tsar paul i
in russian imperial palace, while tsar paul sleeps, dalliance between 2 courtiers ends shriek wakens tsar. enraged, demands officials produce culprit or face banishment life. meanwhile, clerk s slip of pen while compiling military duty roster results in inclusion in list of fictitious officer, lieutenant kijé . when tsar inspects list intrigued name, , asks officer presented him. court officials terrified of tsar admit mistake has been made, , in dilemma until occurs them blame kijé nocturnal disturbance. inform tsar, duly orders imaginary lieutenant flogged , sent siberia.
when real culprit confesses, kijé pardoned tsar , reinstated in imperial court rank of colonel. courtiers, in fear of tsar, forced extend creation s phantom career; thus, supposedly marries princess gagarina, after tsar grants him lands , money , promotes him general , commander of army. when paul demands kijé s immediate presence, cornered officials announce general kijé has, unfortunately, died. lavish funeral held, full military honours. parsimonious tsar demands return of kijé s fortune, told courtiers kijé has spent money on high living—in fact, have stolen it. tsar denounces kijé thief, , posthumously demotes him general private.
Comments
Post a Comment