«The War and The Peace» by Leo Tolstoy | Full audiobook in English | Book 05 from 15

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy translated by Elmer and Louise ma book five this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org recording by Roger Molen War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy book five chapter

One after his interview with his wife Pierre left for Petersburg at the torsh Haw post station either there were no horses or the postmaster would not supply them Pierre was obliged to wait without undressing he lay down on the leather sofa in front of a round

Table put his big feet in their R boots on the table and began to reflect will you have the portmanto brought brought in and a bed got ready and tea asked his valet Pierre gave no answer for he neither heard nor saw anything he had begun to think of the

Last station and was still pondering on the same question one so important that he took no notice of what went on around him Not only was he indifferent as to whether he got to Petersburg earlier or later or whether he secured accommodation at this station but compared to the thoughts that now

Occupied him it was a matter of indifference whether he remained there for a few hours or for the rest of his life the postmaster his wife the valet and a peasant woman selling toriso embroidery came into the room offering their services without changing his careless attitude Pierre looked at them over his

Spectacles unable to understand what they wanted or how they could go on living without having solved the problem problems that so absorbed him he had been engrossed by the same thoughts ever since the day he returned from so Niki after the duel and had spent that first agonizing sleepless

Night but now in the Solitude of the journey They seized him with special force no matter what he thought about he always returned to these same questions which he could not solve and yet could not cease to ask himself it was as if the thread of the

The chief screw which held his life together were stripped so that the screw could not get in or out but went on turning uselessly in the same place the postmaster came in and began obsequiously to beg his Excellency to wait only two hours when come what might

He would let his Excellency have The Courier horses it was plain that he was lying and only wanted to get more money from The Traveler is this this good or bad Pierre asked himself it is good for me bad for another traveler and for himself it’s unavoidable because he needs money for

Food the man said an officer had once given him a thrashing for letting a private traveler have The Courier horses but the officer thrashed him because he had to get on as quickly as possible and I continued Pierre shot doov because I considered myself injured and Louis V 16th was executed because

They considered him a criminal and a year later they executed those who executed him also for the same reason what is bad what is good what should one love and what hate what does one live for and what am I what is life and what is death what power governs all

There was no answer to any of these questions except one and that not a logical answer and not at all a reply to them the answer was you’ll die and all will end you’ll die and know all or cease asking but dying was also Dreadful The torac Peddler woman in a

Whining voice went on offering her Wares especially a pair of goat skin slippers I have hundreds of rubles I don’t know what to do with and she stands in her tattered cloak looking timidly at me he thought and what does she want the money for as if that money could add a hair’s

Breadth to happiness or peace of mind can anything in the world make her or me less a prey to evil and death death which ends all and must come today today or tomorrow at any rate in an instant as compared with eternity and again he twisted the screw

With the stripped thread and again it turned uselessly in the same place his servant handed him a halfcut novel in the form of letters by Madame duza he began reading about the sufferings and virtuous struggles of a certain Emily de manfeld and why did she resist her Seducer when she loved him he

Thought God could not have put into her heart an Impulse that was against his will my wife as she once was did not struggle and perhaps she was right nothing has been found out nothing discovered Pierre again said to himself all we can know is that we know

Nothing and that’s the height of human wisdom everything within and around him seemed confused senseless and repellent yet in this very repugnance to all his circumstances Pierre found a kind of tantalizing satisfaction I make bold to ask your Excellency to move a little for this gentleman said the postmaster entering

The room followed by another traveler also detained for lack of horses the newcomer was a short large-boned yellow-faced wrinkled old man with gray bushy eyebrows overhanging Bright Eyes of an indefinite grayish color Pierre took his feet off the table stood up and lay down on a bed that had

Been got ready for him glancing now and then at the newcomer who with a gloomy and tired face was wearily taking off his wraps with the aid of his servant and not looking at Pierre with a pair of felt boots on his thin bony legs and keeping on a worn Nan

Keen covered sheep skin coat The Traveler sat down on the sofa leaned back his big head with its broad temples and close cropped hair and looked at beov the stern shrewd and penetrating expression of that look struck Pierre he felt a wish to speak to the

Stranger but by the time he had made up his mind to ask him a question about the RO roads The Traveler had closed his eyes his shriveled old hands were folded and on the finger of one of them Pierre noticed a large cast iron ring with a seal representing a death’s

Head The Stranger sat without stirring either resting or as it seemed to Pierre sunk in profound and calm meditation his servant was also a yellow wrinkled old man without beard or mustache Ash evidently not because he was shaven but because they had never grown this active old servant was

Unpacking the Traveler’s canteen and preparing tea he brought in a boiling samovar when everything was ready The Stranger opened his eyes moved to the table filled a tumbler with tea for himself and one for the beardless old man to whom he passed it Pierre began to feel a sense of

Uneasiness and the need even the inevitability of entering into conversation with this stranger the servant brought back his tumbler turned upside down to indicate he did not want more tea with an unfinished bit of nibbled sugar and asked if anything more would be wanted no give me the book said the

Stranger the servant handed him a book which Pierre took to be a devotional work and The Traveler became absorbed in it Pierre looked at him all at once the stranger closed the book putting in a marker and again leaning with his arms on the back of the

Sofa sat in his former position with his eyes shut Pierre looked at him and had not time to turn away when the old man opening his eyes fixed his steady and severe gaze straight on Pierre’s face Pierre felt confused and wished to avoid that look but the bright old eyes attracted him

Irresistibly end of chapter one recording by Roger Molen War and Peace book five chapter 2 read for librivox.org by Roger Molen I have the pleasure of addressing C bov if I am not mistaken said The Stranger in a deliberate and loud voice Pier looked silently and inquiringly at him over his

Spectacles I have heard of you my dear sir continued The Stranger and of your Misfortune he seemed to emphasize the last word as if to say yes Misfortune call it what you please I know that what happened to you in Moscow was a misfortune I regret it very much my dear

Sir Pierre flushed and hurriedly putting his legs down from the bed bent forward toward the old man with a forced and timid smile I have not referred to this out of curiosity my dear sir but for greater reasons he paused his gaze still on Pierre and moved aside on the sofa by

Way of inviting the other to take a seat beside him Pier felt reluctant to enter into conversation with this old man but submitting to him involuntarily came up and sat down beside him you are unhappy my dear sir The Stranger continued you are young and I

Am old I should like to help you as far as lies in my power oh yes said Pierre with a forc smile I am very grateful to you where are you traveling from the stranger’s face was not genial it was even cold and severe but in spite

Of this both the face and words of his new acquaintance were irresistibly attractive to Pierre but if for reason you don’t feel inclined to talk to me said the old man say so my dear sir and he suddenly smiled in an unexpected and Tenderly paternal

Way oh no not at all on the contrary I am very glad to make your acquaintance said Pierre and again glancing at the stranger’s hands he looked more closely at the ring with its skull a masonic sign allow me to ask he said are you a

Mason yes I belong to the Brotherhood of the Freemasons said the stranger looking deep deeper and deeper into Pierre’s eyes and in their name and my own I hold out a brotherly hand to you I am afraid said Pierre smiling and wavering between the confidence the personality of the Freemason inspired in

Him and his own habit of ridiculing the Masonic beliefs I am afraid I am very far from understanding how I might have put it I am afraid my way of looking at the world is so opposed to yours that we shall not understand understand one another I know your outlook said the

Mason and the view of life you mention and which you think is the result of your own mental efforts is the one held by the majority of people and as the invariable fruit of Pride indolence and ignorance forgive me my dear sir but if I had not known it I should not have

Addressed you your view of life is a regrettable delusion just as I May suppose you to be deluded said Pierre with a faint smile I should never dare to say that I know the truth said the Mason whose words struck Pierre more and more by the Precision and

Firmness no one can attain to Truth by himself only by laying Stone on Stone with the cooperation of all by the millions of generations from our forefather Adam to our own times is that Temple reared which is to be a worthy dwelling in place of the great God he added and closed his

Eyes I ought to tell you that I do not believe do not believe in God said Pierre regretfully and with an effort feeling it essential to speak the whole truth the Mason looked intently at Pierre and smiled as a rich man with millions in hand might smile at a poor

Fellow who told him that he poor man had not the five rubles that would make him happy yes you do not know him my dear sir said the Mason you cannot know him you do not know him and that is why you are unhappy yes yes I am unhappy ascented

Pierre but what am I to do you know him not my dear sir and so you are very unhappy you do not know him but he is here he is in me he is in my words he is in thee and even in those Blasphemous words that thou has just

Uttered pronounced the Mason in a Stern and tremulous voice he paused and sighed evidently trying to calm himself if he were not he said quietly you and I would not be speaking of him my dear sir of what of whom are we speaking whom hast thou denied he suddenly asked with exalting austerity

And Authority in his voice who invented him if he did not exist whence came thy conception of the existence of such an incomprehensible being did thou and why did the whole world conceive the idea of the existence of such an incomprehensible being a being all powerful Eternal and infinite in all his

Attributes he stopped and remained silent for a long time time Pierre could not and did not wish to break this silence he exists but to understand him is hard the Mason began again looking not at Pierre but straight before him and turning the leaves of his book with

His old hands which from excitement he could not keep still if it were a man whose existence thou did doubt I could bring him to thee could take him by the hand and show him to thee but how can I an insignificant mortal show his omnipotence his infinity and

All his Mercy to one who is blind or who shuts his eyes that he may not see or understand him and may not see or understand his own vess and sinfulness he paused again who art thou thou dream that thou art wise because thou could utter those Blasphemous words

He went on with a somber and scornful smile and thou art more foolish and unreasonable than a little child who playing with the parts of a skillfully made watch dares to say that as he does not understand its use he does not believe in the master who made it to

Know him is hard for ages from our forefather Adam to our own day we labor to attain that knowledge and are still infinitely far from our aim but in our lack of understanding we see only our weakness and his greatness Pierre listened with swelling heart gazing into the Mason’s face with

Shining eyes not interrupting or questioning him but believing with his whole soul what the stranger said whether he accepted the wise reasoning contained in the Mason’s words or believed as a child believes in the speaker’s tone of conviction and earnestness or the Tremor of the speaker’s voice which sometimes times

Almost broke or those brilliant aged eyes grown old in this conviction or the calm firmness and certainty of his vocation which radiated from his whole being and which struck Pierre especially by contrast with his own dejection and hopelessness at any rate Pierre longed with his whole soul to believe and he

Did believe and felt a joyful sense of comfort regeneration and return to life he is not to be apprehended by reason but by life said the Mason I do not understand said Pierre feeling with dismay doubts Reawakening he was afraid of any want of clearness any weakeness in the Mason’s

Arguments he dreaded not to be able to believe in him I don’t understand he said how it is that the mind of man cannot attain the knowledge of which you speak the Mason smiled with his gentle fatherly smile the highest wisdom and Truth are like the purest liquid we may wish to

Embibe he said can I receive that pure liquid into an impure vessel and judge of its Purity only by the inner purification of myself can I retain in some degree of Purity the liquid I receive yes yes that is so said Pierre joyfully the highest wisdom is not

Founded on reason alone not on those worldly Sciences of physics history chemistry and the like into which intellectual knowledge is divided the highest wisdom is one the highest wisdom has but one science the science of the whole the science explaining the whole creation and man’s place in

It to receive that that science it is necessary to purify and renew one’s inner self and so before one can know it is necessary to believe and to perfect oneself and to attain this end we have the light called conscience that God has implanted in our souls yes yes ascented

Pierre look then at thy inner self with the eyes of the spirit and ask thyself whether Thou Art content with thyself what hast thou attained relying on reason only what art thou you are young you are rich you are clever you are well educated and what have you done with all

These good gifts are you content with yourself and with your life no I hate my life Pierre muttered wincing thou hatest it then change it it purify thyself and as Thou Art purified thou wil gain wisdom look at your life my dear sir how have you spent it in

Riotous orgies and debauchery receiving everything from society and giving nothing in return you have become the possessor of wealth how have you used it what have you done for your neighbor have you ever thought of your tens of thousands of slaves have you helped them physically and

Morally no you have profited by their toil to lead a proplate life that is what you have done have you chosen a post in which you might be of service to your neighbor no you have spent your life in idleness then you married my dear sir took on yourself responsibility for the

Guidance of a young woman and what have you done you have not helped her her to find the way of Truth my dear sir but have thrust her into an abyss of Deceit and misery a man offended you and you shot him and you say you do not know God and

Hate your life there is nothing strange in that my dear sir after these words the Mason as if tired by his long discourse again leaned his arms on the back of the sofa and closed his eyes Pierre looked at that aged Stern motionless almost lifeless face and moved his lips without uttering a

Sound he wished to say yes a vile Idol vicious life but dared not break the silence the Mason cleared his throat huskily as old men do and called his servant how about the horses he asked without looking at Pierre The Exchange horses have just come answered the servant will you not rest

Here no tell them to harness can he really be going away leaving me alone with having told me all and without promising to help me thought Pierre Rising with downcast head and he began to Pace the room glancing occasionally at the Mason yes I never thought of it but I

Have led contemptible and propagate life though I did not like it and did not want to thought Pierre but this man knows the truth and if he wished to could disclose it to me Pierre wished to say this to the Mason but did not dare to The Traveler

Having packed his things with his practiced hand began fastening his coat when he had finished he turned to bikov and said in a tone of indifferent politeness where are you going to now my dear sir I I’m going to Petersburg answered Pierre in a childlike hesitating

Voice I thank you I agree with all you have said but do not suppose me to be so bad with my whole soul I wish to be what you would have me be but I have never had help from anyone but it is I above all who am to blame for

Everything help me teach me and perhaps if I may Pier could not go on he gulped and turned away the Mason remained silent for a long time evidently considering help comes from God Alone he said but such measure of help as our order can bestow it will render you my

Dear sir you are going to Petersburg hand this to count wski he took out his notebook and wrote a few words on a large sheet of paper folded in four allow me to give you a piece of advice when you reach the capital first of all devote some time to Solitude and

Self-examination and do not resume your former way of life and now I wish you a good journey my dear sir he added seeing that his servant had entered and success uccess The Traveler was Joseph alexovich bdiv as Pierre saw from the postmaster’s book bdiv had been one of the best known

Freemasons and martinist even in novikov’s time for a long while after he had gone Pierre did not go to bed or order horses but paced up and down the room pondering over his vicious past and with a rapturous sense sense of beginning a new pictured to himself the Blissful irreproachable virtuous future that

Seemed to him so easy it seemed to him that he had been vicious only because he had somehow forgotten how good it is to be virtuous not a trace of his former doubts remained in his soul he firmly believed in the possibility of the Brotherhood of men

United in the aim of supporting one another in the path of virtue and that is how Freemasonry presented itself to him end of chapter 2 recording by Roger Molen War and Peace book five chapter 3 read for librivox.org by Roger Molen on reaching Petersburg Pierre did

Not let anyone know of his arrival he went nowhere and spent whole days in Reading Thomas Aus whose book had been sent him by someone unknown one thing he continually realized as he read that book The Joy hitherto unknown to him of believing in the possibility of attaining perfection

And in the possibility of active Brotherly Love among men which Joseph alexovich had revealed to him a week after his arrival the Young polish count wski whom Pierre had known slightly in Petersburg Society came into his room one evening in the official and ceremonious manner in which doov second

Had called on him and having closed the door behind him and satisfied himself that there was nobody else in the room addressed Pierre I have come to you with a message and an offer count he said without sitting down a person of very high standing in our Brotherhood has made application for

You to be received into our order before the usual term and has proposed to me to be your sponsor I consider it a sacred duty to fulfill that person’s wishes do you wish to enter the Brotherhood of Freemasons under my sponsorship the cold austere tone of this man whom he had almost always

Before met at balls amiably smiling in the Society of the most brilliant women surprised Pierre yes I do wish it said he wski bowed his head one more question count he said which I beg you to answer in all sincerity not as a future Mason but as

An honest man have you renounced your former convictions do you believe in God Pierre considered yes yes I believe in God he said in that case began wski but Pierre interrupted him yes I do believe in God he repeated in that case we can go said wski my Carriage is at your

Service wski was silent throughout the drive to Pierre’s inquiries as to what he must do and how he should answer wski only replied that Brothers more worthy than he would test him and that Pierre had only to tell the truth having entered the courtyard of a large house where the lodge had its

Headquarters and having ascended a dark staircase they entered a small well-lit anti room where they took off their cloaks without the aid of a servant from there they passed into another room a man in strange attire appeared at the door wski stepping toward him said something to him in French in an

Undertone and then went up to a small wardrobe in which Pierre noticed garments such as he had never seen before having taken a cief from the cupboard wski bound Pierre’s eyes with it and tied it in a knot behind catching some hairs painfully in the knot then he drew his face down kissed

Him and taking him by the hand led him forward the hairs tied in the knot hurt Pierre and there were lines of pain on his face and a shamefaced smile his huge figure with arms hanging down and with a puckered though smiling face moved after wski with uncertain timid

Steps having led him about 10 Paces wski stopped whatever happens to you he said you must bear it all manfully if you have firmly resolved to join our Brotherhood Pierre nodded affirmatively when you hear a knock at the door you will uncover your eyes added wski I wish you courage and success and

Pressing Pierre’s hand he went out left alone Pierre went on smiling in the same way once or twice he Shrugged his and raised his hand to the cief as if wishing to take it off but Let It Drop again the 5 minutes spent with his eyes bandaged seemed to him an

Hour his arms felt numb his legs almost gave way it seemed to him that he was tired out he experienced a variety of most complex Sensations he felt afraid of what would happen to him and still more afraid of showing his fear he felt curious to know what was

Going to happen and what would be revealed to him but but most of all he felt joyful that the moment had come when he would at last start on that path of regeneration and on the actively virtuous life of which he had been dreaming since he met Joseph

Alexovich loud knocks were heard at the door Pierre took the bandage off his eyes and glanced around him the room was in black darkness only a small lamp was burning inside something white Pierre went nearer and saw that the lamp stood on a black table on which lay an open

Book the book was the Gospel and the white thing with a lamp inside was a human skull with its cavities and teeth after reading the first words of the Gospel in the beginning was the word and the Word was with God Pierre went round the table and saw a large open box

Filled with something it was a coffin with bones inside he was not at all surprised by what he saw hoping to enter on an entirely New Life quite unlike the old one he expected everything to be unusual even more unusual than what he was seeing a skull a coffin the gospel it

Seemed to him that he had expected all this and even more trying to stimulate his emotions he looked around God death love the Brotherhood of man he kept saying to himself associating these words with vague yet joyful ideas the door opened and someone came in by the dim light to which Pierre had

Already become accustomed he saw a rather short man having evidently come from the light into the darkness the man paused then moved with cautious steps toward the table and placed on it his small leather gloved hands this short man had on a white leather apron which covered his chest and part of his

Legs he had on a kind of necklace above which rose a high white ruffle outlining his rather long face which was lit up from below for what have you come hither asked the newcomer turning in Pierre’s Direction at a slight Russell made by the ladder why have you who do not believe

In the truth of the light and who have not seen the light come here what do you seek from us wisdom virtue Enlightenment at the moment the door opened and the stranger came in Pierre felt a sense of awe in veneration such as he had experienced in his Boyhood at

Confession he felt himself in the presence of one socially a complete stranger yet nearer to him through the Brotherhood of Man with baited breath and beating heart he moved toward the retor by which name the brother who prepared a Seeker for entrance into the Brotherhood was known drawing nearer he recognized in

The retor a man he knew SM yanov and it mortified him to think that the newcomer was an acquaintance he wished him simply a brother and a virtuous instructor for a long time he could not utter a word so that the retor had to repeat his question yes I I desire regeneration

Pier uttered with difficulty very well said Smo yanov and went on at once have you any idea of the means by which our holy order will help you reach your aim said he quietly and quickly I hope for guidance help in regeneration said Pierre with a trembling voice and some difficulty in

Utterance due to his excitement and to being unaccustomed to speak of abstract matters in Russian what is your conception of Freemasonry I imagine that Freemasonry is the fraternity and equality of men who have virtuous aims said Pierre feeling ashamed of the inadequacy of his words for the solemnity of the moment as

He spoke I imagine good said the retor quickly apparently satisfied with this answer have you sought for means of attaining your aim in religion no I considered it erroneous and did not follow it said Pierre so softly that the retor did not hear him and asked him what he was

Saying I have been an Atheist answered Pierre you are seeking for truth in order to follow its laws in your life therefore you you seek wisdom and virtue is that not so said the retor after a moment’s pause yes yes ascented Pierre the retor cleared his throat

Crossed his gloved hands on his breast and began to speak now I must disclose to you the chief aim of our order he said and if this aim coincides with yours you may enter our Brotherhood with profit the first and chief object of our order the foundation on which it rests and which

No human power can destroy is the preservation and handing on to posterity of a certain important mystery which has come down to us from the remotest ages even from the first man a mystery on which perhaps the fate of mankind depends but since this mystery is of

Such a nature that nobody can know or use it unless he be prepared by long and diligent self-purification not everyone can hope to attain it quickly hence we have a secondary aim that of preparing our members as much as possible to reform their hearts to purify and Enlighten their minds by

Means handed onto Us by tradition from those who have striven to attain this mystery and thereby to render them capable of receiving it by purifying and regenerating our members we try thirdly to improve the whole human race offering it in our members an example of piety and virtue

And thereby try with all our might to combat the evil which sways the world think this over and I will come to you again to combat the evil which sways the world Pierre repeated and a mental image of his future activity in this Direction Rose in his mind he imagined men such as

He had himself been a fortnight ago and he addressed an edifying exhortation to them he imagined to himself vicious and unfortunate people whom he would assist by word and deed imagined oppressors whose victims he would Rescue of the three objects mentioned by the retor this last that of improving mankind especially appealed to

Pierre the important mystery mentioned by the retor though it aroused his curiosity did not seem to him essential and the second aim that of purifying and regenerating himself did not much interest him because at that moment he felt with delight that he was already perfectly cured of his former fault and

Was ready for all that was good half an hour later the retor returned to inform the seeker of the Seven Virtues corresponding to the seven steps of Solomon’s Temple which every Freemason should cultivate in himself these virtues were one discretion the keeping of the secrets of the

Order two obedience to those of higher ranks in the order three morality four love of mankind five courage six generosity seven the love of death in the seventh place try by the frequent thought of death the retor said to bring yourself to regard it not as a

Dreaded foe but as a friend that frees the soul grown weary in the labors of virtue from this distressful life and leads it to its place of recompense and peace yes that must be so thought Pierre when after these words the retor went away leaving him to solitary

Meditation it must be so but I am still so weak that I love my life the meaning of which is only now gradually opening before me but five of the other virtues which Pierre recalled counting them on his fingers he felt already in his soul courage generosity morality love of mankind and especially

Obedience which did not even seem to him a virtue but a joy he now felt so glad to be free from his own lawlessness and to submit his will to those who knew the indubitable truth he forgot what the seventh virtue was and could not recall

It the third time the retor came back more quickly and asked Pierre whether he was still firm in his intention and determined to submit to all that would be required of him I am ready for everything said Pierre I must also inform you said the retor that our order delivers its

Teaching not in words only but also by other means which may perhaps have a stronger effect on the sincere Seeker after wisdom and virtue than mere words this chamber with what you see therein should already have suggested to your heart if it is sincere more than words could

Do you will perhaps also see in your further initiation a like method of Enlightenment our order imitates the ancient societies that explained their teaching by hieroglyphics a hieroglyph said the retor is an emblem of something not cognizable by the senses but which possesses qualities resembling those of the

Symbol Pierre knew very well what a hieroglyph was but dared not speak he listened to the retor in silence feeling from all he said that his ordeal was about to begin if you are resolved I must begin your initiation said the retor coming closer to Pierre in token of generosity I ask you

To give me all your valuables but I have nothing here replied Pierre supposing that he was asked to give up all he possessed what you have with you watch money Rings Pierre quickly took out his purse and watch but could not manage for some time to get the wedding ring off his fat

Finger when that had been done the retor said in token of obedience I ask you to undress Pierre took off his coat waist coat and left boot according to the retor instruction the Mason drew the shirt back from Pierre’s left breast and stooping down pulled up the left leg of

His trousers to above the knee Pierre hurriedly began taking off his right boot also and was going to tuck up the other trouser leg to save the stranger the trouble but the Mason told him that was not necessary and gave him a slipper for his left foot with a childlike smile of

Embarrassment doubt and self- derision which appeared on his face against his will Pierre stood with his arms hanging down and legs apart before his brother RoR and awaited his further commands and now in token of cander I ask you to reveal to me your Chief passion said the

Latter my passion I have had so many replied Peter here that passion which more than all others caused you to waver on the path of virtue said the Mason Pierre paused seeking a reply wine gluttony idleness laziness irritability anger women he went over his VI in his mind not knowing to which

Of them to give the preeminence women he said in a low scarcely Audible Voice the Mason did not move and for a long time said nothing after this answer at last he moved up to Pierre and taking the cief that lay on the table again bound his

Eyes for the last time I say to you turn all your attention upon yourself put a bridal on your senses and seek blessedness not not in passion but in your own heart the source of blessedness is not without us but within Pierre had already long been feeling in himself that refreshing

Source of blessedness which now flooded his heart with glad emotion end of chapter 3 recording by Roger Molen war in Peace book five chapter 4 read for librivox.org by Robbie Rogers soon after this there came into the dark chamber to fetch Pierre not the redder but Pierre’s sponsor wski whom he

Recognized by his voice to Fresh questions as to the firmness of his resolution Pierre replied yes yes I agree and and with a beaming childlike smile his fat chest uncovered stepping unevenly and timidly in one slippered and one booted foot he Advanced while wski held a sword to his bare chest he

Was conducted from that room along passages that turned backwards and forwards and was at last brought to the doors of the lodge wski coughed he was answered by the Masonic knock with mallets the doors opened before them a base voice Pierre was still blindfolded questioned him as to who he

Was when and where he was born and so on then he was again LED somewhere still blindfolded and as they went along he was told allegories of the toils of his pilgrimage of holy friendship of the Eternal architect of the universe and of the courage with which he should endure

Toils and dangers during these wanderings Pierre noticed that he was spoken of now as the Seeker now is the sufferer and now is the postulant to the accompaniment of various knockings with mallets and swords as he was being led up to some object he noticed a hesitation and uncertainty among his conductors he

Heard those around him disputing in Whispers and one of them insisting that he should be led along a certain carpet after that they took his right hand placed it on something and told him to hold a pair of compass to his left breast with the other hand and to repeat

After someone who read aloud an oath of fidelity to the laws of the order the candles were then extinguished and some Spirit lighted as Pierre Knew by the smell and he was told that he would now see the Lesser light the bandage was taken off his eyes and by The Faint

Light of the burning Spirit Pier as in a dream saw several men standing before him wearing aprons like like the reders and holding swords in their hands pointed at his breast among them stood a man whose white shirt was stained with blood on seeing this Pierre moved forward with his breast towards the

Swords meaning them to pierce it but the swords were drawn back from him and he was at once blindfolded again now thou Hast seen the Lesser light uttered a voice then the candles were relit and he was told that he would see the full light the bandage was again

Removed and more than 10 voices said together seek Transit galoria Mundi Pierre gradually began to recover himself and looked about at the room and at the people in it round a long table covered with black sat some 12 men in garments like those he had already seen

Some of them Pierre had men in Petersburg Society in the president’s chair sat a young man he did not know with a peculiar cry hanging from his neck on his right sat the Italian Abbe whom Pierre had met at Anna Pavlov’s 2 years before there were also present a

Very distinguished dignitary and a Swiss who had formerly been tutor at the kurgans all maintained a solemn silence listening to the words of the president who held a mallet in his hand led into the wall was a star-shaped light at one side of the table was a small carpet

With various figures worked upon it at the other was something resembling an altar on which lay a testament and a skull round it stood seven large candlesticks like those used in churches two of the brothers LED Pierre up to the altar placed his feet at right angles

And bade him lie down saying that he must prostrate himself at the gates of the temple he must first receive the TR whispered one of the brothers oh hush please please said another Pierre perplexed looked round with the shortsighted eyes without obeying and suddenly doubts arose in his mind where

Am I what am I doing aren’t they laughing at me sh I be ashamed to remember this but these doubts only lasted a moment Pierre glanced at the serious faces of those around remembered all he had already gone through and realized he could not stop halfway he

Was a gast at his hesitation and trying to Rouse his former devotional feeling prostrated himself before the gates of the temple and really the feeling of devotion return to him even more strongly than before when he had Lain there some time he was told to get up

And a white leather apron such as the others wore was put on him he was given a TRL and three pairs of gloves and then The Grandmaster addressed him he told him that he should try to do nothing to stain the whiteness of that apron which symbolized strength and Purity then of

The Unexplained TR he told him to toil with it to cleanse his own heart from a vice and indulgently to smooth with it the heart of his neighbor as to the first pair of gloves a man’s he said that Pierre could not know their meaning but must keep them the second pair of

Men’s gloves he was to wear at the meetings and finally of the third a pair of woman’s gloves he said dear brother these woman’s gloves are intended for you too give them to a woman whom you shall honor most of all this gift will be a pledge of your purity of heart to

Her whom you select to be your worthy helpmate in masonry and after a pause he added but beware dear brother that these gloves do not deck hands that are unclean while The Grandmaster said these last words it seemed to Pierre that he grew embarrassed Pierre himself grew

Still more confused blushed like a child till tears came to his eyes began looking around him uneasily and an awkward pause followed this silence was broken by one of the Brethren who led Pierre up to the rug and began reading to him from a manuscript an explanation of all the

Figures on it the Sun the moon a hammer a plum line a TR a rough Stone and a squared Stone a pillar three windows and so on then a place was assigned to Pierre he was shown the signs of the lodge told the password and at last was

Permitted to sit down The Grandmaster began reading the statutes they were very long and Pierre from Joy agitation and embarrassment was not in a state to understand what was being read he managed to follow only the last words of the statutes and these remained in his mind in our temples we recognize no

Other distinctions read The Grandmaster but those between virtue and vice beware of making any distinctions which may infringe equality fly to a Brother’s Aid whoever he may be exhort him who goeth astray raise him that falleth never bear malice or emnity towards thy brother be kindly and courteous Kindle in all

Hearts the flame of virtue share thy happiness with thy neighbor and may Envy never dim the purity of that Bliss forgive thy enemy do not avenge thyself except by doing him good thus fulfilling the highest law Thou shalt regain traces of the ancient dignity which thou Hast

Lost he finished and getting up embraced and kissed Pier who with tears of joy in his eyes looked around him not knowing how to answer the congratulations and greetings from acquaintances that meant him on all sides he acknowledged no acquaintances but saw in all the these men only brothers and burned with

Impatience to set to work with them The Grandmaster wrapped with his Mallet all the Masons sat down in their places and one of them read an exhortation on the necessity of humility The Grandmaster proposed that the last Duty should be performed and the distinguished dignitary Who Bore the

Title of collector of alms went round to all the brothers Pierre would have liked to subscribe all he had but fearing it might look like Pride subscribed the same amount as the others the meeting was at an end and on reaching home Pierre felt as if he had returned from a

Long journey on which he had spent dozens of years had become completely changed and had quite left behind his former habits and way of life end of chapter 4 war in Peace book five chapter 5 read for librivox.org by Robbie Rogers the day after he had been received into the lodge Pierre was

Sitting at home reading a book and trying to Fathom the significance of the square one side of which symbolized God another moral things a third physical things and the fourth a combination of these now and then his attention wandered from the book and the square and he formed in imagination a new plan

Of Life on the previous evening at the lodge he had heard a rumor of his duel had reached the emperor and that it would be wiser for him to leave Petersburg Pierre proposed going to his Estates in the South and there attending to the welfare of his surfs he was

Joyfully planning this new life when Prince vili suddenly entered the room my dear fellow what have you been up to in Moscow why have you quarreled with Helen mare you are under a delusion said Prince vcil as he entered I know all about it it and I can tell you

Positively that Helen is as innocent before you as Christ was before the Jews Pier was about to reply but Prince vcil interrupted him and why didn’t you simply come straight to me as a friend I know all about it and I understand it all he said you behaved as becomes a man

Who values his honor perhaps too hastily but we won’t go into that but consider the position in which you are placing her and me in the eyes of society and even of the he added lowering his eyes she is living in Moscow and you are here

Remember dear boy and he drew Pier’s arm downward it is simply a misunderstanding I expect you feel it so yourself let us write her a letter at once she’ll come here and all will be explained or else my dear boy let me tell you it’s quite likely you’ll have to suffer for it

Prince Vil gave Pierre a significant look I know from reliable sources that The Dowager Empress is taking a keen interest in the whole Affair you know she is very gracious to Helen Pierre tried several times to speak but on one hand Prince facil did not let him and on

The other Pierre himself feared to begin to speak in the tone of decided refusal and disagreement in which he had firmly resolved to answer his father-in-law moreover the words of the Masonic statutes be kindly and courteous recurred to him he blinked went red got up sat down again struggling with him

Self to do what was for him the most difficult thing in life to say an unpleasant thing to a man’s face to say what the other whoever he might be did not expect he was so used to submitting to Prince Vil’s tone of careless self assurance that he felt he would be

Unable to withstand it now but he also felt that on what he said now his future depended whether he would follow the same old road or that New Path so attractively shown to him by the Masons on which he firmly believed he would be reborn to a new life now my dear boy

Said Prince vcil playfully say yes I’ll write to her myself and we will kill the fatted calf but before Prince vcil had finished his playful speech Pierre without looking at him and with a kind of Fury that made him like his father muttered in a whisper Prince I did not

Ask you here go please go and he jumped up and opened the door for him go he repeated amazed at himself and glad to see a look of confusion and fear that showed itself on Prince Vil’s face what’s the matter with you are you ill go the quivering voice repeated and

Prince vcil had to go without receiving any explanation a week later Pierre having taken leave of his new friends the Masons and leaving large sums of money with them for alms went away to his Estates his new Brethren gave him letters to the Kiev and Odessa Masons

And promised to write to him and guide him in his new activity end of chapter 5 war in Peace book five chapter 6 read for librivox.org by Robbie Rogers The Duel between pier and doov was hushed up and in spite of The Emperor’s severity regarding duels at that time neither the principles nor

Their second suffer offed for it but the story of The Duel confirmed by Pierre’s rupture with his wife was the talk of society Pierre who had been regarded with patronizing condescension when he was an illegitimate son and petted and extolled when he was the best match in

Russia had sunk greatly in the esteem of society after his marriage when the marriageable daughters and their mothers had nothing to Hope from him especially as he did not know how and did not wish to court society’s favor now he alone was blamed for what had happened he was

Said to be insanely jealous and subject like his father to fits of bloodthirsty rage and when after Pierre’s departure Helen returned to Petersburg she was received by all her acquaintances not only with cordiality but even with a shade of difference due to her Misfortune when conversation turned on

Her husband Helen assumed a dignified expression which with characteristic tact she had acquired though she did not understand its significance this expression suggested that she had resolved to endure her troubles uncomplainingly and that her husband was a cross laid upon her by God Prince vcil expressed his opinion more openly he

Shrugged his shoulders when Pier was mentioned and pointing to his forehead remarked a bit touched I always said so I said it from the first declared anap Pavlova referring to Pierre I said at the time and before anyone else she insisted on her PRI priority that that

Senseless young man was spoiled by the depraved ideas of these days I said so even at the time when everybody was in raptures about him when he had just returned from abroad and when if you remember he posed as a sort of morat at

One of my Suare and how has it ended I was against this marriage even then and foretold all that has happened Anna pavlovna continued to give on free evenings the same kind of sarees as before such as she alone had the gift of arranging at which was to be found

The cream of really good Society the bloom of the intellectual essence of Petersburg as she herself put it besides this refined selection of society Anna Pavlov’s receptions were also distinguish by the fact that she always presented some new and interesting persons to the visitors and that nowhere

Else was the state of the political thermometer of legitimate Petersburg Court Society so dearly and distinctly indicated toward the end of 1806 when all the sad details of Napoleon’s destruction of the Prussian Army at Jenna and our and the surrender of most of the Prussian fortresses had been received when our

Troops had already entered Prussia and our second war with Napoleon was beginning Anna pavlovna gave one of her sarees the cream of really good Society consisted of the fascinating Helen forsaken by her husband mmart the delightful Prince hippolite who had just returned from Vienna two diplomatists

The old Aunt a young man referred to in that drawing room as a man of great Merit an OM de de marit a newly appointed maid of honor and her mother and several other less noteworthy persons the novelty Anna Pavlova was sitting before her guest that evening

Was Boris drito who had just arrived as a special messenger from the Prussian Army and was an aid to Camp to a very important personage the temperature shown by the political thermometer to the company that evening was this whatever the European sovereigns and commanders may do to countenance

Bonapart and to cause me and Us in general annoyance and mortification our opinion of bonapart cannot alter we shall not cease to express our sincere views on that subject and can only say to the King of Prussia and others so much the worse for you to laulu George dandin that all we

Have to say about it when Boris who was to be served up to the guests entered the drawing room almost all the company had assembled in the conversation Guided by Anna Pavlova was about our diplomatic relations with Austria in the hope of an alliance with her Boris grown more manly

And looking fresh Rosy and self-possessed entered the drawing room elegantly dressed in the uniform of an aid de camp and was duly conducted to pay his respects to the aunt and then brought back back to the General Circle Anna Pavlova gave him her shriveled hand to kiss and introduced him to several

Persons whom he did not know giving him a whispered description of each Prince hippolite kurgan M Krug the charged Affair from Copenhagen a profound intellect and simply Mr shova a man of great Merit this of the man usually so described thanks to Anna mola’s efforts his own tastes and the peculiarities of

His reserved nature Boris had managed during his service to place himself very advantageously he was an aid to Camp to a very important personage had been sent on a very important mission to Prussia and had just returned from there as a special messenger he had become thoroughly conversant with that

Unwritten code with which he had been so pleased at olitz and According to which an ensen might rank incomparably higher than a general and According to which what was needed for success in the service was not effort or work or courage or perseverance but only the

Knowledge of how to get on with those who can grant rewards and he was himself often surprised at the rapidity of his success and at the inability of others to understand these things in consequence of this discovery his whole manner of Life all his relations with

Old friends all his plans for his future were completely altered he was not rich but would rather spend his last Gro to be better dressed than others and would rather deprive himself of many Pleasures than allow himself to be seen in a Shabby equipage or to appear in the

Streets of Petersburg in an old uniform he made friends with and sought the acquaintance of only those above him in position and who could therefore be of use to him he liked Petersburg and despised Moscow the remembrance of the rostov’s house and of his childish love

For Natasha was unpleasant to him and he had not once been to see the rosov since the day of his departure for the Army to be in Anna Pavlov’s drawing room he considered an important step up in his services and he had once understood his role letting his Hostess make use of

Whatever interest he had to offer he himself carefully scanned each face appraising the possibilities of establishing intimacy with each of those present and the advantages that might acrew he took the seat indicated to him beside the fair Helen and listened to the general conversation Vienna considers the basis of the

Proposed treaty so unattainable that not even a continuity of the most brilliant successes would secure them and she doubts the means we have of gaining them that is the actual phrase used by the Vienna cabinet said the Danish charged Affairs the doubt is flattering said the man of profound intellect with a subtle

Smile we must distinguish between the Vienna cabinet and the Emperor of Austria said M deart the Emperor of Austria can never have thought such a thing it is it is only the cabinet that says it ah my dear Von put in Anna Pavlova lope for some reason she called

It erope as if that were a specially refined French pronunciation which she could allow herself when conversing with a Frenchman lope Ali sincere translated Europe will never be our sincere Ally after that Anna Pavlova led up to the courage and firmness of the King of Prussia in order

To draw bard into the conversation Boris listened attentively to each of the speakers awaiting his turn but managed meanwhile to look around repeatedly at his neighbor the beautiful Helen whose eyes several time meant those of the handsome young Aid de camp with a smile speaking of the position of Prussia Anna

Pavlovna very naturally asked Boris to tell him about his journey to gloga and in what state he found the Prussian Army Boris speaking with deliberation told him in pure correct French many interesting details about the armies and the court carefully abstaining from expressing an opinion of his own about

The facts he was recounting for some time he engrossed the general attention and Anna Pavlova felt that the novelty she had served up was received by Pleasure by all her visitors the greatest attention to all of boris’s narrative was shown by Helen she asked him several questions about his journey

And seemed greatly interested in the state of the Prussian Army as soon as he had finish she turned to him with her usual smile you absolutely must come and see me she said in a tone that implied that for certain considerations he could not know of this was absolutely

Necessary on Tuesday between 800 and 9 it will give me great pleasure Boris promised to fulfill her wish and was about to begin a conversation with her when Anna pavlovna called him away on the pretext that her Aunt wished to hear him you know her husband of course said

Anna pavlovna closing her eyes and indicating Helen with a sorrowful gesture ah she is such an unfortunate and Charming woman don’t mention him before her please don’t it is too painful for her end of chapter 6 War and Peace book five chapter 7 read for librivox.org by Dan Webster

When Boris and Anna pavlovna returned to the others Prince hippolyte had the ear of the company bending forward in his armchair he said ly Deus and having said this laughed everyone turned towards him L Roy Deus hippolyte said interrogatively again laughing and then calmly and seriously sat back in his

Chair anap pavlovo waited for him to go on on but as he seemed quite decided to say no more she began to tell of how at potam the impious bonapart had stolen the sword of Frederick the great it is the sword of Frederick the great which I she began but hippolyte

Interrupted her with the words ly de and again as soon as all turned toward him excuse himself and said no more Anna pavlovna frowned Mortimer HPP ‘s friend addressed him firmly come now what about your Roy Deus hippolyte laughed as if ashamed of laughing oh it’s nothing I only wish to

Say he wanted to repeat a joke he had heard in Vienna in which he had been trying all that evening to get in I only wish to say that we are wrong to fight poor Leroy Deus Boris smiled circumspectly so that it might be taken as ironical or

Appreciative according to the way the joke was received everyone laughed your joke is too bad it’s witty but unjust said Anna pavlovna shaking her little shriveled finger at him we are not fighting poor Leroy deuse but for right principles oh that Wicked Prince hippolyte she said the conversation did not flag all

Evening and turned chiefly on the political news it became particularly animated toward the end of the evening when the rewards bestowed by the emperor were mentioned you know n received a snuffbox with the portrait last year said the man of profound intellect why shouldn’t s get the same

Distinction pardon me a snuffbox with the emperor’s portrait is a reward but not a distinction said the diplomatist a gift rather there are precedents I may mention swenberg it’s impossible replied another will you bet the ribbon of the order is a different matter when everybody Rose to go Elena

Who had spoken very little all the evening again turned to Boris asking him in a tone of caressing significant command to come to her on Tuesday it is of great importance to me she said turning with a smile toward Anna pavlovna and Anna pavlovna with the

Same sad smile with which she spoke of her exalted patroness supported elain’s wish it seemed as if from some words Boris had spoken that evening about the Prussian Army Elena had suddenly found it necessary to see him she seemed to promise to explain that necessity to him when he came on

Tuesday but on Tuesday evening having come to Helen’s Splendid Salon Boris received no clear explanation of why it had been necessary for him to come there were other guests and the Countess talked little to him and only as he kissed her on the hand on taking leave

Said unexpectedly and in a whisper with a strangely unsmiling face come to dinner tomorrow in the evening you must come come during that stay in Petersburg Boris became an intimate in the CEST House end of chapter 7 recording by Dan Webster Libertyville Illinois January 2007 War and Peace book five chapter 8

Read for librivox.org by Anna Simon the war was flaming up and nearing the Russian Frontier everywhere one heard curses on bonapart the the enemy of mankind militia men and recruits were being enrolled in The Villages and from the seed of war came contradictory news false as usual and therefore variously

Interpreted the life of old prince bonsky prince Andrew and Princess Mary had greatly changed since 1805 in 1806 the old Prince was made one of the eight commanders in Chief then appointed to supervise the enrollment decreed throughout Russia despite the weakness of age which had become particularly noticeable since the time

When he thought his son had been killed he did not think it right to refuse a duty to which he’d been appointed by the emperor himself and this fresh opportunity for Action gave him new energy and strength he was continually traveling through the three provinces entrusted to him was pedantic in the

Fulfillment of his duties severe to Cruelty with his subordinates and went into everything down to the minutest details himself Princess Mary had ceased taking lessons in mathematics from her her father and when the old Prince was at home went to his study with the wet nurse and Little Prince Nicholas as his

Grandfather called him the baby Prince Nicholas lived with his wet nurse and nurse saisha in the late princess rooms and Princess Mary spent most of the day in the nursery taking her mother’s place to her little nephew as best she could mm moiselle buen too seemed passionately

Fond of the boy and Princess Mary often deprived herself to give her friend the pleasure of dandling the little angel as called her nephew and playing with him near the altar of the church at Bald Hills there was a chapel over the Tomb of the little princes and in this Chapel

Was a marble Monument brought from Italy representing an angel with out pet wings ready to fly upwards the Angel’s epip was slightly raised as though about to smile and once on coming out of the chapel prince Andrew and Princess Mary admitted to one another that the Angel’s face reminded them strangely of the

Little princess but what was still stranger though this prince Andrew said nothing to his sister was that in the expression the sculptor had happened to give the Angel’s face prince Andrew read the same mild reproach he had read on the face of his dead wife ah why have

You done this to me soon after Prince Andrew’s return the old Prince made over to him a large estate Bova about 25 miles from bald Hills partly because of the depressing memories associated with bald Hills partly because prince Andrew did not always feel equal to bearing with his father

Peculiarities and partly because he needed Solitude prince Andrew made use of Bokaro began building and spent most of his time there after the ulit campaign prince Andrew had firmly resolved not to continue his military service and when the war recomened and everybody had to serve he took a post

Under his father in the recruitment so as to avoid active service the old Prince and his son seem to have changed roles since the campaign of 1805 the old man roused by activity expected the best results from the new campaign while prince Andrew on the contrary taking no

Part in the war and secretly regretting this saw only the dark side on February 26th 1807 the old Prince set off on one of his circuits prince Andrew remained at Bald Hills as usual during his father’s absence little Nicholas had been unwell for 4 days The Coachman who

Had driven the old Prince to town returned bringing papers and letters for prince Andrew not finding the young prince in his the valet went with the letters to princess Mary’s Apartments but did not find him there he was told that the prince had gone to the nursery if you please your Excellency

Petricia has brought some papers said one of the nurs mides to prince Andrew who was sitting on a child’s little chair while frowning and with Trembling Hands he poured drops from a medicine bottle into a wine glass half full of water what is it he said crossly and his

Hand shaking unintentionally he poured too many drops into the glass he threw the mixture onto the floor and asked for some more water the maid brought it there were in the room a child’s cut two boxes two armchairs a table a child’s table and the little chair on which prince Andrew was sitting

The curtains were drawn and a single candle was burning on the table screened by a bound music book so that the light did not fall on the cot my dear said princess Mary addressing her brother from beside the cot where she was standing better wait a bit

Later oh leave off you always talk nonsense and keep putting things off and this is what comes of it said prince Andrew in an exasperated whisper evidently meaning to wound his sister my dear really it’s better not to wake him he’s asleep said the princess in a tone

Of entreaty prince Andrew got up and went on tiptoe up to the little bed wine glass in hand perhaps we’d really better not wake him he said hesitating as you please really I think so but as you please said princess Mary evidently intimidated and Confused that her opinion had prevailed

She Drew her brother’s attention to the maid who was calling him in a whisper it was the second night that neither of them had slept watching the boy who was in a high fever these last days mistrusting their household doctor and expecting another for whom they had sent

To town they had been trying first one remedy and then another worn out by sleeplessness and anxiety they threw their burden of Sorrow on one another and reproach and disputed with each other pia has come with papers from your father whispered the maid prince Andrew went out Dev will take him he muttered

And after listening to the verbal instructions his father had sent and taking the correspondence and his father’s letter he returned to the nursery well he asked still the same Wait For Heaven’s Sake Carl ivanich always says that sleep is more important than anything whispered Princess Mary

With a sigh prince Andrew went up to the child and felt him he was burning hot confound you and your Carl ivanich he took the glass with the drops and again went up to the Cod Andrew don’t said princess Mary but he scowled at her angrily though also with suffering in

His eyes and stooped glass in hand over the infant but I wish it he said I beg you give it him Princess Mary Shrugged her shoulders but took the glass submissively and calling the nurse began giving the medicine the child screamed hely prince Andrew winced and clutching his

Head went out and sat down on a sofa in the Next Room he still had all the letters in his hand opening them mechanically he began reading the old Prince now and then using abbreviations wrote in his large elongated hand on blue paper as follows have just this moment received

By special messenger very joyful news if it is not false benon seems to have obtained a complete victory over born apart at Alo in Petersburg everyone is rejoicing and the rewards sent to the Army are innumerable though he is a German I congratulate him I can’t make

Out what the commander at Coro a certain kandov is up to till now the additional men and Provisions have not arrived Gallop off to him at once and say I’ll have his head off if everything is not here in a week have received another letter about the prish ILO battle from

Penka he took part in it and it’s all true when Mischief Makers don’t medal even a German beat bonapart he is said to be fleeing in great disorder mind you Gallop off to corgo without delay and Carry Out instructions prince Andrew sighed and broke the Seal of another envelope it

Was a closely Written Letter of two sheets from bbin he folded it up without reading it and reread his father’s letter ending with the words Gallop off to Coro and Carry Out instructions no pardon me I won’t go now till the child is better thought he

Going to the door and looking into the nursery Princess Mary was still standing by the cot gently rocking the baby ah yes and what else did he say that’s unpleasant thought prince Andrew recalling his father’s letter yes we’ve gained a victory over bonapart just when I’m not serving yes yes he’s always

Poking fun at me ah well let him and he began reading Bin’s letter which was written in French he read without understanding half of it read only to forget if but for a moment what he had too long been thinking of so painfully to the exclusion of all else end of chapter

8 War and Peace book five chapter 9 read for librivox.org by Ava harik Billy bin was now at Army headquarters in a diplomatic Capac capacity and though he wrote in French and used French gests and French idioms he described the whole campaign with a Fearless self censure and self tradition genuinely

Russian Billy bin wrote that the obligation of diplomatic discretion tormented him and he was happy to having prince Andrew a reliable correspondent to whom he could pour out the ball he had accumulated at the sight of all that was being done in the Army the letter was old having been

Written before the battle at prish IA since the day of our brilliant success at asit wrote Billy bin as you know my dear Prince I never leave headquarters I have certainly acquired a taste for war and it is just as well for me what I have seen during these last three months is

Incredible I begin abovo the enemy of the human race as you know attacks the prussians the prussians are our faithful allies who have only betrayed us three times in three years we take up their cause but it turns out that the enemy of the human race pays no heed to our fine

Speeches and in his rude and Savage way throws himself on the prussians without giving them time to finish the parade they had begun and in two twists of the hand he breaks them to smithin and installs himself in the palace at Potsdam I most ENT ly desire writes the

King of Prussia to bonapart that your majesty should be received and treated in my Palace in a manner agreeable to yourself and in so far as circumstances allowed I have hastened to take all steps to that end may I have succeeded the Prussian General Pride themselves on being polite to the French

And laid down their arms at the first demand the head of the Garrison at gloal with 10,000 men asks the King of Prussia what he is to do if he summoned to surrender all this is absolutely true in short hoping to settle Matters by taking up a warlike

Attitude it turns out that we have landed ourselves in War and what is more in war on our own Frontiers with and for the King of Prussia we have everything in perfect order only one little thing is lacking namely a commander in chief as it was considered that the

Orist success might have been more decisive had the Commander in Chief not been so young all our octogenarians were reviewed and of prozorovski and censi the latter was preferred the general comes to us sov like in a kibitka and is received with acclamations of joy and Triumph on the fourth the first Courier

Arrives from Petersburg the males are taken to the field Marshall’s room for he likes to do everything himself I am called in to help sort the letters and take those meant for us the field Marshall looks on and waits for letters addressed to him we search but none are to be

Found the field Marshall grows impatient and sets to work himself and find letters from the EMP to count T Prince wi and others then he burst into one of his wild Furies and rages at everyone and everything seizes the letters opens them and reads those from the emperor addressed to others H so

That’s the way they treat me no confidence in me ah ordered to keep an eye on me very well then get along along with you so he writes the famous order of the day to General benningen I am wounded and cannot ride and consequently cannot command the

Army you have brought your Army Corps to pusk routed here it is exposed and without fuel or forage so something must be done and as you yourself reported to count box house than yesterday you must think of retreating to our Frontier which do today from all my riding he writes to

The emperor I have got a subtle sword which coming after all my previous Journeys quite prevents my riding and commanding so vast an army so I have passed on the command to the general next in seniority boxen having sent him my whole staff and all that belongs to it advising him if

There is a lack of bread to move farther into the interior of Russia for only one day ration of bread remains and in some regiments none at all as reported by the division commanders Osterman and said moretsky and all that the peasant had has been eaten up

I myself will remain in hospital at ostr Lanka till I recover in regard to which I humbly submit my report with the information that if the Army remains in its present balk another fortnite there will not be a healthy man left in its by Spring Grant leave to retire to his

Country seat to to an old man who is already in any case Dishonored by being unable to fulfill the great and glorious task for which he was chosen I shall await your most gracious permission here in hospital that I may not have to play the part of a secretary

Rather than commander in the Army my removal from the Army does not produce the slightest Stern a blind man has left it there are thousands such as I in Russia the field Marshal is angry with the emperor and he punishes us all isn’t it logical this is the First Act those that

Follow are naturally increasingly interesting and entertaining after the field Marshal’s departure it appears that we are within sight of the enemy and must give battle box hoden is Commander in Chief by seniority but General benningen does not quite see it more particularly as it is he and his corpse who are within

Sight of the enemy and he wishes to profit by the opportunity to fight the battle on his own hand as the Germans say he does so this is the Battle of pus which is considered a great Victory but in my opinion but nothing of the kind we

Civilians as you know have a very bad way of deciding whether a battle was won or lost those who Retreat after a battle have lost it is what we say and according to that it is we who lost the battle of pusk in short we Retreat after the

Battle but send a courier to Petersburg with news of a victory and general benningen hoping to receive from Petersburg the post of Commander in Chief as a reward for his victory does not give up the command of the army to General box Holden during this internum we began a very original and

Interesting series of Maneuvers our aim is no longer as it should be to avoid or attack the enemy but solely to avoid General box hoden who by right of seniority should be our chief so energetically do we pursue this aim that after Crossing an unfordable River we burn the bridges to separate

Ourselves from our enemy who at that moment is not bonapart but box Harden General box Harden was all but attacked and captured by a superior enemy Force as a result of one of these Maneuvers that enabled us to escape him box how then pursues us we Scuttle he hardly crosses the river to

Our side before we recross to the other at last our enemy box Harden Catches Us and attacks both generals are angry and the result is a challenge on bux Harden’s part and an epileptic fit on Benning sense but at the critical Moment The Courier who carried the news of our

Victory at pusk to Petersburg returns bringing our appointment as commanderin-chief and our first foe box Howen is vanquished we can now turn our SS to the second bonapart but as it turns out just at that moment a third enemy Rises before us namely the Orthodox Russian soldiers loudly demanding bread meat biscuits F

And whatnot the stores are empty the roads impassable the Orthodox begin looting and in a way of which our last campaign can give you no idea half the regiments form bands and Scar the countryside and put everything to far and sort the inhabitants are totally ruined the hospitals overflow with sick and

Famine is everywhere twice the muders even attack our headquarters and the Commander in Chief has to ask for a battalion to disperse them during one of these attacks They carried off my empty portm and my dressing gown the emperor proposes to give all commanders of Divisions the

Right to shoot marudas but I much fear this will oblige one half the Army to shoot the other at first prince Andrew read with his eyes only but after a while in spite of himself although he knew how far it was safe to trust Billy bin what he had

Read began to interest him more and more when he had read thus far he crumpled the letter up and threw it away it was not what he had read that vexed him but the fact that the life out there in which he had now no part could perturb

Him he shut his eyes rubbed his forehead as if to rid himself of all interest in what he had read and listened to what was passing in the nursery suddenly he thought he heard a strange noise through the door he was seized with alarm lest something should

Have happened to the child while he was reading the he went on tiptoe to the nursery door and opened it just as he went in he saw that the nurse was hiding something from him with a scared look and that Princess Mary was no longer by the

Court my dear he heard what seemed to him her despairing whisper behind him as often happens after long sleeplessness and long anx anxiety he was seized by an unreasoning Panic it occurred to him that the child was dead all that he saw and heard seemed to confirm this

Terror all is over he s and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead he went to the court in confusion sure that he would find it empty and that the nurse had been hiding the dead baby he drew the curtain aside and for some time his frightened Restless eyes could

Not find the baby at last he saw him the rosy boy had tossed about till he lay across the bed with his head lower than the pillow and was smacking his lips in his sleep and breathing evenly prince Andrew was as glad to find the boy like that

As if he had already lost him he bent over him and as his sister had taught him tried with his lips whether the child was still feverish the soft forehead was moist prince Andrew touched the head with his hand even the hair was wet so profusely had the child

Perspired he was not dead but evidently the crisis was over and he was convalescent prince Andrew longed to snatch up to squeeze to hold to his heart this helpless little creature but DED not do so he stood over him gazing at his head and at the little arms and legs which

Showed under the blanket he heard a rustle behind him and a shadow appeared under the curtain of the Court he did not look around but still gazing at the infant’s face listened to his regular breezing the dark shadow was Princess Mary who had come up to the court with

Noiseless steps lifted the curtain and dropped it again behind her prince Andrew recognized her without looking and held out his hand to her she pressed it he has perspired said prince Andrew I was coming to tell you so the child moved slightly in his sleep smiled and rubed his forehead against the

Pillow prince Andrew looked at his sister in the dim shadow of the curtain her luminous eyes Shone more brightly than usual from the tears of joy that were in them she leaned over to her brother and kissed him slightly catching the curtain of the CT each made the other a warning gesture

And stood still in the dim light beneath the curtain as if not wishing to leave that seclusion where they three were shut off from all the world Prince Andrew was the first to move away ruffling his hair against the muslin of the curtain yes this is the one thing left

Me now he said with a sigh end of chapter nine recording by Ava hanik Pedra Florida War and Peace book five chapter 10 read for librivox.org by beer Graham soon after his admission to the Masonic Brotherhood Pierre went to the Kiev Province where he had the greatest

Number of surfs taking with him full directions which he had written down for his own guidance as to what he should do on his Estates when he reached Kiev he sent for all his stewards to the head office and explained to them his intentions and wishes he told them that steps would be

Taken immediately to free his surfs and that till then they were not to be overburdened with labor women while nursing their babies were not to be sent to work assistance was to be given to the Surfs punishments were to be admonitory and not Corporal and hospitals asylums and

Schools were to be established on all the Estates some of the stewards there were semi literate Foreman among them listened with alarm supposing these words to mean that the young count was displeased with their management and embezzlement of money some after their first fright were amused by Pierre’s lisp and the new

Words they had not heard before others simply enjoyed hearing how the master talked while the cleverest among them including the chief steward understood from this speech how they could best handle the master for their own ends the chief steward expressed great sympathy with Pierre’s intentions but remarked that besides these changes it

Would be necessary to go into the General State of Affairs which was far from satisfactory despite count bov’s enormous wealth since he had come into an income which was said to amount to 500,000 rubles a year p felt himself far poorer than when his father had made him an allowance of 10,000

Rubles he had a dim perception of the following budget about 80,000 went in payments on all the Estates to the land bank about 30,000 went for the upkeep of the estate near Moscow the townhouse and the allowance to The Three Princesses about 15,000 was given in pensions and the same amount for

Asylums 150,000 alimony was sent to the Countess about 70,000 went for interest on debts the building of a new church previously begun had cost about 10,000 in each of the last two years and he did not know how the rest about 100,000 rubles was spent and almost every year he was obliged to

Borrow besides this the chief steward wrote every year telling him of fires and bad harvests or of the necessity of rebuilding factories and workshops so the first task Pierre had to face was one for which he had very little aptitude or inclination practical business he discussed a state affairs

Every day with his chief steward but he felt that this did not forward matters at all he felt that these consultations were detached from real Affairs and did not link up with them or make them move on the one hand the chief steward put the state of things to him in the very

Worst light pointing out the necessity of paying off the debts and undertaking new activities with surf labor to which Pierre did not agree on the other hand Pierre demanded that steps should be taken to liberate the Surfs which the steward met by showing the necessity of first paying

Off the loans from the land bank and the consequent impossibility of a speedy emancipation the steward did not say it was quite impossible but suggested selling the forests in the province of Casta the land lower down the river and the Crimean estate in order to make it possible all of which operations

According to him were connected with such complicated measures the removal of injunctions petitions permits and so on that Pierre became quite bewildered and only replied yes yes do so Pierre had none of the Practical persistence that would have enabled him to attend to the business himself and so

He disliked it and only tried to pretend to the Ste that he was attending to it the steward for his part tried to pretend to the count that he considered these consultations very valuable for the proprietor and Troublesome to himself in Kiev Pierre found some people he knew and strangers hastened to make

His acquaintance and joyfully welcomed the rich newcomer the largest landowner of the province Temptations to Pierre’s greatest weakness the one to which he confessed when admitted to the lodge were so strong that he could not resist them again whole days weeks and months of his life passed in as great a rush

And were as much occupied with evening parties dinners lunches and balls giving him no time for reflection as in Petersburg instead of the new life he had hoped to lead he still lived the old life only new surroundings of the three precepts of Freemasonry Pierre realized that he did

Not fulfill the one which enjoined every Mason to set an example of moral life and that of the Seven Virtues he lacked to morality and the love of death he consoled himself with the thought that he fulfilled another of the precepts that of reforming the human race and had

Other virtues love of his neighbor and especially generosity in the spring of 1807 he decided to return to Petersburg on the way he intended to visit all his Estates and see for himself how far his orders had been carried out and in what state were the

Surfs whom God had entrusted to his care and whom he intended to benefit the chief steward who considered the young Count’s attempts almost insane unprofitable to himself to the count and to the Surfs made some concession s continuing to represent the liberation of the Surfs as impracticable he arranged for the

Erection of large buildings schools hospitals and asylums on all the Estates before the master arrived everywhere preparations were made not for ceremonious welcomes which he knew Pierre would not like but for just such gratefully religious ones with offerings of icons and the bread and salt of hospitality as according to his

Understanding of his master would touch and delude him the southern spring the comfortable rapid traveling in a Vienna carriage and the Solitude of the road all had a gladdening effect on Pierre the Estates he had not before visited were each more picturesque than the other the Surfs everywhere seemed

Thriving and touchingly grateful for the benefits conferred on them everywhere were receptions which though they embarrassed Pier awakened a joyful feeling in the depth of his heart in one place The Peasants presented him with bread and salt and an icon of St Peter and St Paul asking

Permission as a mark of their gratitude for the benefits he had conferred on them to build a new Chantry to the church at their own expense in honor of Peter and Paul his patron saints in another place the women with infants in arms met him to thank him for

Releasing them from hard work on a Third Estate the priest bearing a cross came to meet him surrounded by children whom by the Count’s generosity he was instructing in Reading Writing and religion on all his Estates Pierre saw with his own eyes brick buildings erected or in course of erection all on

One plan for hospitals schools and arms houses which were soon to be opened everywhere he saw the stewards accounts According to which the surf’s menorial labor had been diminished and heard the touching thanks of deputations of surfs in their full skirted blue coats what Pierre did not know was that

The place where they presented him with bread and salt and wished to build a Chantry in honor of Peter and Paul was a market village where a fair was held on St Peter’s day and that the richest peasants who formed the deputation had begun the Chantry long before

But that nine10 of the peasants in that Villages were in a state of the greatest poverty he did not know that since the nursing mothers were no longer sent to work on his land they did still harder work on their own land he did not know

That the priest who met him with a cross oppressed The Peasants by his exactions and that the pupils parents wept at having to let him take their children and secured their release by heavy payments he did not know that the brick bill buildings built to plan were being

Built by surfs whose manorial labor was thus increased though lessened on paper he did not know that where the steward had shown him in the accounts that the surf’s payments had been diminished by a third their obligatory manorial work had been increased by a half and so Pierre was delighted with

His visit to his Estates and quite recovered the philanthropic mood in which he had left Petersburg and wrote enthusiastic letters to his brother instructor as he called the grandmas how easy it is how little effort it needs to do so much good thought Pierre and how little attention we pay to

It he was pleased at the Gratitude he received but felt abashed at receiving it this gratitude reminded him of how much more he might do for these simple kindly people the chief steward a very stupid but cunning man who saw perfectly through the naive and intelligent count

And played with him as with a toy seeing the effect these pre-arranged receptions had on Pierre pressed him still harder with proofs of the impossibility and above all the uselessness of freeing the Surfs who were quite happy as it was Pierre and his secret Soul agreed with the steward that it would be

Difficult to imagine happier people and that God only knew what would happen to them when they were free but he insisted though reluctantly on what he thought right the Stewart promised to do all in his power to carry out the Count’s wishes seeing clearly that not only

Would the count never be able to find out whether all measures had been taken for the sale of the land and forests and to release them from the land bank but would probably never even inquire and would never know that the newly erected buildings were standing empty and that

The Surfs continued to give in money and work all that other people’s surfs gave that is to say all that could be got out of them end of chapter 10 War and Peace book five chapter 11 read for librivox.org by Barney sherold returning from his journey through South Russia in the happiest

State of Mind Pierre carried out an intention he had long of visiting his friend bonsky whom he had not seen for two years bov lay in a flat uninteresting part of the country among fields and Forest of fur and Birch which were partly cut down the house lay

Behind a nearly dug Pond filled with water to the brink and with banks still bare of grass it was at the end of a village that stretched along the high road in the midst of a young cops in which were a few fur trees the homestead consisted of a

Threshing floor ouses stapes a bath house a lodge and a large brick house with a semicircular facade still in course of construction around the house was a garden newly laid out the fences and Gates were new and solid two fire pumps and a water cart painted green stood in

A shed the paths were straight the bridges were strong WR and had handrails everything bore an impress of tidiness and good management some domestic surfs Pierre met in reply to enquires as to where the prince lived pointed out a small newly built Lodge close to the

Pond Anton a man who had looked after prince Andrew in his Boyhood helped Pierre out of his Carriage said that the prince was at home and showed him into a clean little anti room Pierre was struck by the modesty of the small though clean house after the brilliant surroundings in which he had

Last met his friend in Petersburg he quickly entered the small reception room with its still unplastered wooden walls redolent of Pine and would have gone further but Anton read ahead on tiptoe and knocked at a door well what is it came a sharp unpleasant voice our visitor answered

Anton ask him to wait and the sound was heard of a chair being pushed back Pierre went with rapid steps to the door and suddenly came face to face with prince Andrew who came out frowning and looked old Pierre embraced him and lifting his spectacles kissed his friend

On the cheek and looked at him closely well I did not expect you I am very glad said prince Andrew Pierre said nothing he looked fixedly at his friend with surprise he was struck by the change in him his words were kindly and there was a smile on his lips and face

But his eyes were dull and lifeless and in spite of his evident wish to do so he could not give them a joyous and glad Sparkle prince Andrew had grown thinner paler and more manly looking but what amazing and strange Pierre till he got used to it were his inertia and wrinkle

On his brow indicating prolonged concentration on some one thought as is usually the case with people meeting after a prolonged separation it was long before their conversation could settle on anything they put questions and gave brief replies about things that they knew ought to be talked over at length at

Last the conversation gradually settled on some of the topics at first lightly touched on their past life plans for the future Pierre’s Journeys and occupations the war and so on the preoccupation and despondency which Pierre had noted in his friend’s look was now still more clearly expressed in the smile with

Which he listened to Pierre especially when he spoke with joyful animation of the past or the future it was as if prince Andrew would have liked to sympathize with what Pierre was saying but could not the latter began to feel that it was in bad taste to speak of his

Enthusiasms dreams and hopes of happiness or goodness in Prince Andrew’s presence he was ashamed to express his new Masonic views which had been particularly revived and strengthened by his late tour he checked himself fearing to seem naive yet he felt an irresistible desire to show his friend

As soon as possible that he was now a quite different and better Pier than he had been in Petersburg I can’t tell you how much I have lived through since then I hardly know myself yes we have altered much very much since then said prince Andrew well and you

What are your plans plans repeated prince Andrew ironically my plans he said as if astonished at the word well you see I’m building I mean to settle here alt together next year Pier looked silently and searchingly into Prince andrewk face which had grown much older

No I mean to ask Pierre began but prince Andrew interrupted him but why talk of me talk to me me yes tell me about your travels and all you have been doing on your Estates Pierre began describing what he had done on his Estates trying as far as possible to conceal his own

Part in the improvements that had been made prince Andrew several times prompted Pierre’s story of what he had been doing as though it were an all oldtime story and he listened not only without interest but even as if ashamed of what Pierre was telling him Pierre felt uncomfortable and even depressed in

His friend’s company and at last became silent I’ll tell you what my dear fellow said prince Andrew who evidently also felt depressed and constrained with his visitor I am only biver whacking here and have just come to look around I am going back to my sister today I will

Introduce you to her but of course you know her already he said evidently trying to entertain a visitor with whom he now found nothing in common we will go after dinner and would you like now to look around my place they went out and walked about till dinner time talking of the political

News and common acquaintances like people who do not know each other intimately prince Andrew spoke with some animation and interest only of the new Homestead he was constructing and its buildings but even here while on the Scaffolding in the midst of a talk explaining the future Arrangements of

The house he interrupted himself however this is not at all interesting let us have dinner and then we’ll set off at dinner conversation turned on Pier’s marriage I was very much surprised when I heard of it said prince Andrew Pierre blushed as he always did when it was mentioned and said hurriedly

I I will tell you sometime how it all happened but you know it’s all over and forever forever said prince Andrew nothing’s forever but you know how it all ended don’t you you heard of The Jewel and so you had to go through that too one thing

I thank God for is that I did not kill that man said here why so said prince Andrew to kill a vicious dog is a very good thing really no no no to kill a man is bad is wrong why is it wrong urged prince Andrew it is not given to man to

Know what is right and what is wrong men always did and always will ER and in nothing more than in what they consider right and wrong what does harm to another is wrong said Pierre feeling with pleasure that for the first time since his arrival prince Andrew was

Roused had begun to talk and wanted to express what have brought him to his present State and who has told you what is bad for another man he asked bad bad exclaimed Pierre we all know what is bad for ourselves yes we know that but the

Harm I am conscious of in myself is something I cannot inflict on others said prince Andrew growing more and more animated and evly wishing to express his new outlook to Pierre he spoke in French I only know two very real evils in life remorse and illness the only only good

Is the absence of those evils to live for myself avoiding those two evils is my whole philosophy now and love a one’s neighbor and self-sacrifice began Pierre no I can’t agree with you to live only so as not to do evil and not to have

Repent is not enough I lived like that I lived for myself and ruin my life and only now when I am living or at least trying Pier’s modesty made him correct himself to live for others only now have I understood all the happiness of life

No I shall not agree with you and you do not really believe what you are saying prince Andrew looked silently at Pierre with an ironic smile when you see my sister Princess Mary you’ll get on with her he said perhaps you are right for yourself he added after a short pause

But everyone lives in his own way you lived for yourself and say you newly ruined your life and only found happiness when you began living for others I experienced just the reverse I lived for Glory and after all what is Glory the Same Love of others a desire

To do something for them a desire for their approval so I lived for others and not almost but quite ruined my life and I have become Karma since I began to live only for myself but what do you mean by living only for yourself asked Pier growing excited what about your son

Your sister and your father but that’s just the same as myself they are not others explained prince Andrew the others one’s neighbors Leona as you and Princess Mary call it are the the chief source of all error and evil Le pran your KF peasants to

Whom you want to do good and he looked at Pierre with a mocking challenging expression he evidently wished to draw him on you joking replied Pierre growing more and more excited what error or evil can there be in my wishing to do good and even doing a little though I did

Very little and did it very badly what evil can there be in if unfortunate people are surfs people like ourselves were growing up and dying with no idea of God and Truth Beyond ceremonies and meaningless prayers and are now instructed in a comforting belief in a future life retribution recompense and a

Consolation what evil and error are there in it if people were dying of disease without help while material assistance could so easily be rendered and I supplied them with a doctor hospital and an asylum for the Aged and if it not a palpable unquestionable good

If a peasant or a woman with a baby has no rest day or night and I give them rest and Leisure said said Pierre hurrying and lisping and I have done that through badly and to a small extent but I have done something toward it and

You cannot persuade me that it was not a good action and more than that you can’t make me believe that you do not think so yourself and the main thing is he continued that I know and for certain that the enjoyment of doing this is the only sure happiness in

Life yes but if you put it like that it’s quite a different matter said prince Andrew I build a house and lay out a garden and you build hospitals the one and the other may serve as a Pastime but what’s right and what’s good must be

Judged by one who knows all but not by us well you want an argument he added come on then they Rose from the table and sat down in the entrance porch which served as a veranda come let’s argue then said prince Andrew you talk of schools he went on crooking a finger

Education and so forth that is you want to raise him pointing to a peasant who passed by them taking off his cap from his animal condition and awakened him in spiritual needs while it seems to me that animal happiness is the only happiness possible and that is just what

You want to deprive him of I envy him but you want to make him what I am without giving him my means then you say lighten his toil but as I see it physical labor is as essential to him as much as a condition of his existence as

Mental activity is to you or me you can’t help thinking I go to bed after 2: in the morning thoughts come and I can’t sleep but toss about Till Dawn because I think and I can’t help thinking just as he can’t help plowing and mowing if he

Didn’t he would go to the drink shop or for ill just as I would not stand his terrible physical labor which should die of it within a week so he could not stand my physical idleness but will grow fat and die the third thing what else

Was it that you talked about and prince Andrew crooked a third figure ah yes hospitals medicine he has a fit he is dying and you come and bleed him and Patch him up up he will drag about as a a burden to everybody for another 10 years it would be far easier

And simple for him to die others are being born and there are plenty of them as it is it would be different if you grudged losing a laborer that’s how I regard him but you want to cure him from love of him and he does not want that

And besides what a notion that medicine ever cured anyone kill them yes said he frowning angrily and turning away from Pierre prince Andrew expressed his ideas so clearly and distinctly that it was evident that he had reflected on the subject more than once and he spoke

Readily and rapidly like a man who has not talked for a long time his glance became more animated as his conclusions became more hopeless oh that is Dreadful Dreadful said Pierre I don’t understand how one can live with such ideas I had such moments myself not long ago in

Moscow and when traveling but at such times I collapsed so that I don’t live at all everything seems hateful to me myself most of all then I don’t eat don’t wash and how is it with you why not wash that is not cleanly said prince Andrew on the contrary one must

Try to make one’s life as pleasant as possible I am alive that is not my fault so I must live out my life as best as I can without hurting others but with such ideas what motive have you for living one would sit without moving undertaking

Nothing life as it is leaves no one pieace I should be thankful to do nothing but here on the one hand the local nobility have done me the honor to choose me to be their Marshall it was all I could do to get out of it they

Could not understand that I have not the necessary qualifications for it the kind of good natured fussy shallowness necessary for the position then is this house which must be built in order to have a Nook of One’s Own in which to be quiet and now there’s this recruiting

Why aren’t you serving in the Army after alits said prince Andrew gloomily no thank you very much I have promised myself not to serve again in the active Russian army and I won’t not even bonapart were here at smolin threatening bald Hills even then I wouldn’t serve in

The Russian army well as I was saying he continued recovering his composure now there’s this recruiting my father is Chief in command of the Third District and my only way of avoiding active service is to serve under him then you are serving I am he paused a little

While and why do you serve Why for this reason my father is one of the most remarkable men of his time but he’s growing old and though not exactly cruel he has too energetic a character he is so accustomed to unlimited power that he is terrible and now he has this

Authority of a commander-in-chief of the recruiting granted by the emperor if I had been 2 hours late a fortnight ago he would have had a pay Master’s Clark at yanova hanged said prince Andrew with a smile so I am serving because I alone have any influence with my father and

Now and then can save him from actions which torment him afterwards well there you see yes but it is not as you imagine prince Andrew continued I did not and do not in the least care about that scoundrel of a Clark who had stolen some boots on the recruits I should even have

Been very glad to see him hanged but I was sorry for my father that again is for myself prince Andrew grew more and more animated his eyes glittered feverishly while he tried to prove to Pierre that in his actions there was no desire to do good to his

Neighbor there now you wish to liberate your surfs he continued that is a very good thing but not for you I don’t suppose you ever had anyone flogged or sent to Siberia and still less for your surfs if they are beaten flogged or sent to Siberia I don’t suppose they are any

Worse off in Siberia they lead the same animal life and the stripes on their bodies heal and they are happy as before but is a good thing for the Proprietors who perish morally bring remorse upon themselves stifle this remorse and grow callous as a result of being able to

Inflict punishments justly and unjustly it is though people I pity and for their sake I should like to liberate the Surfs you may not have seen but I have seen how good men brought up in those traditions of unlimited power in times when they grow more irritable become

Cruel and harsh and are conscious of it but cannot restrain themselves and grow more and more miserable prince Andrew spoke so earnestly that Pierre could not help thinking that were thoughts that been suggested to prince Andrew by his father’s case he did not reply so that’s

What I am sorry for human dignity Peace of Mind Purity and not the surf’s backs and foreheads which beat and shave as you may always remain the same backs and foreheads no no a thousand times no I shall never agree with you said Pierre end of chapter

11 War and Peace book five chapter 12 read for librivox.org by Great Plains in the evening Andrew and Pierre got into the open carriage and drove to Bald Hills prince Andrew glancing at Pierre broke the silence now and then with remarks which showed that he was in a good

Temper pointing to the fields he spoke of the improvements he was making in his husbandry Pier remained gloomily silent answering in mon syllables and apparently immersed in his own thoughts he was thinking that prince Andrew was unhappy had gone astray did not see the True Light and that he

Pierre ought to Aid Enlighten and raise him but as soon as he thought of what he should say he felt that prince Andrew with one word one argument would upset all his teaching and he shrank from beginning afraid of exposing to possible ridicule what to him was precious and

Sacred no but why do you think so Pierre suddenly began lowering his head and looking like a bull about to charge why do you think so you should not think so think what about asked prince Andrew with surprise about life about man’s Destiny it can’t be so I myself thought like

That and do you know what saved me Freemasonry no don’t smile Freemason is not a religious ceremonial sect as I thought it was Freemasonry is the best expression of the best the Eternal aspects of humanity and he began to explain Freemasonry as he understood it to prince Andrew he said that Freemasonry

Is the teaching of Christianity freed from the bonds of state and church a teaching of equality Brotherhood and love only our holy Brotherhood hood has the real meaning of life all the rest is a dream said Pierre understand my dear fellow that outside this Union all is

Filled with deceit and falsehood and I agree with you that nothing is left for an intelligent and good man but to live out his life like you merely trying not to harm others but make our fundamental convictions your own join our Brotherhood give yourself up to us let

Yourself be guided and you will at once feel yourself as I have felt myself a part of that vast invisible chain the beginning of which is hidden in heaven said Pierre prince Andrew looking straight in front of him listened in silence to Pierre’s words more than once when the noise of

The wheels prevented his catching what Pierre said he asked him to repeat it and by the peculiar glow that came into Prince andrewk eyes and by his silence Pierre saw that his words were not in vain and that prince Andrew would not interrupt him or laugh at what he said

They reached a river that had overflowed its banks and which they had to cross by ferry while the carriage and horses were being placed on it they also stepped on the raft prince Andrew leaning his arms on the raft railing gazed silently at the flooding Waters glittering in the

Setting Sun well what do you think about it Pierre asked why are you silent what do I think about it I am listening to you it is all very well you say join our Brotherhood and we will show you the aim of Life the destiny of

Man and the laws which govern the world but who are we men how is it you know everything why do I alone not see what you see you see a reign of goodness and Truth on Earth but I don’t see it Pierre interrupted him do you believe in a future life he asked

A future life prince Andrew repeated but Pierre giving him no time to reply took the repetition for a denial the more readily as he knew Prince andrewk former atheistic convictions you say you can’t see a reign of goodness and Truth on Earth nor could I and it cannot be seen if one

Looks on our life here as the end of everything on Earth here on this Earth Pierre pointed to the fields there is no Truth All Is false and evil but in the universe in the whole universe there is a kingdom of Truth and we who are now the children of Earth are eternally

Children of the whole universe don’t I feel in my soul that I am part of this vast harmonious whole don’t I feel that I form one link One Step between the lower and higher beings in this vast harmonious multitude of beings in whom the deity the

Supreme power if you prefer the term is Manifest if I see clearly see that latter leading from plant to man why should I suppose it breaks off at me and does not go farther and farther I feel that I cannot vanish since nothing vanishes in this world but that I shall

Always exist and always have existed I feel that Beyond me and above me there are spirits and that in this world there is truth yes that is herder’s Theory said prince Andrew but it is not that which can convince me dear friend life and death are what convince what convinces is when

One sees a being dear to one bound up with one’s own life before whom one was to blame and had hoped to make it right Prince andrewk voice trembled and he turned away and suddenly that being is seized with pain suffers and ceases to exist why

It cannot be that there is no answer and I believe there is that’s what convinces and that is what has convinced me said prince Andrew yes yes of course said Pierre isn’t that what I’m saying no all I say is that it is not the argument that

Convinces me of the necessity of a future life but this when you go hand inand with someone and all at once that person vanishes there into nowhere and you yourself are left facing that abyss and look in and I have looked in well that’s it then you know that there is a

There and there is a someone there is the future life the someone is God prince Andrew did not reply the carriage and horses had long since been taken off onto the farther bank and reh harnessed the sun had sunk half below the Horizon and an evening Frost was starring the puddle near the

Fery but Pierre and Andrew to the astonishment of the footmen Coachmen and fairy men still stood on the raft and talked if there is a God and future life there is truth and good and man’s highest happiness consists in striving to attain them we must live we must love

And we must believe that we live not only today on this scrap of Earth but have lived and shall live for forever there in the hole said Pierre and he pointed to the sky prince Andrew stood leaning on the railing of the raft listening to Pierre and he gazed with

His eyes fixed on the red reflection of the sun gleaming on the Blue Waters there was perfect Stillness Pierre became silent the raft had long since stopped and only the waves of the current beat softly against it below prince Andrew felt as if the sound of

The Waves kept up a refrain to Pierre’s words Whispering it is true believe it he sighed and glanced with a radiant childlike tender look at Pierre’s face flushed and rapturous but yet shy before his Superior friend yes if only it were so said prince Andrew however it is time to get

On he added and stepping off the raft he looked up at the sky to which Pierre had pointed and for the first time since aites saw that high Everlasting Sky he had seen while lying on that Battlefield and something that had long been slumbering something that was best

Within him suddenly awoke joyful and Youthful in his soul it vanished as soon as he returned to the customary conditions of his life but he knew that this feeling which he did not know how to develop existed within him his meeting with Pierre formed an Epoch in Prince Andrew’s life though outwardly he

Continued to live in the same old way inwardly he began a new life end of chapter 12 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to find out how you can volunteer please visit librivox.org this recording by LibriVox user Great

Plains war in Peace book 5 chapter 13 read for librivox.org by Robbie Rogers it was getting dusk when prince Andrew and Pierre drove up to the front entrance of the house at Bald Hills as they approached the house prince Andrew with a smile Drew Pierre’s attention to

A commotion going on at the back porch a woman bent with age with a wallet on her back and a short long-haired young man in a black garment had rushed back to the gate on seeing the carriage driving up two women ran out after them and all four looking

Around at the carriage ran in dismay up the steps of the back porch those are Mary’s Gods folk said prince Andrew they have mistaken us for my father this is the one matter in which she disobeys him he orders the pilgrims to be driven away but she receives them but what are God’s

Folk asked Pierre prince Andrew had no time to answer the servants came out to meet them and he asked where the old Prince was and whether he was expected back soon the old Prince had gone to the town and was expected back any minute prince Andrew LED Pierre to his own

Apartments which were always kept in perfect order and Readiness for him in his father’s house he himself went to the nursery let us go and see my sister he said to Pierre when he returned I have not found her yet she’s in hiding now sitting with her Gods folk it will

Serve her right she will be confused but you will see her Gods folk it’s really very curious what are God’s folk asked Pierre come and you’ll see for yourself Princess Mary really was disconcerted and red patches came on her face when they went in in her snug room

With lamps burning before the icon stand a young lad with a long nose and long hair wearing a monk’s cassic sat on the sofa beside her behind a samovar near them in an armchair sat a thin shriveled old woman with a Meek expression on her childlike

Face Andrew why didn’t you warn me said the princess with mild reproach as she stood before her pilgrims like a hen before her chickens sh ta de vuvo she said to Pierre as he kissed her hand she had known him as a child and now his friendship with Andrew

His Misfortune with his wife and above all his kindly simple face disposed her favorably toward him she looked at him with her beautiful radiant eyes and seemed to say I like you very much but please don’t laugh at my people after exchanging the first greetings they sat

Down delighted to see you I am very glad to see you ah and ivanushka is here too said prince Andrew glancing with a smile at the Young Pilgrim Andrew said princess Mary imploringly said prince Andrew to Pierre Andrew unom De Princess Mary repeated you must know that this is a woman For

Heaven’s Sake it was evident that Prince Andrew’s ironical tone towards the pilgrims and Princess Mary’s helpless attempts to protect them were their customary long established relations on the matter said prince Andrew but my dear you ought on the contrary to be grateful to me for explaining to Pierre your intimacy with

This young man really said prince Andrew gazing over spectacles with curiosity and seriousness for which princess Mary was especially grateful to him into ivanka’s face who seeing that she was being spoken about looked around at them all with crafty eyes princess Mary’s embarrassment on her people’s account was quite

Unnecessary they were not in the least abashed the old woman lowering her eyes but casting side glances at the newcomers had turned her cup upside down and placed a nibbled bit of sugar beside it and sat quietly in her armchair though hoping to be offered another cup

Of tea ivanushka sipping out of her saucer looked with Sly womanish eyes from under her brows at the young man where have you been to Kiev prince Andrew asked the old woman I have good sir she said grously just at Christmas time I was deemed worthy to partake of

The Holy and Heavenly Sacrament at The Shrine of the saint and now I’m from katson Master where a great and wonderful blessing has been revealed and was ivanushka with you I go by myself benefactor said ivanushka trying to speak in a Bas voice I only came across payia and yuk noovo payia interrupted

Her companion she evidently wished to tell what she had seen in k yatsin Master a wonderful blessing has been revealed what is it some new relics asked prince Andrew Andrew do leave off said princess Mary don’t tell him payia no why not my dear why shouldn’t I I

Like him he is kind he is one of God’s chosen he’s a benefactor he once gave me 10 rubles I remember when I was in Kiev crazy sirel says to me he’s one of God’s Own and goes Barefoot Summer and Winter he says why are you not going to the right place

Go to kolasin where a wonderwork icon of the holy mother of God has been revealed on hearing those words I said good bye to the holy folk and went all were silent only the pilgrim woman went on in measured tones drawing in her breath so

I come master and the people say to me a great blessing has been revealed holy oil trickles from the cheeks of our Blessed Mother the holy virgin mother of God all right all right you can tell us afterward said princess Mary flushing let me ask her said Pierre did

You see it yourselves he inquired oh yes master I was found worthy such a brightness on the face like the light of heaven and from the Blessed Mother’s cheek it drops and drops ah dear me that must be a fraud said Pierre naively who had listened attentively to the pilgrim

Oh Master what are you saying exclaimed the horrified payia turning to Princess Mary for support they impose on the people he repeated Lord Jesus Christ exclaimed the pilgrim woman Crossing herself oh don’t speak so Master there was a general who did not believe and said the Monks cheat and as soon as he’d

Said it he went blind and he dreamed that the holy virgin mother of the Kev catacombs came to him and said believe in me and I will make you whole so he begged take me to her take me to her it’s the real truth I’m telling you I

Saw it myself so he was brought quite blind straight to her and he goes up to her and falls down and says make me hold says he and I’ll give thee what the Zar bestowed on me I sought it myself Master the star is fixed into the icon well and

What do you think he received his sight it’s a sin to speak so God will punish you she said admonishing L turning to Pierre how did the star get into the icon Pierre asked and was the holy mother promoted to the rank of General said prince Andrew with a smile payia

Suddenly grew quite pale and clasped her hand oh master master what a sin and you who have a son she began her palar suddenly turning into a vivid Red Master what have you said God forgive you and she crossed herself Lord forgive him my dear what does it mean she asked turning to

Princess Mary she got up and almost crying began to arrange her wallet she evidently felt frightened and ashamed to have accepted charity in such a house where such things could be said and was at the same time sorry to have now to forgo the charity of this house now why

Need you do it said princess Mary why did you come to me come I was joking said Pierre princess mulu laer I did not mean anything I was only joking he said smiling shyly and trying to a face his offense it was all my fault and Andrew was only joking

Princess on my word I did not wish to offend her payia stopped doubtfully but in Pierre’s face there was such a look of sincere penitence and prince Andrew glanced so meekly now at her and now at Pierre that she was gradually reassured end of chapter

13 war in Peace book 5 chapter 14 read for librivox.org by Robbie Rogers the pilgrim woman was appeased and being encouraged to talk gave a long account of father amphilic who led so holy a life that his hand smelled of incense and how on her last visit to Kiev some

Monk she knew let her have the keys of the Catacombs and how she taking some dried bread with her had spent two days in the catacombs with the Saints I’d pray a while to one Ponder a while then go on to another I’d sleep a bit and then go again and kiss the

Relics and there was such peace all around such blessedness that one don’t want to come out even into the light of Heaven Again Pierre listened to her attentively and seriously prince Andrew went out of the room and then leaving God’s folk to finish their tea Princess Mary took Pierre into the drawing room

You are very kind she said to him oh I really did not mean to hurt her feelings I understand them so well and have the greatest respect for them Princess Mary looked at him silently and smiled affectionately I have known you a long

Time you see and am as fond of you as of a brother she said how do you find Andrew she added hurly not giving him time to reply to her affectionate words I am very anxious about him his health was better in the winter but last spring

His wound reopened and the doctor said he ought to go away for a cure I am also very much afraid for him spiritually he has not a character like us women who when we suffer can weep away our sorrows he keeps it all within him today he is

Cheerful and in good spirits but that is the effect of your visit he is not often like that if you could persuade him to go abroad he needs activity and this regular quiet life is very bad for him others don’t notice it but I see it towards 10:00 the men servants rushed to

The front door hearing the bells of the old Prince’s Carriage approaching prince Andrew and Pierre also went out into the porch who’s that asked the old Prince noticing Pierre as he got out of the carriage ah very glad kiss me he said Having learned who the young stranger

Was the old Prince was in a good temper and very gracious to Pierre before supper prince Andrew coming back to his father’s study found him disputing hotly with his visitor Pierre was maintaining that a time would come when there would be no more Wars the Old Prince disputed

It chafing L but without getting angry drain the blood from Men’s veins and put in water instead then there will be no more war old women’s nonsense old women’s nonsense he repeated but still he patted Pierre affectionately on the shoulder and then went up to the table where prince Andrew evidently not

Wishing to join in the conversation was looking over the papers as father had brought from town the old Prince went up to him and began to talk business the Marshall a count rostov hasn’t sent half his contingent he came to town and wanted to invite me to dinner I gave him

A pretty dinner and there look at this well my boy the old Prince went on addressing his son and patting Pierre on the shoulder a fine fellow your friend I like him he stirs me up another says clever things and one doesn’t care to listen but this one talks rubbish yet

Stirs an old fellow up well go get along perhaps I’ll come and sit with you at supper we’ll have another dispute make friends with My Little Fool Princess Mary he shouted after Pierre through the door only now on his visit to Bald Hills did Pierre fully realize the strength

And charm of his friendship with prince Andrew that charm was not expressed so much in his relations with him as with all his family and with the household with a Stern old Prince and the gentle timid Princess Mary though he had scarcely known them Pierre at once felt

Like an old friend they were all fond of him already not only princess Mary who had been won by his gentleness with the pilgrims gave him her most radiant looks but even the one-year-old Prince Nicholas as his grandfather called him smiled at Pierre and let himself be

Taken in his arms and Mikel Ivanovich and MMO Bine looked at him with Pleasant smiles when he talked to the old Prince the old Prince came in to supper this was evidently on Pierre’s account and during the two days of the young man’s visit he was extremely kind to him

And told him to visit them again when Pierre had gone and the members of the household met together they began to express their opinions of him as people always do after new acquaintances left but as seldom happens no one said anything but what was good of him end of chapter

14 War and Peace book five chapter 15 Read for librivox.org by Roger Molen when returning from his leave rostov felt for the first time how close was the bond that United him to denisov and the whole regiment on approach in it rostov felt as he had done When approaching his home in

Moscow when he saw the First hazar with the unbuttoned uniform of his regiment when he recognized red-haired DV and saw the picket ropes of the rone horses when Lusa gleefully shouted to his master the count has come and denisov who had been asleep on his bed ran all dis shelv out

Of the mud hut to embrace him and the officers collected round to greet the new arrival rostov experienced the same feeling his mother his father and his sister had embraced him and tears of joy choked him so that he could not speak the regiment was also a home and

As unalterably dear and precious as his parents’ house when he had reported himself to the commander of the regiment and had been reassigned to his former Squadron had been on duty and had gone out foraging when he had again entered into all the little interests of the regiment

And felt himself deprived of Liberty Unbound in one narrow unchanging frame he experienced the same sense of Peace of moral support and the same sense being at home here in his own place as he had felt under the parental roof but here was none of all that

Turmoil of the World At Large where he did not know his right place and took mistaken decisions here was no Sonia with whom he ought or ought not to have an explanation here was no possibility of going there or not going there here there were not 24 hours in the day which

Could be spent in such a variety of ways there was not that innumerable crowd of people of whom not one was nearer to him or farther from him than another there were none of those uncertain and undefined money relations with his father and nothing to recall that terrible loss to

Doov here in the regiment all was clear and simple the whole world was divided into two unequal Parts one our pavlograd regiment the other all the rest and the rest was no concern of his in the regiment everything was definite who was Lieutenant who Captain who was a

Good fellow who a bad one and most of all who was a comrade the canteen keeper gave one credit one’s pay came every 4 months there was nothing to to think out or decide you had only to do nothing that was considered bad in the pavad regiment

And when given an order to do what was clearly distinctly and definitely ordered and all would be well having once more entered into the definite conditions of this regimental life rostov felt the joy and relief a tired man feels on lying down to rest life in the regiment during this

Campaign was all the pleasanter for him because after his lost to doov for which in spite of all his family’s efforts to console him he could not forgive himself he had made up his mind to atone for his fault by serving not as he had done

Before but really well and by being a perfectly First Rate comrade and officer in a word a splendid man altogether a thing which seemed so difficult out in the world but so possible in the regiment after his losses he had determined to pay back back his debt to his parents in 5

Years he received 10,000 rubles a year but now resolved to take only 2,000 and leave the rest to repay the debt to his parents our army after repeated Retreats and advances and battles at pusk and pricea was concentrated near bartenstein it was awaiting the emperor’s arrival and the beginning of a new

Campaign the pavlograd regiment belonging to that part of the army which had served in the 1805 campaign had been recruiting up to strength in Russia and arrived too late to take part in the First actions of the campaign it had been neither at pusk nor

A pra and when it joined the army in the field in the second half of the campaign was attached to plateau’s division plateau’s division was acting independently of the main Army several times parts of the pavad regimen had exchanged shots with the Enemy had taken prisoners and once had even captured Marshall udo’s

Carriages in April the Pavlo grads were stationed immovably for some weeks near a totally ruined and deserted German Village a thaw had set in it was muddy and cold the ice on the river broke and the roads became impassible for days neither Provisions for the men nor fod for the horses had been

Issued as no transports could arrive the men dispersed about the abandoned and deserted Villages searching for potatoes but found few even of these everything had been eaten up and the inhabitants had all fled if any remained they were worse than Beggars and nothing more could be taken from

Them even the soldiers usually pitiless enough instead of taking anything from them often gave them the last of their rations the pavad regiment had had only two men wounded in action but had lost nearly half its men from hunger and sickness in the hospitals death was so certain that soldiers suffering from

Fever or the swelling that came from bad food preferred to remain on duty and hardly able to drag their legs went to the front rather than to the hospitals when spring came on the soldiers found a plant just showing out of the ground that looked like asparagus

Which for some reason they called mka’s sweetroot it was very bitter but they wandered about the field seeking it and dug it out with their Sabers and ate it though they were ordered not to do so as it was a noxious plant that spring a new disease broke

Out Among the soldiers a swelling of the arms legs and face which the doctors attributed to eating this root but in spite of all this the soldiers of denislav Squadron fed chiefly on mka’s sweet root because it was the second week that the last of the biscuits were

Being doled out at the rate of half a pound a man and the last potatoes received had sprouted and Frozen the horses also had been fed for a fortnight on Straw from the thatched roofs and had become terribly thin though still covered with toughs of felty winter hair despite this

Destitution the soldiers and officers went on living just as usual despite their pale swollen faces and tattered uniforms the hazar formed line for call kept things in order groomed their horses polished their arms brought in straw from thatched roofs in place of fod and sat down to dine around the

Cauldrons from which they rose up hungry joking about their nasty food and their hunger as usual in their spare time they lit bonfires steamed themselves before them naked smoked picked out and baked sprouting rotten potatoes told and listened to stories of pmans and suvarov’s campaigns or to Legends of

Alicia the sly or the priest’s laborer Mula the officers as usual lived in twos and threes in the roofless half ruined houses the seniors tried to collect straw and potatoes and in general food for the men the younger ones occupied themselves as before some playing cards there was plenty of money though there

Was no food some with more innocent games such as kits and Skittles the general trend of the campaign was rarely spoken of partly because nothing certain was known about it partly because there was a vague feeling that in the main it was going badly rostov lived as before with

Denisov and since their Furlow they had become more friendly than ever denisov never spoke of rostov’s family but by the tender friendship his Commander showed him rostov felt that the Elder haar’s luckless love for Natasha played a part in strengthening their friendship denisov evidently tried to expose rostov to Danger as seldom as

Possible and after an action greeted his safe return with evident Joy on one of his foraging Expeditions in a deserted and ruined Village to which he had come in search of Provisions rostov found a family consisting of an old pole and his daughter with an infant in arms they

Were half clad hungry too weak to get away on foot and had no means of obtaining a conveyance rostov brought them to his quarters placed them in his own lodging and kept them for some weeks while the old man was recovering one of his comrades talking of women began chaffing rostov saying

That he was more wiy than any of them and that it would not be a bad thing if he introduced to them the pretty Polish Girl he had saved rostov took the joke as an insult flared up and said such unpleasant things to the officer that it was all denisov

Could do to prevent a duel when the officer had gone away denisov who did not himself know what rostov’s relations with the Polish Girl might be began to upbraid him for his quickness of temper and rostov replied say what you like she is like a sister

To me and I can’t tell you how it offended me because well well for that reason denisov patted him on the shoulder and began rapidly pacing the room without looking at rostov as was his way at moments of deep feeling ah what a mad breed you wavs are

He muttered and rostov noticed tears in his eyes end of chapter 15 recording by Roger Molen War and Peace book five chapter 16 read for librivox.org by Roger Molen in April the troops were enlivened by news of The Emperor’s arrival but rostov had no chance of being present at

The review he held at bartenstein as the pavs were at the outposts far beyond that place they were Biv whacking denisov and rostov were living in an earth Hut dug out for them by the soldiers and roofed with branches and turf the Hut was made in the following

Manner which had then come into Vogue a trench was dug 3 and 1/2 ft wide 4T 8 in deep and 8 ft long at one end of the trench steps were cut out and these formed the entrance and vestibule the trench itself was the room in which the lucky ones such as the

Squadron commander had a board lying on piles at the end opposite the entrance to Serv as a table on each side of the trench the Earth was cut out to a breadth of about 2 and 1/2 ft and this did Duty for bedsteads and couches the roof was so constructed that

One could stand up in the middle of the trench and could even sit up on the beds if one Drew close to the table denisov who was living luxuriously because the soldiers of his Squadron liked him had also a board in the roof at the farther end with a piece of

Broken but mended glass in it for a window when it was very cold Embers from the solders campfire were placed on a bent sheet of iron on the steps in the reception room as denisov called that part of the Hut and it was then so warm that the officers of whom there were

Always some with denisov and rostov sat in their shirt sleeves in April rostov was on orderly Duty one morning between 7 and 8 returning after a sleepless night he sent for Embers changed his rain soaked underclothes said his prayers drank tea got warm then tidied up the things on

The table and in his own corner and his face glowing from exposure to the wind and with nothing on but his shirt lay down on his back putting his arms under his head he was pleasantly considering the probability of being promoted in a few days for his last reconing

Expedition and was awaiting denisov who had gone out somewhere and with whom he wanted to talk suddenly he heard denisov shouting in a vibrating voice behind the Hut evidently much excited rostov moved to the window to see whom he was speaking to and saw the Quarter Master top

Chinko I ordered you not to let them eat that mashka wood stuff denisof was shouting and I saw with my own eyes how lazarchuk brought some from the fields I have given the order again and again your honor but they don’t obey answered the Quarter Master rostov laid

Down again on his bed and thought complacently let him fuss and bustle now my job’s done and I’m lying down capitally he could hear that lushka that Sly bold orderly of dennisa was talking as well as the Quarter Master lushka was saying something about loaded wagons biscuits and oxen he had

Seen when he had gone out for Provisions then denisof’s Voice Was Heard shouting farther and farther away saddle second platoon where are they off to now thought rostov 5 minutes later denisov came into the Hut climbed with muddy boots on the bed lit lit his pipe furiously scattered

His things about took his leted whip buckled on his saber and went out again in answer to rostov’s inquiry where he was going he answered vaguely and crossly that he had some business let God and our great Monarch judge me afterwards said denisov going out and rostov heard the hoofs of

Several horses splashing through the mud he did not even trouble to find out where denisov had gone having got warm in his corner he fell asleep and did not leave the Hut till toward evening denisov had not yet returned the weather had cleared up and near the next

Hut two officers and a Cadet were playing SAA laughing as they threw their missiles which buried themselves in the soft mud rostov joined them in the middle of the game the officers saw some wagons approaching with 15 haars and their skinny horses behind behind them the

Wagons escorted by the hazar Drew up to the picket ropes and a crowd of hazar surrounded them there now denisov has been worrying said rostov and here are the provisions so they are said the officers won’t the soldiers be glad a little behind the hazar came denisov accompanied by two infantry

Officers with whom he was talking rostov went to meet them I warn you Captain one of the officers a short thin man evidently very angry was saying haven’t I told you I won’t give them up replied denisov you will answer for it Captain it is Mutiny seizing the transport of

One’s Own Army our men have had nothing to eat for two days and mine have had nothing for two weeks said denisov it is robbery you’ll answer for it sir said the Infantry officer raising his voice now what are you pesing me for cried denisov suddenly losing his temper

I shall answer for it and not you and you’d better not Buzz about here till you get hurt be off go he shouted at the officers very well then shouted the little officer undaunted and not riding away if you are determined to Rob I’ll go to the devil quick maah while you’re

Safe and sound and denisov turned his horse on the officer very well very well muttered the officer threateningly and turning his horse he trotted away jolting in his saddle a dog a thwi a fence a wheel dog a th a fence shouted denisov after him the most insulting expression a

Cavalryman can address to a mounted infantryman and riding up to rostov he burst out laughing I’ve taken transports from the Infantry by force he said after all can’t let our men starve the wagons that had reached the hazar had been consigned to an infantry regiment but learning from lushka that

The transport was unescorted denisov and his haars had seized it by force the soldiers had biscuits dealt out to them freely and they even shared them with the other squadrons the next day the regimental Commander sent for denisov and holding his finger spread out before his eyes

Said this is how I look at this affair I know nothing about it and won’t begin proceedings but I advise you to ride over to the staff and settle the business there in the commissariat department and if possible sign a receipt for such and such stores

Received if not as the demand was booked against an infantry regiment there will be a row and the affair may end badly from the regimental commanders denisov rode straight to the staff with a sincere desire to act on this advice in the evening he came back to

His Dugout in a state such as rostoff had never yet seen him in denisof could not speak and gasp for breath when rostov asked what was the matter he only uttered some incoherent Oaths and threats in a horse feeble voice alarmed at denisof’s condition rosov suggested that he should undress

Drink some water and send for the doctor T me for wobbery oh some more water let them T me I’ll always thrash Scoundrels and I’ll tell the emperor ice he muttered the regimental doctor when he came said it was absolutely necessary to bleed denisov a deep saucer of black blood was

Taken from his hairy arm and only then was he able to relate what had happened to him I get there began denisov now then where’s your Chief’s quarters they were pointed out pleased to wait I’ve waen 20 miles and have duties to attend to and no time to wait announce

Me very well so out comes their head Chief also took it into his head to lecture me it’s wobbley Wabi I say is not done by a man who seizes Provisions to feed his soldiers but by him who takes them to fill his own Pockets will you please be silent very

Good then he says go and give a receipt to the commissioner but your Affair will be passed on to headquarters I go to the commissioner I enter and at the table who do you think no but wait a bit who is it that’s starving us shouted denisov hitting the table with the fist

Of his newly bled arm so violently that the table nearly broke down and the tumblers on it jumped about tell yanan what so it’s you who’s starving us to death is it take this and this and I HIIT him so Pat straight on his snout ah what a what a and I started

Flashing him well I’ve had a bit of fun I can tell you cried denisov gleeful and yet angry his white teeth showing under his black mustache I’d have killed him if they hadn’t taken him away but what are you shouting for calm yourself said rosov you’ve set your arm

Bleeding aresh wait we must tie it up again denisov was bandaged up again and put to bed next day he woke calm and cheerful but at noon the agitant of the regiment came into rostov’s and denisof’s Dugout with a grave and serious face and regretfully showed them a paper

Addressed to Major denisov from the regimental commander in which inquiries were made about yesterday’s occurrence the agitant told them that the affair was likely to take a very bad turn that a court Marshal had been appointed and that in view of the severity with which marauding and insubordination were now regarded de

Ration to the ranks would be the best that could be hoped for the case as represented by the offended parties was that after seizing the transports major denisov being drunk went to the chief quartermaster and without any provocation called him a thief threatened to strike him and on

Being led out had rushed into the office and given two officials a thrashing and dislocated the arm of one of them in answer to rostov’s renewed questions denisov said laughing that he thought he remembered that some other fellas had got mixed up in it but that

It was all nonsense and rubbish and he did not in the least fear any kind of trial and that if those Scoundrels dared attack him he would give them an answer that they would not easily forget denisov spoke contemptuously of the whole matter but rostov knew him too

Well not to detect that while hiding it from others at heart he feared a Court Marshal and was worried over the affair which was evidently taking a bad turn every day letters of inquiry and notices from the court arrived and on the 1st of May denisov was ordered to

Hand the Squadron over to the next in seniority and appear before the staff of his division to explain his violence at the commissariat office on the previous day platov reconnoitered with two kasac regiments and two squadrons of hazar denisov as was his want rode out in front of the outposts parading his

Courage a bullet fired by a French Sharpshooter hit him in the fleshy part of his leg perhaps at another time denisov would not have left the regiment for so slight a wound but now he took advantage of it to excuse himself from appearing at the staff and went into

Hospital end of chapter 16 recording by Roger War and Peace book five chapter 17 read for librivox.org by Roger Molen in June the Battle of freedland was fought in which the pav lrads did not take part and after that an Armistice was proclaimed rostov who felt his friend’s absence very much having no

News of him since he left and feeling very anxious about his wound and the progress of his Affairs took advantage of the Armistice to get leave to visit denisov in hospital the hospital was in a small Prussian town that had been twice devastated by Russian and French

Troops because it was summer when it is so beautiful out in the fields the little town presented a particularly dismal appearance with its broken roofs and fences its foul streets tattered inhabitants and the sick and drunken soldiers wandering about the hospital was in a brick building with some of the window frames

And panes broken and a courtyard surrounded by the remains of a wooden fence that had been pulled to Pieces several bandaged Soldiers with pale swollen faces were sitting or walking about in the sunshine in the yard directly rostov entered the door he was enveloped by a smell of putri faction and Hospital

Air on the stairs he met a Russian army doctor smoking a cigar the doctor was followed by a Russian assistant I can’t tear myself to Pieces the doctor was saying come to marar alexovich in the evening I shall be there the assistant asked some further questions oh do the best you can isn’t

It all the same the doctor noticed rostov coming upstairs what do you want sir said the doctor what do you want the bullets having spared you do you want to try typhus this is a pest house sir how so asked rostov tyus sir it’s death to go in only

We two makev and I he pointed to the assistant keep on here some five of us doctors have died in this place when a new one comes he is done for in a week said the doctor with evident satisfaction Prussian doctors have been invited here but our allies don’t like it at

All rostov explained that he wanted to see major denisov of the hazards who was wounded I don’t know I can’t tell you sir only think I am alone in charge of three hospitals with more than 400 patients it’s well that the charitable Prussian lady send us 2 lounds of coffee

And some lint each month or we should be lost he laughed 400 sir and they’re always sending me fresh ones there are 400 a he asked turning to the assistant the assistant looked out he was evidently vexed and impatient for the talkative doctor to go maor denisov rostov said again he was

Wounded at molan dead I fancy eh MV queried the doctor in a tone of indifference the assistant however did not confirm the doctor’s words is he tall and with reddish hair asked the doctor rostov described denisof’s appearance there was one like that said the doctor as if pleased that one is

Dead I fancy however I’ll look up our list we had a list have you got it MAV maard alexovich has the list answered the assistant but if you’ll step into the officer’s Wards you’ll see for yourself he added turning to rostov ah you better not go sir said the

Doctor or you may have to stay here yourself but rostov bowed himself away from the doctor and asked the assistant to show him the way only don’t blame me the doctor shouted up after him rostov and the assistant went into the dark Corridor the smell was so

Strong here that rostov held his nose and had to pause and collect his strength before he could go on a door opened to the right and an emaciated salow man on crutches Barefoot and in underclothing limped out and leaning against the doorpost looked with glittering eyes at those who were

Passing glancing in at the door rostov saw that the sick and wounded were lying on the floor on straw and overcoats may I go in and look what is there to see said the assistant but just because the assistant evidently did not want him to go in rostov entered the solders

Ward the foul air to which he had already begun to get used in the Corridor was still stronger here it was a little different more pungent and one felt that this was where it originated in the long room brightly lit up by the sun through the large Windows

The sick and wounded lay in two rows with their heads to the walls and leaving a passage in the middle most of them were unconscious and paid no attention to the newcomers those who were conscious raised themselves or lifted their thin yellow faces and all looked intently at

Rostov with the same expression of Hope of relief reproach and envy of another’s health rostov went to the middle of the room and looking through the open doors into the two adjoining rooms saw the same thing there he stood still looking silently around he had not at all expected such a

Sight just before him almost across the middle of the passage on the bare floor lay a sick man probably a cic to judge by the cut of his hair the man lay on his back his huge arms and legs outstretched his face was purple his eyes were rolled back so that only the

Whites were seen and on his bare legs and arms which were still red the veins stood out like cords he was knocking the back of his head against the floor hoarsely uttering some word which he kept repeating rostov listened and made out the word it was drink drink a

Drink rostov glanced around looking for someone who would put this man back in his place and bring him water who looks after the sick here he asked the assistant just then a commissariat soldier a hospital orderly came in from the Next Room marching stiffly and Drew up in front of

Rostov good day your honor he shouted rolling his eyes at rostov and evidently mistaking him for one of the hospital authorities get him to his place and give him some water said rostov pointing to the cic yes your honor the soldier replied complacently and rolling his eyes more

Than ever he drew himself up still straighter but did not move no it’s impossible to do anything here thought rostov lowering his eyes and he was going out but became aware of an intense look fixed on him on his right and he turned close to the corner on an

Overcoat sat an old unshaven gray bearded Soldier as thin as a skeleton with a Stern sow face and eyes intently fixed on rosov the man’s neighbor on one side whispered something to him pointing at rostov who noticed that the old man wanted to speak to him he drew nearer

And saw that the old man had only one leg bent under him the other had been amputated above the knee his neighbor on the other side who lay motionless some distance from him with his head thrown back was a young soldier with a snub nose his pale waxing face was still

Freckled and his eyes were rolled back rostov looked at the Young Soldier and a cold chill ran down his back why this one seems he began turning to the assistant and how we’ve been begging your honor said the old Soldier his jaw quivering he’s been dead since morning after all we’re men not

Dogs I’ll send someone at once he shall be taken away taken away at once said the assistant hardly let us go your honor yes yes let us go said rostov hastily and lowering his eyes and shrinking he tried to pass unnoticed between the rows of reproachful envious

Eyes that were fixed upon him and went out of the room end of chapter 17 recording by Roger Molen Warren Beast book five chapter 18 read for librivox.org by Gemma BL going along the corridor the assistant led rosol to the officer Wards consisting of three rooms the doors of which stood open

There were beds in these rooms and the sick and wounded officers were lying or sitting on them some were walking about the rooms in hospital dressing gowns the first person Rost off met in the officer’s Ward was a thin little man with one arm who was walking about the

First room in a night Gap in hospital dressing gown with a pipe between his teeth rostoff looked at him trying to remember where he had seen him before see where we’ve met again said the little man Tash and Tash don’t you remember who gave you a lift at Shan

Gron and I’ve had a bit cut off you see he went on with a smile pointing to the empty sleeve of of his dressing gown looking for Vil diit dinov my neighbor he added when he heard who ROP wanted yeah yeah and dasan leted him into the next room from whence came

Sounds of several laughing voices how can they laugh or even live it all ear thought rosov still aware of that smell of decomposing flesh that had been so strong in the solders ward and still seeming to see fixed on him those envious Lu looks which had followed him

Out from both sides and the face of that young soldier with eyes rolled back denisov lay asleep on his bed with his head under the blanket although it was nearly noon ah was how are you how are you called out still in the same voice as in the regiment but rostoff noticed

Sadly that under this habitual ease and animation some new Sinister hidden feeling showed itself in the expression of denisof’s face in the intonations of his voice his wound though a slight one had not yet healed even now 6 weeks after he had been it his face had the

Same swollen Bor as the faces of the other hospital patients but it was not that that struck rostov what struck him was that denisov did not seem glad to see him and smiled at him un naturally he did not ask about the regiment nor about the General State of Affairs and

When Ros spoke of these matters did not listen rostov even noticed that denisof did not like to be reminded of the regiment or in general of that other free life which was going on outside the hospital he seemed to try to forget that old life and was only interested in the

Affair with the commissariat officers on rostov’s inquiry as to how the matter stood he had once produced from under his pillow a paper he had received from the commission and the rough draft of his answer to do it he became animated when he began reading his paper and

Specially Drew rostov’s attention to the stinging rejoinders he made to his enemies his Hospital companions who had gathered round rosoff a fresh arrival from the world outside gradually began to disperse as soon as denisof began reading his answer rosov noticed by their faces that all those gentlemen had

Already heard that story more than once and were tired of it only the man who had the next bed a stout anen continued to sit on his bed gloomily frowning and smoking a pipe and little one armed usin still listened shaking his head disapprovingly in the middle of the

Reading the alen interrupted denisof but what I say is he said turning to rosov it would be best simply to petition the Emperor of a paron they say great rewards will now be distributed and surely a paron would be grounded me petition the emperor exclaimed Dena

In a voice to which he tried hard to give the old energy and fire but which sounded like an expression of irritable impedence what for If I Were A wobber I would ask Mercy but I am being Court marshal for bringing wers to book let

Them Dy me I’m not afraid of anyone I’ve served the Zar and my country honorably and have not stolen and am I to be deed listen I’m waiting to them straight this is what I say if I had wed the TW away it’s certainly well written said tussen

But that’s not the point villy dmitro and he also turned R off one asked to submit and Vil dimitro doesn’t want to you know the auditor told you it was a bad business well let it be bad said denisof the auditor wrote out a petition for you continued verion and you ought

To sign it and ask this gentleman to take it no doubt he indicating rosoff has connections on the staff you won’t find a better opportunity haven’t I said I’m not going to guav denisov interrupted him went on reading his paper rostov had not the courage to persuade denov though he

Instinctively felt that the way advis by tushan and the other offices was the safest and though he would have been glad to be of service to denisof he knew his stubborn will and straightforward Hasty temper when the reading of denisof’s virulent reply which took more than an hour was over rostoff said

Nothing and he spent the rest of the day in a most dejected State of Mind amid denisof’s Hospital comrades who had rounded him telling them what he knew and listening to their stories denisof was moodily silent all the evening late in the evening when rosoff was about to

Leave he asked anof whether he had no commission for him yes wait a bit said denisov glancing round at the officers and taking his papers from under his pillow he went to the window where he had an ink pot and sat down to write it seems it’s no use knocking one’s head

Against a wall he said coming from the window and giving rosoff a large envelope and it was the petition to the emperor drawn up by the auditor in which denisof without alluding to the offenses of the commissariat officials simply asked for pardon handed in it seems he did not finish but gave a

Painfully unnatural smile end of chapter 18 War and Peace book five chapter 19 read for librivox.org by Ava horik having returned to the regiment and told the commander the State of denisof’s Affairs rostov wrote to tset with the letter to the emperor on the 13th of June the French and Russian

Emperors arrived in tilsit bis dueto had asked the important personage on whom he was in attendance to to include him in the suite appointed for the stay at tilsit I should like to see the great man he said alluding to Napoleon whom hither to he like everyone else had always called

Bonapar you are speaking of bonapar asked the general smiling Boris looked at his General inquiringly and immediately saw that he was being tested I I am speaking Prince of the Emperor Napoleon he replied the general patted him on the shoulder with a smile you’ll go far he

Said and took him to TS it with him Boris was among the few present at the Neiman on the day the two Emperors met he saw the raft decorated with Monograms saw Napoleon pass before the French guards on the farther Bank of the river saw the pensive face of the

Emperor Alexander as he sat in silence in a Tavern on the bank of the niman awaiting Napoleon’s arrival saw both Emperors get into boats and saw how Napoleon reaching the raft first stepped quickly forward to meet Alexander and held out his hand to him and how they both retired into the

Pavilion since he had begun to move in the highest circles Boris had made it his Habit to watch attentively all that went on around him and to note it down at the time of the meeting at tilsit he asked the names of those who had come with Napoleon and about the uniforms

They wore and listened attentively to words spoken by important personages at the moment the Emperors went into the Pavilion he looked at his watch and did not forget to look at it again when Alexander came out the interview had lasted an hour and 53 minutes he noted this down that same

Evening among other facts he felt to be of historic importance as the emperor Suite was a very small one it was a matter of great importance for a man who we valed his success in the service to be at tillit on the occasion of this interview between the two Emperors and having

Succeeded in this Boris felt that henceforth his position was fully assured he had not only become known but people had grown accustomed to him and accepted him twice he had executed commissions to the emperor himself so that the latter knew his face and all those at court far from cold shouldering

Him as at first when they considered him a newcomer would now have been surprised had he been absent Boris lodged with another adjutant the Polish count gilinski gilinski a poll brought up in Paris was rich and passionately fond of the French and almost every day of the

The stay at tilsit French officers of the guard and from French headquarters were dining and lunching with him and Boris on the evening of the 24th of June K gilinski arranged a supper for his French friends the guest of honor was an adom of napoleons there were also several French

Officers of the God and the page of napoleons a young lad of an an old aristocratic French family that same day rostov profiting by the darkness to avoid being recognized in civilian dress came to tilsit and went to the lodging occupied by Boris and jelinski rostov in common with the whole

Army from which he came was far from having experienced the change of feeling toward Napoleon and the French who who from being foes had suddenly become friends that had taken place at headquarters and in Boris in the Army Bonaparte and the French were still regarded with mingled feelings of

Anger contempt and fear only recently talking with one of plat of’s kak officers rostov had argued that if Napoleon were taken prisoner he would be treated not as a sovereign but as a criminal quite lately happening to meet a wounded French Colonel on the road rosov had maintained with heat that

Peace was impossible between a legitimate Sovereign and the criminal bonapar Roso was therefore unpleasantly struck by the presence of French officers in boris’s lodging dressed in uniforms he had been accustomed to see from quite a different point of view from the outposts of the flank as soon as he noticed the French

Officer who thrust his head out of the door that warlike feeling of hostility which he always experienced at the sight of the enemy suddenly seized him he stopped at the threshold and asked in Russian whether dubet Coy lived there Boris hearing a strange voice in the

Enter room came out to meet him an expression of annoyance showed itself for a moment on his face on first recognizing rostov ah it is you very glad very glad to see you he said however coming toward him with a smile but rostov had noticed his first

Impulse I have come at a bad time I think I should not have come but I have business he said coldly no I only wonder how you managed to get away from your regimen in a minute I shall be at your disposal he said answering someone who called

Him I see I am intruding rostov repeated the look of annoyance had already disappeared from boris’s face having evidently reflected and decided how to act he very quietly took both rostov’s hands and led him into the Next Room his eyes looking serenely and steadily at rostov seemed to be wailed

By something as if screen by Blue spectacles of conventionality so it seemed to rostov oh come now as if you could come at the wrong time said Boris and he led him into the room where the supper table was laid and introduced him to his guests explaining that he was not a

Civilian but a hutar officer and an old friend of his kilinski L NN La capan SS said he naming his guests rostov looked frowningly at the Frenchman bowed reluctantly and remained silent gilinski evidently did not received this new Russian person very willingly into his Circle and did not

Speak to rostov Boris did not appear to notice the constraint the newcomer produced and with the same Pleasant composure and the same ve look in his eyes with which he had met rosta tried to enliven the conversation one of the Frenchmen with the politeness characteristic of his countrymen addressed the obstinately

Turn rostov saying that the letter had probably come to tilsit to see the emperor no I came on business replied rostov briefly rostov had been out of humor from the moment he noticed the look of dissatisfaction on bis’s face and as always happens to those in a bad humor

It seemed to him that everyone regarded him with a verion and that he was in everybody his way he really was in their way for he alone took no part in the conversation which again became General the looks the visitors cast on him seemed to say and what is he sitting

Here for he rose and went up to Boris anyhow I am in your way he said in a low Tone come and talk over my business and I will go away oh no not at all said Boris but if you are tired come and lie down in my room and have a

Rest yes really they went into the little room where Boris slept Roso without sitting down began at once irritably as if Boris were to blame in some way telling him about denisof’s Affair asking him whether through his General he could and would intercede with the emperor on Dennis ‘s behalf and get denisof’s

Petition handed in when he and Boris were alone Roso felt for the first time that he could not look Boris in the face without a sense of awkwardness Boris with one leg crossed over the other and stroking his left hand with the Slender fingers of his right listen to rosov as a general

Listens to the report of a subordinate now looking as side now gazing straight into rostov’s eyes with the same veiled look each time this happened rosto felt uncomfortable and cast down his eyes I have heard of such cases and know that his majesty is very severe in such

Affairs I think it would be best not to bring it before the emperor but to apply to the commander of the corpse but in General I think so you don’t want to do anything well then say so rostov almost shouted not looking Boris in the face Boris

Smiled on the contrary I will do what I can only I thought at that moment gilinsky’s Voice Was Heard calling Boris well then go go go said rostov and refusing supper and remaining alone in the little room room he walked up and down for a long time hearing the light-hearted French conversation from

The Next Room end of chapter 19 recording by Ava hanik Pedra Florida no War and Peace book five chapter 20 recording by Ava horik rostov had come to tset the day least suitable for a petition on denisof’s behalf he could not himself go to the General in attendance as he was

In muy and had come to tilsit without permission to do so and Boris even had he wished to could not have done so on the following day on that day June 27 the preliminaries of Peace were signed the Emperors exchanged decorations Alexander received the cross of the Legion of Honor and Napoleon of

The order of S Andrew of the first degree and the dinner had been arranged for the evening given by a battalion of the French guards to the prens Battalion the Emperors were to be present at that banquet rostoff felt so ill at ease and uncomfortable with Boris that when the

Latter looked in after supper he pretended to be asleep and early next morning went away avoiding bodies in his civilian clothes and the round hat he wandered about the town staring at the French and their uniforms and at the streets and houses where the Russian and French Emperors were staying in a square

He saw tables being set up and preparations made for the dinner he saw the Russian and French colors draped from side to side on the streets with huge Monograms A and N in the windows of the houses also flags and buting were displayed Boris doesn’t want to help me

And I don’t want to ask him that is settled s Nicholas all is over between us but I won’t leave here without having done all I can for denisov and certainly not without getting his letter to the emperor the emperor he’s here s rostov who had unconsciously returned to the

House house where Alexander lodged settled horses were standing before the house and the site were assembling evidently preparing for the emperor to come out I may see him at any moment s rostov if only I were to hand a letter direct to him and tell him all could they

Really arrest me for my civilian clothes surely not he would understand on whose side Justice lies he understands everything knows everything who can be more just more magnanimous than he and even if they did arrest me for being here what would it matter thought he looking at an officer who was entering

The house the emperor occupied after all people do go in it is all nonsense I will go in and hand a letter to the emperor myself so much the worse for duety who drives me to it and suddenly with a determination he himself did not expect rostoff felt for the

Letter in his pocket and went straight to the house no I won’t miss my opportunity now as I did after asit he sought expecting every moment to meet the monarch and conscious of the blood that rushed to his heart at the S I will fall at his feet and beseech

Him he will lift me up will listen and will even thank me I am happy when I can do good but to remedy Injustice is the greatest happiness rosto fancied The Sovereign saying and passing people who looked after him with curiosity he entered the porch of The Emperor’s

House a broad staircase LED straight up from the entry and to the right he saw a closed door below Under the Staircase was a door leading to the lower floor whom do you want someone inquired to hand in a letter a petition to his majesty said Nicholas with a Tremor in

His voice a petition this way to the officer on duty he was shown the door leading downstairs only it won’t be accepted on hearing this indifferent voice rostov grew frightened at what he was doing the S of meeting the emperor at any moment was so fascinating and consequently so alarming that he was

Ready to run away but the official who had questioned him opened the door and rosov entered a short Stout man of about 30 in white breaches and high boots and a batist shirt that he had evidently only just put on standing in that room and his

Valet was buttoning on to the back of his breaches a new pair of handsome silk embroidered braces that for some reason attracted rostov’s attention this man was speaking to someone in the adjoining room a good figure and in her first Bloom he was saying but on seeing rostov

He stopped short and frowned what is it a petition what is it asked the person in the other room another petitioner answered the man with the braces tell him to come later he will be coming out directly we must go later later tomorrow it is too late rostoff turned and was

About to go but the man in the braces stopped him whom have you come from who are you I come from major denisov answered rostov are you an officer leftenant count rostov what audacity hand it in through your commander and go along with you go and he continued to put on the uniform

The Val handed him rosta went back into the hall and noticed that in the porch there were many officers and Generals in full parade uniform whom he had to pass cursing his edity his heart sinking at the thought of finding himself at any moment face to face with the emperor and

Being put to shame and arrested in his presence Fully Alive now to the impropriety of his conduct and repenting of it rostov with downcast eyes was making his way out of the house through the brilliant Suite when a familiar voice called him and the Hand detained

Him what are you doing here sir in civilian dress asked a deep voice it was a Cavalry General who had obtained the emperor’s special favor during this campaign and who had formerly commanded the division in which rostov was serving rostov in dismay began justifying himself but seeing the kindly

Jular face of the general he took him aside and in an excited voice told him the whole Affair asking him to intercede For denisov Whom the general knew having heard rostov to the end the general shook his head Gravely I am sorry sorry for that fine fellow give me the

Letter hardly had rostov handed him the letter and finished explaining denisof’s case when Hasty steps and the jingling of Spurs were heard on the stairs and the general leaving him went to the porch the gentleman of the emperor SU run down the stairs and went to their

Horses Hayne the same groom who had been at orits led up the emperor’s horse and the faint Creek of a footstep new at Once Was Heard on the stairs forgetting the danger of being recognized rosov went close to the porch together with some inquisitive civilians and again after 2 years saw all those

Features he adored that same face and same look and step and the same Union of majesty and mildness and the feeling of enthusiasm and love for his Sovereign rose again in Rost of soul in all its old force in the uniform of the preens regiment white sham Lea breaches and high boots and

Wearing a star rostov did not know it was that of the Legion donor the Monarch came out into the porch putting on his gloves and carrying his hat under his arm he stopped and looked about him brightening everything around by his glance he spoke a few words to some of

The generals and recognizing the former commander of rostov’s division smiled and beckoned to him all the sweet Drew back and rostov saw the general talking for some time to the emperor the emperor said a few words to him and took a step toward his horse again the crowd of members of the

Site and Street gazers among whom was rostov moved nearer to the emperor stopping beside his horse with his hand on the saddle the emperor ER turned to the Cavalry General and said in a loud voice evidently wishing to be heard by all I cannot do it General I cannot

Because the law is stronger than I and he raised his foot to the sterup the general bowed his head respectfully and the Monarch mounted and rode down the street at a Gallop beside himself with enthusiasm rosof run after him with the crowd end of chapter 20 recording by Ava harik bont Vedra

Florida war in Peace book 5 chapter 21 read for librivox.org by Robie Rogers the emperor rode to the square where facing one another a battalion of the prience regiment stood on the right and a battalion of the French guards in their bare skinn caps on the left as

Cesar rode up to one flank of the battalions which presented arms another group of Horsemen galloped up to the opposite flank and at the head of them rosov recognized Napoleon it could be no one else he came at a Gallop wearing a small hat a blue uniform over a white

Vest and the saint Andrew ribbon over his shoulder he was riding a very fine Thoroughbred gray Arab horse with a crimson gold embroidered saddle cloth on approaching Alexander he raised his hat and as he did so rostov with his Calvary man’s eye could not help noticing that

Napoleon did not sit well or firmly in the saddle the Battalion shouted hurrah and Viv ler Napoleon said something to Alexander and both Emperors dismounted and took each other’s hands Napoleon’s face wore an unpleasant and artificial smile Alexander was saying something affable to him in spite of the trampling

Of the French je dar’s horses which were pushing back the crowd rosov kept his eye on every movement of Alexander and bonapart it struck him as a surprise that Alexander treated bonapart as an equal and that the latter was quite at ease with thear as if such relations

With an emperor were an everyday matter to him Alexander Napoleon with the long train of their Suites approached the right flank of the prahan Battalion and came straight up to the crowd standing there the crowd unexpectedly found itself so close to the Emperors that rostov standing in the front row was

Afraid he might be recognized sire I ask your permission to present the Legion of Honor to the bravest of your soldiers said a sharp precise voice articulating every letter this was said by the undersized Napoleon looking up straight into Alexander’s eyes Alexander listened attentively to what was said to him and

Bending his head smiled pleasantly to him who has born himself most bravely in this last war added Napoleon accentuating every syllable as with a composure and Assurance exasperating to rostov he ran his eyes over the Russian ranks drawn up before him who all presented arms with her eyes fixed on

Their Emperor will your majesty allow me to consult the colonel said Alexander and took a few Hasty steps towards Prince klovski the commander of the Battalion bonapart meanwhile began taking the glove off his small white hand tore it in doing so and threw it away a a to Camp behind him rushed

Forward and picked it up to whom shall it be given the emperor Alexander asked klovski in Russian in a low voice to whomever your majesty commands the emperor knit his brows with dissatisfaction and glancing back remarked but but we must give him an answer klovski scanned the ranks

Resolutely and included rosov in a scrutiny can it be me thought rostov lazarev the colonel crawled with a frown and lazarev the first soldier in the rank stepped briskly forward where are you off to stop here voices whispered to lazarev who did not know where to go lazarev stopped casting a sidelong look

At his colonel in alarm his face twitched as often happens to soldiers call before the ranks Napoleon slightly turned his head and put his plump little hand out behind him as if to take something the members of his suite guessing at once what he wanted moved about and whispered as they passed

Something from one to another and a paig the same one rosov had seen the previous evening at boris’s ran forward and bowing respectfully over the outstretched hand and not keeping it waiting a moment laid in it an order on a red ribbon Napoleon without looking pressed two fingers together and the

Badge was between them then he approached lazarev who rolled his eyes and persistently gazed at his own Monarch looked around at Emperor Alexander to imply that what he was doing was done for the sake of his Ally and the small white hand holding the order touched one of lazarev’s buttons

It was as if Napoleon knew that it was only necessary for his hand to Dain to touch that soldier’s breast for the Soldier to be forever happy rewarded and distinguished from everyone else in the world Napoleon merely laid the cross on lazarev’s breast and dropping his hand turned towards Alexander as though sure

That the cross would adhere there and it really did officious hands Russian and French immediately seized the cross and fastened it to the uniform lazarev glanced morosely at the little man with the white hands who was doing something to him and still Still Standing motionless presenting arms looked again

Straight into Alexander’s eyes as if asking whether he should stand there or go away or do something else but receiving no orders he remained for some time in that rigid position the Emperors remounted and rode away the preens Battalion breaking rank mingled with the French guards and sat down at the tables

Prepared for them lazarev sat in a place of honor Russian and French officers embraced him congratulated him and pressed his hands crowds of officers and civilians Drew near merely to see him a rumble of French and Russian voices and laughter fill the air around the tables in the Square two officers with flushed

Faces looking cheerful and happy passed by rostov what do you think of the treat all on Silver Plate one of them was saying have you seen lazarev I have tomorrow I hear the prensky will give them a dinner yes but what luck for lazarev 1,00 Franks pension for Life

Here’s a cap Lads shouted a prens soldier Dawning a Shaggy French cap it’s a fine thing First Rate have you heard the password asked one guards officer of another the day before yesterday it was Napoleon France bravour yesterday Alexander rusi grandor one day our emperor gives it and the next day

Napoleon tomorrow our emperor will send a St George’s cross to the bravest of the French guards it has to be done he must respond in kind Boris too with his friend zalinski came to see the pran’s banquet on his way back he noticed rostov standing by the corner of a house

Rostov how do you do we missed one another he said and could not refrain from asking what was the matter so strangely dismal and troubled was rostov’s face nothing nothing replied rostov you’ll call around yes I will rostov stood at that corner for a long time watching The Feast from a distance

In his mind a painful process was going on which he could not bring to a conclusion terrible doubts Rose in his soul now he remembered denisov with his changed expression his submission and the whole hospital with arms and legs torn off in its dirt and disease so

Vividly did he recall a hospital stench of dead flesh that he looked around to see where the smell came came from next he thought of that self-satisfied bonapart with the small white hand who was now an emperor liked and respected by Alexander then why those severed arms

And legs and those dead men then again he thought of lazerov rewarded and denisov punished and unpardonably he had to get something to eat before going away he went to a hotel he had noticed that morning there he found so many people among them officers who like himself had come in civilian

Clothes that he had difficulty in getting a dinner two officers of his own division joined him the conversation naturally turned on the piece the officers his comrades like most of the army were dissatisfied with the piece concluded after the battle of Freeland they said that had we held out a little

Longer Napoleon would have been done for as his troops had neither Provisions nor ammunition Nicholas ate and drank chiefly the latter in silence he finished a couple of bottles of wine by himself the process in his mind went on tormenting him without reaching a conclusion he feared to give way to his

Thoughts yet could not get rid of them suddenly on one of the officers saying that it was humiliating to look at the French rostov began shouting with uncalled for Wrath and therefore much to the surprise of the officers how can you judge what’s best he cried the blood

Suddenly rushing to his face how can you judge the emperor’s actions what right have we to argue we cannot comprehend either the emperor’s aims or his actions but I never said a word about the emperor said the officer justifying himself and unable to understand rostov’s Outburst except on the

Supposition that he was drunk but rostov did not listen to him we not not diplomatic officers we’re soldiers and nothing more he went on if we’re ordered to die we must die if we’re punished it means that we have deserved it it’s not for us to judge if the emperor pleases

To recognize bonapart as Emperor and to conclude an alliance with him it means that it is the right thing to do if once we begin judging and arguing about everything nothing sacred will be left that way we shall be saying there is no God nothing shouted Nicholas banging the

Table very little to the point as it seemed to his listeners but quite relevantly to the courses of his own thoughts our business is to do our duty to fight and not to think that’s all he said and to drink said one of the officers not wishing to quarrel yes and

To drink ascended Nicholas hello there another bottle he shouted in 1808 the emperor Alexander went to erford for a fresh interview with the Emperor Napoleon and in the upper Circles of Petersburg there was much talk of the grander of this important meeting end of chapter 21 war in Peace book five chapter 22

Read for librivox.org by Riner in 09 the intimacy between the world’s two Arbiters as Napoleon and Alexander were called was such that when Napoleon declared war in Austria a Russian corpse crossed the frontier to cooperate with our old enemy bonapart against our old Ali the Emperor of Austria and in court circles the

Possibility of marriage between Napoleon and one of Alexandra sisters was spoken of but besides considerations of foreign policy the attention of Russian Society was at that time keenly directed on the internal changes that were being undertaken in all the Departments of government life meanwhile real life with its essential interests of health and

Sickness toil and rest and its intellectual interests in thought science poetry music Love friendship hatred and passions went on as usual independently of and apart from political friendship or enmity with Napoleon bonapart and from all the schemes of reconstruction end of chapter 22 end of War and Peace book five by Leo tolto

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