November, 1877. Science Museum, London. Exhibition of archeological finds.
William Gladstone approached one of the twenty-four showcases with ancient artifacts.
A lot of time, efforts he has expended, promoting opening of this exhibition.
Numerous visitors gave the opportunity to come near the display case.
All became silent.
All were waiting for opinion of the connoisseur of Homer, the author of books on theological and church questions.
Suddenly the British officer has spoken, which also was standing next to a showcase. He in appearance already had combat experience.
- Or - victories, or - the fate of archaeological finds, - the officer has formulated the thought briefly - as in an army.
Visitors of an exhibition with amazement have translated views to the officer.
William Gladstone looked at the officer with interest.
The officer, encouraged by general amazement, has continued:
- Archeologists are useful. Asia. Egypt and Arabia. Diaries. Topography. Exploring the terrain. Knowledge of languages and history. Magnificent exhibition! Britain again ahead!
The officer has kindly looked at William Gladston, has slightly inclined the head. Then for a second he was before William Gladstone on standing at attention.
"How many efforts were required to cancel practice of sale of officer patents, but tried not in vain", - William Gladstone has thought.
Aloud he has spoken:
- The commitment of the people, the common people to the throne and Britain is more valuable than the Army and Navy, gold and silver. It is honor and glory of the country. This exhibition, the first in the history the public exposition of unusual archaeological finds, exhibition, which can be visited by any Briton and guest of our state, makes honor to our country and serves the benefit of science!
In 1883 in the second premiership of William Gladstone the officer has been attached to the Egyptian army, held important posts. And in 1892 (this year W. Gladstone became a prime minister for the fourth time) the officer has held a position of "sirdar", that is the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian army.
In the winter of 1888, two European scientists with research goals swam on a hired yacht up the Nile.
Suddenly their yacht has been shooted from the coast. There was a danger of capture and the yacht, and crew, and scientists.
At a critical moment, like magic, appeared the gunboat with the British crew, which forced the attackers to retreat.
The shot from the ship cannon could be reviewed and as a way of the help, and as a cannon's salute.
One of scientists, been talking in half an hour with the the British lieutenant, commander of the gunboat, has said:
-Your face is familiar to me, Mr. Lieutenant. It seems to me You - at that time still the young man - were ten years ago among visitors at an exhibition of ancient treasures in the Science Museum, London.
- Yes, sir, - the Lieutenant has answered, - at that time I still studied. But at the first opportunity I have visited this remarkable exposition. And the Governor of Provinces - and all of us - remember the impression, was made by treasures. We try to get acquainted with new archaeological achievements and new book publications.
- The science moves forward! - the scientist has noted, having politely inclined the head.
The assistant to the commander of the gunboat joined the conversation with the scientist:
- I will note, sir, that we under a big impression both of discoveries, and of books, and of intensive development of archeology. Your example of maintaining diaries is very interesting to us. And we prepare our diaries for the publication. Perhaps, they will be interesting both to public, and to outstanding scientists. Indicative names: "The Diary of the Navy officer" and "The Sudanese diary".
- I believe that the publication of the book "Battles on the River" - an event of the close future, - the commander of the gunboat has added.
Having discussed plans of safe return of the yacht toward the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the scientist has added: "The archaeological collection is replenished. I hope for the common meeting in the updated museum halls with an expanded exposition of ancient values!".
February 02, 2017 - March 03, 2017.
Translation from Russian into English: January 19, 2018 14:40.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский 'Сказка об Уильяме Гладстоне и о выставке'.
CIV. The Short Story about the Bottom
The religious protagonist in a pit sits. Together with the wife. It's damp, cold, heavy.
He have decided to distract. He have turned on the laptop. Have gone out in Internet.
Browse: news. The fight. The incident. The razborka. "u-u-Yes...". The Molotov cocktail ... "Is what cocktail, the wife? To which in long dresses come?" What to answer the wife? She jokes in reply: "In clothes black ...".
The religious protagonist looks further: website of newspaper. On the first page even the writer - classic is represented. Russian-Soviet. The protagonist has remembered: "At the bottom". He have sighed. He have gained strength, He have begun to read.
"We, such-those, support!..."
The wife has approached, has looked because of a back onto the screen: "How long, father?"
From surprise the religious protagonist has lost the speech. The question was left without answer.
January 19, 2018 23:15
Translation from Russian into English: January 19, 2018 23:36.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский 'Рассказ о дне'.
CV. The Tale of a Timely Guidance
Mathilda Kschessinskaya wearily went across evening St. Petersburg. There night was coming. She has turned the head and has seen the low person overtaking her. On the person there was a cap, his cheek has been tied up by bandage. Apparently, his teeth were sore.
The experience of theatrical activity allowed Kschessinskaya to know the person despite the actor's makeup. She has understood that Vladimir Ilyich Lenin is walking near her.
Matilda Kschessinskaya has understood that she will have no second such opportunity.
- Vladimir Ilyich! - she has exclaimed. - I ask You, listen to me! One second.
Lenin has turned the head and has watchfully looked at her, nothing without answering.
Mathilda Kschessinskaya has decided to show persistence:
- Vladimir Ilyich! We are cultural people! Remember your trips across Paris by bicycle!
Lenin has looked at Kschessinskaya more benevolently.
- Here look, Vladimir Ilyich, I have a decision of magistrate's court on return of my palace to me! You always were for the democratic republic! And the republic is a law!
- Nadezhda Konstantinovna, comrade Kschessinskaya, deals with questions of culture, - at last Lenin has said. - I recommend to you to address her.
- Where will I find Nadezhda Konstantinovna? She is a professional revolutionary. I also have met you by chance. And I need to live somewhere!
- Don't You want to address Nadezhda Konstantinovna, so?... - Lenin has said. - Well. Time You such persistent, I will render You assistance.
He took out a piece of paper and a pencil. He have written on a leaf: "In hundred years. Twice two - four".
- Contact, comrade Kschessinskaya, with this note. The palace, maybe won't be return, but will call You a public figure with all the ensuing consequences... Film about You will produce...
Lenin has stopped and is attentive, with value, has looked in Kshesinskaya's face:
- And now I hurry, comrade Kschessinskaya. To You, as to the Parisian, I have found so much time how many I could. Comrade Uritsky waits! He has already started motors!
Kschessinskaya in horror has instinctively groped a handbag with the remained gifts.