How Peter I once held ALL of France in his arms!

The king's courtiers both anticipated and dreaded this meeting. The tsar had come to discuss important political issues: he wanted France to withdraw its support from Sweden, in exchange for offering significant economic advantages in trade with Russia. However, it was not only the sensitive nature of the topic that was of concern, but also the fact that the French monarch was only seven years old at the time! What if he became intimidated by the towering Russian? Moreover, they quickly realized that Peter wasn't one to play by the rules. He could disrupt his travel itinerary, disliked formal dinners and generally behaved as he pleased.

The courtiers planned to meet Louis at the Tuileries and came up with a special ceremony; but here, too, the Russian tsar did things his own way. He refused to stay at the Louvre, choosing a hotel instead. And he declared that the meeting would take place there. Eyewitnesses claimed that Peter picked up the arriving king and kissed him, declaring to the dumbfounded courtiers, "I hold all of France in my arms!"

Fortunately, the young king was not at all embarrassed by this address and they continued their conversation. Later, Peter I wrote to Catherine I: "The local king has visited me, a child of very fine appearance and stature."