The Emperor said a few words to him and took a step toward his horse.

Again the crowd of members of the suite and street gazers (among whom was Rostov) moved nearer to the Emperor.

Stopping beside his horse, with his hand on the saddle, the Emperor turned to the cavalry general and said in a loud voice, evidently wishing to be heard by all: "I cannot do it, General.

I cannot, because the law is stronger than I," and he raised his foot to the stirrup.