He was much beloved both by the people and the nobles; loved on account of his own character, and perhaps even more so because of the fear with which Constantine was regarded. There are hosts of anecdotes told in his praise, doing honour to his kindliness, his courage and his ability. Once, when he was walking on foot, as was his custom, seeing threatenings of rain, he hailed a drovsky to take him to the imperial palace; on arrival, the emperor searched in his pockets and saw he had no money. "Wait," he said to the driver; "I will have your fare sent out to you." "Oh yes, I know that tale," growled the man. "What are you saying?" demanded the emperor. "I am saying that I can't rely on your promises." "Why not?" asked Alexander. "Oh, I know what I am talking about," said the driver. "Well, let me hear all about it." "I say that there are too many persons whom I take up to houses with double doors, who go inside without paying me their fares, too many debtors whom I never see again." "What! even at the emperor's palace?" "Oh, there are more there than anywhere else; you don't know what short memories great nobles have." "But you should complain, and denounce the thieves, and have them taken up," said Alexander. "I have a nobleman taken up! Your excellency surely knows that we poor devils have no power to do anything of the kind. If it were one of ourselves, it would be another matter and easy enough," added the driver, pointing to his long beard, "for they know how to get hold of us; but all you great nobles have your chins too smoothly shaven for that.... Good-night, there is nothing more to be said, unless your excellency will please search your pockets once more, in case there is a trifle with which to pay me." "No," said the emperor, "it would be useless ... but I have an idea." "What is it?" "You see this cloak--it is worth more than your fare, is it not?" "Certainly! And if you excellency wishes to give it me without expecting the change ...?" "No! keep it as a pledge and do not give it up till I send someone for it with your fare." "All right, well and good; you are something like a reasonable gentleman, you are," replied the driver. Five minutes later, the driver received a note for a hundred roubles, in exchange for the pledged cloak. The emperor had paid off the debts of those who came to see him as well as his own; but the driver made out he was still out of pocket. During the time in which Napoleon and Alexander were on friendly terms, when he inclined towards him and smiled at the line, "L'amitié d'un grand homme est un bienfait des dieux!"