow to consult with his people on the war. Moscow’s leading men, the nobility, gentry and wealthy merchants, have gathered at the Slobóda Palace to await the Emperor’s arrival. Pierre is in the hall with the other nobility. The men, dressed in their uniforms, move around the room chatting and discussing what should be done. Debate breaks out on whether the Emperor is asking for their advice, or whether he merely wants their financial support. Pierre tries to join the debate, saying the Emperor should report to them on the state of the war, but no one listens. Various comments are made by others in the hall, and occasionally the arguments become heated.
quote from the chapter:
Yes, and this is not a time for discussing, he continued, but for acting: there is war in Russia! The enemy is advancing to destroy Russia, to desecrate the tombs of our fathers, to carry off our wives and children. The nobleman smote his breast. We will all arise, everyone of us will go, for our father the Tsar! he shouted, rolling his bloodshot eyes. Several approving voices were heard in the crowd. We are Russians and will not grudge our blood in defense of our faith, the throne, and the Fatherland! We must cease raving if we are sons of our Fatherland! We will show Europe how Russia rises to the defense of Russia!
Book 9, Chapter 22
The wealthy men of Moscow gather to await their meeting with the Emperor. They disagree on what they ought to say to him.
Summary:
The Emperor has come to Moscow to consult with his people on the war. Moscow’s leading men, the nobility, gentry and wealthy merchants, have gathered at the Slobóda Palace to await the Emperor’s arrival. Pierre is in the hall with the other nobility. The men, dressed in their uniforms, move around the room chatting and discussing what should be done. Debate breaks out on whether the Emperor is asking for their advice, or whether he merely wants their financial support. Pierre tries to join the debate, saying the Emperor should report to them on the state of the war, but no one listens. Various comments are made by others in the hall, and occasionally the arguments become heated.
quote from the chapter:
Yes, and this is not a time for discussing, he continued, but for acting: there is war in Russia! The enemy is advancing to destroy Russia, to desecrate the tombs of our fathers, to carry off our wives and children. The nobleman smote his breast. We will all arise, everyone of us will go, for our father the Tsar! he shouted, rolling his bloodshot eyes. Several approving voices were heard in the crowd. We are Russians and will not grudge our blood in defense of our faith, the throne, and the Fatherland! We must cease raving if we are sons of our Fatherland! We will show Europe how Russia rises to the defense of Russia!
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