Also unexpectedly, as he has appeared, has gone to an exit from cafe-library.

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.

- 'It is possible to state the judgment opposite to this developed opinion.' - Kamensky have specified. - 'In the literature there is an opposition of a white cockade and Tricolore. But do not forget that with the offer to revolutionary citizens to use a cockarde three-colored - red-white-blue - the marquis de Lafayette made an initiative (white - the "ancient French colour").

Red and blue are the colors of Paris (and revolutionaries in day of storm of the Bastille have used these colors). And white is the color of French monarchy. (Gold lilies on a white background were an old royal flag). Since 1790 the French flag - a tricolor - has appeared. [The flag of France since 1794 (interruption 1815-30).]

The Tricolour has been redesigned - but not essentially, and it remains the flag of France still.

Thus, Talleyrand and in option of a white cockarde, and in option of a Tricolore - but in both cases was a supporter white.'

- 'When the insurgent people were storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789,' - Insarov has added, - 'Talleyrand has arrived in the royal palace at night and begged the king's brother to begin armed resistance. That brother has gone to the king.

It has become clear that the king has decided not to shed blood. Talleyrand, having learned about refusal of the king of vigorous fight, commented that "each of us needs to think only of own interests". The clear statement. And a forced statement. What treachery or perfidy?'

- 'An interesting picture,' - said Pavlenko. - 'Since the times of learning he was convinced that almost certainly behind the revolution will be followed by a long period of instability. And in 1789 Talleyrand from first hands - from the brother of the king - receives information that the revolution has become a fact. Therefore, all his subsequent life went with understanding that any political regime - temporary, any government - temporary.'