Nicholas is upset that Borís has not been more helpful. So Nicholas, who still profoundly admires the Emperor, decides to hand in the petition himself. But Nicholas finds he will not be allowed to give the request to the Emperor. By luck, though, on the street Nicholas happens to run into a cavalry general he knows, and this general promises to personally deliver the request to the Emperor. Hardly had Rostóv handed him the letter and finished explaining Denísov’s case, when the Emperor emerges. Rostóv sees the general talking for some time to the Emperor. The Emperor said a few words to the General and took a step toward his horse. Again the crowd of members of the suite and street gazers (among whom was Rostóv) moved nearer to the Emperor. Evidently wishing to be heard by all, the Emperor says I cannot do it, General. I cannot, because the law is stronger than I, and he raised his foot to the stirrup. The general bowed his head respectfully, and the monarch rides off.
quote from the chapter:
What are you doing here, sir, in civilian dress? asked a deep voice. It was a cavalry general who had obtained the Emperor’s special favor during this campaign, and who had formerly commanded the division in which Rostóv was serving. Rostóv, in dismay, began justifying himself, but seeing the kindly, jocular face of the general, he took him aside and in an excited voice told him the whole affair, asking him to intercede for Denísov, whom the general knew. Having heard Rostóv to the end, the general shook his head gravely. I’m sorry, sorry for that fine fellow. Give me the letter.
Book 5, Chapter 20
The Emperor refuses Denislov’s pardon request.
Summary:
Nicholas is upset that Borís has not been more helpful. So Nicholas, who still profoundly admires the Emperor, decides to hand in the petition himself. But Nicholas finds he will not be allowed to give the request to the Emperor. By luck, though, on the street Nicholas happens to run into a cavalry general he knows, and this general promises to personally deliver the request to the Emperor. Hardly had Rostóv handed him the letter and finished explaining Denísov’s case, when the Emperor emerges. Rostóv sees the general talking for some time to the Emperor. The Emperor said a few words to the General and took a step toward his horse. Again the crowd of members of the suite and street gazers (among whom was Rostóv) moved nearer to the Emperor. Evidently wishing to be heard by all, the Emperor says I cannot do it, General. I cannot, because the law is stronger than I, and he raised his foot to the stirrup. The general bowed his head respectfully, and the monarch rides off.
quote from the chapter:
What are you doing here, sir, in civilian dress? asked a deep voice. It was a cavalry general who had obtained the Emperor’s special favor during this campaign, and who had formerly commanded the division in which Rostóv was serving. Rostóv, in dismay, began justifying himself, but seeing the kindly, jocular face of the general, he took him aside and in an excited voice told him the whole affair, asking him to intercede for Denísov, whom the general knew. Having heard Rostóv to the end, the general shook his head gravely. I’m sorry, sorry for that fine fellow. Give me the letter.
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