TOLSTOI’S TITLE.
A Russian newspaper tells the follow ing historical anecdote of the origin of the Tolstoi title.
4. sentinel had been posted in front of a door • before the Tsar’s private Quarters. Some prince came sanntening along, and wanted to pass. “Sorts" said the guard, “ the Little Father has given me personal instructions not to let anyone pass I ” The Prince,’ furious, beat him and. started to curse and when the door opened and Peter the Great appeared. “Whatfs all this noise!” he asked. The.soldier sainted, and the Prince bowed deeply and gave on explanation. “ This chevalier has given you a_ beating because you carried out my orders,” said the Tsar. « Here, take my. stick, and take your revenge.” “ Impossible, Majesty I The man is a vulgar soldier, objected the Prince, “All right,” said Peter, “I make him a general. ’ “ Jour Majesty - cannot be serious. I am a nobleman, and this man. 18 , a peasant.” “I make Mm a Count," v said Peter, and turning to the sentinel he added; “Beat him till he can’t walk. You -are beating yonr equaL” The soldier executed the Tsar’s command. The next day he received notifiestion of an Imperial ukase appointing Mm general in the army and Count. One of his descendants, the great Leon Tolstoi, did all in his power to get rid of the Count’s title. -
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19300616.2.78
Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 21053, 16 June 1930, Page 10
Word Count
226TOLSTOI’S TITLE. Otago Daily Times, Issue 21053, 16 June 1930, Page 10
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