CHAPTER XII
This affair of the fifes and drums was a notable one, because it led to the first revolt of young Peter against the authority of his sister and her minister and lover, Galitsin.
For the young Tsar was summoned to the Kremlin to answer for his misdeeds and to be made to promise that the drums and fifes of the Streltsi fellows should be restored to their original owners.
To the Regent’s angry command that he should explain forthwith his conduct, Peter replied somewhat haughtily.
‘You forget, sister,’ he said, ‘that I grow with the years; I am not forever to remain in swaddle clothes—a helpless thing to be fed with spoon meat!’
‘At any rate for the present thou art no more than a child, and as a child thou shalt be treated,’ said the Grand Duchess, flushing, nevertheless, and surprised; ‘for the present also it is I that am set above thee, and I that am to be obeyed.’
‘Thy voice, but that fellow’s counsel!’ said Peter, laughing and tilting his chin at Galitsin.
Galitsin flushed angrily, and asked Peter how he dared speak thus to his sister.
‘And thou,’ said the young Tsar, haughtily enough. ‘Who art thou, Galitsin, to be present when the Tsar takes counsel with the Regent? Go forth, sir, into the ante-room and wait until thou art summoned!’
Galitsin looked bewildered and knew not what to do: he glanced at the Regent.