The courtiers explained the Emperor's neglect of him by His Majesty's displeasure at Bolkonski's not having served since 1805.

"I know myself that one cannot help one's sympathies and antipathies," thought Prince Andrew, "so it will not do to present my proposal for the reform of the army regulations to the Emperor personally, but the project will speak for itself.

" He mentioned what he had written to an old field marshal, a friend of his father's.

The field marshal made an appointment to see him, received him graciously, and promised to inform the Emperor.