Well, Prince, so Genoa and Lucca are now just family estates of the Buonapartes. But I warn you, if you don’t tell me that this means war, if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist—I really believe he is Antichrist—I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend, no longer my ‘faithful slave,’ as you call yourself! But how do you do? I see I have frightened you—sit down and tell me all the news.


If you have nothing better to do, Count (or Prince), and if the prospect of spending an evening with a poor invalid is not too terrible, I shall be very charmed to see you tonight between 7 and 10—Annette Schérer.


Heavens! what a virulent attack!


First of all, dear friend, tell me how you are. Set your friend’s mind at rest,


Can one be well while suffering morally? Can one be calm in times like these if one has any feeling? You are staying the whole evening, I hope?


And the fete at the English ambassador’s? Today is Wednesday. I must put in an appearance there. My daughter is coming for me to take me there.


I thought today’s fete had been canceled. I confess all these festivities and fireworks are becoming wearisome.


If they had known that you wished it, the entertainment would have been put off,


Don’t tease! Well, and what has been decided about Novosíltsev’s dispatch? You know everything.


What can one say about it? What has been decided? They have decided that Buonaparte has burnt his boats, and I believe that we are ready to burn ours.


Oh, don’t speak to me of Austria. Perhaps I don’t understand things, but Austria never has wished, and does not wish, for war. She is betraying us! Russia alone must save Europe. Our gracious sovereign recognizes his high vocation and will be true to it. That is the one thing I have faith in! Our good and wonderful sovereign has to perform the noblest role on earth, and he is so virtuous and noble that God will not forsake him. He will fulfill his vocation and crush the hydra of revolution, which has become more terrible than ever in the person of this murderer and villain! We alone must avenge the blood of the just one.... Whom, I ask you, can we rely on?... England with her commercial spirit will not and cannot understand the Emperor Alexander’s loftiness of soul. She has refused to evacuate Malta. She wanted to find, and still seeks, some secret motive in our actions. What answer did Novosíltsev get? None. The English have not understood and cannot understand the self-abnegation of our Emperor who wants nothing for himself, but only desires the good of mankind. And what have they promised? Nothing! And what little they have promised they will not perform! Prussia has always declared that Buonaparte is invincible, and that all Europe is powerless before him.... And I don’t believe a word that Hardenburg says, or Haugwitz either. This famous Prussian neutrality is just a trap. I have faith only in God and the lofty destiny of our adored monarch. He will save Europe!


I think, that if you had been sent instead of our dear Wintzingerode you would have captured the King of Prussia’s consent by assault. You are so eloquent. Will you give me a cup of tea?


In a moment. À propos. I am expecting two very interesting men tonight, le Vicomte de Mortemart, who is connected with the Montmorencys through the Rohans, one of the best French families. He is one of the genuine émigrés, the good ones. And also the Abbé Morio. Do you know that profound thinker? He has been received by the Emperor. Had you heard?


I shall be delighted to meet them. But tell me, is it true that the Dowager Empress wants Baron Funke to be appointed first secretary at Vienna? The baron by all accounts is a poor creature.


Baron Funke has been recommended to the Dowager Empress by her sister,


Now about your family. Do you know that since your daughter came out everyone has been enraptured by her? They say she is amazingly beautiful. I often think. I often think how unfairly sometimes the joys of life are distributed. Why has fate given you two such splendid children? I don’t speak of Anatole, your youngest. I don’t like him. Two such charming children. And really you appreciate them less than anyone, and so you don’t deserve to have them.


I can’t help it. Lavater would have said I lack the bump of paternity.


Don’t joke; I mean to have a serious talk with you. Do you know I am dissatisfied with your younger son? Between ourselves he was mentioned at Her Majesty’s and you were pitied....


What would you have me do? You know I did all a father could for their education, and they have both turned out fools. Hippolyte is at least a quiet fool, but Anatole is an active one. That is the only difference between them.


And why are children born to such men as you? If you were not a father there would be nothing I could reproach you with,


I am your faithful slave and to you alone I can confess that my children are the bane of my life. It is the cross I have to bear. That is how I explain it to myself. It can’t be helped!


Have you never thought of marrying your prodigal son Anatole? They say old maids have a mania for matchmaking, and though I don’t feel that weakness in myself as yet, I know a little person who is very unhappy with her father. She is a relation of yours, Princess Mary Bolkónskaya.


Do you know, that Anatole is costing me forty thousand rubles a year? And. And, what will it be in five years, if he goes on like this? That’s what we fathers have to put up with.... Is this princess of yours rich?


Her father is very rich and stingy. He lives in the country. He is the well-known Prince Bolkónski who had to retire from the army under the late Emperor, and was nicknamed ‘the King of Prussia.’ He is very clever but eccentric, and a bore. The poor girl is very unhappy. She has a brother; I think you know him, he married Lise Meinen lately. He is an aide-de-camp of Kutúzov’s and will be here tonight.


Listen, dear Annette. Arrange that affair for me and I shall always be your most devoted slave-slafe with an f, as a village elder of mine writes in his reports. She is rich and of good family and that’s all I want.


Attendez. I’ll speak to Lise, young Bolkónski’s wife, this very evening, and perhaps the thing can be arranged. It shall be on your family’s behalf that I’ll start my apprenticeship as old maid.


You have not yet seen my aunt. You do not know my aunt?


who, thank God, was better today.


I have brought my work. Mind, Annette, I hope you have not played a wicked trick on me. You wrote that it was to be quite a small reception, and just see how badly I am dressed.


Soyez tranquille, Lise, you will always be prettier than anyone else,


You know, my husband is deserting me? He is going to get himself killed. Tell me what this wretched war is for?


What a delightful woman this little princess is!


It is very good of you, Monsieur Pierre, to come and visit a poor invalid. Do you know the Abbé Morio? He is a most interesting man.


Yes, I have heard of his scheme for perpetual peace, and it is very interesting but hardly feasible.


You think so? We will talk of it later,


Ah, yes! Do tell us all about it, Vicomte. Contez nous çela, Vicomte. The vicomte knew the duc personally. The vicomte is a wonderful raconteur. How evidently he belongs to the best society. Come over here, Hélène, dear,


How lovely!


Madame, I doubt my ability before such an audience,


Wait a moment, I’ll get my work.... Now then, what are you thinking of? Fetch me my workbag. Now I am all right,


It’s not going to be a ghost story?


Why no, my dear fellow,


Because I hate ghost stories,


Charming!


The means are ... the balance of power in Europe and the rights of the people. It is only necessary for one powerful nation like Russia—barbaric as she is said to be—to place herself disinterestedly at the head of an alliance having for its object the maintenance of the balance of power of Europe, and it would save the world!


But how are you to get that balance?


I am so enchanted by the brilliancy of the wit and culture of the society, more especially of the feminine society, in which I have had the honor of being received, that I have not yet had time to think of the climate,


You are off to the war, Prince?


General Kutúzov, has been pleased to take me as an aide-de-camp....


And Lise, your wife?


She will go to the country.


Are you not ashamed to deprive us of your charming wife?


André, the vicomte has been telling us such a tale about Mademoiselle George and Buonaparte!


There now!... So you, too, are in the great world?


I knew you would be here. I will come to supper with you. May I?


No, impossible!


You must excuse me, dear Vicomte. This unfortunate fete at the ambassador’s deprives me of a pleasure, and obliges me to interrupt you. I am very sorry to leave your enchanting party,


Very lovely,


Very,


Educate this bear for me! He has been staying with me a whole month and this is the first time I have seen him in society. Nothing is so necessary for a young man as the society of clever women.


How about my son Borís, Prince? I can’t remain any longer in Petersburg. Tell me what news I may take back to my poor boy.


What would it cost you to say a word to the Emperor, and then he would be transferred to the Guards at once?


Believe me, Princess, I am ready to do all I can, but it is difficult for me to ask the Emperor. I should advise you to appeal to Rumyántsev through Prince Golítsyn. That would be the best way.


Listen to me, Prince. I have never yet asked you for anything and I never will again, nor have I ever reminded you of my father’s friendship for you; but now I entreat you for God’s sake to do this for my son—and I shall always regard you as a benefactor. No, don’t be angry, but promise! I have asked Golítsyn and he has refused. Be the kindhearted man you always were,


Papa, we shall be late,


My dear Anna Mikháylovna, it is almost impossible for me to do what you ask; but to prove my devotion to you and how I respect your father’s memory, I will do the impossible—your son shall be transferred to the Guards. Here is my hand on it. Are you satisfied?


My dear benefactor! This is what I expected from you—I knew your kindness! Wait—just a word! When he has been transferred to the Guards... You are on good terms with Michael Ilariónovich Kutúzov ... recommend Borís to him as adjutant! Then I shall be at rest, and then...


No, I won’t promise that. You don’t know how Kutúzov is pestered since his appointment as Commander in Chief. He told me himself that all the Moscow ladies have conspired to give him all their sons as adjutants.


No, but do promise! I won’t let you go! My dear benefactor...


Papa, we shall be late.


Well, au revoir! Good-by! You hear her?


Then tomorrow you will speak to the Emperor?


Certainly; but about Kutúzov, I don’t promise.


Do promise, do promise, Vasíli!


and of the comedy of the people of Genoa and Lucca laying their petitions before Monsieur Buonaparte, and Monsieur Buonaparte sitting on a throne and granting the petitions of the nations? Adorable! It is enough to make one’s head whirl! It is as if the whole world had gone crazy.


‘Dieu me la donne, gare à qui la touche!’’ * They say he was very fine when he said that. Dio mi l’ha dato. Guai a chi la tocchi!’


I hope this will prove the last drop that will make the glass run over. The sovereigns will not be able to endure this man who is a menace to everything.


The sovereigns, madame... What have they done for Louis XVII, for the Queen, or for Madame Elizabeth? Nothing! And believe me, they are reaping the reward of their betrayal of the Bourbon cause. The sovereigns! Why, they are sending ambassadors to compliment the usurper.


Bâton de gueules, engrêlé de gueules d’azur—maison Condé,


If Buonaparte remains on the throne of France a year longer, things will have gone too far. By intrigues, violence, exile, and executions, French society—I mean good French society—will have been forever destroyed, and then....


The Emperor Alexander, has declared that he will leave it to the French people themselves to choose their own form of government; and I believe that once free from the usurper, the whole nation will certainly throw itself into the arms of its rightful king,


That is doubtful. Monsieur le Vicomte quite rightly supposes that matters have already gone too far. I think it will be difficult to return to the old regime.


From what I have heard, almost all the aristocracy has already gone over to Bonaparte’s side.


It is the Buonapartists who say that. At the present time it is difficult to know the real state of French public opinion.


Bonaparte has said so. I showed them the path to glory, but they did not follow it, ‘I opened my antechambers and they crowded in.’ I do not know how far he was justified in saying so.


Not in the least. After the murder of the duc even the most partial ceased to regard him as a hero. If to some people, he ever was a hero, after the murder of the duc there was one martyr more in heaven and one hero less on earth.


The execution of the Duc d’Enghien, was a political necessity, and it seems to me that Napoleon showed greatness of soul by not fearing to take on himself the whole responsibility of that deed.


What, Monsieur Pierre... Do you consider that assassination shows greatness of soul?


Capital!


I say so, because the Bourbons fled from the Revolution leaving the people to anarchy, and Napoleon alone understood the Revolution and quelled it, and so for the general good, he could not stop short for the sake of one man’s life. No. Napoleon is great because he rose superior to the Revolution, suppressed its abuses, preserved all that was good in it—equality of citizenship and freedom of speech and of the press—and only for that reason did he obtain power.


Liberty and equality, high-sounding words which have long been discredited. Who does not love liberty and equality? Even our Saviour preached liberty and equality. Have people since the Revolution become happier? On the contrary. We wanted liberty, but Buonaparte has destroyed it.


But, my dear Monsieur Pierre, how do you explain the fact of a great man executing a duc—or even an ordinary man who—is innocent and untried?


to ask how monsieur explains the 18th Brumaire; was not that an imposture? It was a swindle, and not at all like the conduct of a great man!


And the prisoners he killed in Africa? That was horrible!


He’s a low fellow, say what you will,


How do you expect him to answer you all at once? Besides, in the actions of a statesman one has to distinguish between his acts as a private person, as a general, and as an emperor. So it seems to me.


Yes, yes, of course!


that Napoleon as a man was great on the bridge of Arcola, and in the hospital at Jaffa where he gave his hand to the plague-stricken; but ... but there are other acts which it is difficult to justify.


I was told a charming Moscow story today and must treat you to it. Excuse me, Vicomte—I must tell it in Russian or the point will be lost.... There is in Moscow a lady, une dame, and she is very stingy. She must have two footmen behind her carriage, and very big ones. That was her taste. And she had a lady’s maid, also big. She said.... She said.... Oh yes! She said, ‘Girl,’ to the maid, ‘put on a livery, get up behind the carriage, and come with me while I make some calls.’ And the whole world knew....


I hope to see you again, but I also hope you will change your opinions, my dear Monsieur Pierre.


It is settled,


I rely on you, my dear. Write to her and let me know how her father looks at the matter. Au revoir!


—so dull—. It has been a delightful evening, has it not? Delightful!


All the pretty women in society will be there.


Not all, for you will not be there; not all,


Are you ready?


Princesse, au revoir,


Allow me, sir. I am expecting you, Pierre,


Well, mon cher, your little princess is very nice, very nice indeed, quite French. Do you know, you are a terrible chap for all your innocent airs. I pity the poor husband, that little officer who gives himself the airs of a monarch.


And you were saying that the Russian ladies are not equal to the French? One has to know how to deal with them.


What have you done to Mlle Schérer? She will be quite ill now,


That abbé is very interesting but he does not see the thing in the right light.... In my opinion perpetual peace is possible but—I do not know how to express it ... not by a balance of political power....


One can’t everywhere say all one thinks, mon cher.


Really, I don’t yet know. I don’t like either the one or the other.


But you must decide on something! Your father expects it.


But he must be a Freemason,


That is all nonsense. let us talk business. Have you been to the Horse Guards?


No, I have not; but this is what I have been thinking and wanted to tell you. There is a war now against Napoleon. If it were a war for freedom I could understand it and should be the first to enter the army; but to help England and Austria against the greatest man in the world is not right.


If no one fought except on his own conviction, there would be no wars,


And that would be splendid,


Very likely it would be splendid, but it will never come about....


Well, why are you going to the war?


What for? I don’t know. I must. Besides that I am going.... I am going because the life I am leading here does not suit me!


how is it Annette never got married? How stupid you men all are not to have married her! Excuse me for saying so, but you have no sense about women. What an argumentative fellow you are, Monsieur Pierre!


And I am still arguing with your husband. I can’t understand why he wants to go to the war,


Ah, that is just what I tell him! I don’t understand it; I don’t in the least understand why men can’t live without wars. How is it that we women don’t want anything of the kind, don’t need it? Now you shall judge between us. I always tell him: Here he is Uncle’s aide-de-camp, a most brilliant position. He is so well known, so much appreciated by everyone. The other day at the Apráksins’ I heard a lady asking, ‘Is that the famous Prince Andrew?’ I did indeed. He is so well received everywhere. He might easily become aide-de-camp to the Emperor. You know the Emperor spoke to him most graciously. Annette and I were speaking of how to arrange it. What do you think?


When are you starting?


Oh, don’t speak of his going, don’t! I won’t hear it spoken of. Today when I remembered that all these delightful associations must be broken off ... and then you know, André... I’m afraid, I’m afraid!


What is it you are afraid of, Lise? I don’t understand,


There, what egotists men all are: all, all egotists! Just for a whim of his own, goodness only knows why, he leaves me and locks me up alone in the country.


With my father and sister, remember,


Alone all the same, without my friends.... And he expects me not to be afraid.


I still can’t understand what you are afraid of,


No, Andrew, I must say you have changed. Oh, how you have....


Your doctor tells you to go to bed earlier. You had better go.


Why should I mind Monsieur Pierre being here? I have long wanted to ask you, Andrew, why you have changed so to me? What have I done to you? You are going to the war and have no pity for me. Why is it?


Lise!


You treat me like an invalid or a child. I see it all! Did you behave like that six months ago?


Lise, I beg you to desist,


Calm yourself, Princess! It seems so to you because.... I assure you I myself have experienced ... and so ... because ... No, excuse me! An outsider is out of place here.... No, don’t distress yourself.... Good-by!


No, wait, Pierre! The princess is too kind to wish to deprive me of the pleasure of spending the evening with you.


No, he thinks only of himself,


Mon Dieu, mon Dieu!


Good night, Lise,


Never, never marry, my dear fellow! That’s my advice: never marry till you can say to yourself that you have done all you are capable of, and until you have ceased to love the woman of your choice and have seen her plainly as she is, or else you will make a cruel and irrevocable mistake. Marry when you are old and good for nothing—or all that is good and noble in you will be lost. It will all be wasted on trifles. Yes! Yes! Yes! Don’t look at me with such surprise. If you marry expecting anything from yourself in the future, you will feel at every step that for you all is ended, all is closed except the drawing room, where you will be ranged side by side with a court lackey and an idiot!... But what’s the good?... My wife, is an excellent woman, one of those rare women with whom a man’s honor is safe; but, O God, what would I not give now to be unmarried! You are the first and only one to whom I mention this, because I like you.


You don’t understand why I say this, but it is the whole story of life. You talk of Bonaparte and his career, but Bonaparte when he worked went step by step toward his goal. He was free, he had nothing but his aim to consider, and he reached it. But tie yourself up with a woman and, like a chained convict, you lose all freedom! And all you have of hope and strength merely weighs you down and torments you with regret. Drawing rooms, gossip, balls, vanity, and triviality—these are the enchanted circle I cannot escape from. I am now going to the war, the greatest war there ever was, and I know nothing and am fit for nothing. I am very amiable and have a caustic wit, and at Anna Pávlovna’s they listen to me. And that stupid set without whom my wife cannot exist, and those women.... If you only knew what those society women are, and women in general! My father is right. Selfish, vain, stupid, trivial in everything—that’s what women are when you see them in their true colors! When you meet them in society it seems as if there were something in them, but there’s nothing, nothing, nothing! No, don’t marry, my dear fellow; don’t marry!


It seems funny to me, that you, you should consider yourself incapable and your life a spoiled life. You have everything before you, everything. And you....


My part is played out. What’s the use of talking about me? Let us talk about you,


But what is there to say about me? What am I? An illegitimate son! Without a name and without means... And it really... For the present I am free and am all right. Only I haven’t the least idea what I am to do; I wanted to consult you seriously.


I am fond of you, especially as you are the one live man among our whole set. Yes, you’re all right! Choose what you will; it’s all the same. You’ll be all right anywhere. But look here: give up visiting those Kurágins and leading that sort of life. It suits you so badly—all this debauchery, dissipation, and the rest of it!


What would you have, my dear fellow? Women, my dear fellow; women!


I don’t understand it. Women who are comme il faut, that’s a different matter; but the Kurágins’ set of women, ‘women and wine’ I don’t understand!


Do you know? seriously, I have long been thinking of it.... Leading such a life I can’t decide or think properly about anything. One’s head aches, and one spends all one’s money. He asked me for tonight, but I won’t go.


You give me your word of honor not to go?


On my honor!


I bet a hundred on Stevens!


Mind, no holding on!


I bet on Dólokhov!


Kurágin, you part our hands.


There, leave Bruin alone; here’s a bet on.


At one draught, or he loses!


Jacob, bring a bottle! Wait a bit, you fellows.... Here is Pétya! Good man!


Come here; part the bets!


I don’t understand. What’s it all about?


Wait a bit, he is not drunk yet! A bottle here. First of all you must drink! Go on, you must drink it all, or I won’t let you go!


No, I won’t,


You have a try, Hercules,


Take it right out, or they’ll think I’m holding on,


Is the Englishman bragging?... Eh? Is it all right?


First-rate,


Listen! I bet fifty imperials I bet fifty imperials ... or do you wish to make it a hundred?


No, fifty,


All right. Fifty imperials ... that I will drink a whole bottle of rum without taking it from my mouth, sitting outside the window on this spot and without holding on to anything. Is that right?


Quite right,


Wait! Wait a bit, Kurágin. Listen! If anyone else does the same, I will pay him a hundred imperials. Do you understand?


Oh! Oh! Oh!


Shut up!


I say, this is folly! He’ll be killed,


Don’t touch him! You’ll startle him and then he’ll be killed. Eh?... What then?... Eh?


If anyone comes meddling again. I will throw him down there. Now then!


Why is it so long?


It’s empty.


Well done!... Fine fellow!... There’s a bet for you!... Devil take you!


Gentlemen, who wishes to bet with me? I’ll do the same thing! Even without a bet, there! Tell them to bring me a bottle. I’ll do it.... Bring a bottle!


Let him do it, let him do it,


What next? Have you gone mad?... No one would let you!... Why, you go giddy even on a staircase,


I’ll drink it! Let’s have a bottle of rum!


No, you’ll never manage him that way. Wait a bit and I’ll get round him.... Listen! I’ll take your bet tomorrow, but now we are all going to ——’s.


Come on then. Come on!... And we’ll take Bruin with us.


I am very, very grateful to you, mon cher, ma chère my dear. I thank you for myself and for our two dear ones whose name day we are keeping. But mind you come to dinner or I shall be offended, ma chère! On behalf of the whole family I beg you to come, mon cher!


Well, Dmítri, you’ll see that things are all as they should be? That’s right! The great thing is the serving, that’s it.


Márya Lvóvna Karágina and her daughter!


I’m quite worn out by these callers. However, I’ll see her and no more. She is so affected. Ask her in. Very well, finish me off.


Dear Countess, what an age... She has been laid up, poor child ... at the Razumóvski’s ball ... and Countess Apráksina ... I was so delighted...


I am so delighted... Mamma’s health... and Countess Apráksina...


I am so sorry for the poor count. He is in such bad health, and now this vexation about his son is enough to kill him!


What is that?


That’s what comes of a modern education. It seems that while he was abroad this young man was allowed to do as he liked, now in Petersburg I hear he has been doing such terrible things that he has been expelled by the police.


You don’t say so!


Prince Vasíli’s son, he, and a certain Dólokhov have, it is said, been up to heaven only knows what! And they have had to suffer for it. Dólokhov has been degraded to the ranks and Bezúkhov’s son sent back to Moscow. Anatole Kurágin’s father managed somehow to get his son’s affair hushed up, but even he was ordered out of Petersburg.


But what have they been up to?


They are regular brigands, especially Dólokhov. He is a son of Márya Ivánovna Dólokhova, such a worthy woman, but there, just fancy! Those three got hold of a bear somewhere, put it in a carriage, and set off with it to visit some actresses! The police tried to interfere, and what did the young men do? They tied a policeman and the bear back to back and put the bear into the Moyka Canal. And there was the bear swimming about with the policeman on his back!


What a nice figure the policeman must have cut, my dear!


Oh, how dreadful! How can you laugh at it, Count?


It was all they could do to rescue the poor man. And to think it is Cyril Vladímirovich Bezúkhov’s son who amuses himself in this sensible manner! And he was said to be so well educated and clever. This is all that his foreign education has done for him! I hope that here in Moscow no one will receive him, in spite of his money. They wanted to introduce him to me, but I quite declined: I have my daughters to consider.


Why do you say this young man is so rich? His children are all illegitimate. I think Pierre also is illegitimate.


I should think he has a score of them.


The fact of the matter is, everyone knows Count Cyril’s reputation.... He has lost count of his children, but this Pierre was his favorite.


How handsome the old man still was only a year ago! I have never seen a handsomer man.


He is very much altered now. Well, as I was saying, Prince Vasíli is the next heir through his wife, but the count is very fond of Pierre, looked after his education, and wrote to the Emperor about him; so that in the case of his death—and he is so ill that he may die at any moment, and Dr. Lorrain has come from Petersburg—no one knows who will inherit his immense fortune, Pierre or Prince Vasíli. Forty thousand serfs and millions of rubles! I know it all very well for Prince Vasíli told me himself. Besides, Cyril Vladímirovich is my mother’s second cousin. He’s also my Bóry’s godfather,


Prince Vasíli arrived in Moscow yesterday. I hear he has come on some inspection business,


Yes, but between ourselves, that is a pretext. The fact is he has come to see Count Cyril Vladímirovich, hearing how ill he is.


But do you know, my dear, that was a capital joke. I can just imagine what a funny figure that policeman cut! So do come and dine with us!


Ah, here she is! My pet, whose name day it is. My dear pet!


Ma chère, there is a time for everything. You spoil her, Ilyá,


How do you do, my dear? I wish you many happy returns of your name day. What a charming child,


Do you see?... My doll... Mimi... You see...


Now then, go away and take your monstrosity with you. She is my youngest girl.


Tell me, my dear, is Mimi a relation of yours? A daughter, I suppose?


You were meaning to go out, weren’t you, Mamma? Do you want the carriage?


Yes, yes, go and tell them to get it ready,


Ah yes, my dear, his friend Borís has become an officer, and so for friendship’s sake he is leaving the university and me, his old father, and entering the military service, my dear. And there was a place and everything waiting for him in the Archives Department! Isn’t that friendship?


But they say that war has been declared,


They’ve been saying so a long while, and they’ll say so again and again, and that will be the end of it. My dear, there’s friendship for you. He’s joining the hussars.


It’s not at all from friendship. It is not from friendship at all; I simply feel that the army is my vocation.


Schubert, the colonel of the Pávlograd Hussars, is dining with us today. He has been here on leave and is taking Nicholas back with him. It can’t be helped!


I have already told you, Papa, that if you don’t wish to let me go, I’ll stay. But I know I am no use anywhere except in the army; I am not a diplomat or a government clerk.—I don’t know how to hide what I feel.


All right, all right! He always flares up! This Buonaparte has turned all their heads; they all think of how he rose from an ensign and became Emperor. Well, well, God grant it,


What a pity you weren’t at the Arkhárovs’ on Thursday. It was so dull without you,


How plainly all these young people wear their hearts on their sleeves! Cousinage—dangereux voisinage,


Yes, and how much suffering, how much anxiety one has had to go through that we might rejoice in them now! And yet really the anxiety is greater now than the joy. One is always, always anxious! Especially just at this age, so dangerous both for girls and boys.


It all depends on the bringing up,


Yes, you’re quite right. Till now I have always, thank God, been my children’s friend and had their full confidence. I know I shall always be my daughters’ first confidante, and that if Nicholas, with his impulsive nature, does get into mischief (a boy can’t help it), he will all the same never be like those Petersburg young men.


Yes, they are splendid, splendid youngsters. Just fancy: wants to be an hussar. What’s one to do, my dear?


What a charming creature your younger girl is, a little volcano!


Yes, a regular volcano. Takes after me! And what a voice she has; though she’s my daughter, I tell the truth when I say she’ll be a singer, a second Salomoni! We have engaged an Italian to give her lessons.


Isn’t she too young? I have heard that it harms the voice to train it at that age.


Oh no, not at all too young! Why, our mothers used to be married at twelve or thirteen.


And she’s in love with Borís already. Just fancy! Now you see if I were to be severe with her and to forbid it ... goodness knows what they might be up to on the sly but as it is, I know every word she utters. She will come running to me of her own accord in the evening and tell me everything. Perhaps I spoil her, but really that seems the best plan. With her elder sister I was stricter.


Yes, I was brought up quite differently,


People are always too clever with their eldest children and try to make something exceptional of them,


What’s the good of denying it, my dear? Our dear countess was too clever with Véra. Well, what of that? She’s turned out splendidly all the same,


What manners! I thought they would never go,


Sónya, what is the matter with you? How can you?


It’s nothing, nothing; leave me alone!


Ah, I know what it is.


Well, if you do, so much the better, and you can go back to her!


Só-o-onya! Look here! How can you torture me and yourself like that, for a mere fancy? Sónya! What is anyone in the world to me? You alone are everything! And I will prove it to you.


I don’t like you to talk like that.


Well, then, I won’t; only forgive me, Sónya!


Borís, come here. I have something to tell you. Here, here!


What is the something?


Kiss the doll. Don’t you want to? Well, then, come here. Closer, closer! And me? Would you like to kiss me?


How funny you are! Natásha, you know that I love you, but....


You are in love with me?


Yes, I am, but please don’t let us do like that.... In another four years ... then I will ask for your hand.


Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen. All right! Then it’s settled?


Settled!


Forever? Till death itself?


With you I will be quite frank. There are not many left of us old friends! That’s why I so value your friendship.


Véra, how is it you have so little tact? Don’t you see you are not wanted here? Go to the other girls, or...


If you had told me sooner, Mamma, I would have gone,


You always manage to do things at the wrong time. And at your age what secrets can there be between Natásha and Borís, or between you two? It’s all nonsense!


Now, Véra, what does it matter to you? All have secrets of their own,


I should think not,


Natálya Ilyníchna behaves very well to me,


Don’t, Borís! You are such a diplomat that it is really tiresome. Why does she bother me? You’ll never understand it, because you’ve never loved anyone. You have no heart! You are a Madame de Genlis and nothing more and your greatest pleasure is to be unpleasant to people! Go and flirt with Berg as much as you please,


I shall at any rate not run after a young man before visitors... The unpleasant things were said to me,


Ah, my dear, my life is not all roses either. Don’t I know that at the rate we are living our means won’t last long? It’s all the Club and his easygoing nature. Even in the country do we get any rest? Theatricals, hunting, and heaven knows what besides! But don’t let’s talk about me; tell me how you managed everything. I often wonder at you, Annette—how at your age you can rush off alone in a carriage to Moscow, to Petersburg, to those ministers and great people, and know how to deal with them all! It’s quite astonishing. How did you get things settled? I couldn’t possibly do it.


Ah, my love. God grant you never know what it is to be left a widow without means and with a son you love to distraction! One learns many things then. That lawsuit taught me much. When I want to see one of those big people I write a note: ‘Princess So-and-So desires an interview with So and-So,’ and then I take a cab and go myself two, three, or four times—till I get what I want. I don’t mind what they think of me.


Well, and to whom did you apply about Bóry?


To Prince Vasíli. He was so kind. He at once agreed to everything, and put the matter before the Emperor,


Has Prince Vasíli aged much? I have not seen him since we acted together at the Rumyántsovs’ theatricals. I expect he has forgotten me. He paid me attentions in those days,


He is just the same as ever, overflowing with amiability. His position has not turned his head at all. He said to me, ‘I am sorry I can do so little for you, dear Princess. I am at your command.’ Yes, he is a fine fellow and a very kind relation. But, Nataly, you know my love for my son: I would do anything for his happiness! And my affairs are in such a bad way that my position is now a terrible one. My wretched lawsuit takes all I have and makes no progress. Would you believe it, I have literally not a penny and don’t know how to equip Borís. I need five hundred rubles, and have only one twenty-five-ruble note. I am in such a state.... My only hope now is in Count Cyril Vladímirovich Bezúkhov. If he will not assist his godson—you know he is Bóry’s godfather—and allow him something for his maintenance, all my trouble will have been thrown away.... I shall not be able to equip him.


that here lives Count Cyril Vladímirovich Bezúkhov so rich, all alone... that tremendous fortune... and what is his life worth? It’s a burden to him, and Bóry’s life is only just beginning....


Surely he will leave something to Borís,


Heaven only knows, my dear! These rich grandees are so selfish. Still, I will take Borís and go to see him at once, and I shall speak to him straight out. Let people think what they will of me, it’s really all the same to me when my son’s fate is at stake.


Good-by, my dear. Wish me good luck.


Are you going to Count Cyril Vladímirovich, my dear? If he is better, ask Pierre to dine with us. He has been to the house, you know, and danced with the children. Be sure to invite him, my dear. We will see how Tarás distinguishes himself today. He says Count Orlóv never gave such a dinner as ours will be!


My dear Borís. My dear Borís, be affectionate and attentive to him. Count Cyril Vladímirovich is your godfather after all, and your future depends on him. Remember that, my dear, and be nice to him, as you so well know how to be.


If only I knew that anything besides humiliation would come of it... But I have promised and will do it for your sake. We may as well go back,


My dear! I know Count Cyril Vladímirovich is very ill... that’s why I have come... I am a relation. I shall not disturb him, my friend... I only need see Prince Vasíli Sergéevich: he is staying here, is he not? Please announce me. Princess Drubetskáya to see Prince Vasíli Sergéevich. My dear, you promised me!


Then it is certain?


Prince, humanum est errare, * but...


Ah, Prince! In what sad circumstances we meet again! And how is our dear invalid? Is it possible? Oh, how awful! It is terrible to think.... This is my son. He wanted to thank you himself.


Believe me, Prince, a mother’s heart will never forget what you have done for us.


I am glad I was able to do you a service, my dear Anna Mikháylovna. Try to serve well and show yourself worthy. I am glad.... Are you here on leave?


I am awaiting orders to join my new regiment, your excellency,


Are you living with your mother?


I am living at Countess Rostóva’s,


That is, with Ilyá Rostóv who married Nataly Shinshiná,


I know, I know. I never could understand how Nataly made up her mind to marry that unlicked bear! A perfectly absurd and stupid fellow, and a gambler too, I am told.


But a very kind man, Prince. What do the doctors say?


They give little hope,


And I should so like to thank Uncle once for all his kindness to me and Borís. He is his godson. If it were not for my sincere affection and devotion to Uncle. I know his character: noble, upright ... but you see he has no one with him except the young princesses.... They are still young.... Has he performed his final duty, Prince? How priceless are those last moments! It can make things no worse, and it is absolutely necessary to prepare him if he is so ill. We women, Prince, always know how to say these things. I absolutely must see him, however painful it may be for me. I am used to suffering.


Would not such a meeting be too trying for him, dear Anna Mikháylovna? Let us wait until evening. The doctors are expecting a crisis.


But one cannot delay, Prince, at such a moment! Consider that the welfare of his soul is at stake. Ah, it is awful: the duties of a Christian... Ah, my dear, I hardly knew you. I have come, and am at your service to help you nurse my uncle. I imagine what you have gone through,


I shall go in to see the count, my uncle; but you, my dear, had better go to Pierre meanwhile and don’t forget to give him the Rostóvs’ invitation. They ask him to dinner. I suppose he won’t go?


On the contrary,


How do you do, cousin? You don’t recognize me?


I recognize you only too well, too well.


How is the count? Can I see him?


The count is suffering physically and mentally, and apparently you have done your best to increase his mental sufferings.


Can I see the count?


Hm.... If you wish to kill him, to kill him outright, you can see him... Olga, go and see whether Uncle’s beef tea is ready—it is almost time,


Then I will go to my rooms. You will let me know when I can see him.


My dear fellow, if you are going to behave here as you did in Petersburg, you will end very badly; that is all I have to say to you. The count is very, very ill, and you must not see him at all.


England is done for. Mr. Pitt, as a traitor to the nation and to the rights of man, is sentenced to...


Do you remember me? I have come with my mother to see the count, but it seems he is not well.


Yes, it seems he is ill. People are always disturbing him,


Count Rostóv asks you to come to dinner today,


Ah, Count Rostóv! Then you are his son, Ilyá? Only fancy, I didn’t know you at first. Do you remember how we went to the Sparrow Hills with Madame Jacquot?... It’s such an age...


You are mistaken. I am Borís, son of Princess Anna Mikháylovna Drubetskáya. Rostóv, the father, is Ilyá, and his son is Nicholas. I never knew any Madame Jacquot.


Oh dear, what am I thinking about? I’ve mixed everything up. One has so many relatives in Moscow! So you are Borís? Of course. Well, now we know where we are. And what do you think of the Boulogne expedition? The English will come off badly, you know, if Napoleon gets across the Channel. I think the expedition is quite feasible. If only Villeneuve doesn’t make a mess of things!


We here in Moscow are more occupied with dinner parties and scandal than with politics. I know nothing about it and have not thought about it. Moscow is chiefly busy with gossip. Just now they are talking about you and your father. Moscow has nothing else to do but gossip. Everybody is wondering to whom the count will leave his fortune, though he may perhaps outlive us all, as I sincerely hope he will...


Yes, it is all very horrid, very horrid.


And it must seem to you, it must seem to you that everyone is trying to get something out of the rich man?


So it does,


But I just wish to say, to avoid misunderstandings, that you are quite mistaken if you reckon me or my mother among such people. We are very poor, but for my own part at any rate, for the very reason that your father is rich, I don’t regard myself as a relation of his, and neither I nor my mother would ever ask or take anything from him.


Well, this is strange! Do you suppose I... who could think?... I know very well...


I am glad I have spoken out fully. Perhaps you did not like it? You must excuse me, but I hope I have not offended you. I always make it a rule to speak out... Well, what answer am I to take? Will you come to dinner at the Rostóvs’?


No, but I say, you are a wonderful fellow! What you have just said is good, very good. Of course you don’t know me. We have not met for such a long time... not since we were children. You might think that I... I understand, quite understand. I could not have done it myself, I should not have had the courage, but it’s splendid. I am very glad to have made your acquaintance. It’s queer, that you should have suspected me! Well, what of it! I hope we’ll get better acquainted. Do you know, I have not once been in to see the count. He has not sent for me.... I am sorry for him as a man, but what can one do?


And so you think Napoleon will manage to get an army across?


It is dreadful, dreadful!


but cost me what it may I shall do my duty. I will come and spend the night. He must not be left like this. Every moment is precious. I can’t think why his nieces put it off. Perhaps God will help me to find a way to prepare him!... Adieu, Prince! May God support you...


Adieu, ma bonne,


Oh, he is in a dreadful state,


I don’t understand, Mamma—what is his attitude to Pierre?


The will will show that, my dear; our fate also depends on it.


But why do you expect that he will leave us anything?


Ah, my dear! He is so rich, and we are so poor!


Well, that is hardly a sufficient reason, Mamma...


Oh, Heaven! How ill he is!


What is the matter with you, my dear?


Don’t you wish to serve me? Then I’ll find you another place.


I am very sorry, ma’am,


Ask the count to come to me.


Well, little countess? What a sauté of game au madère we are to have, my dear! I tasted it. The thousand rubles I paid for Tarás were not ill-spent. He is worth it!


What are your commands, little countess?


You see, my dear... What’s that mess?


It’s the sauté, most likely,


Well, you see, Count, I want some money.


Oh, little countess!


I want a great deal, Count! I want five hundred rubles,


Yes, immediately, immediately! Hey, who’s there?


Send Dmítri to me!


This is what I want, my dear fellow,


Bring me...


yes, bring me seven hundred rubles, yes! But mind, don’t bring me such tattered and dirty notes as last time, but nice clean ones for the countess.


Yes, Dmítri, clean ones, please,


When would you like them, your excellency?


Allow me to inform you... But, don’t be uneasy,


I was forgetting... Do you wish it brought at once?


Yes, yes; just so! Bring it. Give it to the countess.


What a treasure that Dmítri is,


There is never any ‘impossible’ with him. That’s a thing I hate! Everything is possible.


Ah, money, Count, money! How much sorrow it causes in the world,


But I am in great need of this sum.


You, my little countess, are a notorious spendthrift,


Well, my dear?


Oh, what a terrible state he is in! One would not know him, he is so ill! I was only there a few moments and hardly said a word...


Annette, for heaven’s sake don’t refuse me,


This is for Borís from me, for his outfit.


Well, then, old chap, mon très honorable Alphonse Kárlovich,


Vous comptez vous faire des rentes sur l’état; *


you want to make something out of your company?


No, Peter Nikoláevich; I only want to show that in the cavalry the advantages are far less than in the infantry. Just consider my own position now, Peter Nikoláevich...


Consider my position, Peter Nikoláevich. Were I in the cavalry I should get not more than two hundred rubles every four months, even with the rank of lieutenant; but as it is I receive two hundred and thirty,


Besides that, Peter Nikoláevich, by exchanging into the Guards I shall be in a more prominent position, and vacancies occur much more frequently in the Foot Guards. Then just think what can be done with two hundred and thirty rubles! I even manage to put a little aside and to send something to my father,


La balance y est... * A German knows how to skin a flint, as the proverb says,


Well, my boy, you’ll get along wherever you go—foot or horse—that I’ll warrant,


You have only lately arrived?


Oui, madame,


You have not yet seen my husband?


Non, madame.


You have been in Paris recently, I believe? I suppose it’s very interesting.


Very interesting.


The Razumóvskis... It was charming... You are very kind... Countess Apráksina...


Márya Dmítrievna?


Herself. Health and happiness to her whose name day we are keeping and to her children. Well, you old sinner, you’re feeling dull in Moscow, I daresay? Nowhere to hunt with your dogs? But what is to be done, old man? Just see how these nestlings are growing up. You must look for husbands for them whether you like it or not.... Well, how’s my Cossack? I know she’s a scamp of a girl, but I like her. Eh, eh, friend! Come here a bit. Come here, my friend... Come nearer, come nearer, friend! I used to be the only one to tell your father the truth when he was in favor, and in your case it’s my evident duty. A fine lad! My word! A fine lad!... His father lies on his deathbed and he amuses himself setting a policeman astride a bear! For shame, sir, for shame! It would be better if you went to the war. Well, I suppose it is time we were at table?


Dry Madeira Hungarian Rhine wine


And why the deuce are we going to fight Bonaparte? He has stopped Austria’s cackle and I fear it will be our turn next.


It is for the reasson, my goot sir, for the reasson zat ze Emperor knows zat. He declares in ze manifessto zat he cannot fiew wiz indifference ze danger vreatening Russia and zat ze safety and dignity of ze Empire as vell as ze sanctity of its alliances... Zat, my dear sir, is vy...


Connaissez-vous le Proverbe:* ‘Jerome, Jerome, do not roam, but turn spindles at home!’? Cela nous convient à merveille.*(2) Suvórov now—he knew what he was about; yet they beat him à plate couture,*(3) and where are we to find Suvórovs now? Je vous demande un peu,


Ve must vight to the last tr-r-op of our plood! and ve must tie for our Emperor, and zen all vill pe vell. And ve must discuss it as little as po-o-ossible as po-o-ossible. Zat is how ve old hussars look at it, and zere’s an end of it! And how do you, a young man and a young hussar, how do you judge of it?


I am quite of your opinion. I am convinced that we Russians must die or conquer,


What you said just now was splendid!


What are you thumping the table for? and why are you exciting yourself? Do you think the French are here?


I am speaking ze truce,


It’s all about the war. You know my son’s going, Márya Dmítrievna? My son is going.


I have four sons in the army but still I don’t fret. It is all in God’s hands. You may die in your bed or God may spare you in a battle,


I will. Mamma! What sweets are we going to have?


Cossack!


Mamma! What sweets are we going to have? Márya Dmítrievna! What kind of ice pudding? I don’t like ice cream. No! What kind, Márya Dmítrievna? What kind?


What shall we sing?


The Brook,


Well, then, let’s be quick. Borís, come here,


Sónya! What is it? What is the matter?... Oo... Oo... Oo...!


Nicholas is going away in a week’s time, his... papers... have come... he told me himself... but still I should not cry, still, I should not cry, but you can’t... no one can understand... what a soul he has! It’s all very well for you... I am not envious... I love you and Borís also, he is nice... there are no difficulties in your way.... But Nicholas is my cousin... one would have to... the Metropolitan himself... and even then it can’t be done. And besides, if she tells Mamma that I am spoiling Nicholas’ career and am heartless and ungrateful, while truly... God is my witness. I love her so much, and all of you, only Véra... And what for? What have I done to her? I am so grateful to you that I would willingly sacrifice everything, only I have nothing....


Sónya. I’m sure Véra has said something to you since dinner? Hasn’t she?


Yes, these verses Nicholas wrote himself and I copied some others, and she found them on my table and said she’d show them to Mamma, and that I was ungrateful, and that Mamma would never allow him to marry me, but that he’ll marry Julie. You see how he’s been with her all day... Natásha, what have I done to deserve it?...


Sónya, don’t believe her, darling! Don’t believe her! Do you remember how we and Nicholas, all three of us, talked in the sitting room after supper? Why, we settled how everything was to be. I don’t quite remember how, but don’t you remember that it could all be arranged and how nice it all was? There’s Uncle Shinshín’s brother has married his first cousin. And we are only second cousins, you know. And Borís says it is quite possible. You know I have told him all about it. And he is so clever and so good! Don’t you cry, Sónya, dear love, darling Sónya! Véra’s spiteful; never mind her! And all will come right and she won’t say anything to Mamma. Nicholas will tell her himself, and he doesn’t care at all for Julie.


Do you think so?... Really? Truly?


Really, truly! Well, let’s go and sing ‘The Brook.’ Come along! Do you know, that fat Pierre who sat opposite me is so funny! I feel so happy!


Mamma told me to ask you to join the dancers.


I am afraid of mixing the figures, but if you will be my teacher...


Dear, dear! Just look at her!


Well, really, Mamma! Why should you? What is there to be surprised at?


Semën! Do you know the Daniel Cooper?


Look at Papa!


Just look at the master! A regular eagle he is!


That’s how we used to dance in our time, ma chère,


That was a Daniel Cooper!


The limits of human life ... are fixed and may not be o’erpassed,


I wonder, is it not too late to administer unction?


Ah, madam, it is a great sacrament,


Who was that? The Military Governor himself?


How young-looking he is!


Yes, and he is over sixty. I hear the count no longer recognizes anyone. They wished to administer the sacrament of unction.


I knew someone who received that sacrament seven times.


Beautiful. The weather is beautiful, Princess; and besides, in Moscow one feels as if one were in the country.


Yes, indeed. So he may have something to drink?


Has he taken his medicine?


Yes.


Take a glass of boiled water and put a pinch of cream of tartar,


Dere has neffer been a gase, dat one liffs after de sird stroke.


And what a well-preserved man he was! And who will inherit his wealth?


It von’t go begging. Do you think he can last till morning?


Tonight, not later,


Ah, is it you, cousin? Has anything happened? I am so terrified.


No, there is no change. I only came to have a talk about business, Catiche. You have made the place warm, I must say. Well, sit down: let’s have a talk.


I thought perhaps something had happened. I wished to get a nap, mon cousin, but I can’t.


Well, my dear?


well?


And I? do you think it is easier for me? I am as worn out as a post horse, but still I must have a talk with you, Catiche, a very serious talk.


Well, you see, my dear princess and cousin, Catherine Semënovna, at such a moment as this one must think of everything. One must think of the future, of all of you... I love you all, like children of my own, as you know. And then of course my family has also to be considered,


You know, Catiche, that we—you three sisters, Mámontov, and my wife—are the count’s only direct heirs. I know, I know how hard it is for you to talk or think of such matters. It is no easier for me; but, my dear, I am getting on for sixty and must be prepared for anything. Do you know I have sent for Pierre? The count,


There is one thing I constantly pray God to grant, mon cousin, and it is that He would be merciful to him and would allow his noble soul peacefully to leave this...


Yes, yes, of course. But... in short, the fact is... you know yourself that last winter the count made a will by which he left all his property, not to us his direct heirs, but to Pierre.


He has made wills enough! But he cannot leave the estate to Pierre. Pierre is illegitimate.


But, my dear, what if a letter has been written to the Emperor in which the count asks for Pierre’s legitimation? Do you understand that in consideration of the count’s services, his request would be granted?...


I can tell you more, that letter was written, though it was not sent, and the Emperor knew of it. The only question is, has it been destroyed or not? If not, then as soon as all is over, and the count’s papers are opened, the will and letter will be delivered to the Emperor, and the petition will certainly be granted. Pierre will get everything as the legitimate son.


And our share?


But, my poor Catiche, it is as clear as daylight! He will then be the legal heir to everything and you won’t get anything. You must know, my dear, whether the will and letter were written, and whether they have been destroyed or not. And if they have somehow been overlooked, you ought to know where they are, and must find them, because...


What next? I am a woman, and you think we are all stupid; but I know this: an illegitimate son cannot inherit... un bâtard!


Well, really, Catiche! Can’t you understand! You are so intelligent, how is it you don’t see that if the count has written a letter to the Emperor begging him to recognize Pierre as legitimate, it follows that Pierre will not be Pierre but will become Count Bezúkhov, and will then inherit everything under the will? And if the will and letter are not destroyed, then you will have nothing but the consolation of having been dutiful et tout ce qui s’ensuit! That’s certain.


I know the will was made, but I also know that it is invalid; and you, mon cousin, seem to consider me a perfect fool,


My dear Princess Catherine Semënovna I came here not to wrangle with you, but to talk about your interests as with a kinswoman, a good, kind, true relation. And I tell you for the tenth time that if the letter to the Emperor and the will in Pierre’s favor are among the count’s papers, then, my dear girl, you and your sisters are not heiresses! If you don’t believe me, then believe an expert. I have just been talking to Dmítri Onúfrich and he says the same.


That would be a fine thing! I never wanted anything and I don’t now. And this is gratitude—this is recognition for those who have sacrificed everything for his sake! It’s splendid! Fine! I don’t want anything, Prince.


Yes, but you are not the only one. There are your sisters...


Yes, I knew it long ago but had forgotten. I knew that I could expect nothing but meanness, deceit, envy, intrigue, and ingratitude—the blackest ingratitude—in this house...


Do you or do you not know where that will is?


Yes, I was a fool! I still believed in people, loved them, and sacrificed myself. But only the base, the vile succeed! I know who has been intriguing!


Who sacrificed everything for him


though he never could appreciate it. No, mon cousin. I shall always remember that in this world one must expect no reward, that in this world there is neither honor nor justice. In this world one has to be cunning and cruel.


Now come, come! Be reasonable. I know your excellent heart.


No, I have a wicked heart.


I know your heart. I value your friendship and wish you to have as good an opinion of me. Don’t upset yourself, and let us talk sensibly while there is still time, be it a day or be it but an hour.... Tell me all you know about the will, and above all where it is. You must know. We will take it at once and show it to the count. He has, no doubt, forgotten it and will wish to destroy it. You understand that my sole desire is conscientiously to carry out his wishes; that is my only reason for being here. I came simply to help him and you.


Now I see it all! I know who has been intriguing—I know!


That’s not the point, my dear.


It’s that protégé of yours, that sweet Princess Drubetskáya, that Anna Mikháylovna whom I would not take for a housemaid... the infamous, vile woman!


Do not let us lose any time...


Ah, don’t talk to me! Last winter she wheedled herself in here and told the count such vile, disgraceful things about us, especially about Sophie—I can’t repeat them—that it made the count quite ill and he would not see us for a whole fortnight. I know it was then he wrote this vile, infamous paper, but I thought the thing was invalid.


We’ve got to it at last—why did you not tell me about it sooner?


It’s in the inlaid portfolio that he keeps under his pillow. Now I know! Yes; if I have a sin, a great sin, it is hatred of that vile woman! And what does she come worming herself in here for? But I will give her a piece of my mind. The time will come!


Is this the way to the princesses’ apartments?


Yes, the door to the left, ma’am.


Perhaps the count did not ask for me. I’d better go to my own room.


Ah, my friend! believe me I suffer no less than you do, but be a man!


But really, hadn’t I better go away?


Ah, my dear friend! Forget the wrongs that may have been done you. Think that he is your father ... perhaps in the agony of death. I have loved you like a son from the first. Trust yourself to me, Pierre. I shall not forget your interests.


God be thanked that you are in time, all we relatives have been in such anxiety. This young man is the count’s son. What a terrible moment! Dear doctor, this young man is the count’s son. Is there any hope? Trust in His mercy!


Courage, courage, my friend! He has asked to see you. That is well!


How is...


The divine mercy is inexhaustible! Unction is about to be administered. Come.


Certainly he must be moved onto the bed; here it will be impossible...


Catch hold of my arm or you’ll drop him! Catch hold from underneath. Here!


Here!


Come.


Wants to turn on the other side,


He is dozing. Let us go.


I can’t bear the sight of that woman.


Catiche has had tea served in the small drawing room. Go and take something, my poor Anna Mikháylovna, or you will not hold out.


There is nothing so refreshing after a sleepless night as a cup of this delicious Russian tea,


Permit me, Princess, to know what is necessary and what is not necessary,


But, my dear princess, won’t this be too much for poor Uncle at a moment when he needs repose? Worldly conversation at a moment when his soul is already prepared...


Come, my dear Anna Mikháylovna, let Catiche do as she pleases. You know how fond the count is of her.


I don’t even know what is in this paper. All I know is that his real will is in his writing table, and this is a paper he has forgotten....


I know, my dear, kind princess. Dear princess, I beg and implore you, have some pity on him! Je vous en conjure... Pierre, my dear, come here. I think he will not be out of place in a family consultation; is it not so, Prince?


Why don’t you speak, cousin? Why do you remain silent when heaven knows who permits herself to interfere, making a scene on the very threshold of a dying man’s room? Intriguer!


Oh! this is absurd! Come, let go I tell you. And you too! Let go, I tell you! I will take the responsibility. I myself will go and ask him, I!... does that satisfy you?


But, Prince, after such a solemn sacrament, allow him a moment’s peace! Here, Pierre, tell them your opinion,


Remember that you will answer for the consequences. You don’t know what you are doing.


Vile woman!


What are you doing! He is dying and you leave me alone with him!


Yes, now you may be glad! this is what you have been waiting for.


Ah, my friend! How often we sin, how much we deceive, and all for what? I am near sixty, dear friend... I too... All will end in death, all! Death is awful...


Pierre! He is no more.... Come, I will go with you. Try to weep, nothing gives such relief as tears. Yes, my dear, this is a great loss for us all, not to speak of you. But God will support you: you are young, and are now, I hope, in command of an immense fortune. The will has not yet been opened. I know you well enough to be sure that this will not turn your head, but it imposes duties on you, and you must be a man. Perhaps later on I may tell you, my dear boy, that if I had not been there, God only knows what would have happened! You know, Uncle promised me only the day before yesterday not to forget Borís. But he had no time. I hope, my dear friend, you will carry out your father’s wish?


It is painful, but it does one good. It uplifts the soul to see such men as the old count and his worthy son,


Please walk in.


Quite well? All right then, sit down. For tomorrow! Wait a bit, here’s a letter for you. From Héloïse?


Yes, it’s from Julie,


I’ll let two more letters pass, but the third I’ll read. I’m afraid you write much nonsense. I’ll read the third!


Read this if you like, Father,


The third, I said the third! Well, madam. Now, madam, these triangles are equal; please note that the angle ABC...


Well now, isn’t she a fool! This won’t do, Princess; it won’t do. Mathematics are most important, madam! I don’t want to have you like our silly ladies. Get used to it and you’ll like it. It will drive all the nonsense out of your head. Here is some sort of Key to the Mysteries that your Héloïse has sent you. Religious! I don’t interfere with anyone’s belief... I have looked at it. Take it. Well, now go. Go.


Dear and precious Friend, How terrible and frightful a thing is separation! Though I tell myself that half my life and half my happiness are wrapped up in you, and that in spite of the distance separating us our hearts are united by indissoluble bonds, my heart rebels against fate and in spite of the pleasures and distractions around me I cannot overcome a certain secret sorrow that has been in my heart ever since we parted. Why are we not together as we were last summer, in your big study, on the blue sofa, the confidential sofa? Why cannot I now, as three months ago, draw fresh moral strength from your look, so gentle, calm, and penetrating, a look I loved so well and seem to see before me as I write?


She flatters me,


All Moscow talks of nothing but war. One of my two brothers is already abroad, the other is with the Guards, who are starting on their march to the frontier. Our dear Emperor has left Petersburg and it is thought intends to expose his precious person to the chances of war. God grant that the Corsican monster who is destroying the peace of Europe may be overthrown by the angel whom it has pleased the Almighty, in His goodness, to give us as sovereign! To say nothing of my brothers, this war has deprived me of one of the associations nearest my heart. I mean young Nicholas Rostóv, who with his enthusiasm could not bear to remain inactive and has left the university to join the army. I will confess to you, dear Mary, that in spite of his extreme youth his departure for the army was a great grief to me. This young man, of whom I spoke to you last summer, is so noble-minded and full of that real youthfulness which one seldom finds nowadays among our old men of twenty and, particularly, he is so frank and has so much heart. He is so pure and poetic that my relations with him, transient as they were, have been one of the sweetest comforts to my poor heart, which has already suffered so much. Someday I will tell you about our parting and all that was said then. That is still too fresh. Ah, dear friend, you are happy not to know these poignant joys and sorrows. You are fortunate, for the latter are generally the stronger! I know very well that Count Nicholas is too young ever to be more to me than a friend, but this sweet friendship, this poetic and pure intimacy, were what my heart needed. But enough of this! The chief news, about which all Moscow gossips, is the death of old Count Bezúkhov, and his inheritance. Fancy! The three princesses have received very little, Prince Vasíli nothing, and it is Monsieur Pierre who has inherited all the property and has besides been recognized as legitimate; so that he is now Count Bezúkhov and possessor of the finest fortune in Russia. It is rumored that Prince Vasíli played a very despicable part in this affair and that he returned to Petersburg quite crestfallen. I confess I understand very little about all these matters of wills and inheritance; but I do know that since this young man, whom we all used to know as plain Monsieur Pierre, has become Count Bezúkhov and the owner of one of the largest fortunes in Russia, I am much amused to watch the change in the tone and manners of the mammas burdened by marriageable daughters, and of the young ladies themselves, toward him, though, between you and me, he always seemed to me a poor sort of fellow. As for the past two years people have amused themselves by finding husbands for me (most of whom I don’t even know), the matchmaking chronicles of Moscow now speak of me as the future Countess Bezúkhova. But you will understand that I have no desire for the post. À propos of marriages: do you know that a while ago that universal auntie Anna Mikháylovna told me, under the seal of strict secrecy, of a plan of marriage for you. It is neither more nor less than with Prince Vasíli’s son Anatole, whom they wish to reform by marrying him to someone rich and distinguée, and it is on you that his relations’ choice has fallen. I don’t know what you will think of it, but I consider it my duty to let you know of it. He is said to be very handsome and a terrible scapegrace. That is all I have been able to find out about him. But enough of gossip. I am at the end of my second sheet of paper, and Mamma has sent for me to go and dine at the Apráksins’. Read the mystical book I am sending you; it has an enormous success here. Though there are things in it difficult for the feeble human mind to grasp, it is an admirable book which calms and elevates the soul. Adieu! Give my respects to monsieur your father and my compliments to Mademoiselle Bourienne. I embrace you as I love you. P.S. Let me have news of your brother and his charming little wife.


Dear and precious Friend, Your letter of the 13th has given me great delight. So you still love me, my romantic Julie? Separation, of which you say so much that is bad, does not seem to have had its usual effect on you. You complain of our separation. What then should I say, if I dared complain, I who am deprived of all who are dear to me? Ah, if we had not religion to console us life would be very sad. Why do you suppose that I should look severely on your affection for that young man? On such matters I am only severe with myself. I understand such feelings in others, and if never having felt them I cannot approve of them, neither do I condemn them. Only it seems to me that Christian love, love of one’s neighbor, love of one’s enemy, is worthier, sweeter, and better than the feelings which the beautiful eyes of a young man can inspire in a romantic and loving young girl like yourself. The news of Count Bezúkhov’s death reached us before your letter and my father was much affected by it. He says the count was the last representative but one of the great century, and that it is his own turn now, but that he will do all he can to let his turn come as late as possible. God preserve us from that terrible misfortune! I cannot agree with you about Pierre, whom I knew as a child. He always seemed to me to have an excellent heart, and that is the quality I value most in people. As to his inheritance and the part played by Prince Vasíli, it is very sad for both. Ah, my dear friend, our divine Saviour’s words, that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God, are terribly true. I pity Prince Vasíli but am still more sorry for Pierre. So young, and burdened with such riches—to what temptations he will be exposed! If I were asked what I desire most on earth, it would be to be poorer than the poorest beggar. A thousand thanks, dear friend, for the volume you have sent me and which has such success in Moscow. Yet since you tell me that among some good things it contains others which our weak human understanding cannot grasp, it seems to me rather useless to spend time in reading what is unintelligible and can therefore bear no fruit. I never could understand the fondness some people have for confusing their minds by dwelling on mystical books that merely awaken their doubts and excite their imagination, giving them a bent for exaggeration quite contrary to Christian simplicity. Let us rather read the Epistles and Gospels. Let us not seek to penetrate what mysteries they contain; for how can we, miserable sinners that we are, know the terrible and holy secrets of Providence while we remain in this flesh which forms an impenetrable veil between us and the Eternal? Let us rather confine ourselves to studying those sublime rules which our divine Saviour has left for our guidance here below. Let us try to conform to them and follow them, and let us be persuaded that the less we let our feeble human minds roam, the better we shall please God, who rejects all knowledge that does not come from Him; and the less we seek to fathom what He has been pleased to conceal from us, the sooner will He vouchsafe its revelation to us through His divine Spirit. My father has not spoken to me of a suitor, but has only told me that he has received a letter and is expecting a visit from Prince Vasíli. In regard to this project of marriage for me, I will tell you, dear sweet friend, that I look on marriage as a divine institution to which we must conform. However painful it may be to me, should the Almighty lay the duties of wife and mother upon me I shall try to perform them as faithfully as I can, without disquieting myself by examining my feelings toward him whom He may give me for husband.


Ah, you are sending off a letter, Princess? I have already dispatched mine. I have written to my poor mother. Princess, I must warn you, the prince has been scolding Michael Ivánovich. He is in a very bad humor, very morose. Be prepared.


Ah, dear friend. I have asked you never to warn me of the humor my father is in. I do not allow myself to judge him and would not have others do so.


He will get up in twenty minutes. Let us go across to Mary’s room,


Why, this is a palace! Let’s come, quick, quick! Is that Mary practicing? Let’s go quietly and take her by surprise.


You’ve grown older, Tíkhon,


Ah! what joy for the princess! At last! I must let her know.


No, no, please not... You are Mademoiselle Bourienne. I know you already through my sister-in-law’s friendship for you. She was not expecting us?


Ah! my dear!... Ah! Mary!...


I dreamed last night... You were not expecting us?...


Ah! Mary, you have got thinner?...


And you have grown stouter!...


I knew the princess at once,


And I had no idea!... Ah, Andrew, I did not see you.


So you are really going to the war, Andrew?


Yes, and even tomorrow,


He is leaving me here, God knows why, when he might have had promotion...


Is it certain?


Yes, quite certain. Ah! it is very dreadful...


She needs rest. Don’t you, Lise? Take her to your room and I’ll go to Father. How is he? Just the same?


Yes, just the same. Though I don’t know what your opinion will be,


And are the hours the same? And the walks in the avenues? And the lathe?


The hours are the same, and the lathe, and also the mathematics and my geometry lessons,


Ah! here’s the warrior! Wants to vanquish Buonaparte? You at least must tackle him properly, or else if he goes on like this he’ll soon have us, too, for his subjects! How are you?


Yes, Father, I have come to you and brought my wife who is pregnant. How is your health?


Only fools and rakes fall ill, my boy. You know me: I am busy from morning till night and abstemious, so of course I am well.


Thank God,


God has nothing to do with it! Well, go on, tell me how the Germans have taught you to fight Bonaparte by this new science you call ‘strategy.’


Give me time to collect my wits, Father. Why, I have not yet had time to settle down!


Nonsense, nonsense! The house for your wife is ready. Princess Mary will take her there and show her over, and they’ll talk nineteen to the dozen. That’s their woman’s way! I am glad to have her. Sit down and talk. About Mikhelson’s army I understand—Tolstóy’s too... a simultaneous expedition.... But what’s the southern army to do? Prussia is neutral... I know that. What about Austria?


The white one, the white one! And will she soon be confined? That’s bad! Go on, go on. Malbrook s’en va-t-en guerre. Dieu sait quand reviendra.


I don’t say it’s a plan I approve of. I am only telling you what it is. Napoleon has also formed his plan by now, not worse than this one.


Well, you’ve told me nothing new. Dieu sait quand reviendra. Go to the dining room.


How thoroughly like him that is! Everyone has his Achilles’ heel. Fancy, with his powerful mind, indulging in such nonsense!


I’m glad, glad, to see you. Sit down, sit down! Sit down, Michael Ivánovich! Ho, ho! You’ve been in a hurry. That’s bad! You must walk, walk as much as possible, as much as possible,


Countess Apráksina, poor thing, has lost her husband and she has cried her eyes out,


Well, Michael Ivánovich, our Bonaparte will be having a bad time of it. Prince Andrew has been telling me what forces are being collected against him! While you and I never thought much of him. He is a great tactician!


The past always seems good, but did not Suvórov himself fall into a trap Moreau set him, and from which he did not know how to escape?


Who told you that? Who? Suvórov! Suvórov!... Consider, Prince Andrew. Two... Frederick and Suvórov; Moreau!... Moreau would have been a prisoner if Suvórov had had a free hand; but he had the Hofs-kriegs-wurst-schnapps-Rath on his hands. It would have puzzled the devil himself! When you get there you’ll find out what those Hofs-kriegs-wurst-Raths are! Suvórov couldn’t manage them so what chance has Michael Kutúzov? No, my dear boy, you and your generals won’t get on against Buonaparte; you’ll have to call in the French, so that birds of a feather may fight together. The German, Pahlen, has been sent to New York in America, to fetch the Frenchman, Moreau. Wonderful!... Were the Potëmkins, Suvórovs, and Orlóvs Germans? No, lad, either you fellows have all lost your wits, or I have outlived mine. May God help you, but we’ll see what will happen. Buonaparte has become a great commander among them! Hm!...


I don’t at all say that all the plans are good. I am only surprised at your opinion of Bonaparte. You may laugh as much as you like, but all the same Bonaparte is a great general!


Michael Ivánovich! Didn’t I tell you Buonaparte was a great tactician? Here, he says the same thing.


To be sure, your excellency,


Buonaparte was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He has got splendid soldiers. Besides he began by attacking Germans. And only idlers have failed to beat the Germans. Since the world began everybody has beaten the Germans. They beat no one—except one another. He made his reputation fighting them.


You think I’m an old man and don’t understand the present state of affairs? But it troubles me. I don’t sleep at night. Come now, where has this great commander of yours shown his skill?


That would take too long to tell,


Well, then go off to your Buonaparte! Mademoiselle Bourienne, here’s another admirer of that powder-monkey emperor of yours,


You know, Prince, I am not a Bonapartist!


Dieu sait quand reviendra.


What a clever man your father is, perhaps that is why I am afraid of him.


I hear you have given orders to harness, and I did so wish to have another talk with you alone! God knows how long we may again be parted. You are not angry with me for coming? You have changed so, Andrúsha,


And where is Lise?


She was so tired that she has fallen asleep on the sofa in my room. Oh, Andrew! What a treasure of a wife you have. She is quite a child: such a dear, merry child. I have grown so fond of her.


One must be indulgent to little weaknesses; who is free from them, Andrew? Don’t forget that she has grown up and been educated in society, and so her position now is not a rosy one. We should enter into everyone’s situation. Tout comprendre, c’est tout pardonner. * Think what it must be for her, poor thing, after what she has been used to, to be parted from her husband and be left alone in the country, in her condition! It’s very hard. You live in the country and don’t think the life terrible,


I... that’s different. Why speak of me? I don’t want any other life, and can’t, for I know no other. But think, Andrew: for a young society woman to be buried in the country during the best years of her life, all alone—for Papa is always busy, and I... well, you know what poor resources I have for entertaining a woman used to the best society. There is only Mademoiselle Bourienne....


I don’t like your Mademoiselle Bourienne at all,


No? She is very nice and kind and, above all, she’s much to be pitied. She has no one, no one. To tell the truth, I don’t need her, and she’s even in my way. You know I always was a savage, and now am even more so. I like being alone.... Father likes her very much. She and Michael Ivánovich are the two people to whom he is always gentle and kind, because he has been a benefactor to them both. As Sterne says: ‘We don’t love people so much for the good they have done us, as for the good we have done them.’ Father took her when she was homeless after losing her own father. She is very good-natured, and my father likes her way of reading. She reads to him in the evenings and reads splendidly.


To be quite frank, Mary, I expect Father’s character sometimes makes things trying for you, doesn’t it?


For me? For me?... Trying for me!...


He always was rather harsh; and now I should think he’s getting very trying,


You are good in every way, Andrew, but you have a kind of intellectual pride, and that’s a great sin. How can one judge Father? But even if one might, what feeling except veneration could such a man as my father evoke? And I am so contented and happy with him. I only wish you were all as happy as I am. The only thing that is hard for me... I will tell you the truth, Andrew... is Father’s way of treating religious subjects. I don’t understand how a man of his immense intellect can fail to see what is as clear as day, and can go so far astray. That is the only thing that makes me unhappy. But even in this I can see lately a shade of improvement. His satire has been less bitter of late, and there was a monk he received and had a long talk with.


Ah! my dear, I am afraid you and your monk are wasting your powder,


Ah! mon ami, I only pray, and hope that God will hear me. Andrew... I have a great favor to ask of you.


What is it, dear?


No—promise that you will not refuse! It will give you no trouble and is nothing unworthy of you, but it will comfort me. Promise, Andrúsha!...


Even if it were a great deal of trouble...


Think what you please! I know you are just like Father. Think as you please, but do this for my sake! Please do! Father’s father, our grandfather, wore it in all his wars. So you promise?


Of course. What is it?


Andrew, I bless you with this icon and you must promise me you will never take it off. Do you promise?


If it does not weigh a hundredweight and won’t break my neck... To please you... I am glad; really, dear, I am very glad.


Against your will He will save and have mercy on you and bring you to Himself, for in Him alone is truth and peace. Please, Andrew, for my sake!...


Thank you, my dear.


As I was saying to you, Andrew, be kind and generous as you always used to be. Don’t judge Lise harshly. She is so sweet, so good-natured, and her position now is a very hard one.


I do not think I have complained of my wife to you, Másha, or blamed her. Why do you say all this to me? I have said nothing to you, but you have already been talked to. And I am sorry for that. Know this, Másha: I can’t reproach, have not reproached, and never shall reproach my wife with anything, and I cannot reproach myself with anything in regard to her; and that always will be so in whatever circumstances I may be placed. But if you want to know the truth... if you want to know whether I am happy? No! Is she happy? No! But why this is so I don’t know...


Andrew, if you had faith you would have turned to God and asked Him to give you the love you do not feel, and your prayer would have been answered.


Well, maybe! Go, Másha; I’ll come immediately.


Oh! I thought you were in your room,


No, but imagine the old Countess Zúbova, with false curls and her mouth full of false teeth, as if she were trying to cheat old age.... Ha, ha, ha! Mary!


Going? I’ve come to say good-by. Kiss me here. Thanks, thanks!


About my wife... I am ashamed as it is to leave her on your hands....


Why talk nonsense? Say what you want.


When her confinement is due, send to Moscow for an accoucheur.... Let him be here.... I know that no one can help if nature does not do her work. I know that out of a million cases only one goes wrong, but it is her fancy and mine. They have been telling her things. She has had a dream and is frightened.


Hm... Hm... I’ll do it. It’s a bad business, eh?


What is bad, Father?


The wife!


I don’t understand!


No, it can’t be helped, lad. They’re all like that; one can’t unmarry. Don’t be afraid; I won’t tell anyone, but you know it yourself. What’s to be done? She’s pretty! I will do everything. Make your mind easy. Listen! don’t worry about your wife: what can be done shall be. Now listen! Give this letter to Michael Ilariónovich. * I have written that he should make use of you in proper places and not keep you long as an adjutant: a bad position! Tell him I remember and like him. Write and tell me how he receives you. If he is all right—serve him. Nicholas Bolkónski’s son need not serve under anyone if he is in disfavor. Now come here. I shall probably die before you. So remember, these are my memoirs; hand them to the Emperor after my death. Now here is a Lombard bond and a letter; it is a premium for the man who writes a history of Suvórov’s wars. Send it to the Academy. Here are some jottings for you to read when I am gone. You will find them useful.


I will do it all, Father,


Well, now, good-by! Remember this, Prince Andrew, if they kill you it will hurt me, your old father... but if I hear that you have not behaved like a son of Nicholas Bolkónski, I shall be ashamed!


You need not have said that to me, Father. I also wanted to ask you, if I’m killed and if I have a son, do not let him be taken away from you—as I said yesterday... let him grow up with you.... Please.


Not let the wife have him? We’ve said good-by. Go!


What is it? What?


Well!


Andrew, already!


Adieu, Mary,


Gone? That’s all right!


Well, Michael Mítrich, sir? We had our hands full last night. However, I think the regiment is not a bad one, eh?


It would not be turned off the field even on the Tsarítsin Meadow.


What?


A fine mess we’ve made of it! There now! Didn’t I tell you, Michael Mítrich, that if it was said ‘on the march’ it meant in greatcoats? Oh, my God! Company commanders! Sergeants major!... How soon will he be here?


In an hour’s time, I should say.


Shall we have time to change clothes?


I don’t know, General....


Whatever is this? This! Commander of the third company!


Commander of the third company wanted by the general!... commander to the general... third company to the commander.


The general to the third company,


You will soon be dressing your men in petticoats! What is this? What have you been after? The commander in chief is expected and you leave your place? Eh? I’ll teach you to dress the men in fancy coats for a parade.... Eh...? Well, why don’t you speak? Whom have you got there dressed up as a Hungarian?


Your excellency...


Well, your excellency, what? Your excellency! But what about your excellency?... nobody knows.


Your excellency, it’s the officer Dólokhov, who has been reduced to the ranks,


Well? Has he been degraded into a field marshal, or into a soldier? If a soldier, he should be dressed in regulation uniform like the others.


Your excellency, you gave him leave yourself, on the march.


Gave him leave? Leave? That’s just like you young men. Leave indeed.... One says a word to you and you... What? I beg you to dress your men decently. H-o-o-w are you standing? Where’s your leg? Your leg? Why a blue coat? Off with it... Sergeant major! Change his coat... the ras...


General, I must obey orders, but I am not bound to endure...


No talking in the ranks!... No talking, no talking!


Not bound to endure insults,


I request you to have the goodness to change your coat,


He’s coming!


Att-ention!


Health to your ex... len... len... lency!


Ah, Timókhin!


Another Ismail comrade. A brave officer! Are you satisfied with him?


Highly satisfied, your excellency!


We all have our weaknesses. He used to have a predilection for Bacchus.


You told me to remind you of the officer Dólokhov, reduced to the ranks in this regiment.


Where is Dólokhov? Have you a complaint to make?


This is Dólokhov,


Ah! I hope this will be a lesson to you. Do your duty. The Emperor is gracious, and I shan’t forget you if you deserve well.


One thing I ask of your excellency. I ask an opportunity to atone for my fault and prove my devotion to His Majesty the Emperor and to Russia!


You won’t bear me a grudge, Prokhór Ignátych? It’s in the Emperor’s service... it can’t be helped... one is sometimes a bit hasty on parade... I am the first to apologize, you know me!... He was very pleased!


Don’t mention it, General, as if I’d be so bold!


And tell Mr. Dólokhov that I won’t forget him—he may be quite easy. And tell me, please—I’ve been meaning to ask—how is he behaving himself, and in general...


As far as the service goes he is quite punctilious, your excellency; but his character...


And what about his character?


It’s different on different days. One day he is sensible, well educated, and good-natured, and the next he’s a wild beast.... In Poland, if you please, he nearly killed a Jew.


Oh, well, well! Still, one must have pity on a young man in misfortune. You know he has important connections... Well, then, you just...


I will, your excellency,


Well, of course, of course! After the next affair... epaulettes.


Well, he’s really a good fellow, one can serve under him,


In a word, a hearty one...


And they said Kutúzov was blind of one eye? And so he is! Quite blind! No, friend, he is sharper-eyed than you are. Boots and leg bands... he noticed everything... When he looked at my feet, friend... well, thinks I... And that other one with him, the Austrian, looked as if he were smeared with chalk—as white as flour! I suppose they polish him up as they do the guns. I say, Fédeshon!... Did he say when the battles are to begin? You were near him. Everybody said that Buonaparte himself was at Braunau. Buonaparte himself!... Just listen to the fool, what he doesn’t know! The Prussians are up in arms now. The Austrians, you see, are putting them down. When they’ve been put down, the war with Buonaparte will begin. And he says Buonaparte is in Braunau! Shows you’re a fool. You’d better listen more carefully! What devils these quartermasters are! See, the fifth company is turning into the village already... they will have their buckwheat cooked before we reach our quarters. Give me a biscuit, you devil! And did you give me tobacco yesterday? That’s just it, friend! Ah, well, never mind, here you are. They might call a halt here or we’ll have to do another four miles without eating. Wasn’t it fine when those Germans gave us lifts! You just sit still and are drawn along. And here, friend, the people are quite beggarly. There they all seemed to be Poles—all under the Russian crown—but here they’re all regular Germans.


Singers to the front


Morning dawned, the sun was rising. On then, brothers, on to glory, led by Father Kámenski.


Oh, my bower, oh, my bower...!


Oh, my bower new...!


My dear fellow, how are you?


How am I? I am as you see.


And how do you get on with the officers?


All right. They are good fellows. And how have you wriggled onto the staff?


I was attached; I’m on duty.


Is it true that Austrians have been beaten?


The devil only knows! They say so.


I’m glad,


I say, come round some evening and we’ll have a game of faro!


Why, have you too much money?


Do come.


I can’t. I’ve sworn not to. I won’t drink and won’t play till I get reinstated.


Well, that’s only till the first engagement.


We shall see.


Come if you need anything. One can at least be of use on the staff...


Don’t trouble. If I want anything, I won’t beg—I’ll take it!


Well, never mind; I only...


And I only...


Good-by.


Good health...


Ah!... All I can say, General. All I can say, General, is that if the matter depended on my personal wishes, the will of His Majesty the Emperor Francis would have been fulfilled long ago. I should long ago have joined the archduke. And believe me on my honour that to me personally it would be a pleasure to hand over the supreme command of the army into the hands of a better informed and more skillful general—of whom Austria has so many—and to lay down all this heavy responsibility. But circumstances are sometimes too strong for us, General.


On the contrary. On the contrary, your excellency’s participation in the common action is highly valued by His Majesty; but we think the present delay is depriving the splendid Russian troops and their commander of the laurels they have been accustomed to win in their battles,


Give me that letter. Please have a look at it We have fully concentrated forces of nearly seventy thousand men with which to attack and defeat the enemy should he cross the Lech. Also, as we are masters of Ulm, we cannot be deprived of the advantage of commanding both sides of the Danube, so that should the enemy not cross the Lech, we can cross the Danube, throw ourselves on his line of communications, recross the river lower down, and frustrate his intention should he try to direct his whole force against our faithful ally. We shall therefore confidently await the moment when the Imperial Russian army will be fully equipped, and shall then, in conjunction with it, easily find a way to prepare for the enemy the fate he deserves.


But you know the wise maxim your excellency, advising one to expect the worst,


Excuse me, General. Look here, my dear fellow, get from Kozlóvski all the reports from our scouts. Here are two letters from Count Nostitz and here is one from His Highness the Archduke Ferdinand and here are these, make a neat memorandum in French out of all this, showing all the news we have had of the movements of the Austrian army, and then give it to his excellency.


Well, Prince?


I am ordered to write a memorandum explaining why we are not advancing.


And why is it?


Any news from Mack?


No.


If it were true that he has been beaten, news would have come.


Commander in Chief Kutúzov?


The commander in chief is engaged. Whom shall I announce? The commander in chief is engaged,


Vous voyez le malheureux Mack,


Why are you so glum?


There’s nothing to be gay about,


They’re coming!... they’re coming!... Stand aside, make way, please make way! Your excellency. I have the honor to congratulate you. I have the honor to congratulate you. General Mack has arrived, quite well, only a little bruised just here,


Gott, wie naiv!


If you, sir, choose to make a buffoon of yourself. I can’t prevent your doing so; but I warn you that if you dare to play the fool in my presence, I will teach you to behave yourself.


What’s the matter? I only congratulated them,


I am not jesting with you; please be silent!


Come, what’s the matter, old fellow?


What’s the matter? Don’t you understand that either we are officers serving our Tsar and our country, rejoicing in the successes and grieving at the misfortunes of our common cause, or we are merely lackeys who care nothing for their master’s business. Quarante mille hommes massacrés et l’armée de nos alliés détruite, et vous trouvez là le mot pour rire. C’est bien pour un garçon de rien comme cet individu dont vous avez fait un ami, mais pas pour vous, pas pour vous. Only a hobbledehoy could amuse himself in this way,


Ah, Bondarénko, dear friend! Walk him up and down, my dear fellow,


Yes, your excellency,


Splendid! What a horse he will be!


Schön gut Morgen! Schön gut Morgen!


Schon fleissig? Hoch Oestreicher! Hoch Russen! Kaiser Alexander hoch!


Und die ganze Welt hoch!


Und vivat die ganze Welt!


Hasn’t been in since the evening. Must have been losing. I know by now, if he wins he comes back early to brag about it, but if he stays out till morning it means he’s lost and will come back in a rage. Will you have coffee? He’s coming! Now for trouble!


Lavwúska! take it off, blockhead!


Well, I am taking it off,


Ah, you’re up already,


Long ago. I have already been for the hay, and have seen Fräulein Mathilde.


Weally! And I’ve been losing, bwother. I lost yesterday like a damned fool! Such ill luck! Such ill luck. As soon as you left, it began and went on. Hullo there! Tea! And what devil made me go to that wat? Just fancy, he didn’t let me win a single cahd, not one cahd. He lets one win the singles and collahs it as soon as one doubles it; gives the singles and snatches the doubles!


Wetched! Wostóv, deah fellow, just see how much there is left and shove the purse undah the pillow,


Well, young cavalryman, how is my Rook behaving? I saw you riding this morning...


Oh, he’s all right, a good horse. He’s begun to go a little lame on the left foreleg,


The hoof’s cracked! That’s nothing. I’ll teach you what to do and show you what kind of rivet to use.


Yes, please do,


I’ll show you, I’ll show you! It’s not a secret. And it’s a horse you’ll thank me for.


Then I’ll have it brought round,


Ugh! I don’t like that fellow,


Have you told them to bring the horse?


I have.


Let us go ourselves. I only came round to ask Denísov about yesterday’s order. Have you got it, Denísov?


Not yet. But where are you off to?


I want to teach this young man how to shoe a horse,


I am witing to her. You see, my fwiend, we sleep when we don’t love. We are childwen of the dust... but one falls in love and one is a God, one is pua’ as on the fihst day of cweation... Who’s that now? Send him to the devil, I’m busy!


Who should it be? You yourself told him to come. It’s the quartermaster for the money.


Wetched business. How much is left in the puhse?


Seven new and three old imperials.


Oh, it’s wetched! Well, what are you standing there for, you sca’cwow? Call the quahtehmasteh,


Please, Denísov, let me lend you some: I have some, you know,


Don’t like bowwowing from my own fellows, I don’t,


But if you won’t accept money from me like a comrade, you will offend me. Really I have some,


No, I tell you. Where have you put it, Wostóv?


Under the lower pillow.


It’s not there.


That’s a miwacle. Wait, haven’t you dropped it? Dear me, can I have forgotten? No, I remember thinking that you kept it under your head like a treasure. I put it just here. Where is it? I haven’t been in the room. It must be where you put it. But it isn’t?...


You’re always like that; you thwow a thing down anywhere and forget it. Feel in your pockets.


No, if I hadn’t thought of it being a treasure, but I remember putting it there.


And there hasn’t been anyone in the room except the lieutenant and yourselves. It must be here somewhere,


Now then, you devil’s puppet, look alive and hunt for it! If the purse isn’t found I’ll flog you, I’ll flog you all. I must have that purse, I tell you,


Denísov, let him alone, I know who has taken it,