The Battle of Borodino, with the subsequent occupation of Moscow and the flight of the French, without new battles, is one of the most instructive phenomena of history. All historians agree that the external activity of states and peoples, in their clashes with each other, is expressed by wars; that directly, as a result of greater or lesser success of the military, increases or decreases the political power of states and peoples. Strange as the historical descriptions of how any king or emperor,...

"But it couldn't have been him, alone in the middle of this empty field," thought Rostov. At that time Alexander turned his head and Rostov saw his favorite traits so vividly embedded in his memory. The Emperor was pale, his cheeks fell in and his eyes fell in; but the more charming, the more meek he was. Rostov was happy to see that the rumor of the King's canola was unjust. He was happy to see him. He knew that he could, even had to turn directly to him and convey what was ordered to him from Dolgorukov...