The Emperor is said to have taken the petition in good faith and to have ordered that Kapnist be dispatched forthwith to Siberia.

But after dinner his wrath cooled (the petitioners had even declared that the comedy flagrantly jeered at the monarchical power), and he began to doubt the justice of his command.

He ordered the piece to be played that very evening in the Hermitage Theater (in the Winter Palace).

Only he and the Grand Duke Alexander (afterwards Alexander I.), were present at the performance.

After the first act the Emperor, who had applauded incessantly, sent the first state courier he could put his hand on to bring Kapnist back on the instant.