Peter the Great

by Robert K. Massie

But Korb and his colleagues quickly found that the formality of this welcome was only a façade. In fact, Peter could not tolerate official functions of this kind, and when forced to participate he became awkward and confused. Dressed in ceremonial finery, standing or sitting on the throne, listening to newly accredited ambassadors, was painful for him and he would breathe heavily, grow red in the face and perspire. He considered, as Korb was to learn, that it was “a barbarous and inhuman law enacted against kings alone that prevented them from enjoying the society of mankind.” He rejected such laws and dined and talked with his companions, with German officers, with merchants, with ambassadors of foreign countries—in short, with anyone he liked. When he was ready to eat, no flourishes of trumpets sounded. Instead, someone shouted, “The Tsar wants to eat!” Then, meat and drink were placed on the table in no special order, and each reached for what he wanted.