" How can you judge the Emperor's actions? What right have we to argue? We cannot comprehend either the Emperor's aims or his actions!" "But I never said a word about the Emperor!" said the officer, justifying himself, and unable to understand Rostov's outburst, except on the supposition that he was drunk.

But Rostov did not listen to him.

"We are not diplomatic officials, we are soldiers and nothing more," he went on.