The renowned chassid Rabbi Moshe Meisels of Vilna, youngest of Rabbi Schneur Zalman's disciples, was an extremely learned man, was fluent in German, Russian, Polish and French. During Napoleon's war on Russia he served as a translator for the French High Command. Rabbi Schneur Zalman had charged him to associate with the French military officials, and to convey all that he learned to the commanders of the Russian army. Within a short while Rabbi Moshe had succeeded in gaining the favor of the chief commanders of Napoleon's army and was privy to their most secret plans.
Relates Reb Moshe:
"The High Command of the French army was meeting, and hotly debating the maneuvers for the upcoming battle. The maps were spread on the floor, and the generals were examining the roads and trails, unable to reach a decision.
They were still debating when the door flew open with a crash. The guard stationed at the door was greatly alarmed and drew his revolver. Everyone thought it was the enemy who had burst in.
But - it was Napoleon himself who appeared in the doorway. The Emperor's face was dark with fury. He stormed into the room and raged: 'Has the battle been planned?
And who is this stranger?!' he continued, pointing to me. In a flash he was at my side. 'You are a spy for Russia!' he thundered, and placed his hand upon my chest to feel the pounding heart of a man exposed.
At that moment, my mind commanded my heart to beat not an increment faster, as I was taught that 'the mind rules the heart'. In an unwavering voice I said: 'The commanders of His Highness the Emperor have taken me as their interpreter, as I am knowledgeable in the languages crucial to the carrying out of their duties...' "
The mind ruled the heart.
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