Oneofthehindmostgunsthatwasgoingontothedamturnedoffontotheice。Crowdsofsoldiersfromthedambeganrunningontothefrozenpond。Theicegavewayunderoneoftheforemostsoldiers，andonelegslippedintothewater。Hetriedtorighthimselfbutfellinuptohiswaist。Thenearestsoldiersshrankback，thegundriverstoppedhishorse，butfrombehindstillcametheshouts：\"Ontotheice，whydoyoustop？Goon！Goon！\"Andcriesofhorrorwereheardinthecrowd。Thesoldiersnearthegunwavedtheirarmsandbeatthehorsestomakethemturnandmoveon。Thehorsesmovedoffthebank。
Theice，thathadheldunderthoseonfoot，collapsedinagreatmass，andsomefortymenwhowereonitdashed，someforwardandsomeback，drowningoneanother。
Stillthecannonballscontinuedregularlytowhistleandflopontotheiceandintothewaterandoftenestofallamongthecrowdthatcoveredthedam，thepond，andthebank。
BK3CH19
CHAPTERXIX
OnthePratzenHeights，wherehehadfallenwiththeflagstaffinhishand，layPrinceAndrewBolkonskibleedingprofuselyandunconsciouslyutteringagentle，piteous，andchildlikemoan。
Towardeveningheceasedmoaningandbecamequitestill。Hedidnotknowhowlonghisunconsciousnesslasted。Suddenlyheagainfeltthathewasaliveandsufferingfromaburning，laceratingpaininhishead。
\"Whereisit，thatloftyskythatIdidnotknowtillnow，butsawtoday？\"washisfirstthought。\"AndIdidnotknowthissufferingeither，\"hethought。\"Yes，Ididnotknowanything，anythingatalltillnow。ButwhereamI？\"
Helistenedandheardthesoundofapproachinghorses，andvoicesspeakingFrench。Heopenedhiseyes。Abovehimagainwasthesameloftyskywithcloudsthathadrisenandwerefloatingstillhigher，andbetweenthemgleamedblueinfinity。Hedidnotturnhisheadanddidnotseethosewho，judgingbythesoundofhoofsandvoices，hadriddenupandstoppednearhim。
ItwasNapoleonaccompaniedbytwoaides—de—camp。BonaparteridingoverthebattlefieldhadgivenfinalorderstostrengthenthebatteriesfiringattheAugesdDamandwaslookingatthekilledandwoundedleftonthefield。
\"Finemen！\"remarkedNapoleon，lookingatadeadRussiangrenadier，who，withhisfaceburiedinthegroundandablackenednape，layonhisstomachwithanalreadystiffenedarmflungwide。
\"Theammunitionforthegunsinpositionisexhausted，YourMajesty，\"saidanadjutantwhohadcomefromthebatteriesthatwerefiringatAugesd。
\"Havesomebroughtfromthereserve，\"saidNapoleon，andhavinggoneonafewstepshestoppedbeforePrinceAndrew，wholayonhisbackwiththeflagstaffthathadbeendroppedbesidehim。TheflaghadalreadybeentakenbytheFrenchasatrophy。
\"That’safinedeath！\"saidNapoleonashegazedatBolkonski。
PrinceAndrewunderstoodthatthiswassaidofhimandthatitwasNapoleonwhosaidit。HeheardthespeakeraddressedasSire。Butheheardthewordsashemighthaveheardthebuzzingofafly。Notonlydidtheynotinteresthim，buthetooknonoticeofthemandatonceforgotthem。Hisheadwasburning，hefelthimselfbleedingtodeath，andhesawabovehimtheremote，lofty，andeverlastingsky。HeknewitwasNapoleon—hishero—butatthatmomentNapoleonseemedtohimsuchasmall，insignificantcreaturecomparedwithwhatwaspassingnowbetweenhimselfandthatloftyinfiniteskywiththecloudsflyingoverit。Atthatmomentitmeantnothingtohimwhomightbestandingoverhim，orwhatwassaidofhim；hewasonlygladthatpeoplewerestandingnearhimandonlywishedthattheywouldhelphimandbringhimbacktolife，whichseemedtohimsobeautifulnowthathehadtodaylearnedtounderstanditsodifferently。Hecollectedallhisstrength，tostirandutterasound。
Hefeeblymovedhislegandutteredaweak，sicklygroanwhicharousedhisownpity。
\"Ah！Heisalive，\"saidNapoleon。\"Liftthisyoungmanupandcarryhimtothedressingstation。\"
Havingsaidthis，NapoleonrodeontomeetMarshalLannes，who，hatinhand，rodeupsmilingtotheEmperortocongratulatehimonthevictory。
PrinceAndrewrememberednothingmore：helostconsciousnessfromtheterriblepainofbeingliftedontothestretcher，thejoltingwhilebeingmoved，andtheprobingofhiswoundatthedressingstation。Hedidnotregainconsciousnesstilllateintheday，whenwithotherwoundedandcapturedRussianofficershewascarriedtothehospital。Duringthistransferhefeltalittlestrongerandwasabletolookabouthimandevenspeak。
ThefirstwordsheheardoncomingtohissenseswerethoseofaFrenchconvoyofficer，whosaidrapidly：\"Wemusthalthere：theEmperorwillpasshereimmediately；itwillpleasehimtoseethesegentlemenprisoners。\"
\"Therearesomanyprisonerstoday，nearlythewholeRussianarmy，thatheisprobablytiredofthem，\"saidanotherofficer。
\"Allthesame！TheysaythisoneisthecommanderofalltheEmperorAlexander’sGuards，\"saidthefirstone，indicatingaRussianofficerinthewhiteuniformoftheHorseGuards。
BolkonskirecognizedPrinceRepninwhomhehadmetinPetersburgsociety。Besidehimstoodaladofnineteen，alsoawoundedofficeroftheHorseGuards。
Bonaparte，havingcomeupatagallop，stoppedhishorse。
\"Whichisthesenior？\"heasked，onseeingtheprisoners。
Theynamedthecolonel，PrinceRepnin。
\"YouarethecommanderoftheEmperorAlexander’sregimentofHorseGuards？\"askedNapoleon。
\"Icommandedasquadron，\"repliedRepnin。
\"Yourregimentfulfilleditsdutyhonorably，\"saidNapoleon。
\"Thepraiseofagreatcommanderisasoldier’shighestreward，\"
saidRepnin。
\"Ibestowitwithpleasure，\"saidNapoleon。\"Andwhoisthatyoungmanbesideyou？\"
PrinceRepninnamedLieutenantSukhtelen。
AfterlookingathimNapoleonsmiled。
\"He’sveryyoungtocometomeddlewithus。\"
\"Youthisnohindrancetocourage，\"mutteredSukhteleninafailingvoice。
\"Asplendidreply！\"saidNapoleon。\"Youngman，youwillgofar！\"
PrinceAndrew，whohadalsobeenbroughtforwardbeforetheEmperor’seyestocompletetheshowofprisoners，couldnotfailtoattracthisattention。Napoleonapparentlyrememberedseeinghimonthebattlefieldand，addressinghim，againusedtheepithet\"youngman\"thatwasconnectedinhismemorywithPrinceAndrew。
\"Well，andyou，youngman，\"saidhe。\"Howdoyoufeel，monbrave？\"
Thoughfiveminutesbefore，PrinceAndrewhadbeenabletosayafewwordstothesoldierswhowerecarryinghim，nowwithhiseyesfixedstraightonNapoleon，hewassilent……SoinsignificantatthatmomentseemedtohimalltheintereststhatengrossedNapoleon，someandidhisherohimselfwithhispaltryvanityandjoyinvictoryappear，comparedtothelofty，equitable，andkindlyskywhichhehadseenandunderstood，thathecouldnotanswerhim。
Everythingseemedsofutileandinsignificantincomparisonwiththesternandsolemntrainofthoughtthatweaknessfromlossofblood，suffering，andthenearnessofdeatharousedinhim。LookingintoNapoleon’seyesPrinceAndrewthoughtoftheinsignificanceofgreatness，theunimportanceoflifewhichnoonecouldunderstand，andthestillgreaterunimportanceofdeath，themeaningofwhichnoonealivecouldunderstandorexplain。
TheEmperorwithoutwaitingforananswerturnedawayandsaidtooneoftheofficersashewent：\"Havethesegentlemenattendedtoandtakentomybivouac；letmydoctor，Larrey，examinetheirwounds。Aurevoir，PrinceRepnin！\"andhespurredhishorseandgallopedaway。
Hisfaceshonewithself—satisfactionandpleasure。
ThesoldierswhohadcarriedPrinceAndrewhadnoticedandtakenthelittlegoldiconPrincessMaryhadhungroundherbrother’sneck，butseeingthefavortheEmperorshowedtheprisoners，theynowhastenedtoreturntheholyimage。
PrinceAndrewdidnotseehowandbywhomitwasreplaced，butthelittleiconwithitsthingoldchainsuddenlyappeareduponhischestoutsidehisuniform。
\"Itwouldbegood，\"thoughtPrinceAndrew，glancingattheiconhissisterhadhungroundhisneckwithsuchemotionandreverence，\"itwouldbegoodifeverythingwereasclearandsimpleasitseemstoMary。Howgooditwouldbetoknowwheretoseekforhelpinthislife，andwhattoexpectafteritbeyondthegrave！HowhappyandcalmIshouldbeifIcouldnowsay：’Lord，havemercyonme！’……ButtowhomshouldIsaythat？EithertoaPowerindefinable，incomprehensible，whichInotonlycannotaddressbutwhichIcannotevenexpressinwords—theGreatAllorNothing—\"saidhetohimself，\"ortothatGodwhohasbeensewnintothisamuletbyMary！
Thereisnothingcertain，nothingatallexcepttheunimportanceofeverythingIunderstand，andthegreatnessofsomethingincomprehensiblebutall—important。
Thestretchersmovedon。Ateveryjoltheagainfeltunendurablepain；hisfeverishnessincreasedandhegrewdelirious。Visionsofhisfather，wife，sister，andfutureson，andthetendernesshehadfeltthenightbeforethebattle，thefigureoftheinsignificantlittleNapoleon，andaboveallthistheloftysky，formedthechiefsubjectsofhisdeliriousfancies。
ThequiethomelifeandpeacefulhappinessofBaldHillspresenteditselftohim。HewasalreadyenjoyingthathappinesswhenthatlittleNapoleonhadsuddenlyappearedwithhisunsympathizinglookofshortsighteddelightatthemiseryofothers，anddoubtsandtormentshadfollowed，andonlytheheavenspromisedpeace。TowardmorningallthesedreamsmeltedandmergedintothechaosanddarknessofunconciousnessandoblivionwhichintheopinionofNapoleon’sdoctor，Larrey，wasmuchmorelikelytoendindeaththaninconvalescence。
\"Heisanervous，bilioussubject，\"saidLarrey，\"andwillnotrecover。\"
AndPrinceAndrew，withothersfatallywounded，waslefttothecareoftheinhabitantsofthedistrict。
BOOKFOUR：1806
CHAPTERI
Earlyintheyear1806NicholasRostovreturnedhomeonleave。
DenisovwasgoinghometoVoronezhandRostovpersuadedhimtotravelwithhimasfarasMoscowandtostaywithhimthere。MeetingacomradeatthelastpoststationbutonebeforeMoscow，Denisovhaddrunkthreebottlesofwinewithhimand，despitethejoltingrutsacrossthesnow—coveredroad，didnotoncewakeuponthewaytoMoscow，butlayatthebottomofthesleighbesideRostov，whogrewmoreandmoreimpatientthenearertheygottoMoscow。
\"Howmuchlonger？Howmuchlonger？Oh，theseinsufferablestreets，shops，bakers’signboards，streetlamps，andsleighs！\"thoughtRostov，whentheirleavepermitshadbeenpassedatthetowngateandtheyhadenteredMoscow。
\"Denisov！We’rehere！He’sasleep，\"headded，leaningforwardwithhiswholebodyasifinthatpositionhehopedtohastenthespeedofthesleigh。
Denisovgavenoanswer。
\"There’sthecorneratthecrossroads，wherethecabman，Zakhar，hashisstand，andthere’sZakharhimselfandstillthesamehorse！Andhere’sthelittleshopwhereweusedtobuygingerbread！Can’tyouhurryup？Nowthen！\"
\"Whichhouseisit？\"askedthedriver。
\"Why，thatone，rightattheend，thebigone。Don’tyousee？That’sourhouse，\"saidRostov。\"Ofcourse，it’sourhouse！Denisov，Denisov！
We’realmostthere！\"
Denisovraisedhishead，coughed，andmadenoanswer。
\"Dmitri，\"saidRostovtohisvaletonthebox，\"thoselightsareinourhouse，aren’tthey？\"
\"Yes，sir，andthere’salightinyourfather’sstudy。\"
\"Thenthey’venotgonetobedyet？Whatdoyouthink？Mindnow，don’tforgettoputoutmynewcoat，\"addedRostov，fingeringhisnewmustache。\"Nowthen，geton，\"heshoutedtothedriver。\"Dowakeup，Vaska！\"hewenton，turningtoDenisov，whoseheadwasagainnodding。\"Come，geton！Youshallhavethreerublesforvodka—geton！\"Rostovshouted，whenthesleighwasonlythreehousesfromhisdoor。Itseemedtohimthehorseswerenotmovingatall。Atlastthesleighboretotheright，drewupatanentrance，andRostovsawoverheadtheoldfamiliarcornicewithabitofplasterbrokenoff，theporch，andthepostbythesideofthepavement。Hesprangoutbeforethesleighstopped，andranintothehall。Thehousestoodcoldandsilent，asifquiteregardlessofwhohadcometoit。Therewasnooneinthehall。\"OhGod！Iseveryoneallright？\"hethought，stoppingforamomentwithasinkingheart，andthenimmediatelystartingtorunalongthehallandupthewarpedstepsofthefamiliarstaircase。Thewell—knownolddoorhandle，whichalwaysangeredthecountesswhenitwasnotproperlycleaned，turnedaslooselyasever。Asolitarytallowcandleburnedintheanteroom。
OldMichaelwasasleeponthechest。Prokofy，thefootman，whowassostrongthathecouldliftthebackofthecarriagefrombehind，satplaitingslippersoutofclothselvedges。Helookedupattheopeningdoorandhisexpressionofsleepyindifferencesuddenlychangedtooneofdelightedamazement。
\"Graciousheavens！Theyoungcount！\"hecried，recognizinghisyoungmaster。\"Canitbe？Mytreasure！\"andProkofy，tremblingwithexcitement，rushedtowardthedrawing—roomdoor，probablyinordertoannouncehim，but，changinghismind，camebackandstoopedtokisstheyoungman’sshoulder。
\"Allwell？\"askedRostov，drawingawayhisarm。
\"Yes，Godbethanked！Yes！They’vejustfinishedsupper。Letmehavealookatyou，yourexcellency。\"
\"Iseverythingquiteallright？\"
\"TheLordbethanked，yes！\"
Rostov，whohadcompletelyforgottenDenisov，notwishinganyonetoforestallhim，threwoffhisfurcoatandranontiptoethroughthelargedarkballroom。Allwasthesame：therewerethesameoldcardtablesandthesamechandelierwithacoveroverit；butsomeonehadalreadyseentheyoungmaster，and，beforehehadreachedthedrawingroom，somethingflewoutfromasidedoorlikeatornadoandbeganhuggingandkissinghim。Anotherandyetanothercreatureofthesamekindsprangfromaseconddoorandathird；morehugging，morekissing，moreoutcries，andtearsofjoy。HecouldnotdistinguishwhichwasPapa，whichNatasha，andwhichPetya。Everyoneshouted，talked，andkissedhimatthesametime。Onlyhismotherwasnotthere，henoticedthat。
\"AndIdidnotknow……Nicholas……Mydarling！……\"
\"Hereheis……ourown……Kolya，*dearfellow……Howhehaschanged！……Wherearethecandles？……Tea！……\"
*Nicholas。
\"Andme，kissme！\"
\"Dearest……andme！\"
Sonya，Natasha，Petya，AnnaMikhaylovna，Vera，andtheoldcountwereallhugginghim，andtheserfs，menandmaids，flockedintotheroom，exclaimingandoh—ingandah—ing。
Petya，clingingtohislegs，keptshouting，\"Andmetoo！\"
Natasha，aftershehadpulledhimdowntowardherandcoveredhisfacewithkisses，holdinghimtightbytheskirtofhiscoat，sprangawayandprancedupanddowninoneplacelikeagoatandshriekedpiercingly。
Allaroundwerelovingeyesglisteningwithtearsofjoy，andallaroundwerelipsseekingakiss。
Sonyatoo，allrosyred，clungtohisarmand，radiantwithbliss，lookedeagerlytowardhiseyes，waitingforthelookforwhichshelonged。Sonyanowwassixteenandshewasverypretty，especiallyatthismomentofhappy，rapturousexcitement。Shegazedathim，nottakinghereyesoffhim，andsmilingandholdingherbreath。Hegaveheragratefullook，butwasstillexpectantandlookingforsomeone。Theoldcountesshadnotyetcome。Butnowstepswereheardatthedoor，stepssorapidthattheycouldhardlybehismother’s。
Yetitwasshe，dressedinanewgownwhichhedidnotknow，madesincehehadleft。Alltheotherslethimgo，andherantoher。
Whentheymet，shefellonhisbreast，sobbing。Shecouldnotliftherface，butonlypressedittothecoldbraidingofhishussar’sjacket。
Denisov，whohadcomeintotheroomunnoticedbyanyone，stoodthereandwipedhiseyesatthesight。
\"VasiliDenisov，yourson’sfriend，\"hesaid，introducinghimselftothecount，whowaslookinginquiringlyathim。
\"Youaremostwelcome！Iknow，Iknow，\"saidthecount，kissingandembracingDenisov。\"Nicholaswroteus……Natasha，Vera，look！HereisDenisov！\"
Thesamehappy，rapturousfacesturnedtotheshaggyfigureofDenisov。
\"DarlingDenisov！\"screamedNatasha，besideherselfwithrapture，springingtohim，puttingherarmsroundhim，andkissinghim。Thisescapademadeeverybodyfeelconfused。Denisovblushedtoo，butsmiledand，takingNatasha’shand，kissedit。
Denisovwasshowntotheroompreparedforhim，andtheRostovsallgatheredroundNicholasinthesittingroom。
Theoldcountess，notlettinggoofhishandandkissingiteverymoment，satbesidehim：therest，crowdingroundhim，watchedeverymovement，word，orlookofhis，nevertakingtheirblissfullyadoringeyesoffhim。Hisbrotherandsistersstruggledfortheplacesnearesttohimanddisputedwithoneanotherwhoshouldbringhimhistea，handkerchief，andpipe。
Rostovwasveryhappyinthelovetheyshowedhim；butthefirstmomentofmeetinghadbeensobeatificthathispresentjoyseemedinsufficient，andhekeptexpectingsomethingmore，moreandyetmore。
Nextmorning，afterthefatiguesoftheirjourney，thetravelersslepttillteno’clock。
Intheroomnexttheirbedroomtherewasaconfusionofsabers，satchels，sabretaches，openportmanteaus，anddirtyboots。Twofreshlycleanedpairswithspurshadjustbeenplacedbythewall。Theservantswerebringinginjugsandbasins，hotwaterforshaving，andtheirwell—brushedclothes。Therewasamasculineodorandasmelloftobacco。
\"Hallo，Gwiska—mypipe！\"cameVasiliDenisov’shuskyvoice。
\"Wostov，getup！\"
Rostov，rubbinghiseyesthatseemedgluedtogether，raisedhisdisheveledheadfromthehotpillow。
\"Why，isitlate？\"
\"Late！It’snearlyteno’clock，\"answeredNatasha’svoice。A
rustleofstarchedpetticoatsandthewhisperingandlaughterofgirls’voicescamefromtheadjoiningroom。Thedoorwasopenedacrackandtherewasaglimpseofsomethingblue，ofribbons，blackhair，andmerryfaces。ItwasNatasha，Sonya，andPetya，whohadcometoseewhethertheyweregettingup。
\"Nicholas！Getup！\"Natasha’svoicewasagainheardatthedoor。
\"Directly！\"
Meanwhile，Petya，havingfoundandseizedthesabersintheouterroom，withthedelightboysfeelatthesightofamilitaryelderbrother，andforgettingthatitwasunbecomingforthegirlstoseemenundressed，openedthebedroomdoor。
\"Isthisyoursaber？\"heshouted。
Thegirlssprangaside。Denisovhidhishairylegsundertheblanket，lookingwithascaredfaceathiscomradeforhelp。Thedoor，havingletPetyain，closedagain。Asoundoflaughtercamefrombehindit。
\"Nicholas！Comeoutinyourdressinggown！\"saidNatasha’svoice。
\"Isthisyoursaber？\"askedPetya。\"Orisityours？\"hesaid，addressingtheblack—mustachedDenisovwithserviledeference。
Rostovhurriedlyputsomethingonhisfeet，drewonhisdressinggown，andwentout。Natashahadputononespurredbootandwasjustgettingherfootintotheother。Sonya，whenhecamein，wastwirlingroundandwasabouttoexpandherdressesintoaballoonandsitdown。Theyweredressedalike，innewpale—bluefrocks，andwerebothfresh，rosy，andbright。Sonyaranaway，butNatasha，takingherbrother’sarm，ledhimintothesittingroom，wheretheybegantalking。Theyhardlygaveoneanothertimetoaskquestionsandgiverepliesconcerningathousandlittlematterswhichcouldnotinterestanyonebutthemselves。Natashalaughedateverywordhesaidorthatshesaidherself，notbecausewhattheyweresayingwasamusing，butbecauseshefelthappyandwasunabletocontrolherjoywhichexpresseditselfbylaughter。
\"Oh，hownice，howsplendid！\"shesaidtoeverything。
Rostovfeltthat，undertheinfluenceofthewarmraysoflove，thatchildlikesmilewhichhadnotonceappearedonhisfacesincehelefthomenowforthefirsttimeaftereighteenmonthsagainbrightenedhissoulandhisface。
\"No，butlisten，\"shesaid，\"nowyouarequiteaman，aren’tyou？
I’mawfullygladyou’remybrother。\"Shetouchedhismustache。\"Iwanttoknowwhatyoumenarelike。Areyouthesameaswe？No？\"
\"WhydidSonyarunaway？\"askedRostov。
\"Ah，yes！That’sawholelongstory！Howareyougoingtospeaktoher—thouoryou？\"
\"Asmayhappen，\"saidRostov。
\"No，callheryou，please！I’lltellyouallaboutitsomeothertime。No，I’lltellyounow。YouknowSonya’smydearestfriend。
SuchafriendthatIburnedmyarmforhersake。Lookhere！\"
Shepulleduphermuslinsleeveandshowedhimaredscaronherlong，slender，delicatearm，highabovetheelbowonthatpartthatiscoveredevenbyaballdress。
\"Iburnedthistoprovemyloveforher。Ijustheatedarulerinthefireandpresseditthere！\"
Sittingonthesofawiththelittlecushionsonitsarms，inwhatusedtobehisoldschoolroom，andlookingintoNatasha’swildlybrighteyes，Rostovre—enteredthatworldofhomeandchildhoodwhichhadnomeaningforanyoneelse，butgavehimsomeofthebestjoysofhislife；andtheburningofanarmwitharulerasaproofoflovedidnotseemtohimsenseless，heunderstoodandwasnotsurprisedatit。
\"Well，andisthatall？\"heasked。
\"Wearesuchfriends，suchfriends！Allthatrulerbusinesswasjustnonsense，butwearefriendsforever。She，ifshelovesanyone，doesitforlife，butIdon’tunderstandthat，Iforgetquickly。\"
\"Well，whatthen？\"
\"Well，shelovesmeandyoulikethat。\"
Natashasuddenlyflushed。
\"Why，yourememberbeforeyouwentaway？……Well，shesaysyouaretoforgetallthat……Shesays：’Ishalllovehimalways，butlethimbefree。’Isn’tthatlovelyandnoble！Yes，verynoble？Isn’tit？\"
askedNatasha，soseriouslyandexcitedlythatitwasevidentthatwhatshewasnowsayingshehadtalkedofbefore，withtears。
Rostovbecamethoughtful。
\"Inevergobackonmyword，\"hesaid。\"Besides，Sonyaissocharmingthatonlyafoolwouldrenouncesuchhappiness。\"
\"No，no！\"criedNatasha，\"sheandIhavealreadytalkeditover。
Weknewyou’dsayso。Butitwon’tdo，becauseyousee，ifyousaythat—ifyouconsideryourselfboundbyyourpromise—itwillseemasifshehadnotmeantitseriously。Itmakesitasifyouweremarryingherbecauseyoumust，andthatwouldn’tdoatall。\"
Rostovsawthatithadbeenwellconsideredbythem。Sonyahadalreadystruckhimbyherbeautyontheprecedingday。Today，whenhehadcaughtaglimpseofher，sheseemedstillmorelovely。Shewasacharminggirlofsixteen，evidentlypassionatelyinlovewithhimhedidnotdoubtthatforaninstant。Whyshouldhenotlovehernow，andevenmarryher，Rostovthought，butjustnowthereweresomanyotherpleasuresandinterestsbeforehim！\"Yes，theyhavetakenawisedecision，\"hethought，\"Imustremainfree。\"
\"Wellthen，that’sexcellent，\"saidhe。\"We’lltalkitoverlateron。Oh，howgladIamtohaveyou！
\"Well，andareyoustilltruetoBoris？\"hecontinued。
\"Oh，whatnonsense！\"criedNatasha，laughing。\"Idon’tthinkabouthimoranyoneelse，andIdon’twantanythingofthekind。\"
\"Dearme！Thenwhatareyouupnow？\"
\"Now？\"repeatedNatasha，andahappysmilelitupherface。\"HaveyouseenDuport？\"
\"No。\"
\"NotseenDuport—thefamousdancer？Wellthen，youwon’tunderstand。That’swhatI’mupto。\"
Curvingherarms，Natashaheldoutherskirtsasdancersdo，ranbackafewsteps，turned，cutacaper，broughtherlittlefeetsharplytogether，andmadesomestepsontheverytipsofhertoes。
\"See，I’mstanding！See！\"shesaid，butcouldnotmaintainherselfonhertoesanylonger。\"Sothat’swhatI’mupto！I’llnevermarryanyone，butwillbeadancer。Onlydon’ttellanyone。\"
RostovlaughedsoloudandmerrilythatDenisov，inhisbedroom，feltenviousandNatashacouldnothelpjoiningin。
\"No，butdon’tyouthinkit’snice？\"shekeptrepeating。
\"Nice！AndsoyounolongerwishtomarryBoris？\"
Natashaflaredup。\"Idon’twanttomarryanyone。AndI’lltellhimsowhenIseehim！\"
\"Dearme！\"saidRostov。
\"Butthat’sallrubbish，\"Natashachatteredon。\"AndisDenisovnice？\"sheasked。
\"Yes，indeed！\"
\"Oh，wellthen，good—by：goanddress。Isheveryterrible，Denisov？\"
\"Whyterrible？\"askedNicholas。\"No，Vaskaisasplendidfellow。\"
\"YoucallhimVaska？That’sfunny！Andisheverynice？\"
\"Very。\"
\"Wellthen，bequick。We’llallhavebreakfasttogether。\"
AndNatasharoseandwentoutoftheroomontiptoe，likeaballetdancer，butsmilingasonlyhappygirlsoffifteencansmile。WhenRostovmetSonyainthedrawingroom，hereddened。Hedidnotknowhowtobehavewithher。Theeveningbefore，inthefirsthappymomentofmeeting，theyhadkissedeachother，buttodaytheyfeltitcouldnotbedone；hefeltthateverybody，includinghismotherandsisters，waslookinginquiringlyathimandwatchingtoseehowhewouldbehavewithher。Hekissedherhandandaddressedhernotasthoubutasyou—
Sonya。Buttheireyesmetandsaidthou，andexchangedtenderkisses。Herlooksaskedhimtoforgiveherforhavingdared，byNatasha’sintermediacy，toremindhimofhispromise，andthenthankedhimforhislove。Hislooksthankedherforofferinghimhisfreedomandtoldherthatonewayoranotherhewouldneverceasetoloveher，forthatwouldbeimpossible。
\"Howstrangeitis，\"saidVera，selectingamomentwhenallweresilent，\"thatSonyaandNicholasnowsayyoutooneanotherandmeetlikestrangers。\"
Vera’sremarkwascorrect，asherremarksalwayswere，but，likemostofherobservations，itmadeeveryonefeeluncomfortable，notonlySonya，Nicholas，andNatasha，buteventheoldcountess，who—
dreadingthisloveaffairwhichmighthinderNicholasfrommakingabrilliantmatch—blushedlikeagirl。
Denisov，toRostov’ssurprise，appearedinthedrawingroomwithpomadedhair，perfumed，andinanewuniform，lookingjustassmartashemadehimselfwhengoingintobattle，andhewasmoreamiabletotheladiesandgentlementhanRostovhadeverexpectedtoseehim。
BK4CH2
CHAPTERII
OnhisreturntoMoscowfromthearmy，NicholasRostovwaswelcomedbyhishomecircleasthebestofsons，ahero，andtheirdarlingNikolenka；byhisrelationsasacharming，attractive，andpoliteyoungman；byhisacquaintancesasahandsomelieutenantofhussars，agooddancer，andoneofthebestmatchesinthecity。
TheRostovskneweverybodyinMoscow。Theoldcounthadmoneyenoughthatyear，asallhisestateshadbeenremortgaged，andsoNicholas，acquiringatrotterofhisown，verystylishridingbreechesofthelatestcut，suchasnooneelseyethadinMoscow，andbootsofthelatestfashion，withextremelypointedtoesandsmallsilverspurs，passedhistimeverygaily。Afterashortperiodofadaptinghimselftotheoldconditionsoflife，Nicholasfounditverypleasanttobeathomeagain。Hefeltthathehadgrownupandmaturedverymuch。HisdespairatfailinginaScriptureexamination，hisborrowingmoneyfromGavriltopayasleighdriver，hiskissingSonyaonthesly—henowrecalledallthisaschildishnesshehadleftimmeasurablybehind。
Nowhewasalieutenantofhussars，inajacketlacedwithsilver，andwearingtheCrossofSt。George，awardedtosoldiersforbraveryinaction，andinthecompanyofwell—known，elderly，andrespectedracingmenwastrainingatrotterofhisownforarace。Heknewaladyononeoftheboulevardswhomhevisitedofanevening。HeledthemazurkaattheArkharovs’ball，talkedaboutthewarwithFieldMarshalKamenski，visitedtheEnglishClub，andwasonintimatetermswithacoloneloffortytowhomDenisovhadintroducedHispassionfortheEmperorhadcooledsomewhatinMoscow。Butstill，ashedidnotseehimandhadnoopportunityofseeinghim，heoftenspokeabouthimandabouthisloveforhim，lettingitbeunderstoodthathehadnottoldallandthattherewassomethinginhisfeelingsfortheEmperornoteveryonecouldunderstand，andwithhiswholesoulhesharedtheadorationthencommoninMoscowfortheEmperor，whowasspokenofasthe\"angelincarnate。\"
DuringRostov’sshortstayinMoscow，beforerejoiningthearmy，hedidnotdrawclosertoSonya，butratherdriftedawayfromher。Shewasveryprettyandsweet，andevidentlydeeplyinlovewithhim，buthewasattheperiodofyouthwhenthereseemssomuchtodothatthereisnotimeforthatsortofthingandayoungmanfearstobindhimselfandprizeshisfreedomwhichheneedsforsomanyotherthings。WhenhethoughtofSonya，duringthisstayinMoscow，hesaidtohimself，\"Ah，therewillbe，andthereare，manymoresuchgirlssomewherewhomIdonotyetknow。TherewillbetimeenoughtothinkaboutlovewhenIwantto，butnowIhavenotime。\"Besides，itseemedtohimthatthesocietyofwomenwasratherderogatorytohismanhood。Hewenttoballsandintoladies’societywithanaffectationofdoingsoagainsthiswill。Theraces，theEnglishClub，spreeswithDenisov，andvisitstoacertainhouse—thatwasanothermatterandquitethethingforadashingyounghussar！
AtthebeginningofMarch，oldCountIlyaRostovwasverybusyarrangingadinnerinhonorofPrinceBagrationattheEnglishClub。
Thecountwalkedupanddownthehallinhisdressinggown，givingorderstotheclubstewardandtothefamousFeoktist，theClub’sheadcook，aboutasparagus，freshcucumbers，strawberries，veal，andfishforthisdinner。ThecounthadbeenamemberandonthecommitteeoftheClubfromthedayitwasfounded。TohimtheClubentrustedthearrangementofthefestivalinhonorofBagration，forfewmenknewsowellhowtoarrangeafeastonanopen—handed，hospitablescale，andstillfewermenwouldbesowellableandwillingtomakeupoutoftheirownresourceswhatmightbeneededforthesuccessofthefete。Theclubcookandthestewardlistenedtothecount’sorderswithpleasedfaces，fortheyknewthatundernoothermanagementcouldtheysoeasilyextractagoodprofitforthemselvesfromadinnercostingseveralthousandrubles。
\"Wellthen，mindandhavecocks’combintheturtlesoup，youknow！\"
\"Shallwehavethreecolddishesthen？\"askedthecook。
Thecountconsidered。
\"Wecan’thaveless—yes，three……themayonnaise，that’sone，\"saidhe，bendingdownafinger。
\"ThenamItoorderthoselargesterlets？\"askedthesteward。
\"Yes，itcan’tbehelpediftheywon’ttakeless。Ah，dearme！Iwasforgetting。Wemusthaveanotherentree。Ah，goodnessgracious！\"heclutchedathishead。\"Whoisgoingtogetmetheflowers？Dmitri！Eh，Dmitri！GallopofftoourMoscowestate，\"hesaidtothefactotumwhoappearedathiscall。\"HurryoffandtellMaksim，thegardener，tosettheserfstowork。Saythateverythingoutofthehothousesmustbebroughtherewellwrappedupinfelt。ImusthavetwohundredpotshereonFriday。\"
Havinggivenseveralmoreorders，hewasabouttogotohis\"littlecountess\"tohavearest，butrememberingsomethingelseofimportance，hereturnedagain，calledbackthecookandtheclubsteward，andagainbegangivingorders。Alightfootstepandtheclinkingofspurswereheardatthedoor，andtheyoungcount，handsome，rosy，withadarklittlemustache，evidentlyrestedandmadesleekerbyhiseasylifeinMoscow，enteredtheroom。
\"Ah，myboy，myhead’sinawhirl！\"saidtheoldmanwithasmile，asifhefeltalittleconfusedbeforehisson。\"Now，ifyouwouldonlyhelpabit！Imusthavesingerstoo。Ishallhavemyownorchestra，butshouldn’twegetthegypsysingersaswell？Youmilitarymenlikethatsortofthing。\"
\"Really，Papa，IbelievePrinceBagrationworriedhimselflessbeforethebattleofSchonGrabernthanyoudonow，\"saidhissonwithasmile。
Theoldcountpretendedtobeangry。
\"Yes，youtalk，buttryityourself！\"
Andthecountturnedtothecook，who，withashrewdandrespectfulexpression，lookedobservantlyandsympatheticallyatthefatherandson。
\"Whathavetheyoungpeoplecometonowadays，eh，Feoktist？\"saidhe。\"Laughingatusoldfellows！\"
\"That’sso，yourexcellency，alltheyhavetodoistoeatagooddinner，butprovidingitandservingitallup，that’snottheirbusiness！
\"That’sit，that’sit！\"exclaimedthecount，andgailyseizinghissonbybothhands，hecried，\"NowI’vegotyou，sotakethesleighandpairatonce，andgotoBezukhob’s，andtellhim’CountIlyahassentyoutoaskforstrawberriesandfreshpineapples。’Wecan’tgetthemfromanyoneelse。He’snottherehimself，soyou’llhavetogoinandasktheprincesses；andfromtheregoontotheRasgulyay—thecoachmanIpatkaknows—andlookupthegypsyIlyushka，theonewhodancedatCountOrlov’s，youremember，inawhiteCossackcoat，andbringhimalongtome。\"
\"AndamItobringthegypsygirlsalongwithhim？\"askedNicholas，laughing。\"Dear，dear！……\"
Atthatmoment，withnoiselessfootstepsandwiththebusinesslike，preoccupied，yetmeeklyChristianlookwhichneverleftherface，AnnaMikhaylovnaenteredthehall。Thoughshecameuponthecountinhisdressinggowneveryday，heinvariablybecameconfusedandbeggedhertoexcusehiscostume。
\"Nomatteratall，mydearcount，\"shesaid，meeklyclosinghereyes。\"ButI’llgotoBezukhov’smyself。Pierrehasarrived，andnowweshallgetanythingwewantfromhishothouses。Ihavetoseehiminanycase。HehasforwardedmealetterfromBoris。ThankGod，Borisisnowonthestaff。\"
ThecountwasdelightedatAnnaMikhaylovna’stakinguponherselfoneofhiscommissionsandorderedthesmallclosedcarriageforher。
\"TellBezukhovtocome。I’llputhisnamedown。Ishiswifewithhim？\"heasked。
AnnaMikhaylovnaturneduphereyes，andprofoundsadnesswasdepictedonherface。
\"Ah，mydearfriend，heisveryunfortunate，\"shesaid。\"Ifwhatwehearistrue，itisdreadful。Howlittlewedreamedofsuchathingwhenwewererejoicingathishappiness！AndsuchaloftyangelicsoulasyoungBezukhov！Yes，Ipityhimfrommyheart，andshalltrytogivehimwhatconsolationIcan。\"
\"Wh—whatisthematter？\"askedboththeyoungandoldRostov。
AnnaMikhaylovnasigheddeeply。
\"Dolokhov，MaryIvanovna’sson，\"shesaidinamysteriouswhisper，\"hascompromisedhercompletely，theysay。Pierretookhimup，invitedhimtohishouseinPetersburg，andnow……shehascomehereandthatdaredevilafterher！\"saidAnnaMikhaylovna，wishingtoshowhersympathyforPierre，butbyinvoluntaryintonationsandahalfsmilebetrayinghersympathyforthe\"daredevil，\"asshecalledDolokhov。\"TheysayPierreisquitebrokenbyhismisfortune。\"
\"Dear，dear！ButstilltellhimtocometotheClub—itwillallblowover。Itwillbeatremendousbanquet。\"
Nextday，thethirdofMarch，soonafteroneo’clock，twohundredandfiftymembersoftheEnglishClubandfiftyguestswereawaitingtheguestofhonorandherooftheAustriancampaign，PrinceBagration，todinner。
OnthefirstarrivalofthenewsofthebattleofAusterlitz，Moscowhadbeenbewildered。Atthattime，theRussiansweresousedtovictoriesthatonreceivingnewsofthedefeatsomewouldsimplynotbelieveit，whileotherssoughtsomeextraordinaryexplanationofsostrangeanevent。IntheEnglishClub，whereallwhoweredistinguished，important，andwellinformedforgatheredwhenthenewsbegantoarriveinDecember，nothingwassaidaboutthewarandthelastbattle，asthoughallwereinaconspiracyofsilence。Themenwhosetthetoneinconversation—CountRostopchin，PrinceYuriDolgorukov，Valuev，CountMarkov，andPrinceVyazemski—didnotshowthemselvesattheClub，butmetinprivatehousesinintimatecircles，andtheMoscoviteswhotooktheiropinionsfromothers—IlyaRostovamongthem—remainedforawhilewithoutanydefiniteopiniononthesubjectofthewarandwithoutleaders。TheMoscovitesfeltthatsomethingwaswrongandthattodiscussthebadnewswasdifficult，andsoitwasbesttobesilent。Butafterawhile，justasajurycomesoutofitsroom，thebigwigswhoguidedtheClub’sopinionreappeared，andeverybodybeganspeakingclearlyanddefinitely。
Reasonswerefoundfortheincredible，unheard—of，andimpossibleeventofaRussiandefeat，everythingbecameclear，andinallcornersofMoscowthesamethingsbegantobesaid。ThesereasonswerethetreacheryoftheAustrians，adefectivecommissariat，thetreacheryofthePolePrzebyszewskiandoftheFrenchmanLangeron，Kutuzov’sincapacity，anditwaswhisperedtheyouthandinexperienceofthesovereign，whohadtrustedworthlessandinsignificantpeople。Butthearmy，theRussianarmy，everyonedeclared，wasextraordinaryandhadachievedmiraclesofvalor。Thesoldiers，officers，andgeneralswereheroes。ButtheheroofheroeswasPrinceBagration，distinguishedbyhisSchonGrabernaffairandbytheretreatfromAusterlitz，wherehealonehadwithdrawnhiscolumnunbrokenandhadalldaybeatenbackanenemyforcetwiceasnumerousashisown。WhatalsoconducedtoBagration’sbeingselectedasMoscow’sherowasthefactthathehadnoconnectionsinthecityandwasastrangerthere。Inhisperson，honorwasshowntoasimplefightingRussiansoldierwithoutconnectionsandintrigues，andtoonewhowasassociatedbymemoriesoftheItaliancampaignwiththenameofSuvorov。Moreover，payingsuchhonortoBagrationwasthebestwayofexpressingdisapprovalanddislikeofKutuzov。
\"HadtherebeennoBagration，itwouldhavebeennecessarytoinventhim，\"saidthewitShinshin，parodyingthewordsofVoltaire。
Kutuzovnoonespokeof，exceptsomewhoabusedhiminwhispers，callinghimacourtweathercockandanoldsatyr。
AllMoscowrepeatedPrinceDolgorukov’ssaying：\"Ifyougoonmodelingandmodelingyoumustgetsmearedwithclay，\"suggestingconsolationforourdefeatbythememoryofformervictories；andthewordsofRostopchin，thatFrenchsoldiershavetobeincitedtobattlebyhighfalutinwords，andGermansbylogicalargumentstoshowthemthatitismoredangeroustorunawaythantoadvance，butthatRussiansoldiersonlyneedtoberestrainedandheldback！Onallsides，newandfreshanecdoteswereheardofindividualexamplesofheroismshownbyourofficersandmenatAusterlitz。Onehadsavedastandard，anotherhadkilledfiveFrenchmen，athirdhadloadedfivecannonsinglehanded。Bergwasmentioned，bythosewhodidnotknowhim，ashaving，whenwoundedintherighthand，takenhisswordintheleft，andgoneforward。OfBolkonski，nothingwassaid，andonlythosewhoknewhimintimatelyregrettedthathehaddiedsoyoung，leavingapregnantwifewithhiseccentricfather。
BK4CH3
CHAPTERIII
OnthatthirdofMarch，alltheroomsintheEnglishClubwerefilledwithahumofconversation，likethehumofbeesswarminginspringtime。ThemembersandguestsoftheClubwanderedhitherandthither，sat，stood，met，andseparated，someinuniformandsomeineveningdress，andafewhereandtherewithpowderedhairandinRussiankaftans。Powderedfootmen，inliverywithbuckledshoesandsmartstockings，stoodateverydooranxiouslynotingvisitors’
everymovementinordertooffertheirservices。Mostofthosepresentwereelderly，respectedmenwithbroad，self—confidentfaces，fatfingers，andresolutegesturesandvoices。Thisclassofguestsandmemberssatincertainhabitualplacesandmetincertainhabitualgroups。Aminorityofthosepresentwerecasualguests—chieflyyoungmen，amongwhomwereDenisov，Rostov，andDolokhov—whowasnowagainanofficerintheSemenovregiment。Thefacesoftheseyoungpeople，especiallythosewhoweremilitarymen，borethatexpressionofcondescendingrespectfortheirelderswhichseemstosaytotheoldergeneration，\"Wearepreparedtorespectandhonoryou，butallthesamerememberthatthefuturebelongstous。\"
NesvitskiwasthereasanoldmemberoftheClub。Pierre，whoathiswife’scommandhadlethishairgrowandabandonedhisspectacles，wentabouttheroomsfashionablydressedbutlookingsadanddull。
Here，aselsewhere，hewassurroundedbyanatmosphereofsubserviencetohiswealth，andbeinginthehabitoflordingitoverthesepeople，hetreatedthemwithabsent—mindedcontempt。
Byhisageheshouldhavebelongedtotheyoungermen，butbyhiswealthandconnectionshebelongedtothegroupsoldandhonoredguests，andsohewentfromonegrouptoanother。Someofthemostimportantoldmenwerethecenterofgroupswhichevenstrangersapproachedrespectfullytohearthevoicesofwell—knownmen。ThelargestcirclesformedroundCountRostopchin，Valuev，andNaryshkin。RostopchinwasdescribinghowtheRussianshadbeenoverwhelmedbyflyingAustriansandhadhadtoforcetheirwaythroughthemwithbayonets。
ValuevwasconfidentiallytellingthatUvarovhadbeensentfromPetersburgtoascertainwhatMoscowwasthinkingaboutAusterlitz。
Inthethirdcircle，NaryshkinwasspeakingofthemeetingoftheAustrianCouncilofWaratwhichSuvorovcrowedlikeacockinreplytothenonsensetalkedbytheAustriangenerals。Shinshin，standingcloseby，triedtomakeajoke，sayingthatKutuzovhadevidentlyfailedtolearnfromSuvorovevensosimpleathingastheartofcrowinglikeacock，buttheeldermembersglancedseverelyatthewit，makinghimfeelthatinthatplaceandonthatday，itwasimpropertospeaksoofKutuzov。
CountIlyaRostov，hurriedandpreoccupied，wentaboutinhissoftbootsbetweenthedininganddrawingrooms，hastilygreetingtheimportantandunimportant，allofwhomheknew，asiftheywereallequals，whilehiseyesoccasionallysoughtouthisfinewell—set—upyoungson，restingonhimandwinkingjoyfullyathim。YoungRostovstoodatawindowwithDolokhov，whoseacquaintancehehadlatelymadeandhighlyvalued。TheoldcountcameuptothemandpressedDolokhov’shand。
\"Pleasecomeandvisitus……youknowmybraveboy……beentogetheroutthere……bothplayingthehero……Ah，VasiliIgnatovich……Howd’yedo，oldfellow？\"hesaid，turningtoanoldmanwhowaspassing，butbeforehehadfinishedhisgreetingtherewasageneralstir，andafootmanwhohadruninannounced，withafrightenedface：\"He’sarrived！\"
Bellsrang，thestewardsrushedforward，and—likeryeshakentogetherinashovel—theguestswhohadbeenscatteredaboutindifferentroomscametogetherandcrowdedinthelargedrawingroombythedooroftheballroom。
Bagrationappearedinthedoorwayoftheanteroomwithouthatorsword，which，inaccordwiththeClubcustom，hehadgivenuptothehallporter。Hehadnolambskincaponhishead，norhadhealoadedwhipoverhisshoulder，aswhenRostovhadseenhimontheeveofthebattleofAusterlitz，butworeatightnewuniformwithRussianandforeignOrders，andtheStarofSt。Georgeonhisleftbreast。
Evidentlyjustbeforecomingtothedinnerhehadhadhishairandwhiskerstrimmed，whichchangedhisappearancefortheworse。Therewassomethingnaivelyfestiveinhisair，which，inconjunctionwithhisfirmandvirilefeatures，gavehimarathercomicalexpression。
BekleshevandTheodoreUvarov，whohadarrivedwithhim，pausedatthedoorwaytoallowhim，astheguestofhonor，toenterfirst。Bagrationwasembarrassed，notwishingtoavailhimselfoftheircourtesy，andthiscausedsomedelayatthedoors，butafterallhedidatlastenterfirst。Hewalkedshylyandawkwardlyovertheparquetfloorofthereceptionroom，notknowingwhattodowithhishands；hewasmoreaccustomedtowalkoveraplowedfieldunderfire，ashehaddoneattheheadoftheKurskregimentatSchonGrabern—andhewouldhavefoundthateasier。Thecommitteemenmethimatthefirstdoorand，expressingtheirdelightatseeingsuchahighlyhonoredguest，tookpossessionofhimasitwere，withoutwaitingforhisreply，surroundedhim，andledhimtothedrawingroom。Itwasatfirstimpossibletoenterthedrawing—roomdoorforthecrowdofmembersandguestsjostlingoneanotherandtryingtogetagoodlookatBagrationovereachother’sshoulders，asifheweresomerareanimal。CountIlyaRostov，laughingandrepeatingthewords，\"Makeway，dearboy！
Makeway，makeway！\"pushedthroughthecrowdmoreenergeticallythananyone，ledtheguestsintothedrawingroom，andseatedthemonthecentersofa。Thebigwigs，themostrespectedmembersoftheClub，besetthenewarrivals。CountIlya，againthrustinghiswaythroughthecrowd，wentoutofthedrawingroomandreappearedaminutelaterwithanothercommitteeman，carryingalargesilversalverwhichhepresentedtoPrinceBagration。Onthesalverlaysomeversescomposedandprintedinthehero’shonor。Bagration，onseeingthesalver，glancedaroundindismay，asthoughseekinghelp。
Butalleyesdemandedthatheshouldsubmit。Feelinghimselfintheirpower，heresolutelytookthesalverwithbothhandsandlookedsternlyandreproachfullyatthecountwhohadpresentedittohim。SomeoneobliginglytookthedishfromBagrationorhewould，itseemed，haveheldittilleveningandhavegoneintodinnerwithitanddrewhisattentiontotheverses。
\"Well，Iwillreadthem，then！\"Bagrationseemedtosay，and，fixinghiswearyeyesonthepaper，begantoreadthemwithafixedandseriousexpression。Buttheauthorhimselftooktheversesandbeganreadingthemaloud。Bagrationbowedhisbeadandlistened：
BringglorythentoAlexander’sreignAndonthethroneourTitusshield。
Adreadedfoebethou，kindheartedasaman，ARhipheusathome，aCaesarinthefield！
E’enfortunateNapoleonKnowsbyexperience，now，Bagration，AnddarenotHerculeanRussianstrouble……
Butbeforehehadfinishedreading，astentorianmajor—domoannouncedthatdinnerwasready！Thedooropened，andfromthediningroomcametheresoundingstrainsofthepolonaise：
Conquest’sjoyfulthunderwaken，Triumph，valiantRussians，now！……
andCountRostov，glancingangrilyattheauthorwhowentonreadinghisverses，bowedtoBagration。Everyonerose，feelingthatdinnerwasmoreimportantthanverses，andBagration，againprecedingalltherest，wentintodinner。HewasseatedintheplaceofhonorbetweentwoAlexanders—BekleshevandNaryshkin—whichwasasignificantallusiontothenameofthesovereign。Threehundredpersonstooktheirseatsinthediningroom，accordingtotheirrankandimportance：themoreimportantnearertothehonoredguest，asnaturallyaswaterflowsdeepestwherethelandlieslowest。
Justbeforedinner，CountIlyaRostovpresentedhissontoBagration，whorecognizedhimandsaidafewwordstohim，disjointedandawkward，aswereallthewordshespokethatday，andCountIlyalookedjoyfullyandproudlyaroundwhileBagrationspoketohisson。
NicholasRostov，withDenisovandhisnewacquaintance，Dolokhov，satalmostatthemiddleofthetable。FacingthemsatPierre，besidePrinceNesvitski。CountIlyaRostovwiththeothermembersofthecommitteesatfacingBagrationand，astheverypersonificationofMoscowhospitality，didthehonorstotheprince。
Hiseffortshadnotbeeninvain。Thedinner，boththeLentenandtheotherfare，wassplendid，yethecouldnotfeelquiteateasetilltheendofthemeal。Hewinkedatthebutler，whispereddirectionstothefootmen，andawaitedeachexpecteddishwithsomeanxiety。
Everythingwasexcellent。Withthesecondcourse，agiganticsterletatsightofwhichIlyaRostovblushedwithself—consciouspleasure，thefootmenbeganpoppingcorksandfillingthechampagneglasses。Afterthefish，whichmadeacertainsensation，thecountexchangedglanceswiththeothercommitteemen。\"Therewillbemanytoasts，it’stimetobegin，\"hewhispered，andtakinguphisglass，herose。Allweresilent，waitingforwhathewouldsay。
\"TothehealthofourSovereign，theEmperor！\"hecried，andatthesamemomenthiskindlyeyesgrewmoistwithtearsofjoyandenthusiasm。Thebandimmediatelystruckup\"Conquest’sjoyfulthunderwaken……\"Allroseandcried\"Hurrah！\"Bagrationalsoroseandshouted\"Hurrah！\"inexactlythesamevoiceinwhichhehadshouteditonthefieldatSchonGrabern。YoungRostov’secstaticvoicecouldbeheardabovethethreehundredothers。Henearlywept。\"TothehealthofourSovereign，theEmperor！\"heroared，\"Hurrah！\"andemptyinghisglassatonegulphedashedittothefloor。Manyfollowedhisexample，andtheloudshoutingcontinuedforalongtime。
Whenthevoicessubsided，thefootmenclearedawaythebrokenglassandeverybodysatdownagain，smilingatthenoisetheyhadmadeandexchangingremarks。Theoldcountroseoncemore，glancedatanotelyingbesidehisplate，andproposedatoast，\"Tothehealthoftheheroofourlastcampaign，PrincePeterIvanovichBagration！\"andagainhisblueeyesgrewmoist。\"Hurrah！\"criedthethreehundredvoicesagain，butinsteadofthebandachoirbegansingingacantatacomposedbyPaulIvanovichKutuzov：
Russians！O’erallbarrierson！
Courageconquestguarantees；
HavewenotBagration？
Hebringsfoementotheirknees，……etc。
Assoonasthesingingwasover，anotherandanothertoastwasproposedandCountIlyaRostovbecamemoreandmoremoved，moreglasswassmashed，andtheshoutinggrewlouder。TheydranktoBekleshev，Naryshkin，Uvarov，Dolgorukov，Apraksin，Valuev，tothecommittee，toalltheClubmembersandtoalltheClubguests，andfinallytoCountIlyaRostovseparately，astheorganizerofthebanquet。Atthattoast，thecounttookouthishandkerchiefand，coveringhisface，weptoutright。
BK4CH4
CHAPTERIV
PierresatoppositeDolokhovandNicholasRostov。Asusual，heateanddrankmuch，andeagerly。Butthosewhoknewhimintimatelynoticedthatsomegreatchangehadcomeoverhimthatday。Hewassilentallthroughdinnerandlookedabout，blinkingandscowling，or，withfixedeyesandalookofcompleteabsent—mindedness，keptrubbingthebridgeofhisnose。Hisfacewasdepressedandgloomy。Heseemedtoseeandhearnothingofwhatwasgoingonaroundhimandtobeabsorbedbysomedepressingandunsolvedproblem。
Theunsolvedproblemthattormentedhimwascausedbyhintsgivenbytheprincess，hiscousin，atMoscow，concerningDolokhov’sintimacywithhiswife，andbyananonymousletterhehadreceivedthatmorning，whichinthemeanjocularwaycommontoanonymousletterssaidthathesawbadlythroughhisspectacles，butthathiswife’sconnectionwithDolokhovwasasecrettonoonebuthimself。Pierreabsolutelydisbelievedboththeprincess’hintsandtheletter，buthefearednowtolookatDolokhov，whowassittingoppositehim。EverytimehechancedtomeetDolokhov’shandsomeinsolenteyes，Pierrefeltsomethingterribleandmonstrousrisinginhissoulandturnedquicklyaway。Involuntarilyrecallinghiswife’spastandherrelationswithDolokhov，Pierresawclearlythatwhatwassaidinthelettermightbetrue，ormightatleastseemtobetruehaditnotreferredtohiswife。HeinvoluntarilyrememberedhowDolokhov，whohadfullyrecoveredhisformerpositionafterthecampaign，hadreturnedtoPetersburgandcometohim。AvailinghimselfofhisfriendlyrelationswithPierreasabooncompanion，Dolokhovhadcomestraighttohishouse，andPierrehadputhimupandlenthimmoney。PierrerecalledhowHelenehadsmilinglyexpresseddisapprovalofDolokhov’slivingattheirhouse，andhowcynicallyDolokhovhadpraisedhiswife’sbeautytohimandfromthattimetilltheycametoMoscowhadnotleftthemforaday。
\"Yes，heisveryhandsome，\"thoughtPierre，\"andIknowhim。Itwouldbeparticularlypleasanttohimtodishonormynameandridiculeme，justbecauseIhaveexertedmyselfonhisbehalf，befriendedhim，andhelpedhim。Iknowandunderstandwhataspicethatwouldaddtothepleasureofdeceivingme，ifitreallyweretrue。Yes，ifitweretrue，butIdonotbelieveit。Ihavenorightto，andcan’t，believeit。\"HerememberedtheexpressionDolokhov’sfaceassumedinhismomentsofcruelty，aswhentyingthepolicemantothebearanddroppingthemintothewater，orwhenhechallengedamantoaduelwithoutanyreason，orshotapost—boy’shorsewithapistol。ThatexpressionwasoftenonDolokhov’sfacewhenlookingathim。\"Yes，heisabully，\"thoughtPierre，\"tokillamanmeansnothingtohim。
Itmustseemtohimthateveryoneisafraidofhim，andthatmustpleasehim。HemustthinkthatI，too，amafraidofhim—andinfactI
amafraidofhim，\"hethought，andagainhefeltsomethingterribleandmonstrousrisinginhissoul。Dolokhov，Denisov，andRostovwerenowsittingoppositePierreandseemedverygay。Rostovwastalkingmerrilytohistwofriends，oneofwhomwasadashinghussarandtheotheranotoriousduelistandrake，andeverynowandthenheglancedironicallyatPierre，whosepreoccupied，absent—minded，andmassivefigurewasaverynoticeableoneatthedinner。RostovlookedinimicallyatPierre，firstbecausePierreappearedtohishussareyesasarichcivilian，thehusbandofabeauty，andinaword—anoldwoman；andsecondlybecausePierreinhispreoccupationandabsent—mindednesshadnotrecognizedRostovandhadnotrespondedtohisgreeting。WhentheEmperor’shealthwasdrunk，Pierre，lostinthought，didnotriseorlifthisglass。
\"Whatareyouabout？\"shoutedRostov，lookingathiminanecstasyofexasperation。\"Don’tyouhearit’sHisMajestytheEmperor’shealth？\"
Pierresighed，rosesubmissively，emptiedhisglass，and，waitingtillallwereseatedagain，turnedwithhiskindlysmiletoRostov。
\"Why，Ididn’trecognizeyou！\"hesaid。ButRostovwasotherwiseengaged；hewasshouting\"Hurrah！\"
\"Whydon’tyourenewtheacquaintance？\"saidDolokhovtoRostov。
\"Confoundhim，he’safool！\"saidRostov。
\"Oneshouldmakeuptothehusbandsofprettywomen，\"saidDenisov。
Pierredidnotcatchwhattheyweresaying，butknewtheyweretalkingabouthim。Hereddenedandturnedaway。
\"Well，nowtothehealthofhandsomewomen！\"saidDolokhov，andwithaseriousexpression，butwithasmilelurkingatthecornersofhismouth，heturnedwithhisglasstoPierre。
\"Here’stothehealthoflovelywomen，Peterkin—andtheirlovers！\"headded。
Pierre，withdowncasteyes，drankoutofhisglasswithoutlookingatDolokhovoransweringhim。Thefootman，whowasdistributingleafletswithKutuzov’scantata，laidonebeforePierreasoneoftheprincipalguests。HewasjustgoingtotakeitwhenDolokhov，leaningacross，snatcheditfromhishandandbeganreadingit。PierrelookedatDolokhovandhiseyesdropped，thesomethingterribleandmonstrousthathadtormentedhimalldinnertimeroseandtookpossessionofhim。Heleanedhiswholemassivebodyacrossthetable。
\"Howdareyoutakeit？\"heshouted。
Hearingthatcryandseeingtowhomitwasaddressed，NesvitskiandtheneighboronhisrightquicklyturnedinalarmtoBezukhov。
\"Don’t！Don’t！Whatareyouabout？\"whisperedtheirfrightenedvoices。
DolokhovlookedatPierrewithclear，mirthful，crueleyes，andthatsmileofhiswhichseemedtosay，\"Ah！ThisiswhatIlike！\"
\"Youshan’thaveit！\"hesaiddistinctly。
Pale，withquiveringlips，Pierresnatchedthecopy。
\"You……！you……scoundrel！Ichallengeyou！\"heejaculated，and，pushingbackhischair，herosefromthetable。
Attheveryinstanthedidthisandutteredthosewords，Pierrefeltthatthequestionofhiswife’sguiltwhichhadbeentormentinghimthewholedaywasfinallyandindubitablyansweredintheaffirmative。
Hehatedherandwasforeversunderedfromher。DespiteDenisov’srequestthathewouldtakenopartinthematter，RostovagreedtobeDolokhov’ssecond，andafterdinnerhediscussedthearrangementsfortheduelwithNesvitski，Bezukhov’ssecond。Pierrewenthome，butRostovwithDolokhovandDenisovstayedonattheClubtilllate，listeningtothegypsiesandothersingers。
\"Wellthen，tilltomorrowatSokolniki，\"saidDolokhov，ashetookleaveofRostovintheClubporch。
\"Anddoyoufeelquitecalm？\"Rostovasked。
Dolokhovpaused。
\"Well，yousee，I’lltellyouthewholesecretofduelingintwowords。Ifyouaregoingtofightaduel，andyoumakeawillandwriteaffectionateletterstoyourparents，andifyouthinkyoumaybekilled，youareafoolandarelostforcertain。Butgowiththefirmintentionofkillingyourmanasquicklyandsurelyaspossible，andthenallwillberight，asourbearhuntsmanatKostromausedtotellme。’Everyonefearsabear，’hesays，’butwhenyouseeoneyourfear’sallgone，andyouronlythoughtisnottolethimgetaway！’Andthat’showitiswithme。Ademain，moncher。\"*
*Tilltomorrow，mydearfellow。
Nextday，ateightinthemorning，PierreandNesvitskidrovetotheSokolnikiforestandfoundDolokhov，Denisov，andRostovalreadythere。Pierrehadtheairofamanpreoccupiedwithconsiderationswhichhadnoconnectionwiththematterinhand。Hishaggardfacewasyellow。Hehadevidentlynotsleptthatnight。Helookedaboutdistractedlyandscreweduphiseyesasifdazzledbythesun。Hewasentirelyabsorbedbytwoconsiderations：hiswife’sguilt，ofwhichafterhissleeplessnighthehadnottheslightestdoubt，andtheguiltlessnessofDolokhov，whohadnoreasontopreservethehonorofamanwhowasnothingtohim……\"Ishouldperhapshavedonethesamethinginhisplace，\"thoughtPierre。\"It’sevencertainthatI
shouldhavedonethesame，thenwhythisduel，thismurder？EitherI
shallkillhim，orhewillhitmeinthehead，orelbow，orknee。
Can’tIgoawayfromhere，runaway，burymyselfsomewhere？\"passedthroughhismind。Butjustatmomentswhensuchthoughtsoccurredtohim，hewouldaskinaparticularlycalmandabsent—mindedway，whichinspiredtherespectoftheonlookers，\"Willitbelong？Arethingsready？\"
Whenallwasready，thesabersstuckinthesnowtomarkthebarriers，andthepistolsloaded，NesvitskiwentuptoPierre。
\"Ishouldnotbedoingmyduty，Count，\"hesaidintimidtones，\"andshouldnotjustifyyourconfidenceandthehonoryouhavedonemeinchoosingmeforyoursecond，ifatthisgrave，thisverygrave，momentIdidnottellyouthewholetruth。Ithinkthereisnosufficientgroundforthisaffair，orforbloodtobeshedoverit……Youwerenotright，notquiteintheright，youwereimpetuous……\"
\"Ohyes，itishorriblystupid，\"saidPierre。
\"Thenallowmetoexpressyourregrets，andIamsureyouropponentwillacceptthem，\"saidNesvitskiwholiketheothersconcernedintheaffair，andlikeeveryoneinsimilarcases，didnotyetbelievethattheaffairhadcometoanactualduel。\"Youknow，Count，itismuchmorehonorabletoadmitone’smistakethantoletmattersbecomeirreparable。Therewasnoinsultoneitherside。
Allowmetoconvey……\"
\"No！Whatistheretotalkabout？\"saidPierre。\"It’sallthesame……Iseverythingready？\"headded。\"Onlytellmewheretogoandwheretoshoot，\"hesaidwithanunnaturallygentlesmile。
Hetookthepistolinhishandandbeganaskingabouttheworkingofthetrigger，ashehadnotbeforeheldapistolinhishand—afactthathedidnottoconfess。
\"Ohyes，likethat，Iknow，Ionlyforgot，\"saidhe。
\"Noapologies，nonewhatever，\"saidDolokhovtoDenisovwhoonhissidehadbeenattemptingareconciliation，andhealsowentuptotheappointedplace。
Thespotchosenfortheduelwassomeeightypacesfromtheroad，wherethesleighshadbeenleft，inasmallclearinginthepineforestcoveredwithmeltingsnow，thefrosthavingbeguntobreakupduringthelastfewdays。Theantagonistsstoodfortypacesapartatthefartheredgeoftheclearing。Theseconds，measuringthepaces，lefttracksinthedeepwetsnowbetweentheplacewheretheyhadbeenstandingandNesvitski’sandDolokhov’ssabers，whichwerestuckintothegroundtenpacesaparttomarkthebarrier。Itwasthawingandmisty；atfortypaces’distancenothingcouldbeseen。Forthreeminutesallhadbeenready，buttheystilldelayedandallweresilent。
BK4CH5
CHAPTERV
\"Wellbegin！\"saidDolokhov。
\"Allright，\"saidPierre，stillsmilinginthesameway。Afeelingofdreadwasintheair。Itwasevidentthattheaffairsolightlybeguncouldnolongerbeavertedbutwastakingitscourseindependentlyofmen’swill。
Denisovfirstwenttothebarrierandannounced：\"Astheadve’sawieshavewefusedaweconciliation，pleasepwoceed。Takeyourpistols，andatthewordthweebegintoadvance。
\"O—ne！T—wo！Thwee！\"heshoutedangrilyandsteppedaside。
Thecombatantsadvancedalongthetroddentracks，nearerandnearertooneanother，beginningtoseeoneanotherthroughthemist。Theyhadtherighttofirewhentheylikedastheyapproachedthebarrier。Dolokhovwalkedslowlywithoutraisinghispistol，lookingintentlywithhisbright，sparklingblueeyesintohisantagonist’sface。Hismouthworeitsusualsemblanceofasmile。
\"SoIcanfirewhenIlike！\"saidPierre，andattheword\"three，\"
hewentquicklyforward，missingthetroddenpathandsteppingintothedeepsnow。Heheldthepistolinhisrighthandatarm’slength，apparentlyafraidofshootinghimselfwithit。Hislefthandheheldcarefullyback，becausehewishedtosupporthisrighthandwithitandknewhemustnotdoso。Havingadvancedsixpacesandstrayedoffthetrackintothesnow，Pierrelookeddownathisfeet，thenquicklyglancedatDolokhovand，bendinghisfingerashehadbeenshown，fired。Notatallexpectingsoloudareport，Pierreshudderedatthesoundandthen，smilingathisownsensations，stoodstill。Thesmoke，rendereddenserbythemist，preventedhimfromseeinganythingforaninstant，buttherewasnosecondreportashehadexpected。HeonlyheardDolokhov’shurriedsteps，andhisfigurecameinviewthroughthesmoke。Hewaspressingonehandtohisleftside，whiletheotherclutchedhisdroopingpistol。Hisfacewaspale。Rostovrantowardhimandsaidsomething。
\"No—o—o！\"mutteredDolokhovthroughhisteeth，\"no，it’snotover。\"Andafterstumblingafewstaggeringstepsrightuptothesaber，hesankonthesnowbesideit。Hislefthandwasbloody；hewipeditonhiscoatandsupportedhimselfwithit。Hisfrowningfacewaspallidandquivered。
\"Plea……\"beganDolokhov，butcouldnotatfirstpronouncetheword。
\"Please，\"heutteredwithaneffort。
Pierre，hardlyrestraininghissobs，beganrunningtowardDolokhovandwasabouttocrossthespacebetweenthebarriers，whenDolokhovcried：
\"Toyourbarrier！\"andPierre，graspingwhatwasmeant，stoppedbyhissaber。Onlytenpacesdividedthem。Dolokhovloweredhisheadtothesnow，greedilybitatit，againraisedhishead，adjustedhimself，drewinhislegsandsatup，seekingafirmcenterofgravity。Hesuckedandsuckedandswallowedthecoldsnow，hislipsquiveredbuthiseyes，stillsmiling，glitteredwitheffortandexasperationashemusteredhisremainingstrength。Heraisedhispistolandaimed。
\"Sideways！Coveryourselfwithyourpistol！\"ejaculatedNesvitski。
\"Coveryourself！\"evenDenisovcriedtohisadversary。
Pierre，withagentlesmileofpityandremorse，hisarmsandlegshelplesslyspreadout，stoodwithhisbroadchestdirectlyfacingDolokhovlookedsorrowfullyathim。Denisov，Rostov，andNesvitskiclosedtheireyes。AtthesameinstanttheyheardareportandDolokhov’sangrycry。
\"Missed！\"shoutedDolokhov，andhelayhelplessly，facedownwardsonthesnow。
Pierreclutchedhistemples，andturningroundwentintotheforest，tramplingthroughthedeepsnow，andmutteringincoherentwords：
\"Folly……folly！Death……lies……\"herepeated，puckeringhisface。
Nesvitskistoppedhimandtookhimhome。
RostovandDenisovdroveawaywiththewoundedDolokhov。
Thelatterlaysilentinthesleighwithclosedeyesanddidnotanswerawordtothequestionsaddressedtohim。ButonenteringMoscowhesuddenlycametoand，liftinghisheadwithaneffort，tookRostov，whowassittingbesidehim，bythehand。RostovwasstruckbythetotallyalteredandunexpectedlyrapturousandtenderexpressiononDolokhov’sface。
\"Well？Howdoyoufeel？\"heasked。
\"Bad！Butit’snotthat，myfriend—\"saidDolokhovwithagaspingvoice。\"Wherearewe？InMoscow，Iknow。Idon’tmatter，butIhavekilledher，killed……Shewon’tgetoverit！Shewon’tsurvive……\"
\"Who？\"askedRostov。
\"Mymother！Mymother，myangel，myadoredangelmother，\"andDolokhovpressedRostov’shandandburstintotears。
Whenhehadbecomealittlequieter，heexplainedtoRostovthathewaslivingwithhismother，who，ifshesawhimdying，wouldnotsurviveit。HeimploredRostovtogoonandprepareher。
Rostovwentonaheadtodowhatwasasked，andtohisgreatsurpriselearnedthatDolokhovthebrawler，Dolokhovthebully，livedinMoscowwithanoldmotherandahunchbacksister，andwasthemostaffectionateofsonsandbrothers。
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Pierrehadoflaterarelyseenhiswifealone。BothinPetersburgandinMoscowtheirhousewasalwaysfullofvisitors。Thenightaftertheduelhedidnotgotohisbedroombut，asheoftendid，remainedinhisfather’sroom，thathugeroominwhichCountBezukhovhaddied。
Helaydownonthesofameaningtofallasleepandforgetallthathadhappenedtohim，butcouldnotdoso。Suchastormoffeelings，thoughts，andmemoriessuddenlyarosewithinhimthathecouldnotfallasleep，norevenremaininoneplace，buthadtojumpupandpacetheroomwithrapidsteps。Nowheseemedtoseeherintheearlydaysoftheirmarriage，withbareshouldersandalanguid，passionatelookonherface，andthenimmediatelyhesawbesideherDolokhov’shandsome，insolent，hard，andmockingfaceashehadseenitatthebanquet，andthenthatsamefacepale，quivering，andsuffering，asithadbeenwhenhereeledandsankonthesnow。
\"Whathashappened？\"heaskedhimself。\"Ihavekilledherlover，yes，killedmywife’slover。Yes，thatwasit！Andwhy？HowdidIcometodoit？\"—\"Becauseyoumarriedher，\"answeredaninnervoice。
\"ButinwhatwasItoblame？\"heasked。\"Inmarryingherwithoutlovingher；indeceivingyourselfandher。\"AndhevividlyrecalledthatmomentaftersupperatPrinceVasili’s，whenhespokethosewordshehadfoundsodifficulttoutter：\"Iloveyou。\"\"Itallcomesfromthat！EventhenIfeltit，\"hethought。\"Ifeltthenthatitwasnotso，thatIhadnorighttodoit。Andsoitturnsout。\"
Herememberedhishoneymoonandblushedattherecollection。
Particularlyvivid，humiliating，andshamefulwastherecollectionofhowonedaysoonafterhismarriagehecameoutofthebedroomintohisstudyalittlebeforenooninhissilkdressinggownandfoundhisheadstewardthere，who，bowingrespectfully，lookedintohisfaceandathisdressinggownandsmiledslightly，asifexpressingrespectfulunderstandingofhisemployer’shappiness。
\"ButhowoftenIhavefeltproudofher，proudofhermajesticbeautyandsocialtact，\"thoughthe；\"beenproudofmyhouse，inwhichshereceivedallPetersburg，proudofherunapproachabilityandbeauty。SothisiswhatIwasproudof！IthenthoughtthatIdidnotunderstandher。HowoftenwhenconsideringhercharacterIhavetoldmyselfthatIwastoblamefornotunderstandingher，fornotunderstandingthatconstantcomposureandcomplacencyandlackofallinterestsordesires，andthewholesecretliesintheterribletruththatsheisadepravedwoman。NowIhavespokenthatterriblewordtomyselfallhasbecomeclear。
\"Anatoleusedtocometoborrowmoneyfromherandusedtokisshernakedshoulders。Shedidnotgivehimthemoney，butletherselfbekissed。Herfatherinjesttriedtorouseherjealousy，andsherepliedwithacalmsmilethatshewasnotsostupidastobejealous：
’Lethimdowhathepleases，’sheusedtosayofme。OnedayIaskedherifshefeltanysymptomsofpregnancy。Shelaughedcontemptuouslyandsaidshewasnotafooltowanttohavechildren，andthatshewasnotgoingtohaveanychildrenbyme。\"