Война и мир

Chapter 10

           Thiswasshownnotsomuchbythearrangementsitmadeforcrossingasbywhattookplaceatthebridges.Whenthebridgesbrokedown,unarmedsoldiers,peoplefromMoscowandwomenwithchildrenwhowerewiththeFrenchtransport,all—carriedonbyvisinertiæ—pressedforwardintoboatsandintotheice-coveredwateranddidnotsurrender.

           Thatimpulsewasreasonable.Theconditionoffugitivesandofpursuerswasequallybad.Aslongastheyremainedwiththeirownpeopleeachmighthopeforhelpfromhisfellowsandthedefiniteplaceheheldamongthem.Butthosewhosurrendered,whileremaininginthesamepitifulplight,wouldbeonalowerleveltoclaimashareinthenecessitiesoflife.TheFrenchdidnotneedtobeinformedofthefactthathalftheprisoners—withwhomtheRussiansdidnotknowwhattodo—perishedofcoldandhungerdespitetheircaptors’desiretosavethem;theyfeltthatitcouldnotbeotherwise.ThemostcompassionateRussiancommanders,thosefavorabletotheFrench—andeventheFrenchmenintheRussianservice—coulddonothingfortheprisoners.TheFrenchperishedfromtheconditionstowhichtheRussianarmywasitselfexposed.ItwasimpossibletotakebreadandclothesfromourhungryandindispensablesoldierstogivetotheFrenchwho,thoughnotharmful,orhated,orguilty,weresimplyunnecessary.SomeRussiansevendidthat,buttheywereexceptions.

           CertaindestructionlaybehindtheFrenchbutinfronttherewashope.Theirshipshadbeenburned,therewasnosalvationsaveincollectiveflight,andonthatthewholestrengthoftheFrenchwasconcentrated.

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