Content preview:
Slave of Peter the Great
Peter's iron will
Changed Russia.
Niyazov. ①
(1) Yazkov (1803-1847), a Russian poet. The two poems here are quoted from his novel Allah.
chapter one
I didn't start living until I got to Paris, not just living.
From Dmitrieff's Travel Miscellanies (1)
Among the young people sent abroad by Peter the Great to study the knowledge necessary to transform the country, one is his godson, the black Ibrahim. He studied at the Paris Military Academy and was awarded the rank of artillery captain when he graduated. He made his mark in the Spanish War and returned to Paris after being seriously injured. Despite his busy schedule, Peter the Great kept asking about his beloved son and always heard flattering reports praising his son's behavior and achievements. Peter was very satisfied with him and called him to Russia many times, but Ibrahim was in no hurry. He made excuses. Sometimes he said he wanted to rest, sometimes he wanted to further his studies, and sometimes he said he didn't have enough money. Peter accommodated him, agreed to his request, told him to take care of himself, expressed envy for his eagerness to learn, and sent him money from his frugal expenses. In addition to those gold coins, he also sent him advice on fatherhood and advice on preventing disasters before they happen.
1) Dmitrieff (1760- 1837), Russian poetry. ...