`` as though , '' alexander said low , `` as though holy russia were to be bought like a girl , for the price of a few compliments-as though we were to come like the cringing dog to heel , servile beneath him , and allow him to march forward this vile philosophy , this blasphemy , across all europe-to overthrow all christianity , and set a- '' the men who remained were all silent before the tirade , their heads nearly bowed ; only one of the diplomats , a greek nobleman named kapodistrias , at last ventured to step forward and speak to the tsar quietly , reminding him the goal had been achieved .