Page 1716 - war-and-peace

‘But what do you think, Daniel Terentich? Doesn’t it look
as if that glow were in Moscow?’ remarked one of the foot-
men.
Daniel Terentich made no reply, and again for a long
time they were all silent. The glow spread, rising and fail-
ing, farther and farther still.
‘God have mercy.... It’s windy and dry...’ said another
voice.
‘Just look! See what it’s doing now. O Lord! You can even
see the crows flying. Lord have mercy on us sinners!’
‘They’ll put it out, no fear!’
‘Who’s to put it out?’ Daniel Terentich, who had hitherto
been silent, was heard to say. His voice was calm and delib-
erate. ‘Moscow it is, brothers,’ said he. ‘Mother Moscow, the
white...’ his voice faltered, and he gave way to an old man’s
sob.
And it was as if they had all only waited for this to realize
the significance for them of the glow they were watching.
Sighs were heard, words of prayer, and the sobbing of the
count’s old valet.

1716 War and Peace