Is it possible that I—the ‘chit of a girl,’ as everybody called me, is it possible that I am now to be the wife and the equal of this strange, dear, clever man whom even my father looks up to? Can it be true? Can it be true that there can be no more playing with life, that now I am grown up, that on me now lies a responsibility for my every word and deed? Yes, but what did he ask me? No,


Forgive me! But you are so young, and I have already been through so much in life. I am afraid for you, you do not yet know yourself. Hard as this year which delays my happiness will be, it will give you time to be sure of yourself. I ask you to make me happy in a year, but you are free: our engagement shall remain a secret, and should you find that you do not love me, or should you come to love...


Why do you say that? You know that from the very day you first came to Otrádnoe I have loved you,


In a year you will learn to know yourself....


A whole year! But why a year? Why a year?... And can’t it be helped? It’s awful! Oh, it’s awful! awful! I shall die, waiting a year: it’s impossible, it’s awful! No, no! I’ll do anything! I am so happy.


Why not?


I cannot take him away from his grandfather, and besides...


How I should have loved him! but I know you wish to avoid any pretext for finding fault with us.


What does he look for in me? He is trying to discover something by looking at me! What if what he seeks in me is not there?


You have known Bezúkhov a long time? Do you like him?


Yes, he’s a dear, but very absurd.


Do you know I have entrusted him with our secret? I have known him from childhood. He has a heart of gold. I beg you, Natalie. I am going away and heaven knows what may happen. You may cease to... all right, I know I am not to say that. Only this, then: whatever may happen to you when I am not here...


What can happen?


Whatever trouble may come. I beg you, Mademoiselle Sophie, whatever may happen, to turn to him alone for advice and help! He is a most absent-minded and absurd fellow, but he has a heart of gold.


Don’t go! Oh, why did he go away?


You want to make him into an old maid like yourself! A pity! Prince Andrew wants a son and not an old maid,


Besides, the matter was not then so definitely settled as it is now. My father then insisted on a delay of a year and now already six months, half of that period, have passed, and my resolution is firmer than ever. If the doctors did not keep me here at the spas I should be back in Russia, but as it is I have to postpone my return for three months. You know me and my relations with Father. I want nothing from him. I have been and always shall be independent; but to go against his will and arouse his anger, now that he may perhaps remain with us such a short time, would destroy half my happiness. I am now writing to him about the same question, and beg you to choose a good moment to hand him the letter and to let me know how he looks at the whole matter and whether there is hope that he may consent to reduce the term by four months.


Write and tell your brother to wait till I am dead.... It won’t be long—I shall soon set him free. Marry, marry, my boy!... A good family!... Clever people, eh? Rich, eh? Yes, a nice stepmother little Nicholas will have! Write and tell him that he may marry tomorrow if he likes. She will be little Nicholas’ stepmother and I’ll marry Bourienne!... Ha, ha, ha! He mustn’t be without a stepmother either! Only one thing, no more women are wanted in my house—let him marry and live by himself. Perhaps you will go and live with him too? Go in heaven’s name! Go out into the frost... the frost... the frost! Why shouldn’t I marry her? She’ll make a splendid princess!


How is it that no one realizes this? No one except these despised God’s folk who, wallet on back, come to me by the back door, afraid of being seen by the prince, not for fear of ill-usage by him but for fear of causing him to sin. To leave family, home, and all the cares of worldly welfare, in order without clinging to anything to wander in hempen rags from place to place under an assumed name, doing no one any harm but praying for all—for those who drive one away as well as for those who protect one: higher than that life and truth there is no life or truth!


I shall come to a place and pray there, and before having time to get used to it or getting to love it, I shall go farther. I will go on till my legs fail, and I’ll lie down and die somewhere, and shall at last reach that eternal, quiet haven, where there is neither sorrow nor sighing...


My dear Mamma. Your obedient son,


For God’s sake, I implore you, come at once if you do not wish to make me and the whole family wretched,


You’re not the same at all,


How? Am I uglier?


On the contrary, but what dignity? A princess!


Yes, yes, yes! Well, are you glad? I am so tranquil and happy now.


Very glad. He is an excellent fellow.... And are you very much in love?


How shall I put it? I was in love with Borís, with my teacher, and with Denísov, but this is quite different. I feel at peace and settled. I know that no better man than he exists, and I am calm and contented now. Not at all as before. You don’t at all understand,


You see he writes, he writes that he won’t come before December. What can be keeping him? Illness, probably! His health is very delicate. Don’t tell Natásha. And don’t attach importance to her being so bright: that’s because she’s living through the last days of her girlhood, but I know what she is like every time we receive a letter from him! However, God grant that everything turns out well! He is an excellent man!


Robber!... Ungrateful wretch!... I’ll hack the dog to pieces! I’m not my father!... Robbing us!... Be off! Never let me see your face here again, you villain!


But you know, my dear boy, it’s a pity you got excited! Mítenka has told me all about it.


I knew that I should never understand anything in this crazy world.


You were angry that he had not entered those 700 rubles. But they were carried forward—and you did not look at the other page.


Papa, he is a blackguard and a thief! I know he is! And what I have done, I have done; but, if you like, I won’t speak to him again.


No, my dear boy No, I beg you to attend to the business. I am old. I...


No, Papa. Forgive me if I have caused you unpleasantness. I understand it all less than you do. Devil take all these peasants, and money matters, and carryings forward from page to page. I used to understand what a ‘corner’ and the stakes at cards meant, but carrying forward to another page I don’t understand at all. This. You say it rests with me. Well, I don’t like Anna Mikháylovna and I don’t like Borís, but they were our friends and poor. Well then, this!


O-hoy!


Daniel!


What orders, your excellency?


It’s a good day, eh? For a hunt and a gallop, eh?


I sent Uvárka at dawn to listen. He says she’s moved them into the Otrádnoe enclosure. They were howling there.


We ought to go, don’t you think so? Come to me with Uvárka.


As you please.


Then put off feeding them.


Yes, sir.


You are going? I knew you would! Sónya said you wouldn’t go, but I knew that today is the sort of day when you couldn’t help going.


Yes, we are going. We are going, but only wolf hunting: it would be dull for you.


You know it is my greatest pleasure. It’s not fair; you are going by yourself, are having the horses saddled and said nothing to us about it.


'No barrier bars a Russian’s path'—we’ll go!


But you can’t. Mamma said you mustn’t,


Yes, I’ll go. I shall certainly go. Daniel, tell them to saddle for us, and Michael must come with my dogs,


Good morning, Uncle!


That’s it. Come on!... I was sure of it. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist it and it’s a good thing you’re going. That’s it! Come on! Take the covert at once, for my Gírchik says the Ilágins are at Kornikí with their hounds. That’s it. Come on!... They’ll take the cubs from under your very nose.


That’s where I’m going. Shall we join up our packs?


Good morning, Uncle! We are going too!


Good morning, good morning! But don’t go overriding the hounds,


Nicholas, what a fine dog Truníla is! He knew me,


In the first place, Truníla is not a ‘dog,’ but a harrier,


You mustn’t think we’ll be in anyone’s way, Uncle. We’ll go to our places and won’t budge.


A good thing too, little countess, only mind you don’t fall off your horse, because—that’s it, come on!—you’ve nothing to hold on to. Well, nephew, you’re going for a big wolf. Mind and don’t let her slip!


That’s as may happen. Karáy, here!


Well, Nastásya Ivánovna! If you scare away the beast, Daniel’ll give it you!


I know a thing or two myself!


Hush! Have you seen the young countess? Where is she?


With young Count Peter, by the Zhárov rank grass. Though she’s a lady, she’s very fond of hunting.


And you’re surprised at the way she rides, Simon, eh? She’s as good as many a man!


Of course! It’s marvelous. So bold, so easy!


And Nicholas? Where is he? By the Lyádov upland, isn’t he?


Yes, sir. He knows where to stand. He understands the matter so well that Daniel and I are often quite astounded,


Rides well, eh? And how well he looks on his horse, eh?


A perfect picture! How he chased a fox out of the rank grass by the Zavárzinsk thicket the other day! Leaped a fearful place; what a sight when they rushed from the covert... the horse worth a thousand rubles and the rider beyond all price! Yes, one would have to search far to find another as smart.


To search far... To search far,


The other day when he came out from Mass in full uniform, Michael Sidórych... They are on the scent of the cubs... straight to the Lyádov uplands.


Back!


Look out!


Ulyulyulyu! ulyulyu!... Blast you! You’ve let the wolf go!... What sportsmen!


What would it be to Thee to do this for me? I know Thou art great, and that it is a sin to ask this of Thee, but for God’s sake do let the old wolf come my way and let Karáy spring at it—in sight of ‘Uncle’ who is watching from over there—and seize it by the throat in a death grip! No, I shan’t have such luck, yet what wouldn’t it be worth! It is not to be! Everywhere, at cards and in war, I am always unlucky. Only once in my life to get an old wolf, I want only that! No, it can’t be!


Ulyulyulyu! Shall I loose them or not?


Back or forward? Eh, no matter, forward...


Ulyulyu!


Ulyulyulyulyu! She’ll get away! No, it’s impossible! Karáy, ulyulyu!...


Karáy? Old fellow!...


Oh my God! Why?


Don’t! We’ll gag her!


Oh, what a formidable one! A formidable one, eh?


Yes, your excellency,


Ah, but you are a crusty fellow, friend!


What’s this? Where’s that huntsman from? He is not ‘Uncle’s’ man.


That’s Ilágin’s huntsman having a row with our Iván,


What has happened?


A likely thing, killing a fox our dogs had hunted! And it was my gray bitch that caught it! Go to law, indeed!... He snatches at the fox! I gave him one with the fox. Here it is on my saddle! Do you want a taste of this?...


A fine little bitch, that! Is she swift?


That one? Yes, she’s a good dog, gets what she’s after. So in your parts, too, the harvest is nothing to boast of, Count? That black-spotted one of yours is fine—well shaped!


Yes, she’s fast enough. If only a full-grown hare would cross the field now I’d show you what sort of borzoi she is,


I don’t understand, how some sportsmen can be so jealous about game and dogs. For myself, I can tell you, Count, I enjoy riding in company such as this... what could be better? but as for counting skins and what one takes, I don’t care about that.


Of course not!


Or being upset because someone else’s borzoi and not mine catches something. All I care about is to enjoy seeing the chase, is it not so, Count? For I consider that...


A-tu! A-tu!


Ah, he has found one, I think,


Yes, we must ride up.... Shall we both course it? And suppose they outdo my Mílka at once!


A full-grown one? And you, Michael Nikanórovich?


How can I join in? Why, you’ve given a village for each of your borzois! That’s it, come on! Yours are worth thousands. Try yours against one another, you two, and I’ll look on! Rugáy, hey, hey! Rugáyushka!


How is it pointing?


Stop!


A-tu!


Miláshka, dear!


Erzá, darling!


Rugáy, Rugáyushka! That’s it, come on!


That’s it, come on! That’s a dog!... There, it has beaten them all, the thousand-ruble as well as the one-ruble borzois. That’s it, come on! There are your thousand-ruble ones.... That’s it, come on!... Rugáy, here’s a pad for you! You’ve deserved it, that’s it, come on!


She’d tired herself out, she’d run it down three times by herself,


But what is there in running across it like that?


Once she had missed it and turned it away, any mongrel could take it,


And if you put up at my house that will be better still. That’s it, come on! You see it’s damp weather, and you could rest, and the little countess could be driven home in a trap.


Arínka! Look, she sits sideways! There she sits and her skirt dangles.... See, she’s got a little hunting horn!


Goodness gracious! See her knife?...


Isn’t she a Tartar!


How is it you didn’t go head over heels?


That’s right, young countess, that’s it, come on! I never saw anyone like her! She’s ridden all day like a man, and is as fresh as ever!


Take this, little Lady-Countess!


This, you see, is how I am finishing my days... Death will come. That’s it, come on! Nothing will remain. Then why harm anyone?


Why don’t you enter the service, Uncle?


I did once, but gave it up. I am not fit for it. That’s it, come on! I can’t make head or tail of it. That’s for you—I haven’t brains enough. Now, hunting is another matter—that’s it, come on! Open the door, there! Why have you shut it? That’s Mítka, my coachman.... I have got him a good balaláyka. I’m fond of it,


How good! Really very good!


Very good? Not ‘very good’--it’s simply delicious! More, please, more!


You like listening? That’s a good player of ours,


He doesn’t play that part right! Here he ought to burst out—that’s it, come on!—ought to burst out.


Do you play then?


Anísya, go and see if the strings of my guitar are all right. I haven’t touched it for a long time. That’s it—come on! I’ve given it up.


Lovely, lovely! Go on, Uncle, go on! Nicholas, Nicholas! Go on, Uncle dear,


Now then, niece!


Well, little countess; that’s it—come on! Well done, niece! Now a fine young fellow must be found as husband for you. That’s it—come on!


He’s chosen already,


Oh?


And such a one! What did Nicholas’ smile mean when he said ‘chosen already’? Is he glad of it or not? It is as if he thought my Bolkónski would not approve of or understand our gaiety. But he would understand it all. Where is he now? Don’t dare to think about it,


Good-by, dear niece,


What a darling Uncle is!


Yes. You’re not cold?


No. I’m quite, quite all right. I feel so comfortable!


Got it?


What were you thinking about just now, Nicholas?


I? Well, you see, first I thought that Rugáy, the red hound, was like Uncle, and that if he were a man he would always keep Uncle near him, if not for his riding, then for his manner. What a good fellow Uncle is! Don’t you think so?... Well, and you?


I? Wait a bit, wait.... Yes, first I thought that we are driving along and imagining that we are going home, but that heaven knows where we are really going in the darkness, and that we shall arrive and suddenly find that we are not in Otrádnoe, but in Fairyland. And then I thought... No, nothing else.


I know, I expect you thought of him,


No. How well Anísya carried herself, how well! And do you know. I know that I shall never again be as happy and tranquil as I am now.


Rubbish, nonsense, humbug!


Ah, there are still lights in the drawing room!


But, Mamma, suppose I loved a girl who has no fortune, would you expect me to sacrifice my feelings and my honor for the sake of money?


No, you have not understood me. You have not understood me, Nikólenka. It is your happiness I wish for,


Mamma, don’t cry! Only tell me that you wish it, and you know I will give my life, anything, to put you at ease. I would sacrifice anything for you—even my feelings.


No, you have not understood me, don’t let us talk about it,


Maybe I do love a poor girl. Am I to sacrifice my feelings and my honor for money? must not respond to her faithful, devoted love? I can always sacrifice my feelings for my family’s welfare, but I can’t coerce my feelings.


Why are you wandering about like an outcast? What do you want? Him... I want him... now, this minute! I want him!


Don’t look at me, Mamma! Don’t look; I shall cry directly. Sit down with me a little,


Mamma, I want him. Why should I be wasted like this, Mamma?


Stop playing—there’s a time for everything,


Let her alone, Kondrátevna. Go, Mavrúshka, go. What can I do with them? Oh, Nikíta, please go... where can I send him?... Yes, go to the yard and fetch a fowl, please, a cock, and you, Misha, bring me some oats.


Just a few oats?


Go, go quickly,


And you, Theodore, get me a piece of chalk.


Oh dear, what a young lady!


What can I do, where can I go? Nastásya Ivánovna, what sort of children shall I have?


Why, fleas, crickets, grasshoppers,


O Lord, O Lord, it’s always the same! Oh, where am I to go? What am I to do with myself?


Pétya! Pétya! Carry me downstairs. No, don’t... the island of Madagascar!


Sónya, what is this? Oh, you are there! I don’t know. A storm?


No, it’s the chorus from The Water-Carrier, listen! Where were you going?


To change the water in this glass. I am just finishing the design.


You always find something to do, but I can’t. And where’s Nicholas?


Asleep, I think.


Sónya, go and wake him. Tell him I want him to come and sing. Oh, if only he would come quicker! I am so afraid it will never be! And, worst of all, I am growing old—that’s the thing! There won’t then be in me what there is now. But perhaps he’ll come today, will come immediately. Perhaps he has come and is sitting in the drawing room. Perhaps he came yesterday and I have forgotten it.


Ah, here she is! Well, sit down by me.


Mamma! give him to me, give him, Mamma, quickly, quickly! My God, my God! The same faces, the same talk, Papa holding his cup and blowing in the same way! Does it ever happen to you does it ever happen to you to feel as if there were nothing more to come—nothing; that everything good is past? And to feel not exactly dull, but sad?


I should think so! I have felt like that when everything was all right and everyone was cheerful. The thought has come into my mind that I was already tired of it all, and that we must all die. Once in the regiment I had not gone to some merrymaking where there was music... and suddenly I felt so depressed...


Oh yes, I know, I know, I know! When I was quite little that used to be so with me. Do you remember when I was punished once about some plums? You were all dancing, and I sat sobbing in the schoolroom? I shall never forget it: I felt sad and sorry for everyone, for myself, and for everyone. And I was innocent—that was the chief thing. Do you remember?


I remember. I remember that I came to you afterwards and wanted to comfort you, but do you know, I felt ashamed to. We were terribly absurd. I had a funny doll then and wanted to give it to you. Do you remember?


And do you remember, how once, long, long ago, when we were quite little, Uncle called us into the study—that was in the old house—and it was dark—we went in and suddenly there stood...


A Negro. Of course I remember. Even now I don’t know whether there really was a Negro, or if we only dreamed it or were told about him.


He was gray, you remember, and had white teeth, and stood and looked at us....


Sónya, do you remember?


Yes, yes, I do remember something too,


You know I have asked Papa and Mamma about that Negro, and they say there was no Negro at all. But you see, you remember!


Of course I do, I remember his teeth as if I had just seen them.


How strange it is! It’s as if it were a dream! I like that.


And do you remember how we rolled hard-boiled eggs in the ballroom, and suddenly two old women began spinning round on the carpet? Was that real or not? Do you remember what fun it was?


Yes, and you remember how Papa in his blue overcoat fired a gun in the porch?


And I remember their telling me that you had been born under a cabbage, and I remember that I dared not disbelieve it then, but knew that it was not true, and I felt so uncomfortable.


They have brought the cock, Miss,


It isn’t wanted, Pólya. Tell them to take it away,


Mr. Dimmler, please play my favorite nocturne by Field,


How quiet you young people are!


Yes, we’re philosophizing,


Do you know, that when one goes on and on recalling memories, one at last begins to remember what happened before one was in the world....


That is metempsychosis. The Egyptians believed that our souls have lived in animals, and will go back into animals again.


No, I don’t believe we ever were in animals. But I am certain that we were angels somewhere there, and have been here, and that is why we remember....


May I join you?


If we have been angels, why have we fallen lower? No, that can’t be!


Not lower, who said we were lower?... How do I know what I was before? The soul is immortal—well then, if I shall always live I must have lived before, lived for a whole eternity.


Yes, but it is hard for us to imagine eternity,


Why is it hard to imagine eternity? It is now today, and it will be tomorrow, and always; and there was yesterday, and the day before....


Natásha! Now it’s your turn. Sing me something. Why are you sitting there like conspirators?


Mamma, I don’t at all want to,


Ah, Countess, that’s a European talent, she has nothing to learn—what softness, tenderness, and strength....


Ah, how afraid I am for her, how afraid I am!


Idiot! It’s nothing, Mamma, really it’s nothing; only Pétya startled me,


No, why disturb the old fellow? Besides, you wouldn’t have room to turn round there. If you must go, go to the Melyukóvs’.


That’s right, my dear. I’ll dress up at once and go with them. I’ll make Pashette open her eyes.


You go ahead, Zakhár!


A hare’s track, a lot of tracks!


How light it is, Nicholas! What is it, Nicholas?


Nothing,


Isn’t it time to begin now?


Gee up, my darlings!


Where are we? It’s the Kosóy meadow, I suppose. But no—this is something new I’ve never seen before. This isn’t the Kosóy meadow nor the Dëmkin hill, and heaven only knows what it is! It is something new and enchanted. Well, whatever it may be...


Now, look out, master! No you won’t, master!


Zakhár is shouting that I should turn to the left, but why to the left? Are we getting to the Melyukóvs’? Is this Melyukóvka? Heaven only knows where we are going, and heaven knows what is happening to us—but it is very strange and pleasant whatever it is.


Look, his mustache and eyelashes are all white!


I think this used to be Natásha, and that was Madame Schoss, but perhaps it’s not, and this Circassian with the mustache I don’t know, but I love her. Aren’t you cold?


Yes, yes!


Who is it?


The mummers from the count’s. I know by the horses,


Dear me! there’s no recognizing them! And Natásha! See whom she looks like! She really reminds me of somebody. But Herr Dimmler—isn’t he good! I didn’t know him! And how he dances. Dear me, there’s a Circassian. Really, how becoming it is to dear Sónya. And who is that? Well, you have cheered us up! Nikíta and Vanya—clear away the tables! And we were sitting so quietly. Ha, ha, ha!... The hussar, the hussar! Just like a boy! And the legs!... I can’t look at him...


And who is this? I suppose it is one of the Rostóvs! Well, Mr. Hussar, and what regiment do you serve in? Here, hand some fruit jelly to the Turk! That’s not forbidden by his law. My little Sásha! Look at Sásha!


Now to tell one’s fortune in the empty bathhouse is frightening!


Why?


You wouldn’t go, it takes courage....


I’ll go,


Tell what happened to the young lady!


Well, a young lady once went out, took a cock, laid the table for two, all properly, and sat down. After sitting a while, she suddenly hears someone coming... a sleigh drives up with harness bells; she hears him coming! He comes in, just in the shape of a man, like an officer—comes in and sits down to table with her.


Ah! ah! Yes? And how... did he speak?


Yes, like a man. Everything quite all right, and he began persuading her; and she should have kept him talking till cockcrow, but she got frightened, just got frightened and hid her face in her hands. Then he caught her up. It was lucky the maids ran in just then....


Now, why frighten them?


Mamma, you used to try your fate yourself...


And how does one do it in a barn?


Well, say you went to the barn now, and listened. It depends on what you hear; hammering and knocking—that’s bad; but a sound of shifting grain is good and one sometimes hears that, too.


Mamma, tell us what happened to you in the barn.


Oh, I’ve forgotten... But none of you would go?


Yes, I will; Pelagéya Danílovna, let me! I’ll go,


Well, why not, if you’re not afraid?


Louisa Ivánovna, may I?


I’m not afraid of anything. May I go at once?


Straight, straight, along the path, Miss. Only, don’t look back.


I am not afraid,


Sónya!


Nicholas!


Sónya, is it well with thee?


Yes! And with thee?


Natásha! do you know I have made up my mind about Sónya?


Have you told her?


Oh, how strange you are with that mustache and those eyebrows!... Natásha—are you glad?


I am so glad, so glad! I was beginning to be vexed with you. I did not tell you, but you have been treating her badly. What a heart she has, Nicholas! I am horrid sometimes, but I was ashamed to be happy while Sónya was not. Now I am so glad! Well, run back to her.


No, wait a bit.... Oh, how funny you look! Natásha, it’s magical, isn’t it?


Yes. You have done splendidly.


Had I seen her before as she is now. I should long ago have asked her what to do and have done whatever she told me, and all would have been well. So you are glad and I have done right?


Oh, quite right! I had a quarrel with Mamma some time ago about it. Mamma said she was angling for you. How could she say such a thing! I nearly stormed at Mamma. I will never let anyone say anything bad of Sónya, for there is nothing but good in her.


Then it’s all right?


Only when will all that be? I am afraid never.... It would be too good!


Sit down, Natásha; perhaps you’ll see him,


I see someone with a mustache,


You mustn’t laugh, Miss,


Why is it others see things and I don’t? You sit down now, Sónya. You absolutely must, tonight! Do it for me.... Today I feel so frightened!


Now, Miss Sónya is sure to see something, while you do nothing but laugh.


I know she will. She saw something last year. Of course she will!


Oh, Natásha!


Did you see? Did you? What was it? Of course she will! You saw him?


Yes. Wait a bit... I... saw him. Yes, I saw him,


How? Standing or lying?


No, I saw... At first there was nothing, then I saw him lying down.


Andrew lying? Is he ill?


No, on the contrary, on the contrary! His face was cheerful, and he turned to me.


Well, and then, Sónya?...


After that, I could not make out what there was; something blue and red....


Sónya! When will he come back? When shall I see him! O, God, how afraid I am for him and for myself and about everything!...


he was of age, that Prince Andrew was marrying without his father’s consent, and he could do the same, but that she would never receive that intriguer as her daughter.


Nicholas, you are talking nonsense! Be quiet, be quiet, be quiet, I tell you!...


Mamma darling, it’s not at all so... my poor, sweet darling. Nicholas, I’ll explain to you. Go away! Listen, Mamma darling,


Il est charmant; il n’a pas de sexe,


while I am still discontented and want to do something for mankind. But perhaps all these comrades of mine struggled just like me and sought something new, a path in life of their own, and like me were brought by force of circumstances, society, and race—by that elemental force against which man is powerless—to the condition I am in. What for? Why? What is going on in the world? Hélène, who has never cared for anything but her own body and is one of the stupidest women in the world, is regarded by people as the acme of intelligence and refinement, and they pay homage to her. Napoleon Bonaparte was despised by all as long as he was great, but now that he has become a wretched comedian the Emperor Francis wants to offer him his daughter in an illegal marriage. The Spaniards, through the Catholic clergy, offer praise to God for their victory over the French on the fourteenth of June, and the French, also through the Catholic clergy, offer praise because on that same fourteenth of June they defeated the Spaniards. My brother Masons swear by the blood that they are ready to sacrifice everything for their neighbor, but they do not give a ruble each to the collections for the poor, and they intrigue, the Astraea Lodge against the Manna Seekers, and fuss about an authentic Scotch carpet and a charter that nobody needs, and the meaning of which the very man who wrote it does not understand. We all profess the Christian law of forgiveness of injuries and love of our neighbors, the law in honor of which we have built in Moscow forty times forty churches—but yesterday a deserter was knouted to death and a minister of that same law of love and forgiveness, a priest, gave the soldier a cross to kiss before his execution. I understand the deception and confusion, but how am I to tell them all that I see? I have tried, and have always found that they too in the depths of their souls understand it as I do, and only try not to see it. So it appears that it must be so! But I—what is to become of me?


It doesn’t matter. I’ll get it unraveled. I have a solution ready, but have no time now—I’ll think it all out later on!


Nothing is trivial, and nothing is important, it’s all the same—only to save oneself from it as best one can. Only not to see it, that dreadful it!


It’s horrible, vile, inhuman, to take advantage of the weakness... Leave my room,


He doesn’t obey... I said it twice... and he doesn’t obey! She is the first person in this house; she’s my best friend. And if you allow yourself, to forget yourself again before her as you dared to do yesterday, I will show you who is master in this house. Go! Don’t let me set eyes on you; beg her pardon!


He is old and feeble, and I dare to condemn him!


To force the guard.


You don’t understand? but I do! French spy, slave of Buonaparte, spy, get out of my house! Be off, I tell you...


The prince is not very well: bile and rush of blood to the head. Keep calm, I will call again tomorrow,


Spies, traitors, traitors everywhere! Not a moment’s peace in my own house! No, ma’am! We must part, we must part! Understand that, understand it! I cannot endure any more. And don’t imagine I have said this in a moment of anger. I am calm. I have thought it over, and it will be carried out—we must part; so find some place for yourself.... If only some fool would marry her!


On that day I always go to pay my devotions to the relics of Prince Nicholas Bolkónski.


Oh, yes, yes! How is he?...


Bonaparte treats Europe as a pirate does a captured vessel. One only wonders at the long-suffering or blindness of the crowned heads. Now the Pope’s turn has come and Bonaparte doesn’t scruple to depose the head of the Catholic Church—yet all keep silent! Our sovereign alone has protested against the seizure of the Duke of Oldenburg’s territory, and even...


Other territories have been offered in exchange for the Duchy of Oldenburg. He shifts the Dukes about as I might move my serfs from Bald Hills to Boguchárovo or my Ryazán estates.


The Duke of Oldenburg bears his misfortunes with admirable strength of character and resignation,


I have read our protests about the Oldenburg affair and was surprised how badly the Note was worded,


Does it matter, Count, how the Note is worded, so long as its substance is forcible?


My dear fellow, with our five hundred thousand troops it should be easy to have a good style,


One would have thought quill drivers enough had sprung up. There in Petersburg they are always writing—not notes only but even new laws. My Andrew there has written a whole volume of laws for Russia. Nowadays they are always writing!


Did you hear of the last event at the review in Petersburg? The figure cut by the new French ambassador. Eh? Yes, I heard something: he said something awkward in His Majesty’s presence.


His Majesty drew attention to the Grenadier division and to the march past, and it seems the ambassador took no notice and allowed himself to reply that: ‘We in France pay no attention to such trifles!’ The Emperor did not condescend to reply. At the next review, they say, the Emperor did not once deign to address him.


Impudent fellows! You know Métivier? I turned him out of my house this morning. He was here; they admitted him in spite of my request that they should let no one in,


We ought not to fight either for or against Austria. Our political interests are all in the East, and in regard to Bonaparte the only thing is to have an armed frontier and a firm policy, and he will never dare to cross the Russian frontier, as was the case in 1807!


How can we fight the French, Prince? Can we arm ourselves against our teachers and divinities? Look at our youths, look at our ladies! The French are our Gods: Paris is our Kingdom of Heaven. French dresses, French ideas, French feelings! There now, you turned Métivier out by the scruff of his neck because he is a Frenchman and a scoundrel, but our ladies crawl after him on their knees. I went to a party last night, and there out of five ladies three were Roman Catholics and had the Pope’s indulgence for doing woolwork on Sundays. And they themselves sit there nearly naked, like the signboards at our Public Baths if I may say so. Ah, when one looks at our young people, Prince, one would like to take Peter the Great’s old cudgel out of the museum and belabor them in the Russian way till all the nonsense jumps out of them. Well, good-by, your excellency, keep well!


Good-by, my dear fellow.... His words are music, I never tire of hearing him!


May I stay a little longer?


Oh yes. You noticed nothing?


Have you known that young man long, Princess?


Who?


Drubetskóy.


No, not long....


Do you like him?


Yes, he is an agreeable young man.... Why do you ask me that?


Because I have noticed that when a young man comes on leave from Petersburg to Moscow it is usually with the object of marrying an heiress.


You have observed that?


Yes, and this young man now manages matters so that where there is a wealthy heiress there he is too. I can read him like a book. At present he is hesitating whom to lay siege to—you or Mademoiselle Julie Karágina. He is very attentive to her.


He visits them?


Yes, very often. And do you know the new way of courting?


No,


To please Moscow girls nowadays one has to be melancholy. He is very melancholy with Mademoiselle Karágina,


Really? It would be a relief, if I ventured to confide what I am feeling to someone. I should like to tell everything to Pierre. He is kind and generous. It would be a relief. He would give me advice.


Would you marry him?


Oh, my God, Count, there are moments when I would marry anybody! Ah, how bitter it is to love someone near to you and to feel that... that you can do nothing for him but grieve him, and to know that you cannot alter this. Then there is only one thing left—to go away, but where could I go?


What is wrong? What is it, Princess?


I don’t know what is the matter with me today. Don’t take any notice—forget what I have said! Have you any news of the Rostóvs? I was told they are coming soon. I am also expecting Andrew any day. I should like them to meet here.


And how does he now regard the matter?


What is to be done? In a few months the year will be up. The thing is impossible. I only wish I could spare my brother the first moments. I wish they would come sooner. I hope to be friends with her. You have known them a long time. Tell me honestly the whole truth: what sort of girl is she, and what do you think of her?—The real truth, because you know Andrew is risking so much doing this against his father’s will that I should like to know....


I don’t know how to answer your question. I really don’t know what sort of girl she is; I can’t analyze her at all. She is enchanting, but what makes her so I don’t know. That is all one can say about her.


Yes, that’s what I expected and feared. Is she clever?


I think not, and yet—yes. She does not deign to be clever.... Oh no, she is simply enchanting, and that is all.


Ah, I so long to like her! Tell her so if you see her before I do.


I hear they are expected very soon,


There is something so enchanting in the smile of melancholy. It is a ray of light in the darkness, a shade between sadness and despair, showing the possibility of consolation.


You are always charming and melancholy, my dear Julie. Borís says his soul finds repose at your house. He has suffered so many disappointments and is so sensitive. Ah, my dear, I can’t tell you how fond I have grown of Julie latterly. But who could help loving her? She is an angelic being! Ah, Borís, Borís! And how I pity her mother, today she showed me her accounts and letters from Pénza (they have enormous estates there), and she, poor thing, has no one to help her, and they do cheat her so!


My dear. I know from a reliable source that Prince Vasíli has sent his son to Moscow to get him married to Julie. I am so fond of Julie that I should be sorry for her. What do you think of it, my dear?


Then I should advise you... I did not come here at all to quarrel with you. On the contrary... You know my feelings for you!


The count’s things? Bring them here. The young ladies’? There to the left. Now what are you dawdling for? Get the samovar ready!... You’ve grown plumper and prettier. Foo! You are cold! Now take off your things, quick! You’re half frozen, I’m sure! Bring some rum for tea!... Bonjour, Sónya dear! I’m heartily glad you have come and are staying with me. It was high time. The old man is here and his son’s expected any day. You’ll have to make his acquaintance. But we’ll speak of that later on. Now listen. What do you want tomorrow? Whom will you send for? Shinshín? The sniveling Anna Mikháylovna? That’s two. She’s here with her son. The son is getting married! Then Bezúkhov, eh? He is here too, with his wife. He ran away from her and she came galloping after him. He dined with me on Wednesday. As for them tomorrow I’ll take them first to the Iberian shrine of the Mother of God, and then we’ll drive to the Super-Rogue’s. I suppose you’ll have everything new. Don’t judge by me: sleeves nowadays are this size! The other day young Princess Irína Vasílevna came to see me; she was an awful sight—looked as if she had put two barrels on her arms. You know not a day passes now without some new fashion.... And what have you to do yourself?


One thing has come on top of another: her rags to buy, and now a purchaser has turned up for the Moscow estate and for the house. If you will be so kind, I’ll fix a time and go down to the estate just for a day, and leave my lassies with you.


All right. All right. They’ll be safe with me, as safe as in Chancery! I’ll take them where they must go, scold them a bit, and pet them a bit,


Well, now we’ll talk. I congratulate you on your betrothed. You’ve hooked a fine fellow! I am glad for your sake and I’ve known him since he was so high. I like him and all his family. Now listen! You know that old Prince Nicholas much dislikes his son’s marrying. The old fellow’s crotchety! Of course Prince Andrew is not a child and can shift without him, but it’s not nice to enter a family against a father’s will. One wants to do it peacefully and lovingly. You’re a clever girl and you’ll know how to manage. Be kind, and use your wits. Then all will be well. You see I have known him a long time and am also fond of Mary, your future sister-in-law. ‘Husbands’ sisters bring up blisters,’ but this one wouldn’t hurt a fly. She has asked me to bring you two together. Tomorrow you’ll go with your father to see her. Be very nice and affectionate to her: you’re younger than she. When he comes, he’ll find you already know his sister and father and are liked by them. Am I right or not? Won’t that be best?


Yes, it will,


They can’t help liking me. Everybody always has liked me, and I am so willing to do anything they wish, so ready to be fond of him—for being his father—and of her—for being his sister—that there is no reason for them not to like me....


Well, the Lord have mercy on us!


There, my dear princess, I’ve brought you my songstress. I am so glad you should get to know one another... very sorry the prince is still ailing. If you’ll allow me to leave my Natásha in your hands for a quarter of an hour, Princess, I’ll drive round to see Anna Semënovna, it’s quite near in the Dogs’ Square, and then I’ll come back for her.


Ah, madam! Madam, Countess... Countess Rostóva, if I am not mistaken... I beg you to excuse me, to excuse me... I did not know, madam. God is my witness, I did not know you had honored us with a visit, and I came in such a costume only to see my daughter. I beg you to excuse me... God is my witness, I didn’t know—


I beg you to excuse me, excuse me! God is my witness, I did not know,


I couldn’t begin talking about him in the presence of that Frenchwoman,


Wait, I must... Dear Natalie. I want you to know that I am glad my brother has found happiness....


I think, Princess, it is not convenient to speak of that now. What have I said and what have I done?


Natásha, what is it about? What do they matter to you? It will all pass, Natásha.


But if you only knew how offensive it was... as if I...


Don’t talk about it, Natásha. It wasn’t your fault so why should you mind? Kiss me,


I can’t tell you, I don’t know. No one’s to blame. It’s my fault. But it all hurts terribly. Oh, why doesn’t he come?...


O God, if he were here now I would not behave as I did then, but differently. I would not be silly and afraid of things, I would simply embrace him, cling to him, and make him look at me with those searching inquiring eyes with which he has so often looked at me, and then I would make him laugh as he used to laugh. And his eyes—how I see those eyes! And what do his father and sister matter to me? I love him alone, him, him, with that face and those eyes, with his smile, manly and yet childlike.... No, I had better not think of him; not think of him but forget him, quite forget him for the present. I can’t bear this waiting and I shall cry in a minute! And how can Sónya love Nicholas so calmly and quietly and wait so long and so patiently? No, she’s altogether different. I can’t!


Natásha, your hair!...


Look, there’s Alénina, with her mother, isn’t it?


Dear me, Michael Kirílovich has grown still stouter! Look at our Anna Mikháylovna—what a headdress she has on! The Karágins, Julie—and Borís with them. One can see at once that they’re engaged.... Drubetskóy has proposed?


Oh yes, I heard it today,


They are talking about us, about me and him! And he no doubt is calming her jealousy of me. They needn’t trouble themselves! If only they knew how little I am concerned about any of them. What right has he not to wish to receive me into his family? Oh, better not think of it—not till he comes back!


Do you recognize him? And where has he sprung from? Didn’t he vanish somewhere?


He did. He was in the Caucasus and ran away from there. They say he has been acting as minister to some ruling prince in Persia, where he killed the Shah’s brother. Now all the Moscow ladies are mad about him! It’s ‘Dólokhov the Persian’ that does it! We never hear a word but Dólokhov is mentioned. They swear by him, they offer him to you as they would a dish of choice sterlet. Dólokhov and Anatole Kurágin have turned all our ladies’ heads.


Have you been here long, Countess? I’ll call, I’ll call to kiss your hand. I’m here on business and have brought my girls with me. They say Semënova acts marvelously. Count Pierre never used to forget us. Is he here?


Yes, he meant to look in,


Handsome, isn’t she?


Wonderful! She’s a woman one could easily fall in love with.


I suppose it has to be like this!


There’s Kurágin!


Mais charmante!


How like the brother is to the sister. And how handsome they both are!


Do make me acquainted with your charming daughters. The whole town is singing their praises and I don’t even know them! I want to become a Moscovite too, now. How is it you’re not ashamed to bury such pearls in the country? Dear count, you must let me look after your daughters! Though I am not staying here long this time—nor are you—I will try to amuse them. I have already heard much of you in Petersburg and wanted to get to know you. I had heard about you from my page, Drubetskóy. Have you heard he is getting married? And also from my husband’s friend Bolkónski, Prince Andrew Bolkónski,


Isn’t Duport delightful?


Oh, yes,


Let me introduce my brother to you,


I had long wished to have this happiness—ever since the Narýshkins’ ball in fact, at which he had had the well-remembered pleasure of seeing her. And do you know, Countess, we are getting up a costume tournament; you ought to take part in it! It will be great fun. We shall all meet at the Karágins’! Please come! No! Really, eh?


At first I did not like it much, because what makes a town pleasant ce sont les jolies femmes, * isn’t that so? But now I like it very much indeed. You’ll come to the costume tournament, Countess? Do come! You will be the prettiest there. Do come, dear countess, and give me this flower as a pledge!


How is he now? Confused? Angry? Ought I to put it right?


O God! I am lost! How could I let him?


What is it? What was that terror I felt of him? What is this gnawing of conscience I am feeling now? Am I spoiled for Andrew’s love or not? What a fool I am to ask that! What did happen to me? Nothing! I have done nothing, I didn’t lead him on at all. Nobody will know and I shall never see him again. So it is plain that nothing has happened and there is nothing to repent of, and Andrew can love me still. But why ‘still?’ O God, why isn’t he here?


All will be forgiven her, for she loved much; and all will be forgiven him, for he enjoyed much.


She’s first-rate, my dear fellow, but not for us,


I will tell my sister to ask her to dinner. Eh?


You’d better wait till she’s married....


You know, I adore little girls, they lose their heads at once,


You have been caught once already by a ‘little girl,’ Take care!


Well, that can’t happen twice! Eh?


I don’t like those fashionable churches. God is the same everywhere. We have an excellent priest, he conducts the service decently and with dignity, and the deacon is the same. What holiness is there in giving concerts in the choir? I don’t like it, it’s just self-indulgence!


Oh, my enchantress! Charming! No, this is really beyond anything, my dear count. How can you live in Moscow and go nowhere? No, I won’t let you off! Mademoiselle George will recite at my house tonight and there’ll be some people, and if you don’t bring your lovely girls—who are prettier than Mademoiselle George—I won’t know you! My husband is away in Tver or I would send him to fetch you. You must come. You positively must! Between eight and nine. But anything suits you, my charmer!


My brother dined with me yesterday—we nearly died of laughter—he ate nothing and kept sighing for you, my charmer! He is madly, quite madly, in love with you, my dear. How she blushes, how she blushes, my pretty! You must certainly come. If you love somebody, my charmer, that is not a reason to shut yourself up. Even if you are engaged, I am sure your fiancé would wish you to go into society rather than be bored to death.


So she knows I am engaged, and she and her husband Pierre—that good Pierre—have talked and laughed about this. So it’s all right. And she is such a grande dame, so kind, and evidently likes me so much. And why not enjoy myself?


I don’t care to have anything to do with Bezúkhova and don’t advise you to; however, if you’ve promised—go. It will divert your thoughts,


Adorable! divine! delicious!


How beautiful she is!


I don’t think so when I look at you! You are enchanting... from the moment I saw you I have never ceased...


Come, come, Natásha! How beautiful she is!


Don’t say such things to me. I am betrothed and love another,


Don’t speak to me of that! What can I do? I tell you I am madly, madly, in love with you! Is it my fault that you are enchanting?... It’s our turn to begin.


I cannot come to visit you but is it possible that I shall never see you? I love you madly. Can I never...? Natalie? Natalie?


I don’t understand. I have nothing to say,


One word, just one, for God’s sake! Natalie, just a word, only one!


Else how could all this have happened? If, after that, I could return his smile when saying good-by, if I was able to let it come to that, it means that I loved him from the first. It means that he is kind, noble, and splendid, and I could not help loving him. What am I to do if I love him and the other one too?


Well, friends, I have now thought the whole matter over and this is my advice. Yesterday, as you know, I went to see Prince Bolkónski. Well, I had a talk with him.... He took it into his head to begin shouting, but I am not one to be shouted down. I said what I had to say!


Well, and he?


He? He’s crazy... he did not want to listen. But what’s the use of talking? As it is we have worn the poor girl out. My advice to you is finish your business and go back home to Otrádnoe... and wait there.


Oh, no!


Yes, go back, and wait there. If your betrothed comes here now—there will be no avoiding a quarrel; but alone with the old man he will talk things over and then come on to you.


That is perfectly true. And I am sorry I went to see him and took her,


No, why be sorry? Being here, you had to pay your respects. But if he won’t—that’s his affair. Besides, the trousseau is ready, so there is nothing to wait for; and what is not ready I’ll send after you. Though I don’t like letting you go, it is the best way. So go, with God’s blessing! She has written to you. How she torments herself, poor thing! She’s afraid you might think that she does not like you.


But she doesn’t like me,


Don’t talk nonsense!


I shan’t believe anyone, I know she doesn’t like me,


Don’t answer like that, my good girl! What I say is true! Write an answer!


Do not think, however, that my father is ill-disposed toward you. He is an invalid and an old man who must be forgiven; but he is good and magnanimous and will love her who makes his son happy.


Dear Princess. Yes, yes! All that has happened, and now all is changed. Must I break off with him? Must I really? That’s awful... Can it be that it is all over? Can it be that all this has happened so quickly and has destroyed all that went before? Why could that not be as well? Only so could I be completely happy; but now I have to choose, and I can’t be happy without either of them. Only, to tell Prince Andrew what has happened or to hide it from him are both equally impossible. But with that one nothing is spoiled. But am I really to abandon forever the joy of Prince Andrew’s love, in which I have lived so long?


Please, Miss! A man told me to give you this—


Only, for Christ’s sake...


Since yesterday evening my fate has been sealed; to be loved by you or to die. There is no other way for me,


Yes, yes! I love him!


Natásha!


Ah, you’re back? Sónya, you’ve read that letter?


Yes,


No, Sónya, I can’t any longer! I can’t hide it from you any longer. You know, we love one another! Sónya, darling, he writes... Sónya...


And Bolkónski?


Ah, Sónya, if you only knew how happy I am! You don’t know what love is....


But, Natásha, can that be all over? Well, then, are you refusing Prince Andrew?


Oh, you don’t understand anything! Don’t talk nonsense, just listen!


But I can’t believe it. I don’t understand. How is it you have loved a man for a whole year and suddenly... Why, you have only seen him three times! Natásha, I don’t believe you, you’re joking! In three days to forget everything and so...


Three days? It seems to me I’ve loved him a hundred years. It seems to me that I have never loved anyone before. You can’t understand it.... Sónya, wait a bit, sit here. I had heard that it happens like this, and you must have heard it too, but it’s only now that I feel such love. It’s not the same as before. As soon as I saw him I felt he was my master and I his slave, and that I could not help loving him. Yes, his slave! Whatever he orders I shall do. You don’t understand that. What can I do? What can I do, Sónya?


But think what you are doing. I can’t leave it like this. This secret correspondence... How could you let him go so far?


I told you that I have no will. Why can’t you understand? I love him!


Then I won’t let it come to that... I shall tell!


What do you mean? For God’s sake... If you tell, you are my enemy! You want me to be miserable, you want us to be separated....


Natásha, I don’t understand you. And what are you saying! Think of your father and of Nicholas.


I don’t want anyone, I don’t love anyone but him. How dare you say he is dishonorable? Don’t you know that I love him? Go away, Sónya! I don’t want to quarrel with you, but go, for God’s sake go! You see how I am suffering!


There, Sónya, you were talking all sorts of nonsense about him. We have had an explanation today.


Well, what happened? What did he say? Natásha, how glad I am you’re not angry with me! Tell me everything—the whole truth. What did he say?


Oh, Sónya, if you knew him as I do! He said... He asked me what I had promised Bolkónski. He was glad I was free to refuse him.


But you haven’t refused Bolkónski?


Perhaps I have. Perhaps all is over between me and Bolkónski. Why do you think so badly of me?


Natásha, I am afraid for you!


Afraid of what?


I am afraid you’re going to your ruin,


And I’ll go to my ruin, I will, as soon as possible! It’s not your business! It won’t be you, but I, who’ll suffer. Leave me alone, leave me alone! I hate you!


Natásha!


I hate you, I hate you! You’re my enemy forever!


She will run away with him! She is capable of anything. There was something particularly pathetic and resolute in her face today. She cried as she said good-by to Uncle. Yes, that’s it, she means to elope with him, but what am I to do? The count is away. What am I to do? Write to Kurágin demanding an explanation? But what is there to oblige him to reply? Write to Pierre, as Prince Andrew asked me to in case of some misfortune?... But perhaps she really has already refused Bolkónski—she sent a letter to Princess Mary yesterday. And Uncle is away.... Well, anyway, now or never I must prove that I remember the family’s goodness to me and that I love Nicholas. Yes! If I don’t sleep for three nights I’ll not leave this passage and will hold her back by force and will and not let the family be disgraced,


Well. Khvóstikov must have two thousand.


Give it to him, then,


Makárka will go through fire and water for you for nothing. So here are our accounts all settled. Is that right?


Yes, of course,


Do you know? You’d really better drop it all. There’s still time!


Fool. Don’t talk nonsense! If you only knew... it’s the devil knows what!


No, really, give it up! I am speaking seriously. It’s no joke, this plot you’ve hatched.


What, teasing again? Go to the devil! Eh? Really it’s no time for your stupid jokes,


You wait a bit. I’m not joking, I’m talking sense. Come here, come here! Now listen to me. I’m telling you this for the last time. Why should I joke about it? Did I hinder you? Who arranged everything for you? Who found the priest and got the passport? Who raised the money? I did it all.


Well, thank you for it. Do you think I am not grateful?


I helped you, but all the same I must tell you the truth; it is a dangerous business, and if you think about it—a stupid business. Well, you’ll carry her off—all right! Will they let it stop at that? It will come out that you’re already married. Why, they’ll have you in the criminal court....


Oh, nonsense, nonsense! Didn’t I explain to you? What? Didn’t I explain to you that I have come to this conclusion: if this marriage is invalid, then I have nothing to answer for; but if it is valid, no matter! Abroad no one will know anything about it. Isn’t that so? And don’t talk to me, don’t, don’t.


Seriously, you’d better drop it! You’ll only get yourself into a mess!


Go to the devil! It’s the very devil! What? Feel how it beats! What a foot, my dear fellow! What a glance! A goddess! What?


Well and when the money’s gone, what then?


What then? Eh? What then?... Then, I don’t know.... But why talk nonsense! It’s time!


I don’t want to,


Theodore Iványch!


do you care for me or not? Eh? Now, do me a service.... What horses have you come with? Eh?


As your messenger ordered, your special beasts,


Well, listen, Balagá! Drive all three to death but get me there in three hours. Eh?


When they are dead, what shall I drive?


Mind, I’ll smash your face in! Don’t make jokes!


Why joke? As if I’d grudge my gentlemen anything! As fast as ever the horses can gallop, so fast we’ll go!


Ah! Well, sit down.


Yes, sit down!


I’ll stand, Theodore Iványch. And when are we to start, your excellency? Well... We’ll start at once. Mind, Balagá! You’ll get there in time? Eh?


That depends on our luck in starting, else why shouldn’t we be there in time? Didn’t we get you to Tver in seven hours? I think you remember that, your excellency?


Do you know, one Christmas I drove from Tver. Will you believe it, Makárka, it took one’s breath away, the rate we flew. We came across a train of loaded sleighs and drove right over two of them. Eh?


Those were horses! That time I’d harnessed two young side horses with the bay in the shafts. Will you believe it, Theodore Iványch, those animals flew forty miles? I couldn’t hold them in, my hands grew numb in the sharp frost so that I threw down the reins—‘Catch hold yourself, your excellency!’ says I, and I just tumbled on the bottom of the sleigh and sprawled there. It wasn’t a case of urging them on, there was no holding them in till we reached the place. The devils took us there in three hours! Only the near one died of it.


Well, good-by, Theodore. Thank you for everything and farewell! Well, comrades and friends... ... of my youth, farewell!


Let’s go. Let’s go!


Where’s the fur cloak? Hey, Ignátka! Go to Matrëna Matrévna and ask her for the sable cloak. I have heard what elopements are like. Why, she’ll rush out more dead than alive just in the things she is wearing; if you delay at all there’ll be tears and ‘Papa’ and ‘Mamma,’ and she’s frozen in a minute and must go back—but you wrap the fur cloak round her first thing and carry her to the sleigh.


Here, I don’t grudge it—take it!


That’s the way, and then so! And then so, do you see?


Well, good-by, Matrëna. Ah, my revels here are over. Remember me to Stëshka. There, good-by! Good-by, Matrëna, wish me luck!


Well, Prince, may God give you great luck!


Well, are you ready? Go! Tproo! Get out of the way! Hi!... Tproo!...


Come into the courtyard or you’ll be seen; she’ll come out directly,


Come to the mistress, please,


To what Mistress? Who are you?


Kindly step in, my orders are to bring you in.


Kurágin! Come back! Betrayed! Back!


You shameless good-for-nothing! I won’t hear a word.


Márya Dmítrievna, for God’s sake let me in to her!


Disgusting, abominable... In my house... horrid girl, hussy! I’m only sorry for her father! Hard as it may be, I’ll tell them all to hold their tongues and will hide it from the count. A nice girl! Very nice! Arranging meetings with lovers in my house! It’s no use pretending: you listen when I speak to you! Listen when I speak! You’ve disgraced yourself like the lowest of hussies. I’d treat you differently, but I’m sorry for your father, so I will conceal it.


Let me be!... What is it to me?... I shall die!


Natalie! I wish for your good. Lie still, stay like that then, I won’t touch you. But listen. I won’t tell you how guilty you are. You know that yourself. But when your father comes back tomorrow what am I to tell him? Eh? Suppose he finds out, and your brother, and your betrothed?


I have no betrothed: I have refused him!


That’s all the same. If they hear of this, will they let it pass? He, your father, I know him... if he challenges him to a duel will that be all right? Eh?


Oh, let me be! Why have you interfered at all? Why? Why? Who asked you to?


But what did you want? Were you kept under lock and key? Who hindered his coming to the house? Why carry you off as if you were some gypsy singing girl?... Well, if he had carried you off... do you think they wouldn’t have found him? Your father, or brother, or your betrothed? And he’s a scoundrel, a wretch—that’s a fact!


He is better than any of you! If you hadn’t interfered... Oh, my God! What is it all? What is it? Sónya, why?... Go away! Go away! Go away! You all hate and despise me!


Well, let her sleep,


What is the matter with you, my angel? Are you ill?


Yes, ill.


What can have happened? And what can they want with me? If only Prince Andrew would hurry up and come and marry her!


Pierre! Been back long?


Yes, indeed, that’s a true sage. He sees nothing beyond the pleasure of the moment, nothing troubles him and so he is always cheerful, satisfied, and serene. What wouldn’t I give to be like him! What has happened?


Fine doings! For fifty-eight years have I lived in this world and never known anything so disgraceful!


They are all alike!


But how get married? He could not marry—he is married!


Things get worse from hour to hour! A nice youth! What a scoundrel! And she’s expecting him—expecting him since yesterday. She must be told! Then at least she won’t go on expecting him.


Mind, the count knows nothing. Behave as if you know nothing either. And I will go and tell her it is no use expecting him! And stay to dinner if you care to!


Troubles, troubles, my dear fellow! What troubles one has with these girls without their mother! I do so regret having come here.... I will be frank with you. Have you heard she has broken off her engagement without consulting anybody? It’s true this engagement never was much to my liking. Of course he is an excellent man, but still, with his father’s disapproval they wouldn’t have been happy, and Natásha won’t lack suitors. Still, it has been going on so long, and to take such a step without father’s or mother’s consent! And now she’s ill, and God knows what! It’s hard, Count, hard to manage daughters in their mother’s absence....


Natásha is not quite well; she’s in her room and would like to see you. Márya Dmítrievna is with her and she too asks you to come.


Yes, you are a great friend of Bolkónski’s, no doubt she wants to send him a message. Oh dear! Oh dear! How happy it all was!


He knows all about it. Let him tell you whether I have told the truth.


Natálya Ilyníchna, whether it is true or not should make no difference to you, because...


Then it is not true that he’s married!


Yes, it is true.


Has he been married long? On your honor?... Is he still here?


Yes, I have just seen him.


Ah, Pierre. You don’t know what a plight our Anatole...


Where you are, there is vice and evil! Anatole, come with me! I must speak to you,


If you allow yourself in my drawing room...


You promised Countess Rostóva to marry her and were about to elope with her, is that so?


Mon cher. I don’t consider myself bound to answer questions put to me in that tone.


When I tell you that I must talk to you!...


Come now, this is stupid. What?


You’re a scoundrel and a blackguard, and I don’t know what deprives me from the pleasure of smashing your head with this! Did you promise to marry her?


I... I didn’t think of it. I never promised, because...


Have you any letters of hers? Any letters? I shan’t be violent, don’t be afraid! First, the letters. Secondly, tomorrow you must get out of Moscow.


But how can I?...


Thirdly, you must never breathe a word of what has passed between you and Countess Rostóva. I know I can’t prevent your doing so, but if you have a spark of conscience... After all, you must understand that besides your pleasure there is such a thing as other people’s happiness and peace, and that you are ruining a whole life for the sake of amusing yourself! Amuse yourself with women like my wife—with them you are within your rights, for they know what you want of them. They are armed against you by the same experience of debauchery; but to promise a maid to marry her... to deceive, to kidnap.... Don’t you understand that it is as mean as beating an old man or a child?...


I don’t know about that, eh? I don’t know that and don’t want to, but you have used such words to me—‘mean’ and so on—which as a man of honor I can’t allow anyone to use. Though it was tête-à-tête, still I can’t...


Is it satisfaction you want?


You could at least take back your words. What? If you want me to do as you wish, eh?


I take them back, I take them back! and I ask you to forgive me. And if you require money for your journey... Oh, vile and heartless brood!


He says he expected it. I know his pride will not let him express his feelings, but still he has taken it better, far better, than I expected. Evidently it had to be....


But is it possible that all is really ended?


Now he is censured and accused by all who were enthusiastic about him a month ago, and by those who were unable to understand his aims. To judge a man who is in disfavor and to throw on him all the blame of other men’s mistakes is very easy, but I maintain that if anything good has been accomplished in this reign it was done by him, by him alone. Posterity will do him justice. Well, how are you? Still getting stouter? Yes, I am well. I am well, but my health is now of no use to anyone. If there were treason, or proofs of secret relations with Napoleon, they would have been made public. I do not, and never did, like Speránski personally, but I like justice!


Forgive me for troubling you.... I have received a refusal from Countess Rostóva and have heard reports of your brother-in-law having sought her hand, or something of that kind. Is that true?


Both true and untrue,


Here are her letters and her portrait. Give this to the countess... if you see her.


She is very ill,


Then she is here still? And Prince Kurágin?


He left long ago. She has been at death’s door.


I much regret her illness. So Monsieur Kurágin has not honored Countess Rostóva with his hand?


He could not marry, for he was married already,


And where is your brother-in-law now, if I may ask?


He has gone to Peters... But I don’t know,


Well, it doesn’t matter. Tell Countess Rostóva that she was and is perfectly free and that I wish her all that is good.


I say, do you remember our discussion in Petersburg? about...


Yes. I said that a fallen woman should be forgiven, but I didn’t say I could forgive her. I can’t.


But can this be compared...?


Yes, ask her hand again, be magnanimous, and so on?... Yes, that would be very noble, but I am unable to follow in that gentleman’s footsteps. If you wish to be my friend never speak to me of that... of all that! Well, good-by. So you’ll give her the packet?


Natásha insists on seeing Count Peter Kirílovich,


But how? Are we to take him up to her? The room there has not been tidied up.


No, she has dressed and gone into the drawing room,


When will her mother come? She has worried me to death! Now mind, don’t tell her everything! One hasn’t the heart to scold her, she is so much to be pitied, so much to be pitied.


Peter Kirílovich. Prince Bolkónski was your friend—is your friend. He told me once to apply to you... He is here now: tell him... to for... forgive me!


Yes... I will tell him, but...


No, I know all is over. No, that can never be. I’m only tormented by the wrong I have done him. Tell him only that I beg him to forgive, forgive, forgive me for everything....


I will tell him, I will tell him everything once more. But... I should like to know one thing....


Know what?


I should like to know, did you love... did you love that bad man?


Don’t call him bad! But I don’t know, don’t know at all....


We won’t speak of it any more, my dear. We won’t speak of it, my dear—I’ll tell him everything; but one thing I beg of you, consider me your friend and if you want help, advice, or simply to open your heart to someone—not now, but when your mind is clearer--think of me! I shall be happy if it’s in my power...


Don’t speak to me like that. I am not worth it!


Stop, stop! You have your whole life before you,


Before me? No! All is over for me,


All over? If I were not myself, but the handsomest, cleverest, and best man in the world, and were free, I would this moment ask on my knees for your hand and your love!


Where to now, your excellency?


Where to? Where can I go now? Surely not to the Club or to pay calls? Home!


My respected Brother, I consent to restore the duchy to the Duke of Oldenburg


The king’s heart is in the hands of the Lord.


Vive l’Empereur! Now we’ll go into action. Oh, when he takes it in hand himself, things get hot... by heaven!... There he is!... Vive l’Empereur! So these are the steppes of Asia! It’s a nasty country all the same. Au revoir, Beauché; I’ll keep the best palace in Moscow for you! Au revoir. Good luck!... Did you see the Emperor? Vive l’Empereur!... preur!—If they make me Governor of India, Gérard, I’ll make you Minister of Kashmir—that’s settled. Vive l’Empereur! Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! The Cossacks—those rascals—see how they run! Vive l’Empereur! There he is, do you see him? I’ve seen him twice, as I see you now. The little corporal... I saw him give the cross to one of the veterans.... Vive l’Empereur!


Vivat!


What? What did he say?


that he meant to choose Countess Potocka who, he thought, had gone out onto the veranda,


To enter Russia without declaring war! I will not make peace as long as a single armed enemy remains in my country! Let no one know of it!


Poor fellows, they don’t know that I am leaving them tomorrow!


De Bal-machève! Charmed to make your acquaintance, General! Well, General, it all looks like war,


Your Majesty, my master, the Emperor, does not desire war and as Your Majesty sees...


nothing offensive in the demand, because...


Then you don’t consider the Emperor Alexander the aggressor? Oh, my dear general! with all my heart I wish the Emperors may arrange the affair between them, and that the war begun by no wish of mine may finish as quickly as possible! I won’t detain you longer, General. I wish success to your mission,


Where is your dispatch? Give it to me. I will send it to the Emperor. Your Emperor’s orders are obeyed in your army, but here, you must do as you’re told.


You are perfectly at liberty to treat me with respect or not, but permit me to observe that I have the honor to be adjutant general to His Majesty....


You will be treated as is fitting,


Good day, General! I have received the letter you brought from the Emperor Alexander and am very glad to see you. I do not, and did not, desire war, but it has been forced on me. Even now Even now I am ready to receive any explanations you can give me.


Sire! The Emperor, my master...


You are flurried—compose yourself! Not yet!


On condition that the French army retires beyond the Niemen.


I desire peace, no less than the Emperor Alexander. Have I not for eighteen months been doing everything to obtain it? I have waited eighteen months for explanations. But in order to begin negotiations, what is demanded of me?


The withdrawal of your army beyond the Niemen, sire,


The Niemen? So now you want me to retire beyond the Niemen—only the Niemen? You say the demand now is that I am to withdraw beyond the Niemen before commencing negotiations, but in just the same way two months ago the demand was that I should withdraw beyond the Vistula and the Oder, and yet you are willing to negotiate. Such demands as to retreat beyond the Vistula and Oder may be made to a Prince of Baden, but not to me! If you gave me Petersburg and Moscow I could not accept such conditions. You say I have begun this war! But who first joined his army? The Emperor Alexander, not I! And you offer me negotiations when I have expended millions, when you are in alliance with England, and when your position is a bad one. You offer me negotiations! But what is the aim of your alliance with England? What has she given you?


I hear you have made peace with Turkey?


Peace has been concluded...


Yes, I know you have made peace with the Turks without obtaining Moldavia and Wallachia; I would have given your sovereign those provinces as I gave him Finland. Yes. Yes. I promised and would have given the Emperor Alexander Moldavia and Wallachia, and now he won’t have those splendid provinces. Yet he might have united them to his empire and in a single reign would have extended Russia from the Gulf of Bothnia to the mouths of the Danube. Catherine the Great could not have done more. All that, he would have owed to my friendship. Oh, what a splendid reign! What a splendid reign the Emperor Alexander’s might have been! What could he wish or look for that he would not have obtained through my friendship? But no, he has preferred to surround himself with my enemies, and with whom? With Steins, Armfeldts, Bennigsens, and Wintzingerodes! Stein, a traitor expelled from his own country; Armfeldt, a rake and an intriguer; Wintzingerode, a fugitive French subject; Bennigsen, rather more of a soldier than the others, but all the same an incompetent who was unable to do anything in 1807 and who should awaken terrible memories in the Emperor Alexander’s mind.... Granted that were they competent they might be made use of, but they are not even that! They are neither fit for war nor peace! Barclay is said to be the most capable of them all, but I cannot say so, judging by his first movements. And what are they doing, all these courtiers? Pfuel proposes, Armfeldt disputes, Bennigsen considers, and Barclay, called on to act, does not know what to decide on, and time passes bringing no result. Bagratión alone is a military man. He’s stupid, but he has experience, a quick eye, and resolution.... And what role is your young monarch playing in that monstrous crowd? They compromise him and throw on him the responsibility for all that happens. A sovereign should not be with the army unless he is a general! The campaign began only a week ago, and you haven’t even been able to defend Vílna. You are cut in two and have been driven out of the Polish provinces. Your army is grumbling.


On the contrary, Your Majesty, the troops are burning with eagerness...


I know everything! I know everything. I know the number of your battalions as exactly as I know my own. You have not two hundred thousand men, and I have three times that number. I give you my word of honor. I give you my word of honor that I have five hundred and thirty thousand men this side of the Vistula. The Turks will be of no use to you; they are worth nothing and have shown it by making peace with you. As for the Swedes—it is their fate to be governed by mad kings. Their king was insane and they changed him for another—Bernadotte, who promptly went mad—for no Swede would ally himself with Russia unless he were mad.


But what do I care about your allies? I have allies—the Poles. There are eighty thousand of them and they fight like lions. And there will be two hundred thousand of them. Know that if you stir up Prussia against me, I’ll wipe it off the map of Europe! Yes, I will throw you back beyond the Dvína and beyond the Dnieper, and will re-erect against you that barrier which it was criminal and blind of Europe to allow to be destroyed. Yes, that is what will happen to you. That is what you have gained by alienating me! And yet what a splendid reign your master might have had!


from the Russian side things did not appear in so gloomy a light. in Russia the best results were expected from the war.


I know it’s your duty to say that, but you don’t believe it yourself. I have convinced you. Assure the Emperor Alexander from me, that I am as devoted to him as before: I know him thoroughly and very highly esteem his lofty qualities. I will detain you no longer, General; you shall receive my letter to the Emperor. I will detain you no longer, General; you shall receive my letter,


How many inhabitants are there in Moscow? How many houses? Is it true that Moscow is called ‘Holy Moscow’? How many churches are there in Moscow? Why such a quantity of churches?


The Russians are very devout,


But a large number of monasteries and churches is always a sign of the backwardness of a people,


Every country has its own character,


But nowhere in Europe is there anything like that,


I beg your Majesty’s pardon, besides Russia there is Spain, where there are also many churches and monasteries.


all roads lead to Rome, among them the road through Poltáva, which Charles XII chose.


They tell me this is the room the Emperor Alexander occupied? Strange, isn’t it, General? Yes. Four days ago in this room, Wintzingerode and Stein were deliberating. What I can’t understand, is that the Emperor Alexander has surrounded himself with my personal enemies. That I do not... understand. Has he not thought that I may do the same? And let him know that I will do so! I’ll drive all his Württemberg, Baden, and Weimar relations out of Germany.... Yes. I’ll drive them out. Let him prepare an asylum for them in Russia! And why has the Emperor Alexander taken command of the armies? What is the good of that? War is my profession, but his business is to reign and not to command armies! Why has he taken on himself such a responsibility?


Well, adorer and courtier of the Emperor Alexander, why don’t you say anything? Are the horses ready for the general? Let him have mine, he has a long way to go!


If you ask me. I did not wish to speak about it, but as you ask me I will give you my frank opinion. If there is any misunderstanding and discord between you and Mary, I can’t blame her for it at all. I know how she loves and respects you. Since you ask me. I can only say that if there are any misunderstandings they are caused by that worthless woman, who is not fit to be my sister’s companion.


What companion, my dear boy? Eh? You’ve already been talking it over! Eh?


Father, I did not want to judge, but you challenged me, and I have said, and always shall say, that Mary is not to blame, but those to blame—the one to blame—is that Frenchwoman.


Ah, he has passed judgment... passed judgement! Be off, be off! Let not a trace of you remain here!...


Well, go on!


So you’ve decided to go, Andrew?


Thank God that I can. I am very sorry you can’t.


Why do you say that? Why do you say that, when you are going to this terrible war, and he is so old? Mademoiselle Bourienne says he has been asking about you....


Ah, my God! my God! When one thinks who and what—what trash—can cause people misery!


Andrew! One thing I beg, I entreat of you! I understand you Don’t imagine that sorrow is the work of men. Men are His tools. Sorrow is sent by Him, not by men. Men are His instruments, they are not to blame. If you think someone has wronged you, forget it and forgive! We have no right to punish. And then you will know the happiness of forgiving.


If I were a woman I would do so, Mary. That is a woman’s virtue. But a man should not and cannot forgive and forget,


Good-by, Andrew! Remember that misfortunes come from God, and men are never to blame,


Then it must be so!


Nothing but sorrow, shame, and ruin will come of all this! We have abandoned Vílna and Vítebsk and shall abandon Drissa. The only reasonable thing left to do is to conclude peace as soon as possible, before we are turned out of Petersburg.


Be he what he may he is an honest, practical man and we have nobody better. Give him real power, for war cannot be conducted successfully without unity of command, and he will show what he can do, as he did in Finland. If our army is well organized and strong and has withdrawn to Drissa without suffering any defeats, we owe this entirely to Barclay. If Barclay is now to be superseded by Bennigsen all will be lost, for Bennigsen showed his incapacity already in 1807.


and twist about as you may, you will have to come to Bennigsen eventually. Let the others make mistakes now! The more mistakes that are made the better. It will at any rate be understood all the sooner that things cannot go on like this. What is wanted is not some Barclay or other, but a man like Bennigsen, who made his mark in 1807, and to whom Napoleon himself did justice—a man whose authority would be willingly recognized, and Bennigsen is the only such man.


That must have been a fine tactical war


There, I said the whole affair would go to the devil!


And as for the man who advised forming this camp—the Drissa camp, as to that person, sire... the man who advised the Drissa camp—I see no alternative but the lunatic asylum or the gallows!


I am very glad to see you! Go in there where they are meeting, and wait for me.


Why ask me? General Armfeldt has proposed a splendid position with an exposed rear, or why not this Italian gentleman’s attack—very fine, or a retreat, also good! Why ask me? Why, you yourselves know everything better than I do. Everything has been spoiled, everything muddled, everybody thought they knew better than I did, and now you come to me! How mend matters? There is nothing to mend! The principles laid down by me must be strictly adhered to. What is the difficulty? Nonsense, childishness!


Is it not so, your excellency?


Well, of course, what more is there to explain?


Adored friend of my soul! Nothing but honor could keep me from returning to the country. But now, at the commencement of the campaign, I should feel dishonored, not only in my comrades’ eyes but in my own, if I preferred my own happiness to my love and duty to the Fatherland. But this shall be our last separation. Believe me, directly the war is over, if I am still alive and still loved by you, I will throw up everything and fly to you, to press you forever to my ardent breast.


I have come from the staff, Count. Have you heard of Raévski’s exploit?


I can’t stand this any more. My stockings and shirt... and the water is running on my seat! I’ll go and look for shelter. The rain seems less heavy. Hurrah! Rostóv, come quick! I’ve found it! About two hundred yards away there’s a tavern where ours have already gathered. We can at least get dry there, and Mary Hendríkhovna’s there.


Rostóv, where are you?


Here. What lightning!


Dear me, how jolly we are!


And why do you stand there gaping?


What swells they are! Why, the water streams from them! Don’t make our drawing room so wet.


Don’t mess Mary Hendríkhovna’s dress!


Leave him alone. He is sleeping well as it is, after a sleepless night.


Oh, no, Mary Hendríkhovna, one must look after the doctor. Perhaps he’ll take pity on me someday, when it comes to cutting off a leg or an arm for me.


But you take it without sugar?


It is not the sugar I want, but only that your little hand should stir my tea. Use your finger, Mary Hendríkhovna, it will be still nicer,


Too hot!


This is my cup. Only dip your finger in it and I’ll drink it all up. Well, but supposing Mary Hendríkhovna is ‘King’?


As it is, she is Queen, and her word is law!


But I’ll send an orderly.... Two of them! What an idea, doctor!


I’ll stand guard on it myself!


No, gentlemen, you have had your sleep, but I have not slept for two nights,


She really is a dear little thing,


A charming woman!


Halt! Dress your ranks! Forward by the left. Walk, march!


Andrew Sevastyánych! You know, we could crush them....


A fine thing too! and really...


I surrender!


But what on earth is worrying me? Ilyín? No, he’s safe. Have I disgraced myself in any way? No, that’s not it. Yes, oh yes, that French officer with the dimple. And I remember how my arm paused when I raised it.


So others are even more afraid than I am! So that’s all there is in what is called heroism! And did I do it for my country’s sake? And how was he to blame, with his dimple and blue eyes? And how frightened he was! He thought that I should kill him. Why should I kill him? My hand trembled. And they have given me a St. George’s Cross.... I can’t make it out at all.


You’ll never get well like that, if you won’t obey the doctor and take your medicine at the right time! You mustn’t trifle with it, you know, or it may turn to pneumonia,


What next?


She must certainly go on taking them morning and evening. Only, please be particular about it. Be quite easy. She will soon be singing and frolicking about. The last medicine has done her a very great deal of good. She has freshened up very much.


That’s Rostóva, the one who...


She’s much thinner, but all the same she’s pretty!


It’s Sunday again—another week past, and always the same life that is no life, and the same surroundings in which it used to be so easy to live. I’m pretty, I’m young, and I know that now I am good. I used to be bad, but now I know I am good, but yet my best years are slipping by and are no good to anyone.


Teach me what I should do, how to live my life, how I may grow good forever, forever!


In peace let us pray unto the Lord.


As one community, without distinction of class, without enmity, united by brotherly love—let us pray!


For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls.


For the world of angels and all the spirits who dwell above us,


Let us commit ourselves and our whole lives to Christ the Lord!


Commit ourselves to God. Lord God, I submit myself to Thy will! I want nothing, wish for nothing; teach me what to do and how to use my will! Take me, take me!


Lord God of might, God of our salvation! Lord God of might, God of our salvation! Look this day in mercy and blessing on Thy humble people, and graciously hear us, spare us, and have mercy upon us! This foe confounding Thy land, desiring to lay waste the whole world, rises against us; these lawless men are gathered together to overthrow Thy kingdom, to destroy Thy dear Jerusalem, Thy beloved Russia; to defile Thy temples, to overthrow Thine altars, and to desecrate our holy shrines. How long, O Lord, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they wield unlawful power? Lord God! Hear us when we pray to Thee; strengthen with Thy might our most gracious sovereign lord, the Emperor Alexander Pávlovich; be mindful of his uprightness and meekness, reward him according to his righteousness, and let it preserve us, Thy chosen Israel! Bless his counsels, his undertakings, and his work; strengthen his kingdom by Thine almighty hand, and give him victory over his enemy, even as Thou gavest Moses the victory over Amalek, Gideon over Midian, and David over Goliath. Preserve his army, put a bow of brass in the hands of those who have armed themselves in Thy Name, and gird their loins with strength for the fight. Take up the spear and shield and arise to help us; confound and put to shame those who have devised evil against us, may they be before the faces of Thy faithful warriors as dust before the wind, and may Thy mighty Angel confound them and put them to flight; may they be ensnared when they know it not, and may the plots they have laid in secret be turned against them; let them fall before Thy servants’ feet and be laid low by our hosts! Lord, Thou art able to save both great and small; Thou art God, and man cannot prevail against Thee! God of our fathers! Remember Thy bounteous mercy and loving-kindness which are from of old; turn not Thy face from us, but be gracious to our unworthiness, and in Thy great goodness and Thy many mercies regard not our transgressions and iniquities! Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us, strengthen us all in Thy faith, fortify our hope, inspire us with true love one for another, arm us with unity of spirit in the righteous defense of the heritage Thou gavest to us and to our fathers, and let not the scepter of the wicked be exalted against the destiny of those Thou hast sanctified. O Lord our God, in whom we believe and in whom we put our trust, let us not be confounded in our hope of Thy mercy, and give us a token of Thy blessing, that those who hate us and our Orthodox faith may see it and be put to shame and perish, and may all the nations know that Thou art the Lord and we are Thy people. Show Thy mercy upon us this day, O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation; make the hearts of Thy servants to rejoice in Thy mercy; smite down our enemies and destroy them swiftly beneath the feet of Thy faithful servants! For Thou art the defense, the succor, and the victory of them that put their trust in Thee, and to Thee be all glory, to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and forever, world without end. Amen.


Well, supposing N. N. has swindled the country and the Tsar, and the country and the Tsar confer honors upon him, what does that matter? She smiled at me yesterday and asked me to come again, and I love her, and no one will ever know it.


Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.


Do, please, for heaven’s sake, relieve me of something! I have a sackful of letters to parents.


I want to try to sing again, it is, at least, something to do.


That’s capital!


How glad I am you’ve come! I am so happy today. You know Nicholas has received a St. George’s Cross? I am so proud of him.


Oh yes, I sent that announcement. But I don’t want to interrupt you,


Count, is it wrong of me to sing?


No... Why should it be? On the contrary... But why do you ask me?


I don’t know myself, but I should not like to do anything you disapproved of. I believe in you completely. You don’t know how important you are to me, how much you’ve done for me.... I saw in that same army order that he, Bolkónski is in Russia, and in the army again. What do you think? Will he ever forgive me? Will he not always have a bitter feeling toward me? What do you think? What do you think?


I think... that he has nothing to forgive.... If I were in his place...


Yes, you... you... that’s a different thing. I know no one kinder, more generous, or better than you; nobody could be! Had you not been there then, and now too, I don’t know what would have become of me, because...


Well, what about my plan? Peter Kirílych, for heaven’s sake! You are my only hope,


Oh yes, your plan. To join the hussars? I’ll mention it, I’ll bring it all up today.


Well, mon cher, have you got the manifesto? The countess has been to Mass at the Razumóvskis’ and heard the new prayer. She says it’s very fine.


Yes, I’ve got it. The Emperor is to be here tomorrow... there’s to be an Extraordinary Meeting of the nobility, and they are talking of a levy of ten men per thousand. Oh yes, let me congratulate you!


Yes, yes, thank God! Well, and what news from the army?


We are again retreating. They say we’re already near Smolénsk,


O Lord, O Lord! Where is the manifesto?


The Emperor’s appeal? Oh yes! On my word, I don’t know what I’ve done with it,


There he is, always losing everything!


No, really! I’ll drive home, I must have left them there. I’ll certainly...


But you’ll be late for dinner.


Oh! And my coachman has gone.


No, after dinner,


spyer not a spire at all, but only an old German ruin.


People are being arrested... I’ve told the countess she should not speak French so much. It’s not the time for it now.


And have you heard? Prince Golítsyn has engaged a master to teach him Russian. It is becoming dangerous to speak French in the streets.


And how about you, Count Peter Kirílych? If they call up the militia, you too will have to mount a horse,


Oh yes, the war. No! What sort of warrior should I make? And yet everything is so strange, so strange! I can’t make it out. I don’t know, I am very far from having military tastes, but in these times no one can answer for himself.


To Moscow, our ancient Capital! The enemy has entered the borders of Russia with immense forces. He comes to despoil our beloved country.


We ourselves will not delay to appear among our people in that Capital and in other parts of our realm for consultation, and for the direction of all our levies, both those now barring the enemy’s path and those freshly formed to defeat him wherever he may appear. May the ruin he hopes to bring upon us recoil on his own head, and may Europe delivered from bondage glorify the name of Russia!


Yes, that’s it! Let the Emperor but say the word and we’ll sacrifice everything and begrudge nothing.


What a darling our Papa is!


There! Here’s a patriot for you!


Not a patriot at all, but simply... Everything seems funny to you, but this isn’t at all a joke....


A joke indeed! Let him but say the word and we’ll all go.... We’re not Germans!


But did you notice, it says, ‘for consultation’?


Never mind what it’s for....


Well, Papa, I tell you definitely, and Mamma too, it’s as you please, but I say definitely that you must let me enter the army, because I can’t... that’s all....


That comes of your talking!


Come, come! Here’s a fine warrior! No! Nonsense! You must study.


It’s not nonsense, Papa. Fédya Obolénski is younger than I, and he’s going too. Besides, all the same I can’t study now when... when our Fatherland is in danger.


That’ll do, that’ll do—nonsense....


But you said yourself that we would sacrifice everything.


Pétya! Be quiet, I tell you!


And I tell you—Peter Kirílych here will also tell you...


Nonsense, I tell you. Your mother’s milk has hardly dried on your lips and you want to go into the army! There, there, I tell you. Well, Peter Kirílych, let’s go and have a smoke,


No, I think I’ll go home.


Home? Why, you meant to spend the evening with us.... You don’t often come nowadays as it is, and this girl of mine, only brightens up when you’re here.


Yes, I had forgotten... I really must go home... business...


Well, then, au revoir!


Why are you going? Why are you upset? Because I love you!


Because it is better for me to come less often... because... No, simply I have business....


Why? No, tell me!


What are you shoving for, young lordling? Don’t you see we’re all standing still? Then why push?


Anybody can shove,


Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!


Father! Angel! Dear one!


Hurrah!


You’ve crushed the young gentleman! What are you up to? Gently!... They’ve crushed him, crushed him!


One might easily get killed that way! What do they mean by it? Killing people! Poor dear, he’s as white as a sheet!


Which is he? Which?


The people are still hoping to see Your Majesty again.


Angel! Dear one! Hurrah! Father!...


There! I said if only we waited—and so it was!


What if the Smolénsk people have offahd to waise militia for the Empewah? Ah we to take Smolénsk as our patte’n? If the noble awistocwacy of the pwovince of Moscow thinks fit, it can show its loyalty to our sov’weign the Empewah in other ways. Have we fo’gotten the waising of the militia in the yeah ‘seven? All that did was to enwich the pwiests’ sons and thieves and wobbahs.... And was our militia of any use to the Empia? Not at all! It only wuined our farming! Bettah have another conscwiption... o’ ou’ men will wetu’n neithah soldiers no’ peasants, and we’ll get only depwavity fwom them. The nobility don’t gwudge theah lives—evewy one of us will go and bwing in more wecwuits, and the sov’weign need only say the word and we’ll all die fo’ him!


I imagine, sir, that we have been summoned here not to discuss whether it’s best for the empire at the present moment to adopt conscription or to call out the militia. We have been summoned to reply to the appeal with which our sovereign the Emperor has honored us. But to judge what is best—conscription or the militia—we can leave to the supreme authority....


Excuse me, your excellency. Though I don’t agree with the gentleman... with the gentleman... whom I have not the honor of knowing, I suppose that the nobility have been summoned not merely to express their sympathy and enthusiasm but also to consider the means by which we can assist our Fatherland! I imagine, that the Emperor himself would not be satisfied to find in us merely owners of serfs whom we are willing to devote to his service, and chair à canon * we are ready to make of ourselves—and not to obtain from us any co-co-counsel. Food for cannon. I think that before discussing these questions, we should ask the Emperor—most respectfully ask His Majesty—to let us know the number of our troops and the position in which our army and our forces now are, and then...


In the first place, I tell you we have no right to question the Emperor about that, and secondly, if the Russian nobility had that right, the Emperor could not answer such a question. The troops are moved according to the enemy’s movements and the number of men increases and decreases....


Yes, and this is not a time for discussing, but for acting: there is war in Russia! The enemy is advancing to destroy Russia, to desecrate the tombs of our fathers, to carry off our wives and children. We will all arise, everyone of us will go, for our father the Tsar! We are Russians and will not grudge our blood in defense of our faith, the throne, and the Fatherland! We must cease raving if we are sons of our Fatherland! We will show Europe how Russia rises to the defense of Russia!


That’s right, quite right! Just so!


author! author!


hell must be repulsed by hell, we will not be that child.


Yes, yes, at thunderclaps!


I only said that it would be more to the purpose to make sacrifices when we know what is needed!


Yes, Moscow will be surrendered! She will be our expiation!


He is the enemy of mankind! Allow me to speak.... Gentlemen, you are crushing me!...


Our sovereign the Emperor will be here in a moment. I am straight from the palace. Seeing the position we are in, I think there is little need for discussion. The Emperor has deigned to summon us and the merchants. Millions will pour forth from there but our business is to supply men and not spare ourselves.... That is the least we can do!


I agree. I too am of that opinion,


The Emperor! The Emperor!


Gentlemen! I never doubted the devotion of the Russian nobles, but today it has surpassed my expectations. I thank you in the name of the Fatherland! Gentlemen, let us act! Time is most precious....


Yes, most precious... a royal word,


Our lives and property—take them, Your Majesty!


I said then that it would be so,