One old admiral was introduced to Katherine the Second after a victorious sea battle. Katherine asked him to tell her about the battle. The admiral started his story and was so taken away that began to detail all the facts citing the commands he gave to the sailors and seasoning the narrative with torrents of abuse. All the audience was chilled with terror anticipating Katherine's anger.

The admiral suddenly understood by the countenance of the courtiers that he had pulled a boner. He kneeled at the Empress's feet and started begging forgiveness. “Please, continue your very exciting story,” said Katherine calmly and caressingly, “All the same I don't understand those sea terms and words!”
 

Collection of historical anecdotes