118 исторических миниатюр и 108 авторских текстов на 13 иностранных языках. Сборник (СИ)

Gorky and his interlocutors were gradually exempting from some embarrassment.

Taking the book in hand, Gorky has summed up the result of discussion:

- 'Read historical literature! Read Tarle, misters!'

He have drunk several sips of coffee.

May 17, 2017.

Translation from Russian into English: 22 November 2017 07:45

Владимир Владимирович Залесский 'Сказка об академике Тарле'.

LV. The Tale about Talleyrand

The weather in Petersburg was good. Florenty Pavlenkov has gone to Strelka, the easternmost tip of Vasilyevsky Island. Here he saw on the bench, facing the sea, Andrei Kamensky and Christian Insarov.

Florenty Fyodorovich sat down next to them.

- 'Misters! We - more precisely, you - prepare books about Prime Minister Gladstone and about the prince Metternich. And what do you think of a plan to publish the book about prince Talleyrand?'

- 'The outstanding person, the outstanding political figure, the outstanding diplomat.' - has reacted Insarov. - 'Like Clemens Ventsel Lothar Metternich, Charles Maurice Talleyrand - from an ancient aristocratic family. Talleyrand's ancestors "are found" in the history of France since the 10th century.'

Kamensky tilted his head slightly in assent. He has considered it expedient to begin the presentation of ideas with Gladstone:

- 'The ancestors of William Ewart Gladstone lived during the reign of king Edward I (XIII century), they were knights.

But since then the circumstances have changed: the family has become poor, the estate has been sold, and the great-grandfather of the "current" Gladstone is already engaged in the trade of malt in a Scottish town.

And his grandfather, Thomas Gladstone, moved to tthe port of Leith late in the last century and conducted a fairly extensive trade there bread. He made a fortune, he amassed wealth, he endowed 16 children with a decent inheritance.'

Having explained Gladston's origin, Kamensky has added:

- 'Both Gladston, and Talleyrand studied theology. In different scale, of course. Talleyrand has got an education in seminary of Saint-Sulpice.

If about the childhood, school and student's days Gladstone we have certain data, then we know little about the childhood and years of study of Talleyrand.

One can assume with certainty: in the Seminary was taught is not bad. Generally not bad. And the more so well historical disciplines were studied.

I think, that Talleyrand since the time of his studies in seminary has learned: after the revolution is most likely will come an era of instability, the changes in government, the changes of ruling groups. And for this period of post-revolutionary political turbulence several dozens of years will be spend.'

- 'For most historical examples of this scheme is - correct.' - Florenty Pavlenkov has spoken. - 'One can make a presumable conclusion: Talleyrand well learned history in youth and therefore he has lived successful life.

Please note, gentlemen, that Talleyrand is among successful statesmen. Why am I doing this accent? Yes, because many prominent people have received the life's knockdowns and knockouts. But Talleyrand was free from such event in his life.'

- 'There is a legend,' - Kamensky have remembered , - 'that Napoleon, accusing Talleyrand of alleged state treason, tried to strike him blow. But Talleyrand took a step back. And the blow hasn't taken place.'

Pavlenkov has with astonishment looked on Kamensky.

-'There are quite a number of allegations made against the Talleyrand in treason, self-interest, perfidy.' - Insarov has specified. - 'In general, he acquired the glory of a wicked man. Allegedly for the life he has brought 14 oaths, contradicting one to another. However, the more the person is known widely, the more chances he has to earn the reputation of "vicious". A well-known person is examined under a microscope. I don't remember, for example, that someone accused Talleyrand in murder or in the personal directive to commit murder. More he is reproached in inconstancy. In personal and political treacheries. In deception.

However, the biased a history enthusiast may come to a conclusion that it was during the period of the most bloody Napoleonic wars that Talleyrand resigned in 1807. Ostensibly Talleyrand did not want to be a "hangman of Europe" ...

Perhaps we can talk about indirect involvement of Talleyrand to the persecution of revolutionaries and Bonapartists after returning in 1814 to power of the Bourbon dynasty. Talleyrand, returned to power, saved from the repression of at least forty-three of the persecuted. But, naturally, not all - those, who fell under the repressions.

Then on September 24, 1815, Talleyrand resigned. Got out of the game again.'

- 'Talleyrand's tendency to treachery is a widespread point of view.' - Pavlenkov has said.