NAPOLEON BONAPARTE BY JOHN S.C. ABBOTT. Napoleon, finding his proffers of peace rejected by England with contumely and scorn, and declined by Austria, now prepared, with his wonted energy, to repel the assaults of the allies. As he sat in his cabinet at the Tuileries, the thunders of their unrelenting onset came rolling in upon his ear from all the frontiers of France. The hostile fleets of England swept the channel, utterly annihilating the commerce of the Republic, landing regiments of armed emigrants upon her coast, furnishing money and munitions of war to rouse the partisans of the Bourbons to civil conflict, and throwing balls and shells into every unprotected town. On the northern frontier, Marshal Kray, came thundering down, through the black Forest, to the banks of the Rhine, with a mighty host of 150,000 men, like locust legions, to pour into all the northern provinces of France. Artillery of the heaviest calibre and a magnificent array of cavalry accompanied this apparently invincible army. In Italy, Melas, another Austrian marshal, with 140,000 men, aided by the whole force of the British navy, was rushing upon the eastern and southern borders of the Republic. The French troops, disheartened by defeat, had fled before their foes over the Alps, or were eating their horses and their boots in the cities where they were besieged. From almost every promontory on the coast of the Republic, washed by the Channel, or the Mediterranean, the eye could discern English frigates, black and threatening, holding all France in a state of blockade. One always finds a certain pleasure in doing that which he can do well. Napoleon was fully conscious of his military genius. He had, in behalf of
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NAPOLEONBONAPARTEBYJOHNS.C.ABBOTT.
Napoleon,findinghisproffersofpeacerejectedbyEnglandwithcontumelyandscorn,anddeclinedbyAustria,nowprepared,withhiswontedenergy,torepeltheassaultsoftheallies.AshesatinhiscabinetattheTuileries,thethundersoftheirunrelentingonsetcamerollinginuponhisearfromallthefrontiersofFrance.ThehostilefleetsofEnglandsweptthechannel,utterlyannihilatingthecommerceoftheRepublic,landingregimentsofarmedemigrantsuponhercoast,furnishingmoneyandmunitionsofwartorousethepartisansoftheBourbonstocivilconflict,andthrowingballsandshellsintoeveryunprotectedtown.Onthenorthernfrontier,MarshalKray,camethunderingdown,throughtheblackForest,tothebanksoftheRhine,withamightyhostof150,000men,likelocustlegions,topourintoallthenorthernprovincesofFrance.Artilleryoftheheaviestcalibreandamagnificentarrayofcavalryaccompaniedthisapparentlyinvinciblearmy.InItaly,Melas,anotherAustrianmarshal,with140,000men,aidedbythewholeforceoftheBritishnavy,wasrushingupontheeasternandsouthernbordersoftheRepublic.TheFrenchtroops,disheartenedbydefeat,hadfledbeforetheirfoesovertheAlps,orwereeatingtheirhorsesandtheirbootsinthecitieswheretheywerebesieged.FromalmosteverypromontoryonthecoastoftheRepublic,washedbytheChannel,ortheMediterranean,theeyecoulddiscernEnglishfrigates,blackandthreatening,holdingallFranceinastateofblockade.
Onealwaysfindsacertainpleasureindoingthatwhichhecandowell.Napoleonwasfullyconsciousofhismilitarygenius.Hehad,inbehalfof
bleedinghumanity,imploredpeaceinvain.Henow,withalacrityandwithjoy,rousedhimselftoinflictblowsthatshouldbefeltuponhismultitudinousenemies.Withsuchtremendousenergydidhedothis,thathereceivedfromhisantagoniststhemostcomplimentarysobriquetoftheonehundredthousandmen.WhereverNapoleonmadehisappearanceinthefield,hispresencealonewasconsideredequivalenttothatforce.
ThefollowingproclamationranglikeatrumpetchargeoverthehillsandvalleysofFrance."Frenchmen!Youhavebeenanxiousforpeace.Yourgovernmenthasdesireditwithstillgreaterardor.Itsfirstefforts,itsmostconstantwishes,havebeenforitsattainment.TheEnglishministryhasexposedthesecretofitsiniquitouspolicy.ItwishestodismemberFrance,todestroyitscommerce,andeithertoeraseitfromthemapofEurope,ortodegradeittoasecondarypower.EnglandiswillingtoembroilallthenationsoftheContinentinhostilitywitheachother,thatshemayenrichherselfwiththeirspoils,andgainpossessionofthetradeoftheworld.Fortheattainmentofthisobjectshescattershergold,becomesprodigalofherpromises,andmultipliesherintrigues."
AtthiscallallthemartialspiritofFrancerushedtoarms.Napoleon,supremelydevotedtothewelfareoftheState,seemedtoforgetevenhisowngloryintheintensityofhisdesiretomakeFrancevictoriousoverherfoes.Withthemostmagnanimoussuperioritytoallfeelingsofjealousy,heraisedanarmyof150,000men,theveryeliteofthetroopsofFrance,theveteransofahundredbattles,andplacedtheminthehandsofMoreau,theonlymaninFrancewhocouldbecalledhisrival.NapoleonalsopresentedtoMoreautheplanofacampaigninaccordancewithhisownenergy,boldness,andgenius.ItsaccomplishmentwouldhaveaddedsurpassingbrilliancetothereputationofMoreau.Butthecautiousgeneralwasafraidtoadoptit,andpresentedanother,perhapsassafe,butonewhichwouldproducenodazzlingimpressionupontheimaginationsofmen."Yourplan,"saidone,afriendofMoreau,totheFirstConsul,"isgrander,moredecisive,evenmoresure.Butitisnotadaptedtotheslowandcautiousgeniusofthemanwhoistoexecuteit.Youhaveyourmethodofmakingwar,whichissuperiortoallothers.Moreauhashisown,inferiorcertainly,butstillexcellent.Leavehimtohimself.Ifyouimposeyourideasuponhim,youwillwoundhisself-love,anddisconcerthim."
Napoleon,profoundlyversedintheknowledgeofthehumanheart,promptlyreplied."Youareright,MoreauisnotcapableofgraspingtheplanwhichIhaveconceived.Lethimfollowhisowncourse.Theplanwhichhedoesnot
understandanddarenotexecute,Imyselfwillcarryout,onanotherpartofthetheatreofwar.WhathefearstoattemptontheRhine,IwillaccomplishontheAlps.Thedaymaycomewhenhewillregrettheglorywhichheyieldstome."Thesewereproudandpropheticwords.Moreau,wasmoderatelyvictoriousupontheRhine,drivingbacktheinvaders.ThesunofNapoleonsoonrose,overthefieldofMarengo,inablazeofeffulgence,whichpaledMoreau'stwinklingstarintoutterobscurity.Butweknownotwhere,uponthepageofhistory,tofindanactofmoreloftygenerositythanthissurrenderofthenoblestarmyoftheRepublictoone,whoconsideredhimself,andwhowasdeemedbyothers,arival—andthustothrowopentohimthetheatreofwarwhereapparentlytherichestlaurelsweretobewon.Andheknowwheretolookforadeedmoreproudlyexpressiveofself-confidence."IwillgiveMoreau,"saidhebythisact,"onehundredandfiftythousandofthemostbraveanddisciplinedsoldiersofFrance,thevictorsofahundredbattles.Imyselfwilltakesixtythousandmen,newrecruitsandthefragmentsofregimentswhichremain,andwiththemIwillmarchtoencounteranequallypowerfulenemyonamoredifficultfieldofwarfare."
MarshalMelashadspreadhisvasthostofonehundredandfortythousandAustriansthroughallthestrongholdsofItaly,andwaspressing,withtremendousenergyandself-confidenceuponthefrontiersofFrance.Napoleon,insteadofmarchingwithhisinexperiencedtroops,two-thirdsofwhomhadneverseenashotfiredinearnest,tomeettheheadsofthetriumphantcolumnsofMelas,resolvedtoclimbtheruggedandapparentlyinaccessiblefastnessesoftheAlps,and,descendingfromthecloudsoverpath-lessprecipices,tofallwiththesweepoftheavalanche,upontheirrear.Itwasnecessarytoassemblethisarmyatsomefavorablepoint;—togatherinvastmagazinesitsmunitionsofwar.Itwasnecessarythatthisshouldbedoneinsecret,lesttheAustrians,climbingtothesummitsoftheAlps,anddefendingthegorgesthroughwhichthetroopsofNapoleonwouldbecompelledtowindtheirdifficultandtortuousway,mightrenderthepassageutterlyimpossible.EnglishandAustrianspieswereprompttocommunicatetothehostilepowerseverymovementoftheFirstConsul.NapoleonfixeduponDijonanditsvicinityastherendezvousofhistroops.He,however,adroitlyandcompletelydeceivedhisfoesbyostentatiouslyannouncingtheveryplanheintendedtocarryintooperation.
Ofcourse,thealliesthoughtthatthiswasafoolishattempttodrawtheirattentionfromtherealpointofattack.ThemoretheyridiculedtheimaginaryarmyatDijon,themoreloudlydidNapoleonreiteratehiscommandsfor
battalionsandmagazinestobecollectedthere.ThespieswhovisitedDijon,reportedthatbutafewregimentswereassembledinthatplace,andthattheannouncementwasclearlyaveryweakpretensetodeceive.TheprintshopsofLondonandViennawerefilledwithcaricaturesofthearmyoftheFirstConsulofDijon.TheEnglishespeciallymadethemselvesverymerrywithNapolcon'sgrandarmytoscaletheAlps.ItwasbelievedthattheenergiestheRepublicwereutterlyexhaustedinraisingtheforcewhichwasgiventoMoreau.Oneofthecaricaturesrepresentedthearmyasconsistingofaboy,dressedinhisfather'sclothes,shoulderingamusket,whichhecouldwithdifficultylift,andeatingapieceofgingerbread,andanoldmanwithonearmandawoodenleg.Theartilleryconsistedofarustyblunderbuss.ThisderisionwasjustwhatNapoleondesired.Thoughdwellingintheshadowofthatmysteriousmelancholy,whicheverenvelopedhisspirit,hemusthaveenjoyedinthedeeprecessesofhissoul,themajesticmovementsofhisplans.
OntheeasternfrontiersofFrancetheresurgeup,fromluxuriantmeadowsandvine-cladfieldsandhillsides,themajesticrangesoftheAlps,piercingthecloudsandsoaringwithglitteringpinnacles,intotheregionofperpetualiceandsnow.Vastspursofthemountainsextendoneachside,openinggloomygorgesandfrightfuldetiles,throughwhichfoamingtorrentsrushimpetuously,walledinbyalmostprecipitouscliffs,whosesummits,crownedwithmelancholyfirs,areinaccessibletothefootofman.TheprincipalpassoverthisenormousridgewasthatoftheGreatSt.Bernard.Thetraveler,accompaniedbyaguide,andmountedonamule,slowlyandpainfullyascendedasteepandruggedpath,nowcrossinganarrowbridge,spanningafathomlessabyss,againcreepingalongtheedgeofaprecipice,wheretheeaglesoaredandscreamedoverthefirtopsintheabyssbelow,andwhereaperpendicularwallrosetogiddyheightsinthecloudsabove.Thepathattimeswassonarrow,thatitseemedthatthemountaingoatcouldwithdifficultyfindafootholdforitsslenderhoof.Afalsestep,oraslipupontheicyrockswouldprecipitatethetraveler,amangledcorpse,athousandfeetuponthefragmentsofgraniteinthegulfbeneath.Ashigherandhigherheclimbedthesewildandruggedandcloud-envelopedpaths,bornebytheunerringinstinctofthefaithfulmule,hisstepswereoftenarrestedbytheroaroftheavalancheandhegazedappalleduponitsresistlessrush,asrocks,andtrees,andearth,andsnow,andice,sweptbyhimwithawfulandresistlessdesolation,fardownintothedimlydiscernedtorrentswhichrushedbeneathhisfeet.AtGod'sbiddingtheavalanchefell.Noprecautioncouldsavethetravelerwhowasinitspath.Hewasinstantlybornetodestruction,andburiedwherenovoicebutthearchangel'strumpcouldeverreachhisear.Terrificstormsofwindandsnow
oftensweptthroughthosebleakaltitudes,blindingandsmotheringthetraveler.Hundredsofbodies,likepillarsofice,embalmedinsnow,arenowsepulchredinthosedrifts,theretosleeptillthefiresofthelastconflagrationshallhaveconsumedtheirwindingsheet.Havingtoiledtwodaysthroughsuchscenesofdesolationandperil,theadventuroustravelerstandsuponthesummitofthepass,eightthousandfeetabovethelevelofthesea,twothousandfeethigherthanthecrestofMountWashington,ourownmountainmonarch.Thissummit,overwhichthepathwinds,consistsofasmalllevelplain,surroundedbymountainsofsnowofstillhigherelevation.
Thesceneherepresentedisinexpressiblygloomyandappailing.Natureinthesewildregionsassumeshermostsevereandsombreaspect.Asoneemergesfromtheprecipitousandcraggyascent,uponthisValleyofDesolation,asitisemphaticallycalled,theConventofSt.Bernardpresentsitselftotheview.Thischeerlessabode,thehighestspotofinhabitedgroundinEurope,hasbeentenanted,formorethanathousandyears,byasuccessionofjoylessandself-denyingmonks,who,inthatfrigidretreatofgraniteandice,endeavortoservetheirMaker,byrescuingbewilderedtravelersfromthedestructionwithwhichtheyareeverthreatenedtobeoverwhelmedbythestorms,whichbattleagainstthem.Inthemiddleofthisice-boundvalley,liesalake,clear,dark,andcold,whosedepths,eveninmid-summer,reflecttheeternalglacierswhichsoarsublimelyaround.ThedescenttotheplainsofItalyisevenmoreprecipitousanddangerousthantheascentfromthegreenpasturesofFrance.Novegetationadornsthesedismalandstorm-sweptcliffsofgraniteandofice.Eventhepinionoftheeaglefailsinitsrarifiedair,andthechamoisventuresnottoclimbitssteepandslipperycrags.Nohumanbeingsareevertobeseenonthesebleaksummits,exceptthefewshiveringtravelers,whotarryforanhourtoreceivethehospitalityoftheconvent,andthehoodedmonks,wrappedinthickandcoarsegarments,whichtheirstavesandtheirdogs,gropingthroughthestormsofsleetandsnow.Eventhewoodwhichburnswithfrugalfaintnessonthehearths,isborne,inpainfulburdens,upthemountainsides,upontheshouldersofthemonks.
SuchwasthebarrierwhichNapoleonintendedtosurmount,thathemightfallupontherearoftheAustrians,whowerebatteringdownthewallsofGenoa,whereMassenawasbesieged,andwhowerethundering,flushedwithvictory,attheverygatesofNice.Overthiswildmountainpass,wherethemulecouldwithdifficultytread,andwherenowheelhadeverrolled,orbyanypossibilitycouldroll,Napoleoncontemplatedtransportinganarmyofsixtythousandmen,with
ponderousartilleryandtonsofcannonballs,andbaggage,andallthebulkymunitionsofwar.EnglandandAustrialaughedtheideatoscorn.Theachievementofsuchanenterprisewasapparentlyimpossible.Napoleon,howeverwasasskillfulinthearrangementoftheminutestdetails,asintheconceptionofthegrandestcombinations.Thoughheresolvedtotakethemassofhisarmy,fortythousandstrong,acrossthepassoftheGreatSt.Bernard,yettodistracttheattentionoftheAustrians,hearrangedalsotosendsmalldivisionsacrossthepassesofSaintGothard,LittleSt.Bernard,andMountCenis.Hewouldthusaccumulatesuddenly,andtotheutteramazementoftheenemy,abodyofsixty-fivethousandmenupontheplainofItaly.Thisforce,descending,likeanapparitionfromtheclouds,intherearoftheAustrianarmy,headedbyNapoleon,andcuttingoffallcommunicationwithAustria,mightindeedstrikeapanicintotheheartsoftheassailantsofFrance.
ThetroopswerecollectedinvariousplacesinthevicinityofDijon,readyatamoment'swarningtoassembleatthepointofrendezvous,andwitharushtoenterthedefile.Immensemagazinesofwheat,biscuit,andoatshadbeennoiselesslycollectedindifferentplaces.Largesumsofspeciehadbeenforwarded,tohiretheservicesofeverypeasant,withhismule,whoinhabitedthevalleysamongthemountains.Mechanicshops,asbymagic,suddenlyrosealongthepath,wellsuppliedwithskillfulartisans,torepairalldamages,todismounttheartillery,todividethegun-carriagesandthebaggage-wagonsintofragments,thattheymightbetransported,onthebacksofmenandmules,overthesteepandruggedway.Fortheammunitionavastnumberofsmallboxeswereprepared,whichcouldeasilybepackeduponthemules.Asecondcompanyofmechanics,withcampforges,hadbeenprovidedtocrossthemountainwiththefirstdivision,andreartheirshopsupontheplainontheotherside,tomendthebrokenharness,toreconstructthecarriages,andremountthepieces.Oneachsideofthemountainahospitalwasestablishedandsuppliedwitheverycomfortforthesickandthewounded.TheforesightofNapoleonextendedeventosending,attheverylastmoment,totheconventuponthesummit,animmensequantityofbread,cheese,andwine.Eachsoldier,tohissurprise,wastofind,ashearrivedatthesummit,exhaustedwithHerculeantoil,ageneroussliceofbreadandcheesewitharefreshingcupofwine,presentedtohimbythemonks.AlltheseminutedetailsNapoleonarranged,whileatthesametimehewasdoingtheworkofadozenenergeticmen,inreorganizingthewholestructureofsocietyinFrance.Iftoilpaysforgreatness,Napoleonpurchasedtherenownwhichheattained.Andyethisbodyandhismindweresoconstitutedthatthissleeplessactivitywastohimapleasure.
Theappointedhouratlastarrived.Onthe7thofMay,1800,NapoleonenteredhiscarriageattheTuileries,saying,"Good-by,mydearJosephine!ImustgotoItaly.Ishallnotforgetyou,andIwillnotbeabsentlong."Ataword,thewholemajesticarraywasinmotion.LikeameteorhesweptoverFrance.Hearrivedatthefootofthemountains.Thetroopsandalltheparaphernaliaofwarwereonthespotatthedesignatedhour.Napoleonimmediatelyappointedaverycarefulinspection.Everyfootsoldierandeveryhorsemanpassedbeforehisscrutinizingeye.Ifashoewasragged,orajackettorn,oramusketinjured,thedefectwasimmediatelyrepaired.Hisglowingwordsinspiredthetroopswiththeardorwhichwasburninginhisownbosom.ThegeniusoftheFirstConsulwasinfusedintothemightyhost.Eachmanexertedhimselftotheutmost.Theeyeoftheirchiefwaseverywhere,andhischeeringvoicerousedthearmytoalmostsuper-humanexertions.Twoskillfulengineershadbeensenttoexplorethepath,andtodowhatcouldbedoneintheremovalofobstructions.Theyreturnedwithanappallingrecitasloftheapparentlyinsurmountabledifficultiesoftheway."Isitpossible,"inquiredNapoleon,"tocrossthepass?""Perhaps,"wasthehesitatingreply,"itiswithinthelimitsofpossibility.""Forward,then,"wastheenergeticresponse.Eachmanwasrequiredtocarry,besideshisarms,foodforseveraldaysandalargequantityofcartridges.Asthesinuositiesoftheprecipitouspathcouldonlybetrodinsinglefile,theheavywheelsweretakenfromthecarriages,andeach,slunguponapole,wasbornebytwomen.Thetaskforthefootsoldierswasfarlessthanforthehorsemen.Thelatterclambereduponfoot,draggingtheirhorsesafterthem.Thedescentwasverydangerous.Thedragoon,inthesteepandnarrowpath,wascompelledtowalkbeforehishorse.Attheleaststumblehewasexposedtobeingplungedheadlongintotheabyssesyawningbeforehim.Inthiswaymanyhorsesandseveralridersperished.Totransporttheheavycannonandhowitzerspinelogsweresplitinthecentre,thepartshollowedout,andthegunssunksintogrooves.Alongstringofmules,insinglefile,wereattachedtotheponderousmachinesofwar,todragthemuptheslipperyascent.Themulessoonbegantofail,andthenthemen,withheartygood-will,broughttheirownshouldersintotheharness—ahundredmentoasinglegun.Napoleonofferedthepeasantstwohundreddollarsforthetransporationofatwelve-pounderoverthepass.Theloveofgainwasnotstrongenoughtolurethemtosuchtremendousexertions.ButNapoleon'sfascinationovertheheartsofhissoldierswasamorepowerfulimpulse.Withshoutsofencouragementtheytoiledatthecables,successivebandsofahundredmenrelievingeachothereveryhalfhour.Highonthosecraggysteeps,gleamingthroughthemidst,theglitteringbandsofarmedmen,likephantomsappeared.Theeaglewheeledandscreamedbeneaththeirfeet.Themountaingoat,
affrightedbytheunwontedspectacle,boundedaway,andpausedinboldreliefupontheclifftogazeuponthemartialarraywhichsosuddenlyhadpeopledthesolitude.
Whentheyapproachedanyspotofveryespecialdifficultythetrumpetssoundedthecharge,whichre-echoed,withsublimereverberations,frompinnacletopinnacleofrockandice.Animatedbythesebuglenotesthesoldiersstrainedeverynerveasifrushinguponthefoe.Napoleonofferedtothesebandsthesamerewardwhichhehadpromisedtothepeasants.Buttoaman,theyrefusedthegold.Theyhadimbibedthespiritoftheirchief,hisenthusiasm,andhisproudsuperioritytoallmercenarymotives."Wearenottoilingformoney,"saidthey,"butforyourapproval,andtoshareyourglory."
Napoleonwithhiswonderfultacthadintroducedaslightchangeintotheartilleryservice,whichwasproductiveofimmensemoralresults.Theguncarriageshadheretoforebeendrivenbymerewagoners,who,beingconsiderednotassoldiers,butasservants,andsharingnotinthegloryofvictory,wereuninfluencedbyanysentimentofhonor.Atthefirstapproachofdanger,theywerereadytocuttheirtracesandgallopfromthefield,leavingtheircannoninthehandsoftheenemy.Napoleonsaid,"Thecannoneerwhobringshispieceintoaction,performsasvaluableaserviceasthecannoneerwhoworksit.Herunsthesamedanger,andrequiresthesamemoralstimulus,whichisthesenseofhonor."Hethereforeconvertedtheartillerydriversintosoldiers,andclothedthemintheuniformoftheirrespectiveregiments.Theyconstitutedtwelvethousandhorsemenwhowereanimatedwithasmuchprideincarryingtheirpiecesintoaction,andinbringingthemoffwithrapidityandsafety,asthegunnersfeltinloading,directing,anddischargingthem.Itwasnowthegreatgloryofthesementotakecareoftheirguns.Theyloved,tenderly,themercilessmonsters.Theylavishedcaressesandtermsofendearmentupontheglittering,polished,death-dealingbrass.Theheartofmanisastrangeenigma.Evenwhenmostdegradeditneedssomethingtolove.Theseblood-stainedsoldiers,brutalizedbyvice,amidstallthehonorsofbattle,lovinglyfondledthemurderousmachinesofwar,respondingtotheappeal"callmepetnames,dearest."Theunrelentinggunwasthesterncannoneer'sladylove.Hekisseditwithunwashed,mustachedlip.Inrudeandroughdevotionhewasreadytodieratherthanabandontheonlyobjectofhisidolatroushomage.Consistentlyhebaptizedthelife-devouringmonsterwithblood.AffectionatelyhenameditMary,Emma,Lizzie.IncrossingheAlps,darknightcameonassomecannoneerswereflounderingthroughdriftsofsnow,toilingattheirgun.They
wouldnotleavethegunaloneinthecoldstormtoseekforthemselvesadrybivouac;but,likebrothersguardingasister,theythrewthemselves,forthenight,uponthebleakandfrozensnow,byitsside.ItwasthegeniusofNapoleonwhichthuspenetratedthesemysteriousdepthsofthehumansoul,andcalledtohisaidthosemightyenergies."Itisnothingbutimagination,"saidoneoncetoNapoleon."Nothingbutimagination!"herejoined."Imaginationrulestheworld."
Whentheyarrivedatthesummiteachsoldierfound,tohissurpriseandjoy,theabundantcomfortswhichNapoleon'skindcarehadprovided.Onewouldhaveanticipatedthereasceneofterribleconfusion.Tofeedanarmyoffortythousandhungrymenisnotalightundertaking.Yeteverythingwassocarefullyarranged,andtheinfluenceofNapoleonsoboundless,thatnotasoldierlefttheranks.Eachmanreceivedhissliceofbreadandcheese,andquaffedhiscupofwine,andpassedon.Itwasapointofhonorfornoonetostop.Whateverobstructionswereinthewayweretobeatallhazardssurmounted,thatthelongfile,extendingnearlytwentymiles,mightnotbethrownintoconfusion.Thedescentwasmoreperilousthantheascent.Butfortuneseemedtosmile.Theskywasclear,theweatherdelightful,andinfourdaysthewholearmywasreassembledontheplainsofItaly.
NapoleonhadsentBertlierforwardtoreceivethedivision,andtosuperintendallnecessaryrepairs,whilehehimselfremainedtopressforwardthemightyhost.Hewasthelastmantocrossthemountains.Seateduponamule,withayoungpeasantforhisguide,slowlyandthoughtfullyheascendedthosesilentsolitudes.Hewasdressedinthegraygreatcoatwhichhealwayswore.Artpicturedhimboundingupthecliff,proudlymountedonaprancingcharger.Buttruthpresentshiminanattitudemoresimpleandmoresublime.Eventheyoungpeasantwhoactedashisguidewasentirelyunconsciousofthedistinguishedrankoftheplaintravelerwhosestepshewasconducting.MuchofthewayNapoleonwassilent,abstractedinthoughts.Andyethefoundtimeforhumansympathy.Hedrewfromhisyoungandartlessguidethesecretsofhisheart.Theyoungpeasantwassincereandvirtuous.Helovedafairmaidamongthemountains.Shelovedhim.Itwashisheart'sgreatdesiretohaveherforhisown.Hewaspoorandhadneitherhousenorlandtosupportafamily.NapoleonstrugglingwithallhisenergiesagainstcombinedEnglandandAustria,andwithallthecaresofanarmy,onthemarchtomeetonehundredandtwentythousandfoes,crowdinghismind,withpensivesympathywontheconfidenceofhiscompanionandelicitedthisartlessrecitalofloveanddesire.AsNapoleondismissedhisguide,withan
amplereward,hedrewfromhispocketapencilanduponaloosepieceofpaperwroteafewlines,whichherequestedtheyoungmantogive,onhisreturn,totheAdministratoroftheArmy,upontheotherside.Whentheguidereturned,andpresentedthenote,hefound,tohisunboundedsurpriseanddelight,thathehadconductedNapoleonoverthemountains;andthatNapoleonhadgivenhimafieldandahouse.Hewasthusenabledtobemarried,andtorealizeallthedreamsofhismodestambition.Generousimpulsesmusthavebeeninstinctiveinaheart,whichinanhoursofraughtwithmightyevents,couldturnfromthetoilsofempireandofwar,tofindrefreshmentinsympathizingwithapeasant'slove.Thisyoungmanbutrecentlydied,havingpassedhisquietlifeintheenjoymentofthefieldandthecottagewhichhadbeengivenhimbytheruleroftheworld.
Thearmynowpressedforward,withgreatalacrity,alongthebanksoftheAosta.Theywerethreadingabeautifulvalley,richinverdureandbloomingbeneaththesunofearlyspring.Cottages,vineyards,andorchards,infullbloom,embellishedtheirpath,whileuponeachsideofthemrose,inmajesticswell,thefir-cladsidesofthemountains.TheAustrianspressingagainstthefrontiersofFrance,hadnoconceptionofthestormwhichhadsosuddenlygathered,andwhichwas,withresistlesssweep,approachingtheirrear.TheFrenchsoldiers,elatedwiththeHerculeanachievementtheyhadaccomplished,andfullofconfidenceintheirleader,pressedgaylyon.Butthevalleybeforethembegantogrowmoreandmorenarrow.Themountains,oneitherside,rosemoreprecipitousandcraggy.TheAosta,crowdedintoanarrowchannel,rushedfoamingovertherocks,leavingbarelyroomforaroadalongthesideofthemountain.Suddenlythemarchofthewholearmywasarrestedbyafort,builtuponaninaccessiblerock,whichrosepyramidallyfromthebedofthestream.Bristlingcannon,skillfullyarrangedonwell-constructedbastions,sweptthepass,andrenderedfurtheradvanceapparentlyimpossible.Rapidlythetidingsofthisunexpectedobstructionspreadfromthevantotherear.Napoleonimmediatelyhastenedtothefrontranks.Climbingthemountainoppositethefort,byagoatpath,hethrewhimselfdownupontheground,whenafewbushesconcealedhispersonfromtheshotoftheenemy,andwithhistelescopelongandcarefullyexaminedthefortandthesurroundingcrags.Heperceivedoneelevatedspot,farabovethefort,whereacannonmightbypossibilitybedrawn.Fromthatpositionitsshotcouldbeplungedupontheunprotectedbastionsbelow.Uponthefaceoftheoppositecliff,farbeyondthereachofcannon-balls,hediscernedanarrowshelfintherockbywhichhethoughtitpossiblethatamancouldpass.Themarchwasimmediatelycommenced,insinglefile,alongthisgiddyridge.……….Andeventhehorses,insuredtotheterrorsoftheGreat
St.Bernard,wereledbytheirridersuponthenarrowpath,whichahorse'shoofhadnevertrodbefore,andprobablywillnevertreadagain.TheAustrians,inthefort,hadthemortificationofseeingthirty-fivethousandsoldiers,withnumeroushorses,defilealongthisairyline,asifadheringtothesideoftherock.Butneitherbulletnorballcouldharmthem.
Napoleonascendedthismountainridge,anduponitssummit,quiteexhaustedwithdaysandnightsofsleeplessnessandtoil,laidhimselfdown,intheshadowoftherock,andfellasleep.Thelonglinefiledcarefullyandsilentlyby,eachsoldierhushinghiscomrade,thatthereposeoftheirbelovedchieftainmightnotbedisturbed.Itwasaninterestingspectacle,towitnessthetenderaffection,beamingfromthecountenancesofthesebronzedandwar-wornveterans,aseveryfoottrodsoftly,andeacheye,inpassing,wasrivetedupontheslenderform,anduponthepaleandwastedcheekofthesleepingNapoleon.
Theartillerycouldbynopossibilitybethustransported;andanarmywithoutartilleryisasoldierwithoutweapons.TheAustriancommanderwrotetoMelas,thathehadseenanarmyofthirty-fivethousandmenandfourthousandhorsecreepingbythefort,alongthefaceofMountAlbaredo.Heassuredthecommander-in-chief,however,thatnotonesinglepieceofartilleryhadpassedorcouldpassbeneaththegunsofhisfortress.Whenhewaswritingthisletter,alreadyhadonehalfofthecannonandammunitionofthearmybeenconveyedbythefort,andweresafelyandrapidlyproceedingontheirwaydownthevalley.Inthedarknessofthenighttrustymen,withgreatcautionandsilence,strewedhayandstrawupontheroad.Thewheelsofthelumberingcarriageswerecarefullyboundwithclothsandwispsofstraw,and,withaxleswelloiled,weredrawnbythehandsofthesepickedmen,beneaththeverywallsofthefortress,andwithinhalfpistol-shotofitsguns.Intwonightstheartilleryandthebaggage-trainswerethuspassedalong,andinafewdaysthefortitselfwascompelledtosurrender.
Melas,theAustriancommander,nowawokeinconsternationtoasenseofhisperil.Napoleon—thedreadedNapoleon—had,asbyamiracle,crossedtheAlps.Hehadcutoffallhissupplies,andwasshuttingtheAustriansupfromanypossibilityofretreat.Bewilderedbythemagnitudeofhisperil,henolongerthoughtofforcinghismarchuponParis.TheinvasionofFrancewasabandoned.HiswholeenergiesweredirectedtoopeningforhimselfapassagebacktoAustria.Themostcruelperplexitiesagitatedhim.Fromtheverypinnacleofvictory,hewasindangerofdescendingtothedeepestabyssofdefeat.Itwas
alsowithNapoleonanhourofintensesolicitude.Hehadbutsixtythousandmen,two-thirdsofwhomwerenewsoldiers,whohadneverseenashotfiredinearnest,withwhomhewastoarrestthemarchofadesperatearmyofonehundredandtwentythousandveterans,abundantlyprovidedwithallthemostefficientmachineryofwar.ThereweremanypathsbywhichMelasmightescape,atleagues'distancefromeachother.ItwasnecessaryforNapoleontodividehislittlebandthathemightguardthemall.Hewasliableatanymomenttohaveadivisionofhisarmyattackedbyanoverwhelmingforce,andcuttopiecesbeforeitcouldreceiveanyreinforcements.Heatenot,hesleptnot,herestednot.Dayandnight,andnightandday,hewasonhorseback,pale,pensive,apparentlyinfeeblehealth,andinterestingeverybeholderwithhisgraveandmelancholybeauty.Hisscoutswereoutineverydirection.Hestudiedallthepossiblemovementsandcombinationsofhisfoes.RapidlyheoverranLombardy,andenteredMilanintriumph.Melasanxiouslyconcentratedhisforces,tobreakthroughthenetwithwhichhewasentangled.HedideverythinginhispowertodeceiveNapoleon,byvariousfeints,thatthepointofhiscontemplatedattackmightnotbeknown.Napoleon,inthefollowingclariontones,appealedtotheenthusiasmofhistroops:
"Soldiers!whenwebeganourmarch,onedepartmentofFrancewasinthehandsoftheenemy.ConsternationpervadedthesouthoftheRepublic.Youadvanced.AlreadytheFrenchterritoryisdelivered.Joyandhopeinourcountryhavesucceededtoconsternationandfear.Theenemy,terror-struck,seeksonlytoregainhisfrontiers.Youhavetakenhishospitals,hismagazines,hisreserveparks.Thefirstactofthecampaignisfinished.Millionsofmenaddressyouinstrainsofpraise.ButshallweallowouraudaciousenemiestoviolatewithimpunitytheterritoryoftheRepublic?Willyoupermitthearmytoescapewhichhascarriedterrorintoyourfamilies?Youwillnot.March,then,tomeethim.Tearfromhisbrowsthelaurelshehaswon.TeachtheworldthatamaledictionattendsthosewhoviolatetheterritoryoftheGreatPeople.Theresultofoureffortswillbeuncloudedglory,andadurablepeace!"
TheverydayNapoleonleftParis,DesaixarrivedinFrancefromEgypt.Frank,sincere,upright,andpunctiliouslyhonorable,hewasoneofthefewwhomNapoleontrulyloved.DesaixregardedNapoleonasinfinitelyhissuperior,andlookeduptohimwithaspeciesofadoration;helovedhimwithafervoroffeelingwhichamountedalmosttoapassion.Napoleon,touched,bytheaffectionofaheartsonoble,requiteditwiththemostconfidingfriendship.Desaix,uponhisarrivalinParis,foundlettersforhimtherefromtheFirstConsul.Asheread
theconfidentiallines,hewasstruckwiththemelancholyairwithwhichtheywerepervaded."Alas!"saidhe,"Napoleonhasgainedeverything,andyetheisunhappy.Imusthastentomeethim."WithoutdelayhecrossedtheAlps,andarrivedatthehead-quartersofNapoleonbutafewdaysbeforethebattleofMarengo.Theypassedthewholenighttogether,talkingovertheeventsofEgyptandtheprospectsofFrance.Napoleonfeltgreatlystrengthenedbythearrivalofhisnoblefriend,andimmediatelyassignedtohimthecommandofadivisionofthearmy."Desaix,"saidhe,"ismysheetanchor."
"YouhavehadalonginterviewwithDesaix,"saidBourriennetoNapoleonthenextmorning."Yes!"hereplied;"butIhadmyreasons.AssoonasIreturntoParisIshallmakehimMinisterofWar.Heshallalwaysbemylieutenant.IwouldmakehimaprinceifIcould.Heisoftheheroicmouldofantiquity!"
Napoleonwasfullyawarethatadecisivebattlewouldsoontakeplace.Melaswasrapidly,fromallpoints,concentratinghisarmy.ThefollowinglaconicandcharacteristicorderwasissuedbytheFirstConsultoLannesandMurat:"GatheryourforcesattheriverStradella.Onthe8thor9thatthelatest,youwillhaveonyourhandsfifteenoreighteenthousandAustrians.Meetthem,andcutthemtopieces.ItwillbesomanyenemieslessuponourhandsonthedayofthedecisivebattlewearetoexpectwiththeentirearmyofMelas."Thepredictionwastrue.AnAustrianforceadvanced,eighteenthousandstrong.LannesmetthemuponthefieldofMontebello.Theywerestronglyposted,withbatteriesrangeduponthehillsides,whichsweptthewholeplain.ItwasoftheutmostmomentthatthisbodyshouldbepreventedfromcombiningwiththeothervastforcesoftheAustrians.Lanneshadbuteightthousandmen.Couldhesustaintheunequalconflictforafewhours,Victor,whowassomemilesintherear,couldcomeupwithareserveoffourthousandmen.TheFrenchsoldiers,fullyconsciousoftheoddsagainstwhichtheyweretocontend,andofthecarnageintothemidstofwhichtheywereplunging,withshoutsofenthusiasmrushedupontheirfoes.Instantaneouslyastormofgrape-shotfromallthebatteriessweptthroughhisranks.SaidLannes,"Icouldhearthebonescrashinmydivision,likeglassinahail-storm."Forninelonghours,fromeleveninthemorningtilleightatnight,thehorridcarnagecontinued.Againandagainthemangled,bleeding,wastedcolumnswereralliedtothecharge.Atlast,whenthreethousandFrenchmenwerestrewndeadupontheground,theAustriansbrokeandfled,leavingalsothreethousandmutilatedcorpsesandsixthousandprisonersbehindthem.Napoleon,hasteningtotheaidofhislieutenant,arriveduponthefieldjustin
timetoseethebattlewon.HerodeuptoLannes.Theintrepidsoldierstoodinthemidstofmoundsofthedead—hissworddrippingwithbloodinhisexhaustedhand—hisfaceblackenedwithpowderandsmoke—andhisuniformsoiledandtatteredbythelongandterrificstrife.Napoleonsilently,butproudlysmiledupontheheroicgeneral,andforgotnothisreward.FromthisbattleLannesreceivedthetitleofDukeofMontebello,atitlebywhichhisfamilyisdistinguishedtothepresentday.
Thiswastheopeningofthecampaign.ItinspiredtheFrenchwithenthusiasm.ItnervedtheAustrianstodespair.Melasnowdeterminedtomakeadesperateefforttobreakthroughthetoils.Napoleon,withintensesolicitude,waswatchingeverymovementofhisfoe,knowingnotuponwhatpointtheonsetwouldfall.Beforeday-breakinthemorningofthe14thofJune,Melas,havingaccumulatedfortythousandmen,includingseventhousandcavalryandtwohundredpiecesofcannon,madeanimpetuousassaultupontheFrench,buttwentythousandinnumberdrawnupupontheplainofMarengo.Desaix,withareserveofsixthousandmen,wasatsuchadistance,nearlythirtymilesfromMarengo,thathecouldnotpossiblyberecalledbeforethecloseoftheday.ThedangerwasfrightfulthattheFrenchwouldbeentirelycuttopieces,beforeanysuccorcouldarrive.ButthequickearofDesaixcaughtthesoundoftheheavycannonadeasitcameboomingovertheplain,likedistantthunder.Hesprungfromhiscouchandlistened.Theheavyanduninterruptedroar,proclaimedapitchedbattle,andhewasalarmedforhisbelovedchief.Immediatelyherousedhistroops,andtheystartedupontherushtosuccortheircomrades.Napoleondispatchedcourieraftercouriertohurrythedivisionalong,whilehistroopsstoodfirmthroughterrifichours,astheirrankswereplowedbythemurderousdischargesoftheirfoes.Atlastthedestructionwastooawfulformortalmentoendure.Manydivisionsofthearmybrokeandfled,crying"Allislost—savehimselfwhocan."Asceneoffrightfuldisorderensued.Thewholeplainwascoveredwithfugitive,sweptlikeaninundationbeforethemultitudinousAustrians.Napoleonstillheldafewsquarestogether,whoslowlyandsullenlyretreated,whiletwohundredpiecesofartillery,closelypressingthem,pouredincessantdeathintotheirranks.Everyfootofgroundwasleftencumberedwiththedead.Itwasnowthreeo'clockintheafternoon.Melas,exhaustedwithtoil,andassuredthathehadgainedacompletevictory,leftGen.Zachtofinishthework.Heretiredtohisheadquarters,andimmediatelydispatchedcouriersalloverEuropetoannouncethegreatvictoryofMarengo.SaidanAustrianveteran,whohadbeforeencounteredNapoleonatArcolaandRivoli,"Melasistoosanguine.Dependuponitourday'sworkisnotyetdone.Napoleonwillyetbeuponuswithhisreserve."
JustthentheanxiouseyeoftheFirstConsulespiedthesolidcolumnsofDesaixenteringtheplain.Desaix,plunginghisspursintohishorse,outstrippedalltherest,andgallopedintothepresenceofNapoleon.Ashecastaglanceoverthewildconfusionanddevastationofthefield,theexclaimedhurriedly,"Iseethatthebattleislost.IsupposeIcandonomoreforyouthantosecureyourretreat.""Bynomeans,"Napoleonrepliedwithapparentlyasmuchcomposureasifhehadbeensittingbyhisownfireside,"thebattle,Itrust,isgained.Chargewithyourcolumn.Thedisorderedtroopswillrallyinyourrear."Likearock,Desaix,withhissolidphalanxoftenthousandmen,mettheon-rollingbillowofAustrianvictory.AtthesametimeNapoleondispatchedanordertoKellerman,withhiscavalry,tochargethetriumphantcolumnoftheAustriansinflank.Itwastheworkofamoment,andthewholeaspectofthefieldwaschanged.Napoleonrodealongthelinesofthoseontheretreat,exclaiming,"Myfriends,wehaveretreatedfarenough.Itisnowourturntoadvance.RecollectthatIaminthehabitofsleepingonthefieldofbattle."Thefugitives,reanimatedbythearrivalofthereserve,immediatelyralliedintheirrear.Thedoublechargeinfrontandflankwasinstantlymade.TheAustrianswerecheckedandstaggered.AperfecttornadoofbulletsfromDesaix'sdivisionswepttheirranks.TheypouredanansweringvolleyintothebosomsoftheFrench.AbulletpiercedthebreastofDesaix,andhefellandalmostimmediatelyexpired.Hislastwordswere,"TelltheFirstConsulthatmyonlyregretindyingis,tohaveperishedbeforehavingdoneenoughtoliveintherecollectionofposterity."Thesoldiers,whodevotedlylovedhim,sawhisfall,andrushedmoremadlyontoavengehisdeath.Theswollentideofuproar,confusion,anddismaynowturned,androlledinsurgingbillowsintheoppositedirection.HardlyonemomentelapsedbeforetheAustrians,flushedwithvictory,foundthemselvesoverwhelmedbydefeat.Inthemidstofthisterrificscene,anaidrodeuptoNapoleonandsaid,"Desaixisdead."Butamomentbeforetheywereconversingsidebyside.Napoleonpressedhisforeheadconvulsivelywithhishand,andexclaimed,mournfully,"Whyisitnotpermittedmetoweep!Victoryatsuchapriceisdear."
TheFrenchnowmadethewelkinringwithshoutsofvictory.IndescribabledismayfilledtheAustrianranksaswildlytheyrushedbeforetheirunrelentingpursuers.Theirroutwasutterandhopeless.Whenthesunwentdownoverthisfieldofblood,aftertwelvehoursofthemostfrightfulcarnage,ascenewaspresentedhorridenoughtoappalltheheartofademon.Morethantwentythousandhumanbodieswerestrewnupontheground,thedyingandthedead,welteringingore,andineveryconceivableformofdisfiguration.Horses,withlimbstorntheirbodies,werestrugglinginconvulsiveagonies.Fragmentsof
gunsandswords,andofmilitarywagonsofeverykindwerestrewedaroundinwildruin.Frequentpiercingcries,whichagonyextortedfromthelaceratedvictimsofwar,roseabovethegeneralmoaningsofanguish,which,likewailingsofthestorm,fellheavilyupontheear.Theshadesofnightwerenowdescendinguponthisawfulsceneofmisery.Themultitudeofthewoundedwassogreat,thatnotwithstandingtheutmostexertionsofthesurgeons,hourafterhourofthelongnightlingeredaway,whilethousandsofthewoundedandthedyingbitthedustintheiragony.
Ifwarhasitschivalryanditspageantry,ithasalsorevoltinghideousnessanddemoniacwoe.Theyoung,thenoble,thesanguinewerewrithingthereinagony.Bulletsrespectnotbeauty.Theytearouttheeye,andshatterthejaw,andrendthecheek,andtransformthehumanfacedivineintoanaspectuponwhichonecannotgazebutwithhorror.FromthefieldofMarengomanyayoungmanreturnedtohishomesomultilatedasnolongertoberecognizedbyfriends,andpassedawearylifeinrepulsivedeformity.Mercyabandonsthearenaofbattle.Thefranticwar-horsewithironhooftramplesuponthemangledface,thethrobbingandinflamedwoundsthesplinteredbones,andheedsnottheshriekoftorture.Crushedintothebloodymirebytheponderouswheelsofheavyartillery,thevictimofbarbaricwarthinksofmother,andfather,andsister,andhome,andshrieks,andmoans,anddies;hisbodyisstrippedbythevagabondswhofollowthecamp;hisnakedmangledcorpseiscoveredwithafewshovels-fullofearth,andleftasfoodforvulturesandfordogsandheisforgottenforever—anditiscalledglory.Hewholoveswar,forthesakeofitsexcitements,itspageantry,anditsfanciedglory,isthemosteminentofallthedupesoffollyandofsin.Hewholoatheswar,withinexpressibleloathing,whowilldoeverythinginhispowertoavertthedireandhorriblecalamity,butwhowill,nevertheless,inthelastextremity,withadeterminedspirit,encounterallitsperils,fromloveofcountryandofhome,whoiswillingtosacrificehimselfandallthatisdeartohiminlife,topromotethewellbeingofhisfellow-man,willeverreceivethehomageoftheworld,andwealsofullybelievethathewillreceivetheapprovalofGod.Washingtonabhorredwarinallitsforms,yethebravedallitsperils.
ForthecarnageofthefieldofMarengo,Napoleoncannotbeheldresponsible.UponEnglandandAustriamustrestalltheguiltofthatawfultragedy.Napoleonhaddoneeverythinghecoulddotostoptheeffusionofblood.Hehadsacrificedtheinstinctsofpride,inpleadingwithahaughtyfoeforpeace.Hispleawasunavailing.ThreehundredthousandmenweremarchinguponFrancetoforceuponheradetestedKing.ItwasnotthedutyofFrancetosubmittosuch
dictation.Drawingtheswordinself-defense,Napoleonfoughtandconquered."TeDeumLaudamus."
ItisnotpossiblebutthatNapoleonmusthavebeenelatedbysoresplendentavictory.HeknewthatMarengowouldbeclassedasthemostbrilliantofhisachievements.Theblowhadfallenwithsuchterribleseveritythatthehaughtyallieswerethoroughlyhumbled.Melaswasnowathismercy.Napoleoncoulddictatepeaceuponhisownterms.Yetherodeoverthefieldofhisvictorywithasaddenedspirit,andgazedmournfullyupontheruinandthewretchednessaroundhim.Ashewasslowlyandthoughtfullypassingalong,throughtheheapsofthedeadwithwhichthegroundwasencumbered,hemetanumberofcarts,heavilyladenwiththewounded,tornbyballs,andbullets,andfragmentsofshells,intomosthideousspectaclesofdeformity.Astheheavywheelslumberedovertheroughground,gratingthesplinteredbones,andbruisingandopeningafreshtheinflamedwounds,shrieksoftorturewereextortedfromthevictims.Napoleonstoppedhishorseanduncoveredhishead,asthemelancholyprocessionofmisfortuneandwoepassedalong.Turningtoacompanion,hesaid,"Wecannotbutregretnotbeingwoundedliketheseunhappymen,thatwemightsharetheirsufferings."Amoretouchingexpressionofsympathyneverhasbeenrecorded.Hewhosaysthatthiswashypocrisyisastrangertothegenerousimpulsesofanobleheart.Thisinstinctiveoutburstofemotionnevercouldhavebeeninstigatedbypolicy.
Napoleonhadfearlesslyexposedhimselftoeveryperilduringthisconflict.Hisclotheswererepeatedlypiercedbybullets.Ballsstruckbetweenthelegsofhishorse,coveringhimwithearth.Acannon-balltookawayapieceofthebootfromhisleftlegandaportionoftheskin,leavingascarwhichwasneverobliterated.
BeforeNapoleonMarchedforItaly,hehadmadeeveryeffortinhispowerfortheattainmentofpeace.Now,withmagnanimityaboveallpraise,withoutwaitingforthefirstadvancefromhisconqueredfoes,hewroteagainimploringpeace.UponthefieldofMarengo,havingscatteredallhisenemieslikechaffbeforehim,withthesmokeoftheconflictstilldarkeningtheair,andthegroansofthedyingswellinguponhisears,layingasidealltheformalitiesofstate,withheartfeltfeelingandearnestnesshewrotetotheEmperorofAustria.Thisextraordinaryepistlewasthuscommenced:
"Sire!Itisonthefieldofbattle,amidthesufferingsofamultitudeofwounded,
andsurroundedbyfifteenthousandcorpses,thatIbeseechyourmajestytolistentothevoiceofhumanity,andnottosuffertwobravenationstocuteachothers'throatsforinterestsnottheirown.Itismyparttopressthisuponyourmajesty,beingupontheverytheatreofwar.Yourmajesty'sheartcannotfeelitsokeenlyasdoesmine."
Theletterwaslongandmosteloquent."Forwhatareyoufighting?"saidNapoleon."Forreligion?ThenmakewarontheRussiansandtheEnglishwhoaretheenemiesofyourfaith.Doyouwishtoguardagainstrevolutionaryprinciples?ItisthisverywarwhichhasextendedthemoverhalftheContinent,byextendingtheconquestsofFrance.Thecontinuanceofthewarcannotfailtodiffusethemstillfurther.IsitforthebalanceofEurope?TheEnglishthreatenthatbalancefarmorethandoesFrance,fortheyhavebecomethemastersandthetyrantsofcommerce,andarebeyondthereachofresistance.IsittosecuretheinterestsofthehouseofAustria!LetusthenexecutethetreatyofCampoFormio,whichsecurestoyourmajestylargeindemnitiesincompensationfortheprovinceslostintheNetherlands,andsecuresthemtoyouwhereyoumostwishtoobtainthem,thatis,inItaly.Yourmajestymaysendnegotiatorswhitheryouwill,andwewilladdtothetreatyofCampoFormiostipulationscalculatedtoassureyouofthecontinuedexistenceofthesecondarystates,ofallwhichtheFrenchRepublicisaccusedofhavingshaken.Upontheseconditionspaceismade,ifyouwill.Letusmakethearmisticegeneralforallthearmies,andenterintonegotiationsinstantly."
AcourierwasimmediatelydispatchedtoVienna,toconveythislettertotheEmperor.Intheevening,BourriennehastenedtocongratulateNapoleonuponhisextraordinaryvictory."Whatagloriousday!"saidBourrienne."Yes!"repliedNapoleon,mournfully;"veryglorious—couldIthiseveningbuthaveembracedDesaixuponthefieldofbattle."
Onthesameday,andatnearlythesamehourinwhichthefatalbulletpiercedthebreastofDesaix,anassassininEgyptplungedadaggerintothebosomofKleber.Thespiritsoftheseillustriousmen,theseblood-stainedwarriors,thusunexpectedlymetinthespirit-land.Theretheywandernow.Howimpenetrablethevailwhichshutstheirdestinyfromourview.Thesoullongsforclearervisionofthatfar-distantworld,peoplebytheinnumerablehostofthemightydead.ThereNapoleonnowdwells.Doesheretainhisintellectualsupremacy?Dohisgeneralsgatheraroundhimwithloveandhomage!Hashispensivespiritsunkdownintogloomanddespair,orhasitsoaredintocloudlessregionsof
purityandpeace!Themysteryofdeath'Deathalonecansolveit.Christianity,withitsloftyrevealings,shedsbutdimtwilightupontheworldoffdepartedspirits.AtSt.HelenaNapoleonsaid,"OfallthegeneralIeverhadundermycommandDesaixandKleberpossessedthegreatesttalent.InparticularDesaix,asKleberlovedgloryonlyasthemeansofacquiringwealthandpleasure.Desaixlovedgloryforitself,anddespisedeveryotherconsideration.Tohimrichesandpleasurewereofnovalue,nordidheevergivethemamoment'sthought.Hewasalittleblack-lookingman,aboutaninchshorterthanmyself,alwaysbadlydressed,sometimesevenragged,anddespisingalikecomfortandconvenience.Envelopedinacloak,Desaixwouldthrowhimselfunderagunandsleepascontentedlyasifreposinginapalace.Luxuryhadforhimnocharms.Frankandhonestinallhisproceedings,hewasdenominatedbytheArabsSultantheJust.Natureintendedhimtofigureasaconsummategeneral.KleberandDesaixwereirreparablelossestoFrance."
Itisimpossibletodescribethedismay,whichpervadedthecampoftheAustriansafterthisterribledefeat.Theywereentirelycutfromallretreat,andwereatthemercyofNapoleon.AcouncilofwarwasheldbytheAustrianofficersduringthenight,anditwasunanimouslyresolvedthatcapitulationwasunavoidable.Earlythenextmorningaflagoftrucewassenttothehead-quartersofNapoleon.TheAustriansofferedtoabandonItaly,ifthegenerosityofthevictorwouldgrantthemtheboonofnotbeingmadeprisonersofwar.Napoleonmettheenvoywithgreatcourtesy,and,accordingtohiscustom,statedpromptlyandirrevocablytheconditionsuponwhichhewaswillingtotreat.Thetermsweregenerous."TheAustrianarmies,"saidhe,"mayunmolestedreturntotheirhomes;butallofItalymustbeabandoned."Melas,whowaseightyyearsofage,hopedtomodifytheterms,andagainsentthenegotiatortosuggestsomealterations."Monsieur!"saidNapoleon,"myconditionsareirrevocable.Ididnotbegintomakewaryesterday.Yourpositionisasperfectlycomprehendedbymeasbyyourselves.Youareencumberedwithdead,sick,andwounded,destituteofprovisions,deprivedoftheeliteofyourarmy,surroundedoneveryside,Imightexacteverything.ButIrespectthewhitehairsofyourgeneral,andthevalorofyoursoldiers.Iasknothingbutwhatisrigorouslyjustifiedbythepresentpositionofaffairs.Takewhatstepsyoumay,youwillhavenootherterms."Theconditionswereimmediatelysigned,andasuspensionofarmswasagreedupon,untilananswercouldbereceivedfromVienna.
NapoleonleftParisforthiscampaignonthe7thofMay.ThebattleofMarengowasfoughtonthe14thofJune.ThusinfiveweeksNapoleonhasscaledthe
barrieroftheAlps:withsixtythousandsoldiers,mostofthemundisciplinedrecruits,hehadutterlydiscomfitedanarmyofonehundredandtwentythousandmen,andregainedthewholeofItaly.ThebosomofeveryFrenchmanthrobbedwithgratitudeandpride.OnewildshoutofenthusiasmascendedfromunitedFrance.NapoleonhadlaidthefoundationofhisthronedeepintheheartoftheFrenchnation,andtherethatfoundationstillremainsunshaken.
NapoleonnowenteredMilanintriumph.Heremainedtheretendays,busyapparentlyeveryhour,bydayandbynight,inre-organizingthepoliticalconditionofItaly.Theseriousandreligioustendenciesofhismindaredevelopedbythefollowingnote,whichfourdaysafterthebattleofMarengo,hewrotetotheConsulsinParis:"To-day,whateverouratheistsmaysaytoit,IgoingreatstatetotheToDeumwhichistobechantedintheCathedralofMilan.**TheTeDeum,isananthemofpraise,sunginchurchesonoccasionofthanksgiving.Itissocalledfromthefirstwords"TeDeumlaudamus,"TheeGodwepraise
AnunworthyspiritofdetractionhasvainlysoughttowrestfromNapoleonthehonorofthisvictory,andtoattributeitalltotheflankchargemadebyKellerman.Suchattemptsdeservenodetailreply.Napoleonhadsecretlyandsuddenlycalledintobeinganarmy,andbyitsapparentlymiraculouscreationhadastoundedEurope.Hehadeffectuallydeceivedthevigilanceofhisenemies,soastoleavethementirelyinthedarkrespectinghispointofattack.Hehadconveyedthatarmywithallitsstores,overthepathlesscragsoftheGreatSt.Bernard.LikeanavalanchehehaddescendedfromthemountainsupontheplainsofstartledItaly.HehadsurroundedtheAustrianhosts,thoughtheyweredoubledhisnumbers,withanetthroughwhichtheycouldnotbreak.Inadecisivebattlehehadscatteredtheirranksbeforehim,likechaffbythewhirlwind.Hewasnoblysecondedbythosegeneralswhomhisgeniushadchosenandcreated.Itisindeedtrue,thatwithouthisgeneralsandhissoldiershecouldnothavegainedthevictory.MassenacontributedtotheresultbyhismatchlessdefenseofGenoa;Moreau,byholdinginabeyancethearmyoftheRhine;Lannes,byhisironfirmnessontheplainofMontebello;Desaix,bythepromptnesswithwhichherushedtotherescue,assoonashiscarcaughtthefar-offthundersofthecannonofMarengo;andKellerman,byhisadmirableflankchargeofcavalry.ButitwasthegeniusofNapoleonwhichplannedthemightycombination,whichrousedanddirectedtheenthusiasmofthegenerals,whichinspiredthesoldierswithfearlessnessandnervedthemforthestrife,andwhich,throughtheseefficientagencies,securedtheastoundingresults.
Napoleonestablishedhistriumphantarmy,nowincreasedtoeightythousandmen,intherichvalleyofthePo.HeassignedtotheheroicMassenathecommandofthistriumphanthost,andorderingallthefortsandcitadelswhichblockedtheapproachesfromFrancetobeblownup,setout,onthe24thofJune,forhisreturntoParis.Inre-crossingtheAlps,bythepassofMt.Cenis,hemetthecarriageofMadameKellerman,whowasgoingtoItalytojoinherhusband.Napoleonorderedhiscarriagetobestopped,andalighting,greetedtheladywithgreatcourtesy,andcongratulatedheruponthegallantconductofherhusbandatMarengo.Ashewasridingalongoneday,Bourriennespokeoftheworld-widerenownwhichtheFirstConsulhadattained.
"Yes,"Napoleonthoughtfullyreplied."Afewmoreeventslikethiscampaign,andmynamemayperhapsgodowntoposterity."
"Ithink,"Bourriennerejoined,"thatyouhavealreadydoneenoughtosecurealongandlastingfame."
"Doneenough!"Napoleonreplied."Youareverygood!ItistruethatinlessthantwoyearsIhaveconqueredCairo,Paris,Milan.ButwereItodieto-morrow,halfapageofgeneralhistorywouldbeallthatwouldbedevotedtomyexploits."
Napoleon'sreturntoParis,throughtheprovincesofFrance,wasasceneofconstanttriumph.Thejoyofthepeopleamountedalmosttofrenzy.Bonfires,illuminations,thepealingofbells,andthethundersofartilleryaccompaniedhimalltheway.Longlinesofyoungmaidens,selectedfortheirgraceandbeauty,formedavenuesoflovelinessandsmilesthroughwhichhewastopass,andcarpetedhispathwithflowers.HearrivedinParisatmidnightthe2dofJuly,havingbeenabsentbuteightweeks.
TheenthusiasmoftheParisianswasunboundedandinexhaustible.Dayafterday,andnightafternight,thefestivitiescontinued.ThePalaceoftheTuilerieswaseverthrongedwithacrowd,eagertocatchaglimpseofthepreserverofFrance.Allthepublicbodieswaiteduponhimwithcongratulations.Bellsrung,cannonthundered,bonfiresandilluminationsblazed,rocketsandfire-works,inmeteoricsplendorfilledtheair,bandsofmusicpouredforththeirexuberantstrains,andunitedParis,throngingthegardenoftheTuileriesandfloodingbackintotheElysianFields,renttheheavenswithdeafeningshoutsofexultation.AsNapoleonstoodatthewindowofhispalace,witnessingthisspectacleofa
nation'sgratitude,hesaid,"Thesoundoftheseacclamationsisassweettome,asthevoiceofJosephine.HowhappyIamtobebelovedbysuchapeople."Preparationswereimmediatelymadeforabrilliantandimposingsolemnityincommemorationofthevictory."Letnotriumphalarchberaisedtome,"saidNapoleon."Iwishfornotriumphalarchbutthepublicsatisfaction."
ItisnotstrangethatenthusiasmandgratitudeshouldhaveglowedintheardentbosomsoftheFrench.InfourmonthsNapoleonhadraisedFrancefromanabyssofruintothehighestpinnacleofprosperityandrenown.Foranarchyhehadsubstitutedlaw,forbankruptcyawell-replenishedtreasury,forignominiousdefeatresplendentvictory,foruniversaldiscontentasuniversalsatisfaction.TheinvadersweredrivenfromFrance,thehostilealliancebroken,andtheblessingsofpeacewerenowpromisedtothewar-harassednation.
DuringthiscampaigntherewaspresentedaveryinterestingillustrationofNapoleon'swonderfulpowerofanticipatingtheprogressofcomingevents.Bourrienne,oneday,justbeforethecommencementofthecampaign,enteredthecabinetattheTuileries,andfoundanimmensemapofItaly,unrolleduponthecarpet,andNapoleonstretcheduponit.Withpins,whoseheadsweretippedwithredandblacksealing-wax,torepresenttheFrenchandAustrianforces,Napoleonwasstudyingallthepossiblecombinationsandevolutionsofthetwohostilearmies.Bourrienne,insilence,butwithdeepinterest,watchedtheprogressofthispincampaign.Napoleon,havingarrangedthepinswithredheads,whereheintendedtoconducttheFrenchtroops,andwiththeblackpinsdesignatingthepointwhichhesupposedtheAustrianswouldoccupy,lookeduptohissecretary,andsaid:
"DoyouthinkthatIshallbeatMelas?"
"Why,howcanItell!"Bourrienneanswered.
"Why,yousimpleton,"saidNapoleon,playfully;"justlookhere.MelasisatAlexandria,wherehehashishead-quarters.HewillremainthereuntilGenoasurrenders.HehasinAlexandriahismagazines,hishospitals,hisartillery,hisreserves.PassingtheAlpshere,"stickingapinintotheGreatSt.Bernard,"IfalluponMelasinhisrear;IcutoffhiscommunicationswithAustria.ImeethimhereinthevalleyoftheBormida."Sosaying,hestuckaredpinintotheplainofMarengo.
Bourrienneregardedthismaneuveringofpinsasmerepastime.Hiscountenanceexpressedhisperfectincredulity.Napoleon,perceivingthis,addressedtohimsomeofhisusualapostrophes,inwhichhewasaccustomedplayfullytoindulgeinmomentsofrelaxation,suchas,Youninny,Yougoose;androlledupthemap.Tenweekspassedaway,andBourriennefoundhimselfuponthebanksoftheBormida,writing,atNapoleon'sdictation,anaccountofthebattleofMarengo.AstonishedtofindNapoleon'santicipationsthusminutelyfulfilled,hefranklyavowedhisadmirationofthemilitarysagacitythusdisplayed.Napoleonhimselfsmiledatthejusticeofhisforesight.
TwodaysbeforethenewsofthebattleofMarengoarrivedinVienna,EnglandeffectedanewtreatywithAustria,forthemorevigorousprosecutionofthewar.BythisconventionitwasprovidedthatEnglandshouldloanAustriatenmillions
ofdollars,tobearnointerestduringthecontinuanceoftheconflict.AndtheAustriancabinetbounditselfnottomakepeacewithFrance,withouttheconsentoftheCourtofSt.James.TheEmperorofAustriawasnowsadlyembarrassed.HissenseofhonorwouldnotallowhimtoviolatehispledgetotheKingofEngland,andtomakepeace.Ontheotherhand,hetrembledatthethoughtofseeingthearmiesoftheinvincibleNapoleonagainmarchinguponhiscapital.He,therefore,resolvedtotemporize,and,inordertogaintime,sentanembassadortoParis.TheplenipotentiarypresentedtoNapoleonaletter,inwhichtheEmperorstated,"YouwillgivecredittoeverythingwhichCountJulienshallsayonmypart.Iwillratifywhateverheshalldo."Napoleon,promptinaction,anduniformedofthenewtreatybetweenFerdinandandGeorgeIII.,immediatelycausedthepreliminariesofpeacetobedrawnup,whichweresignedbytheFrenchandAustrianministers.ThecabinetinVienna,angrywiththeirembassadorfornotprotractingthediscussion,refusedtoratifythetreaty,recalledCountJulien,senthimintoexile,informedtheFirstConsulofthetreatwhichboundAustrianottomakepeacewithouttheconcurrenceofGreatBritain,assuredFranceofthereadinessoftheEnglishCabinettoenterintonegotiations,andurgedtheimmediateopeningofaCongressatLuneville,towhichplenipotentiariesshouldbesentfromeachofthethreegreatcontendingpowers.Napoleonwashighlyindignantinviewofthisduplicityandperfidy.Yet,controllinghisanger,heconsentedtotreatwithEngland,andwiththatviewproposedanavalarmistice,withthemistressoftheseas.TothispropositionEnglandperemptorilyrefusedtoaccede,asitwouldenableFrancetothrowsuppliesintoEgyptandMalta,whichislandEnglandwasbesieging.ThenavalarmisticewouldhavebeenundeniablyfortheinterestsofFrance.Butthecontinentalarmisticewasasundeniablyadversetoherinterests,enablingAustriatorecoverfromherdefeats,andtostrengthenherarmies.Napoleon,fullyconvincedthatEngland,inhe[rinaccessibleposition,didnotwishforpeace,andthatheronlyobject,inendeavoringtoobtainadmittancetotheCongress,wasthatshemightthrowobstaclesinthewayofreconciliationwithAustria,offeredtorenounceallarmisticewithEngland,andtotreatwithherseparately.ThisEnglandalsorefused.
ItwasnowSeptember.Twomonthshadpassedinthesevexationsandsterilenegotiations.Napoleonhadtakeneverystepinhispowertosecurepeace.Hesincerelydesiredit.Hehadalreadywonallthelaurelshecouldwishtowinonthefieldofbattle.ThereconstructionofsocietyinFrance,andtheconsolidationofhispower,demandedallhisenergies.Theconsolidationofhispower!ThatwasjustwhatthegovernmentofEnglanddreaded.Theconsolidationof
democraticpowerinFrancewasdangeroustokingandtonoble.WilliamPits,thesoulofthearistocraticgovernmentofEngland,determinedstilltoprosecutethewar.FrancecouldnotharmEngland.ButEngland,withherinvinciblefleet,couldsweepthecommerceofFrancefromtheseas.Foxandhiscoadjutorswithgreateloquenceandenergyopposedthewar.Theireffortswere,however,unavailing.ThepeopleofEngland,notwithstandingalltheeffortsofthegovernmenttodefamethecharacteroftheFirstConsul,stillcherishedtheconvictionthat,afterall,Napoleonwastheirfriend.Napoleon,insubsequentyears,whilereviewingthesescenesofhisearlyconflicts,withcharacteristiceloquenceandmagnanimity,gaveutterancetothefollowingsentimentswhich,itisascertainasdestiny,thattheverdictoftheworldwillyetconfirm.
"PittwasthemasterofEuropeanpolicy.Heheldinhishandsthemoralfateofnations.Buthemadeanilluseofhispower.Hekindledthefireofdiscordthroughouttheuniverse;andhisname,likethatofErostratus,willbeinscribedinhistory,amidstflames,lamentations,andtears.Twenty-fiveyearsofuniversalconflagration;thenumerouscoalitionsthataddedfueltotheflame;therevolutionanddevastationofEurope;thebloodshedofnations;thefrightfuldebtofEngland,bywhichallthesehorrorsweremaintained;thepestilentialsystemofloans,bywhichthepeopleofEuropeareoppressed;thegeneraldiscontentthatnowprevails—allmustbeattributedtoPitt.Posteritywillbrandhimasascourge.Themansolaudedinhisowntime,willhereafterberegardedasthegeniusofevil.NotthatIconsiderhimtohavebeenwillfullyatrocious,ordoubthishavingentertainedtheconvictionthathewasactingright.ButSt.Bartholomewhadalsoitsconscientiousadvocates.ThePopeandcardinalscelebrateditbyaTeDeum;andwehavenoreasontodoubttheirhavingdonesoinperfectsincerity.Suchistheweaknessofhumanreasonandjudgment!Butthatforwhichposteritywill,aboveall,execratethememoryofPitt,isthehatefulschool,whichhehasleftbehindhim;itsinsolentMachiavelism,itsprofoundimmorality,itscoldegotism,anditsutterdisregardofjusticeandhumanhappiness.Whetheritbetheeffectofadmirationandgratitude,ortheresultofmereinstinctandsympathy,Pittis,andwillcontinuetobe,theidoloftheEuropeanaristocracy.Therewas,indeed,atouchoftheSyllainhischaracter.Hissystemhaskeptthepopularcauseincheck,andbroughtaboutthetriumphofthepatricians.AsforFox,onemustnotlookforhismodelamongtheancients.Heishimselfamodel,andhisprincipleswillsoonerorlaterruletheworld.ThedeathofFoxwasoneofthefatalitiesofmycareer.Hadhislifebeenprolonged,affairswouldtakenatotallydifferentturn.Thecauseofthepeoplewouldhavetriumphed,andweshouldhaveestablishedaneworderofthingsin
Europe."
Austriareallydesiredpeace.ThemarchofNapoleon'sarmiesuponViennawasanevilmoretobedreadedthaneventheconsolidationofNapoleon'spowerinFrance.ButAustriawas,byloansandtreaties,soentangledwithEngland,thatshecouldmakenotpeacewithouttheconsentoftheCourtofSt.James.Napoleonfoundthathewasbuttriffledwith.Interminabledifficultieswerethrowninthewayofnegotiation.Austriawastakingadvantageofthecessationofhostilities,merelytorecruitherdefeatedarmies,that,soonastheapproachingwinterhadpassedaway,shemightfall,withrenovatedenergies,uponFrance.ThemonthofNovemberhadnowarrived,andthemountains,whitenedwithsnow,weresweptbythebleakwindsofwinter.Theperiodofthearmisticehadexpired.Austriaappliedforitsprolongation.Napoleonwasnolongerthustobeduped.Heconsented,however,toacontinuedsuspensionofhostilities,onconditionthatthetreatyofpeaceweresignedwithinforty-eighthours.Austria,believingthatnosanemanwouldmarchanarmyintoGermanyinthedeadofwinter,andthatsheshouldhaveabundanttimetoprepareforaspringcampaign,refused.ThearmiesofFrancewereimmediatelyonthemove.TheEmperorofAustriahadimprovedeverymomentofthistransientintervalofpeace,inrecruitinghisforces.Inpersonhehadvisitedthearmytoinspirehistroopswithenthusiasm.Thecommandoftheimperialforceswasintrustedtohissecondbrother,theArchdukeJohn.Napoleonmovedwithhisaccustomedvigor.ThepoliticalnecessitiesofParisandofFrancerendereditimpossibleforhimtoleavethemetropolis.Heorderedonepowerfularmy,underGeneralBrune,toattacktheAustriansinItaly,onthebanksofMincio,andtopressfirmlytowardVienna.Intheperformanceofthisoperation,GeneralMacdonald,inthedeadofwinter,effectedhisheroicpassageovertheAlpsbythepassoftheSplugen.Victoryfollowedtheirstandards.
Moreau,withhismagnificentarmy,commencedawintercampaignontheRhine.BetweentheriversIserandInnthereisanenormousforest,manyleaguesinextent,ofsombrefirsandpines.Itisadrearyandalmostuninhabitedwilderness,ofwildravines,andtangledunder-brush.Twogreatroadshavebeencutthroughtheforest,andsundrywoodmen'spathspenetrateitatdifferentpoints.Inthecentrethereisalittlehamlet,ofafewmiserablehuts,calledHohenlinden.Inthisforest,onthenightofthe3dofDecember,1800,Moreau,withsixtythousandmen,encounteredtheArchdukeJohnwithseventythousandAustriantroops.TheclocksuponthetowersofMunichhadbutjusttolledthehourofmidnightwhenbotharmieswereinmotion,eachhopingtosurprisethe
other.Adismalwintrystormwashowlingoverthetreetops,andthesmotheringsnow,fallingrapidly,obliteratedalltracesofapath,andrendereditalmostimpossibletodragthroughthedriftstheponderousartillery.Bothparties,inthedarkandtempestuousnight,becameentangledintheforest,andtheheadsoftheircolumnsinvariousplacesmet.Anawfulsceneofconfusion,conflict,andcarnagethenensued.Imaginationcannotcompasstheterriblesublimityofthatspectacle.Thedarkmidnight,thehowlingsofthewintrystorm,thedrivingsheetsofsnow,theincessantroarofartilleryandofmusketryfromonehundredandthirtythousandcombatants,thelightningflashesoftheguns,thecrashofthefallingtreesastheheavycannon-ballssweptthroughtheforest,theflounderingofinnumerablehorsemenbewilderedinthepathlesssnow,theshoutofonset,theshriekofdeath,andtheburstofmartialmusicfromathousandbands—allcombinedtopresentasceneofhorrorandofdemoniacenergy,whichprobablyeventhislostworldneverpresentedbefore.Thedarknessoftheblackforestwassointense,andthesnowfellinflakessothickandfastandblinding,thatthecombatantscouldwithdifficultyseeeachother.Theyoftenjudgedofthefoeonlybyhisposition,andfiredattheflashesgleamingthroughthegloom.Attimes,hostiledivisionsbecameintermingledininextricableconfusion,andhandtohand,bayonetcrossingbayonet,andswordclashingagainstsword,theyfoughtwiththeferocityofdemons;forthoughtheofficersofanarmymaybeinfluencedbythemostelevatedsentimentsofdignityandofhonor,themassofthecommonsoldiershaveeverbeenthemostmiserable,worthless,anddegradedofmankind.Astheadvancingandretreatinghostwaveredtoandfro,thewounded,bythousands,wereleftonhill-sidesandindarkravines,withthedriftingsnow,crimsonedwithblood,theironlyblanket;thereinsolitudeandagonytomoanandfreezeanddie.Whatdeath-scenestheeyeofGodmusthavewitnessedthatnight,inthesolitudesofthatdark,tempest-tossed,andblood-stainedforest!Atlastthemorningdawnedthroughtheunbrokenclouds,andthebattleragedwithrenovatedfury.Nearlytwentythousandmutilatedbodiesofthedeadandwoundedwereleftuponthefield,withgorylocksfrozentotheiricypillows,andcoveredwithmoundsofsnow.AtlasttheFrenchwerevictoriousateverypoint.TheAustrians,havinglosttwenty-fivethousandmeninkilled,wounded,andprisoners,onehundredpiecesofartillery,andanimmensenumberofwagons,fledindismay.ThisterrificconflicthasbeenimmortalizedbythenobleepicofCampbell,whichisnowfamiliarwherevertheEnglishlanguageisknown.
"OnLinden,whenthesunwaslow,Allbloodlesslaytheuntroddensnow,AnddarkaswinterwastheflowOrIser,rollingrapidly."ButLindensawanother
sight,Whenthedrumsbeatatdeadofnight,CommandingfiresofdeathtolightThedarknessofherscenery."&c.
TheretreatingAustriansrusheddownthevalleyoftheDanube.Moreaufollowedthunderingattheirheels,plungingballsandshellsintotheirretreatingranks.ThevictoriousFrenchwerewithinthirtymilesofVienna,andthecapitalwasinastateofindescribabledismay.TheEmperoragainsentimploringanarmistice.Theapplicationwaspromptlyaccededto,forNapoleonwascontendingonlyforpeace.Yetwithunexempledmagnanimity,notwithstandingtheseastonishingvictories,Napoleonmadenoessentialalterationsinhisterms.Austriawasathisfeet.HisconqueringarmieswerealmostinsightofthesteeplesofVienna.TherewasnopowerwhichtheEmperorcouldpresenttoobstructtheirresistlessmarch.Hemighthaveexactedanytermsofhumiliation.Butstillheadheredtothefirsttermswhichhehadproposed.MoreauwasurgedbysomeofhisofficerstopressontoVienna."Wehadbetterhalt,"hereplied,"andbecontentwithpeace.Itisforthatalonethatwearefighting."TheEmperorofAustriawasthuscompelledtotreatwithouttheconcurrenceofEngland.Theinsurmountableobstacleinthewayofpeacewasthusremoved.AtLuneville,JosephBonaparteappearedastheembassadorofNapoleon,andCountCobentzelastheplenipotentiaryofAustria.Thetermsofthetreatyweresoonsettled,andFrancewasagainatpeacewithalltheworld,Englandaloneexcepted.BythistreatytheRhinewasacknowledgedastheboundaryofFrance.TheAdigelimitedthepossessionsofAustriainItaly;andNapoleonmadeitanessentialarticlethateveryItalianimprisonedinthedungeonsofAustriaforpoliticaloffences,shouldimmediatelybeliberated.TherewastobenointerferencebyeitherwiththenewrepublicswhichhadsprungupinItaly.Theyweretobepermittedtochoosewhateverformofgovernmenttheypreferred.Inreferencetothistreaty,SirWalterScottmakesthecandidadmissionthat"thetreatyofLunevillewasnotmuchmoreadvantageoustoFrancethanthatofCampoFormio.ThemoderationoftheFirstConsulindicatedatoncehisdesireforpeaceupontheContinent,andconsiderablerespectforthebraveryandstrengthofAustria."AndAlison,incautiousbutsignificantphrase,remarks,"TheseconditionsdidnotdiffermateriallyfromthoseofferedbyNapoleonbeforetherenewalofthewar;aremarkablecircumstance,whenitisrememberedhowvastandadditionthevictoriesofMarengo,Hohenlinden,andtheMincio,hadsincemadetothepreponderanceoftheFrencharmies."
Itwas,indeed,"aremarkablecircumstance,"thatNapoleonshouldhavemanifestedsuchunparalleledmoderation,undercircumstancesofsuch
aggravatedindignity.InNapoleon'sfirstItaliancampaignhewascontendingsolelyforpeace.Atlastheattainedit,inthetreatyofCampoFormio,ontermsequallyhonorabletoAustriaandtoFrance.OnhisreturnfromEgypt,hefoundthearmiesofAustria,threehundredthousandstrong,inalliancewithEngland,invadingtheterritoriesoftheRepublic.Heimploredpeace,inthenameofbleedinghumanity,uponthefairbasisofthetreatyofCampoFormio.Hisfoesregardedhissupplicationastheimploringcryofweakness,andtreateditwithscorn.WithnewvigortheypouredtheirtempestsofballsandshellsuponFrance.NapoleonsealedtheAlps,anddispersedhisfoesatMarengo,likeautumnleavesbeforetheAlps,anddispersedhisfoesatMarengo,likeautumnleavesbeforethegale.Amidthesmokeandthebloodandthegroansofthefieldofhisvictory,heagainwroteimploringpeace;andhewroteintermsdictatedbythehonestandgushingsympathiesofahumaneman,andnotinthecoldandstatelyformsofthediplomatist.Crushedashisfoeswere,herosenotinhisdemands,butnoblysaid,"IamstillwillingtomakepeaceuponthefairbasisofthetreatyofCampoFormio."Histreacherousfoes,togaintimetorecruittheirarmies,thattheymightfalluponhimwithrenovatedvigor,agreedtoanarmistice.Theythenthrewallpossibleembarrassmentsinthewayofnegotiation,andprolongedthearmisticetillthewindsofwinterweresweepingfiercelyoverthesnow-coveredhillsofAustria.TheythoughtthatitwasthentoolateforNapoleontomakeanymovementsuntilspring,andthattheyhadalongwinterbeforethem,inwhichtoprepareforanothercampaign.Theyrefusedpeace.ThroughstormsandfreezinggalesanddriftingsnowsthearmiesofNapoleonmarchedpainfullytoHohenlinden.ThehostsofAustriawereagainrouted,andweresweptaway,asthedriftedsnowfliesbeforethegale.TenthousandFrenchmenliecoldindeath,theterriblepriceofthevictory.TheEmperorofAustria,inhispalaces,heardthethunderingsofNapoleon'sapproachingartillery.Heimploredpeace."ItisallthatIdesire,"saidNapoleon;"Iamnotfightingforambitionorforconquest.IamstillreadytomakepeaceuponthefairbasisofthetreatyofCampoFormio."
WhilealltheContinentwasnowatpeacewithFrance,Englandalone,withindomitableresolution,continuedthewar,withoutallies,andwithoutanyapparentoravowedobject.France,comparativelypowerlessupontheseas,couldstrikenoblowswhichwouldbefeltbythedistantislanders."Oneverypoint,"saysSirWalterScott,"theEnglishsquadronsannihilatedthecommerceofFrance,crippledherrevenues,andblockadedherforts."ThetreatyofLunevillewassignedthe9thofFebruary,1801.Napoleonlamenting,thecontinuedhostilityofEngland,inannouncingthispeacetothepeopleofFrance,
remarked,"Whyisnotthistreatythetreatyofageneralpeace?ThiswasthewishofFrance.Thishasbeentheconstantobjectoftheeffortsofhergovernment.Butitsdesiresarefruitless.AllEuropeknowsthattheBritishministerhasendeavoredtofrustratethenegotiationsatLuneville.InvainwasitdeclaredtohimthatFrancewasreadytoenterintoaseparatenegotiation.ThisdeclarationonlyproducedarefusalunderthepretextthatEnglandcouldnotabandonherally.Sincethen,whenthatallyconsentedtotreatwithoutEngland,thatgovernmentsoughtothermeanstodelayapeacesonecessarytotheworld.Itraisespretensionscontrarytothedignityandrightsofallnations.ThewholecommerceofAsia,andofimmensecolonies,doesnotsatisfyitsambition.AlltheseasmustsubmittotheexclusivesovereigntyofEngland."AsWilliamPittreceivedthetidingsofthisdiscomfitureofhisallies,indespairingdespondency,heexclaimed,"FoldupthemapofEurope.Inneednotagainbeopenedfortwentyyears."
Whilethesegreataffairswereinprogress,Napoleon,inParis,wasconsecratinghisenergieswithalmostmiraculouspower,indevelopingalltheresourcesofthemajesticempireunderhiscontrol.Hepossessedthepowerofabstractiontoadegreewhichhasprobablyneverbeenequaled.Hecouldconcentrateallhisattentionforanylengthoftimeupononesubject,andthen,layingthatasideentirely,withoutexpendinganyenergiesinunavailinganxiety,couldturntoanother,withallthefreshnessandthevigorofanunpreoccupiedmind.Incessantmentallaborwastheluxuryofhislife."Occupation,"saidhe,"ismyelement.Iambornandmadeforit.IhavefoundthelimitsbeyondwhichIcouldnotusemylegs.IhaveseentheextenttowhichIcouldusemyeyes.ButIhaveneverknownanyboundstomycapacityforapplication."
TheuniversalityofNapoleon'sgeniuswasnowmostconspicuous.Therevenuesofthenationwerereplenished,andallthetaxesarrangedtothesatisfactionofthepeople.TheBankofFrancewasreorganized,andnewenergyinfusedintoitsoperations.SeveralmillionsofdollarswereexpendedinconstructingandperfectingfivemagnificentroadsradiatingfromParistothefrontiersoftheempire.Robbers,thevagabondsofdisbandedarmies,infestedtheroads,renderingtravelingdangerousintheextreme."Bepatient,"saidNapoleon."Givemeamonthortwo.Imustfirstconquerpeaceabroad.Iwillthendospeedyandcompletejusticeuponthesehighwaymen."Averyimportantcanal,connectingBelgiumwithFrance,hadbeencommencedsomeyearsbefore.TheengineerscouldnotagreerespectingthebestdirectionofthecuttingthroughthehighlandswhichseparatedthevalleyoftheOisefromthatoftheSomme.Hevisitedthe
spotinperson:decidedthequestionpromptly,anddecideditwisely,andthecanalwaspressedtoitscompletion.HeimmediatelycausedthreenewbridgestobethrownacrosstheSeineatParis.HecommencedthemagnificentroadoftheSimplon,crossingtheruggedAlpswithabroadandsmoothhighway,whichforageswillremainadurablemonumentofthegeniusandenergyofNapoleon.IngratitudeforthefavorshehadreceivedfromthemonksoftheGreatSt.Bernard,hefoundedtwosimilarestablishmentsfortheaidoftravelers,oneonMountCenis,theotherontheSimplon,andbothauxiliarytotheconventontheGreatSt.Bernard.Concurrentlywiththesemajesticundertakings,hecommencedthecompilationofthecivilcodeofFrance.TheablestlawyersofEuropeweresummonedtothisenterprise,andthewholeworkwasdiscussedsectionbysectionintheCouncilofState,overwhichNapoleonpresided.ThelawyerswereamazedtofindthattheFirstConsulwasasperfectlyfamiliarwithallthedetailsoflegalandpoliticalscience,ashewaswithmilitarystrategy.
Bourriennementions,thatoneday,aletterwasreceivedfromanemigrant,GeneralDurosel,whohadtakenrefugeintheislandofJersey.Thefollowingisanextractfromtheletter:
"Youcannothaveforgotten,general,thatwhenyourlatefatherwasobligedtotakeyourbrothersfromthecollegeofAutun,hewasunprovidedwithmoney,andaskedofmeonehundredandtwenty-fivedollars,whichIlenthimwithpleasure.Afterhisreturn,hehadnotanopportunityofpayingme,andwhenIleftAjaccio,yourmotherofferedtodisposeofsomeplate,inordertopaythedebt.TothisIobjected,andtoldherthatIwouldwaituntilshecouldpaymeatherconvenience.PrevioustotheRevolution,Ibelievethatitwasnotinherpowertofulfillherwishofdischargingthedebt.Iamsorrytobeobligedtotroubleyouaboutsuchatrifle.Butsuchismyunfortunatesituation,thateventhistrifleisofsomeimportancetome.Attheageofeighty-six,general,afterhavingservedmycountryforsixtyyears,Iamcompelledtotakerefugehere,andtosubsistonascantyallowance,grantedbytheEnglishgovernmenttoFrenchemigrants.Isayemigrants,forIamobligedtobeoneagainstmywill."
Uponhearingthisletterread,Napoleonimmediatelyandwarmlysaid,"Bourrienne,thisissacred.Donotloseamoment.Sendtheoldmantentimesthesum.WritetoGeneralDurosel,thatheshallimmediatelybeerasedfromthelistofemigrants.WhatmischiefthosebrigandsoftheConventionhavedone.Icanneverrepairitall."Napoleonutteredthesewordswithadegreeofemotionwhichhehadrarelybeforeevinced.Intheeveningheinquired,withmuch
interestofBourrienne,ifhehadexecutedhisorders.
ManyattemptsweremadeatthistimetoassassinatetheFirstConsul.ThoughFrance,withthemostunparalleledunanimitysurroundedhimwithadmiration,gratitude,andhomage,therewereviolentmeninthetwoextremesofsociety,amongtheJacobinsandtheinexorableRoyalists,whoregardedhimasintheirway.Napoleon'sescapefromtheexplosionoftheinfernalmachine,gotupbytheRoyalists,wasalmostmiraculous.
Ontheeveningofthe24thofDecember,NapoleonwasgoingtotheOpera,tohearHaydn'sOratoriooftheCreation,whichwastobeperformedforthefirsttime.Intenselyoccupiedbybusiness,hewasreluctanttogo;buttogratifyJosephine,yieldedtoherurgentrequest.Itwasnecessaryforhiscarriagetopassthroughanarrowstreet.Acart,apparentlybyaccidentoverturned,obstructedthepassage.Abarrelsuspendedbeneaththecart,containedasdeadlyamachineascouldbeconstructedwithgun-powderandallthemissilesofdeath.Thecoachmansucceededinforcinghiswaybythecart.Hehadbarelypassedwhenanexplosiontookplace,whichwasalloverParis,andwhichseemedtoshakethecitytoitsfoundations.Eightpersonswereinstantlykilled,andmorethansixtywerewounded,ofwhomabouttwentysubsequentlydied.Thehousesforalongdistance,oneachsideofthestreet,werefearfullyshattered,andmanyofthemwerenearlyblowntopieces.Thecarriagerockedasuponthebillowsofthesea,andthewindowswereshatteredtofragments.Napoleonhadbeenintoomanyscenesofterrortobealarmedbyanynoiseordestructionwhichgunpowdercouldproduce."Ha!"saidhe,withperfectcomposure;"weareblownup."Oneofhiscompanionsinthecarriage,greatlyterrified,thrusthisheadthroughthedemolishedwindow,andcalledloudlytothedrivertostop."No,no!"saidNapoleon;"driveon."WhentheFirstConsulenteredtheOperaHouse,heappearedperfectlycalmandunmoved.Thegreatestconsternation,however,prevailedinallpartsofthehouse,fortheexplosionhadbeenheard,andthemostfearfulapprehensionswerefeltforthesafetyoftheidolizedNapoleon.Assoonasheappeared,thundersofapplause,whichshooktheverywallsofthetheatre,gaveaffectingtestimonyoftheattachmentofthepeopletohisperson.Inafewmoments,Josephine,whohadcomeinherprivatecarriage,enteredthebox.Napoleonturnedtoherwithperfecttranquillity,andsaid,"Therascalstriedtoblowmeup.WhereisthebookoftheOratorio?"
NapoleonsoonlefttheOperaandreturnedtotheTuileries.Hefoundavastcrowdassembledthere,attractedbyaffectionforhisperson,andanxietyforhis
safety.Theatrocityofthisattemptexciteduniversalhorror,andonlyincreasedthealreadyalmostboundlesspopularityoftheFirstConsul.DeputationsandaddresseswereimmediatelypouredinuponhimfromParisandfromallthedepartmentsofFrance,congratulatinghimuponhisescape.ItwasatfirstthoughtthatthisconspiracywastheworkoftheJacobins.TherewereinParismorethanahundredoftheleadersoftheexecrableparty,whohadobtainedasanguinarynotorietyduringthereignofterror.TheywereactivemembersofaJacolinClub,aviolentandvulgargatheringcontinuallyplottingtheoverthrowofthegovernment,andtheassassinationoftheFirstConsul.Theywerethoroughlydetestedbythepeople,andthecommunitywasgladtoavailitselfofanyplausiblepretextforbanishingthemfromFrance.Withoutsufficientevidencethattheywereactuallyguiltyofthisparticularoutrage,inthestrongexcitementandindignationofthemomentadecreewaspassedbythelegislativebodies,sendingonehundredandsixtyofthesebloodstainedculpritsintoexile.ThewishwasearnestlyexpressedthatNapoleonwouldpromptlypunishthembyhisowndictatorialpower.Napoleonhad,infact,acquiredsuchunboundedpopularity,andthenationwassothoroughlyimpressedwithasenseofhisjustice,andhiswisdom,thewhateverhesaidwasdone.He,however,insistedthatthebusinessshouldbeconductedbytheconstitutedtribunalsandundertheregularformsoflaw."Theresponsibilityofthismeasure,"saidNapoleon,"mustrestwiththelegislativebody.Theconsulsareirresponsible.Buttheministersarenot.Anyoneofthemwhoshouldsignanarbitrarydecree,mighthereafterbecalledtoaccount.Notasingleindividualmustbecompromised.Theconsulsthemselvesknownotwhatmayhappen.Asforme,whileIlive,Iamnotafraidthatanyonewillbekilled,andthenIcannotanswerforthesafetyofmytwocolleagues.Itwouldbeyourturntogovern,"said,he,smiling,andturningtoCambaceres;"andyouarenotasyetveryfirminthestirrups.Itwillbebettertohavealawforthepresent,aswellasforthefuture."Itwasfinally,aftermuchdeliberation,decidedthattheCouncilofStateshoulddrawupadeclarationofthereasons,fortheact.TheFirstConsulwastosignthedecree,andtheSenatewastodeclarewhetheritwasorwasnotconstitutional.ThuscautiouslyNapoleonproceedundercircumstancessoexciting.Thelaw,however,wasunjustandtyrannical.Guiltyasthesemenwereofothercrimes,bywhichtheyhadforfeitedallsympathy,itsubsequentlyappearedthattheywerenotguiltyofthiscrime.Napoleonwasevidentlyembracedbythisuncertaintyoftheirguilty,andwasnotwillingthattheyshouldbedenouncedascontriversoftheinfernalmachine."Webelieve,"saidhe,"thattheyareguilty.Butwedonotknowit.Theymustbetransportedforthecrimeswhichtheyhavecommitted,themassacresandtheconspiraciesalreadyprovedagainstthem."Thedecreewas
passed.ButNapoleon,stronginpopularity,becamesoconvincedofthepowerlessnessandinsignificanceoftheseJacobins,thatthedecreewasneverenforcedagainstthem.TheyremainedinFrance.Buttheywereconsciousthattheeyeofthepolicewasuponthem."Itisnotmyownperson,"saidNapoleon,"thatIseektoavenge.Myfortunewhichhaspreservedmesooftenonthefieldofbattle,willcontinuetopreserveme.Ithinknotofmyself.Ithinkofsocialorderwhichitismymissiontore-establish,andofthenationalhonor,whichitismydutytopurgefromanabominablestain."TotheinnumerableaddressesofcongratulationandattachmentwhichthisoccurrenceelicitedNapoleonreplied."IhavebeentouchedbytheproofsofaffectionwhichthepeopleofParishaveshownmeonthisoccasion.Ideservethem.Fortheonlyaimofmythoughts,andofmyactions,istoaugmenttheprosperityandthegloryofFrance.Whilethosebanditticonfinedthemselvestodirectattacksuponme,Icouldleavetothelawsthetaskofpunishingthem.Butsincetheyhaveendangeredthepopulationofthecapitalbyacrime,unexampledinhistory,thepunishmentmustbeequallyspeedyandterrible."
Itwassoonproved,muchtothesurpriseofNapoleon,thattheatrociousactwasperpetratedbythepartisansoftheBourbons.ManyofthemostprominentoftheLoyalistswereimplicatedinthishorribleconspiracy.Napoleonfeltthathedeservedtheirgratitude.HehadinterposedtosavethemfromthefuryoftheJacobins.Againsttheremonstrancesofhisfriends,hehadpassedadecreewhichrestoredonehundredandfiftythousandofthesewanderingemigrantstoFrance.Hehaddoneeverythinginhispowertoenablethemtoregaintheirconfiscatedestates.Hehadbeeninallrespectstheirfriendandbenefactor,andhewouldnotbelieve,untiltheproofwasindisputable,thattheycouldthusrequitehim.ThewilyFouche,however,draggedthewholematterintolight.Theprominentconspiratorswerearrestedandshot.Thefollowingletter,writtenonthisoccasionbyJosephine,totheMinisterofPolice,strikinglyillustratesthebenevolenceofherheart,andexhibitsinaveryhonorablelightthecharacterofNapoleon.
"WhileIyettrembleatthefrightfuleventwhichhasjustoccurred,Iamdistressedthroughfearofthepunishmenttobeinflictedontheguilty,whobelong,itissaid,tofamilieswithwhomIoncelivedinhabitsofintercourse.Ishallbesolicitedbymothers,sisters,anddisconsolatewives,andmyheartwillbebrokenthroughmyinabilitytoobtainallthemercyforwhichIwouldplead.IknowthattheelemencyoftheFirstwhobelong,itissaid,tofamilieswithwhomIoncelivedinhabitsofintercourse.Ishallbesolicitedbymothers,sisters,and
disconsolatewives,andmyheartwillbebrokenthroughmyinabilitytoobtainallthemercyforwhichIwouldplead.IknowthattheelemencyoftheFirstConsulisgreat—hisattachmenttomeextreme.Thechiefofthegovernmenthasnotbeenaloneexposed;anditisthatwhichwillrenderhimsevere,inflexible.Iconjureyou,therefore,todoallinyourpowertopreventinquiriesbeingpushedtoofar.Donotdetectallthosepersonswhohavebeenaccomplicesinthisodioustransaction.LetnotFrance,solongoverwhelmedinconsternation,bypublicexecutions,groananew,beneathsuchinflictions.Whentheringleadersofthisnefariousattemptshallhavebeensecured,letseveritygiveplacetopityforinferioragents,seduced,astheymayhavebeenbydangerousfalsehoodsorexaggeratedopinions.Asawoman,awife,andamother,Imustfeeltheheartrendingsofthosewillapplytome.Act,citizenminister,insuchawaythatthenumberofthesemaybelessened."
ItseemsalmostmiraculousthatNapoleonshouldhaveescapedtheinnumerableconspiracieswhichatthistimewereformedagainsthim.ThepartisansoftheBourbonsthoughthatifNapoleoncouldberemoved,theBourbonsmightregaintheirthrone.Itwashisresistlessgeniusalone,whichenabledFrancetotriumphovercombinedEurope.HisdeathwouldleaveFrancewithoutaleader.Thearmiesofthealliescouldthen,withbloodystrides,marchtoParis,andplacethehatedBourbonsonthethrone.Franceknewthis,andadoreditspreserver.MonarchicalEuropeknewthis,andhencealltheengergiesofitscombinedkingswerecentreduponNapoleon.Morethanthirtyoftheseconsipraciesweredetectedbythepolice.Londonwasthehot-housewheretheywereengendered.Air-gunswereaimedtoNapoleon.Assassinsdoggedhimwiththeirponiards.Abomb-shellwasinvented,weighingaboutfifteenpounds,whichwastobethrowninathiscarriage-window,andwhichexplodingbyitsownconcussion,wouldhurldeathoneveryside.Theconspiratorswereperfectlyrecklessofthelivesofothers,iftheycouldonlydestroythelifeofNapoleon.Theagentsoftheinfernal-machinehadthebarbaritytogetayounggirlfifteenyearsofagetoholdthehorsewhodrewthemachine.Thiswastodisarmsuspicion.Thepoorchildwasblownintosuchfragments,thatnopartofherbody.exceptingthefeet,couldafterwardsbefound.AtlastNapoleonbecamearoused,anddeclaredthathewould"teachthoseBourbonsthathewasnotamantobeshotatlikeadog."
OnedayatSt.Helena,ashewasputtingonhisflannelwaistcoat,heobservedLasCasaslookingathimverysteadfastly.
"Well!whatisyourExcellencythinkingof?"saidNapoleon,withasmile.
"Sire,"LasCasasreplied,"inapamphletwhichIlatelyread,Ifounditstatedthatyourmajestywasshieldedbyacoat-of-mail,forthesecurityofyourperson.IwasthinkingthatIcouldbearpositiveevidencethatatSt.Helenaatleast,allprecautionsforpersonalsafetyhavebeenlaidaside."
"This,"saidNapoleon,"isoneofthethousandabsurditieswhichhavejustmentionedisthemoreridiculous,sinceeveryindividualaboutmewellknowshowcarelessIamwithregardtoself-preservation.Accustomedfromtheageofeighteentobeexposedtotheconnon-ball,andknowingtheinutilityofprecautions,Iabandonedmyselftomyfate.WhenIcametotheheadofaffairs,Imightstillhavefanciedmyselfsurroundedbythedangersofthefieldofbattle;andImighthaveregardedtheconspiracieswhichwereformedagainstmeassomanybomb-shells.ButIfollowedmyoldcourse.Itrustedtomyluckystar,andleftallprecautionstothepolice.IwasperhapstheonlysovereigninEuropewhodispensedwithabody-guard.Everyonecouldfreelyapproachme,withouthaving,asitwere,topassthroughmilitarybarracks.MariaLousiawasmuchastonishedtoseemesopoorlyguarded,andsheoftenremarkedthatherfatherwassurroundedbybayonets.Formypart,IhadnobetterdefenseattheTuileriesthanIhavehere.Idonotevenknowwheretofindmysword,"saidhe,lookingaroundtheroom;"doyouseeit?Ihave,tobesure,incurredgreatdangers.Upwardofthirtyplotswerefoundagainstme.Thesehavebeenprovedbyauthentictestimony,withoutmentioningmanywhichnevercametolight.Somesovereignsinventconspiraciesagainstthemselves;formypart,ImadeitarulecarefullytoconcealthemwheneverIcould.ThecrisismostserioustomewasduringtheintervalfromthebattleofMarengo,totheattemptofGeorgeCadoudalandtheaffairoftheDukeD'Enghien"
Napoleonnow,withhisaccustomedvigor,tookholdoftherobbersanandmadeshortworkwiththem.TheinsurgentarmiesofLaVendee,numberingmorethanonehundredthousandmen,andfilledwithadventurersanddesperadoesofeverykind,weredisbandedwhentheirchiefsyieldedhomagetoNapoleon.Manyofthesemen,accustomedtobandittiwarfare,tooktothehighways.Theroadsweresoinfestedbythem,thattravailingbecameexceedinglyperilous,anditwasnecessarythateverystage-coachwhichleftParisshouldbeaccompaniedbyaguardofarmedsoldiers.Toremedyastateofsocietythusconvulsedtoitsverycentre,specialtribunalswereorganized,consistingofeightjudges.Theyweretotakecognizanceofallsuchcrimesasconspiracies,robberies,andactsofviolenceofanykind.ThearmedbandsofNapoleonsweptoverFrancelikeawhirlwind.Therobberswereseized,tried,andshotwithoutdelay.Orderwasat
oncerestored.ThepeoplethoughtnotofthedangerouspowertheywereplacinginthehandsoftheFirstConsul.Theyaskedonlyforacommander,whowasableandwillingtoquellthetumultofthetimes.SuchacommandertheyfoundinNapoleon.Theyweremorethanwillingtoconferuponhimallthepowerhecoulddesire."Youknowwhatisbestforus;""saidthepeopleofNapoleon."Directuswhattodo,andwewilldoit."Itwasthusthatabsolutepowercamevoluntarilyintohishands.Underthecircumstancesitwassonaturalthatitcanexcitenosuspicion.HewascalledFirstConsul.ButhealreadyswayedasceptermoremightythanthatoftheCaesars.ButsixteenmonthshadnowelapsedsinceNapoleonlandedatFrejus.InthattimehehadattainedthethroneofFrance.Hehadcausedorderandprosperitytoemergefromthechaosofrevolution.ByhismagnanimityhehaddisarmedRussia,byhisarmieshadhumbledAustria,andhadcompelledcontinentalEuropetoacceptanhonorablepeace.Hemeritedthegratitudeofhiscountrymen,andhereceiveditinoverflowingmeasure.Throughalltheseincidents,soeventfulandsofullofdifficulty,itisnoteasytopointtoasingleactofNapoleon,whichindicatesamaliciousoranungenerousspirit.
"Ifearnothing,"saidNapoleonatSt.Helena,"formyrenown.Posteritywilldomejustice.ItwillcomparethegoodwhichIhavedonewithfaultswhichIhavecommitted.IfIhadsucceededIshouldhavediedwiththereputationofbeingthegreatestmanwhoeverexisted.FrombeingnothingIbecame,bymyownexertions,themostpowerfulmonarchoftheuniverse,withoutcommittinganycrime.Myambitionwasgreat,butitrestedontheopinionofthemasses.Ihavealwaysthoughtthatsovereigntyresidesinthepeople.Theempire,asIhadorganizedit,wasbutagreatrepublic.Calledtothethronebythevoiceofthepeople,mymaximhasalwaysbeenacareeropentotalentwithoutdistinctionofbirth.ItisforthissystemofequalitythattheEuropeanoligarchydetestsme.AndyetinEnglandtalentandgreatservicesraiseamantothehighestrank.Englandshouldhaveunderstoodme."
TheFrenchRevolution,"saidNapoleon,"wasageneralmovementofthemassofthenationagainsttheprivilegedclasses.Thenobleswereexemptfromtheburdensofthestate,andyetexclusivelyoccupiedallthepostsofhonorandemolument.Therevolutiondestroyedtheseexclusiveprivileges,andestablishedequalityofrights.Alltheavenuesofwealthandgreatnesswereequallyopentoeverycitizen,accordingtohistalents.TheFrenchnationestablishedtheimperialthrone,andplacedmeuponit.ThethroneofFrancewasgrantedbeforetoHughCapet,byafewbishopsandnobles.Theimperialthronewasgiventome,bythedesireofthepeople."
JosephBonapartewasofveryessentialservicetoNapoleoninthediplomaticintercourseofthetimes.Lucienalsowasemployedinvariousways,andthewholefamilyweretakenundertheprotectionoftheFirstConsul.AtSt.HelenaNapoleonutteredthefollowinggraphicandtruthfuleulogiumuponhisbrothersandsisters:"Whatfamily,insimilarcircumstances,wouldhaveactedbetter?Everyoneisnotqualifiedtobeastatesman.Thatrequiresacombinationofpowerswhichdoesnotoftenfalltothelotofanyone.Inthisrespectallmybrothersweresingularlysituated;theypossessedatoncetoomuchandtoolittletalent.Theyfeltthemselvestoostrongtoresignthemselves.blindlytoaguidingcounselor,andyettooweaktobeleftentirelytothemselves.ButtakethemallinallIhavecertainlygoodreasontobeproudofmyfamily.Josephwouldhavebeenanhonortosocietyinanycountry,andLucienwouldhavebeenanhonortoanyassembly;Jerome,asheadvancedinlife,wouldhavedevelopedeveryqualificationrequisiteinasovereign.Louiswouldhavebeendistinguishedinanyrankorconditionoflife.MysisterElizawasendowedwithmasculinepowersofmind;shemusthaveprovedherselfaphilosopherinheradversefortune.Carolinepossessedgreattalentsandcapacity.Pauline,perhapsthemostbeautifulwomanofherage,hasbeenandwillcontinuetotheendofherlife,themostamiablecreatureintheworld.Astomymother,shedeservesallkindsofveneration.Howseldomissonumerousafamilyentitledtosomuchpraise.Addtothis,that,settingasidethejarringofpoliticalopinions,wesincerelylovedeachother.Formypart,Ineverceasedtocherishfraternalaffectionforthemall.AndIamconvincedthatintheirheartstheyfeltthesamesentimentstowardme,andthatincaseofneed,theywouldhavegivenmeeveryproofofit."
Theproudoldnobility,whomNapoleonhadrestoredtoFrance,anduponmanyofwhomhehadconferredtheirconfiscatedestates,manifestednogratitudetowardtheirbenefactor.Theyweresightingforthere-enthronementoftheBourbons,andforthereturnofthegoodoldtimes,whenalltheofficesofemolumentandhonorwerereservedforthemandfortheirchildren,andthepeoplewerebuttheirhewersofwoodanddrawersofwater.Inthemorning,asbeggars,theywouldcrowdtheaudience-chamberoftheFirstConsulwiththeirpetitions.Intheeveningtheydisdainedtohonorhisleveeswiththeirpresence.TheyspokecontemptuouslyofJosephine,ofherkindnessandherdesiretoconciliateallparties.TheycondemnedeverythingthatNapoleondid.He,however,paidnoheedtotheirmurmurings.Hewouldnotcondescendeventopunishthembyneglect.Inthatmostloftypridewhichinducedhimtosaythat,inhisadministrationhewishedtoimitatetheelemencyofGod,heendeavoredtoconsultfortheinterestsofall,boththeevilandtheunthankful.Hisfamewas
toconsist,notinrevenginghimselfuponhisenemies,butinaggrandizingFrance.
AtthistimeNapoleon'sestablishmentattheTuileriesratherresembledthatofaveryrichgentleman,thanthecourtofamonarch.Junot,oneofhisaids,wasmarriedtoMademoisellePermon,theyoungladywhosenamewillberememberedinconnectionwiththeanecdoteof"PussinBoots."Hermotherwasoneofthemosthaughtyoftheancientnobility,whoaffectedtolookuponNapoleonwithcontemptasnotofroyalblood.TheeveningafterhermarriageMadameJunotwastobepresentedtoJosephine.AftertheOperashedrovetotheTuileries.Itwasneareleveno'clock.AsJosephinehadappointedthehour,shewasexpected.Eugene,hearingthewheelsofthecarriage,descendedtothecourt-yard,presentedhisarmtoMadameJunot,andtheyenteredthelargesaloontogether.Itwasamagnificentapartment,magnificentlyfurnished.Twochandeliers,surroundedwithgauzetosoftentheglare,shedasubduedandgratefullightovertheroom.Josephinewasseatedbeforeatapestry-frameworkinguponembroidery.NearhersatHortense,sylph-likeinfigure,andsurpassinglygentleandgracefulinhermanners.NapoleonwasstandingnearJosephine,withhishandsclaspedbehindhim,engagedinconversationwithhiswifeandherlovelydaughter.UpontheentranceofMadameJunotJosephineimmediatelyarose,tookhertwohands,and,affectionatelykissingher,said,"IhavetoolongbeenJunot'sfriend,nottoentertainthesamesentimentsforhiswife;particularlyfortheonehehaschosen."
"Oh,Josephine!"saidNapoleon,"thatisrunningonveryfast.Howdoyouknowthatthislittlepickleisworthloving.Well,MademoiselleLoulou(youseethatIdonotforgetthenamesofmyoldfriends),haveyounotawordforme!"Sayingthis,hegentlytookherhandanddrewhertowardhim.
Theyoungbridewasmuchembarrassed,andyetshestruggledtoretainherprideofbirth."General!"shereplied,smiling,"itisnotformetospeakfirst."
"Verywellparried,"saidNapoleon,playfully,"themother'sspirit!AndhowisMadamePermon?"
"Veryill,general!Fortwoyearsherhealthhascausedusgreatuneasiness."
"Indeed,"saidNapoleon,"sobadasthat?Iamsorrytohearit;verysorry.Makemyregardstoher.Itisawronghead,aproudspirit,butshehasagenerousheart
andanoblesoul.Ihopethatweshalloftenseeyou,MadameJunot.Myintentionistodrawaroundmeanumerousfamily,consistingofmygeneralsandtheiryoungwives.TheywillbeofmywifeandofHortense,astheirhusbandsaremyfriends.Butyoumustnotexpecttomeethereyouracquaintancesoftheancientnobility.Idonotlikethem.Theyaremyenemies,andproveitbydefaming."
ThiswasbutthemorningtwilightofthatimperialsplendorwhichafterwarddazzledthemostpowerfulpotentatesofEurope.Hortense,whosubsequentlybecamethewifeofLouisBonaparte,andthemotherofLouisNapoleon,who,atthemomentofthispresentwriting,isattheheadofthegovernmentofFrance,wasthenseventeenyearsofage."Shewas,"MadameJunot,"freshasarose.Thoughherfaircomplexionwasnotrelievedbymuchcolor,shehadenoughtoproducethatfreshnessandbloomwhichwasherchiefbeauty.Aprofusionoflighthairplayedinsilkenlocksaroundhersoftandpenetratingblueeyes.Thedelicateroundnessofherfigure,slenderasapalm-tree,wassetoffbytheelegantcarriageofherhead.ButthatwhichformedthechiefattractionofHortensewasthegraceandsuavityofhermanners,whichunitedtheCreolenonchalancewiththevivacityofFrance.Shewasgay,gentle,andamiable.Shehadwit,which,withoutthesmallestill-temper,hadjustmaliceenoughtobeamusing.Apolishedandwell-conductededucationhadimprovedhernaturaltalents.Shedrewexcellently,sangharmoniously,andperformedadmirablyincomedy.In1800,shewasacharmingyounggirl.SheafterwardbecameoneofthemostamiableprincessesinEurope.Ihaveseenmany,bothintheirowncourtsandinParis,butIhaveneverknownonewhohadanypretensionstoequaltalents.Shewasbelovedbyeveryone.Herbrotherlovedhertenderly.TheFirstConsullookeduponherashischild."
NapoleonhasbeenaccusedofanimproperaffectionforHortense.Theworldhasbeenfilledwiththeslander.SaysBourrienne,"Napoleonnevercherishedforheranyfeelingbutarealpaternaltenderness.Helovedherafterhismarriagewithhermother,ashewouldhavelovedhisownchild.AtleastforthreeyearsIwasawitnesstoalltheirmostprivateactions,andIdeclareIneversawanythingthatcouldfurnishtheleastgroundforsuspicion,northeslightesttraceofaculpableintimacy.Thiscalumnymustbeclassedamongthosewhichmalicedelightstotakeinthecharacterofmenwhobecomecelebrated,calumnieswhichareadoptedlightlyandwithoutreflection.Napoleonisnomore.Lethismemorybeaccompaniedonlybythat,beitgoodorbad,whichreallytookplace.Letnotthisreproachbemadeachargeagainsthimbytheimpartialhistorian.I
mustsay,inconclusion,onthisdelicatesubject,thathisprincipleswererigidinanextremedegree,andthatanyfaultofthenaturecharged,neitherenteredhismind,norwasinaccordancewithhismoralsorhistaste."
AtSt.HelenaNapoleonwasonedaylookingoverabookcontaininganaccountofhisamours.Hesmiledasheglancedhiseyeoverthepages,saying,"Idonotevenknowthenamesofmostofthefemaleswhoarementionedhere.Thisisallveryfoolish.Everybodyknowsthathadnotimeforsuchdissipation."
Onebeautifulevening,intheyear1815,theparishpriestofSanPietro,avillageafewmilesdistantfromSevilla,returnedmuchfatiguedtohislittlecottage,wherehefoundhisagedhousekeeper,theSenoraMargarita,watchingforhim.NotwithstandingthatoneiswellaccustomedtothesightofpovertyinSpain,itwasimpossibletohelpbeingstruckbytheutterofdestitutionwhichappearedinthehouseofthegoodpriest;themoreso,aseveryimaginablecontrivancehadbeenrestoredto,tohidethenakednessofthewalls,andtheshabbinessofthefurniture.Margaritahadpreparedforhermaster'ssuperarathersmalldishofolla-podriga,whichconsisted,tosaythetruth,oftheremainsofthedinner,seasonedanddisguisedwithgreatskill,andwiththeadditionofsomesauce,andaname.Assheplacedthesavorydishuponthetable,thepriestsaid:"WeshouldthankGodforthisgoodsupper,Margarita:thisolla-podrigamakesone'smouthwater.Myfriend,yououghttobegratefulforfindingsogoodasupperatthehouseofyourhost!"Atthewordhost,Margaritaraisedhereyes,andsawastranger,whohadfollowedhermater.Hercountenancechanged,andshelookedannoyed.……….Sheglancedindignantlyfirstattheunknown,andthenatthepriest,who,lookingdown,saidinalowvoice,andwiththetimidityofachild:"Whatisenoughfortwo,isalwaysenoughforthree;andsurelyyouwouldnotwishthatIshouldallowaChristiantodieofhunger?Hehasnottastedfoodfortwodays."
"AChristian!Heismorelikeabrigand!"andMargaritalettheroom,murmuringloudlyenoughtobeheard.
Meanwhile,theunwelcomeguesthadremainedstandingatthedoor.Hewasamanofgreatheight,half-dressedinragsandcoveredwithmud;whilehisblackhair,piercingeyes,andcarbine,gavehimanappearancewhich,thoughhardlyprepossessing,wascertainlyinteresting."MustIgo?"saidhe.
Thepriestrepliedwithanemphaticgesture:"ThosewhomIbringundermyroof
areneverdrivenforth,andareneverunwelcome.Putdownyourcarbine.Letussaygrace,andgototable."
"Ineverleavemycarbine,for,astheCastilianproverbsays,"Twofriendsareone.'Mycarbineismybestfriend;andIalwayskeepitbesideme.Althoughyouallowmetocomeintoyourhouse,anddonotobligemetoleaveuntilIwishtodoso,thereareotherswhowouldthinknothingofhaulingmeout,andperhaps,withmefeetforemost.Come—toyourgoodhealth,minehost,andletustosupper."
Thepriestpossessedanextremelygoodappetite,butthevoracityofthestrangersoonobligedhimtogiveup,fornotcontentedwitheating,orratherdevouring,nearlythewholeoftheolla-podriga,theguestfinishedalargeloafofbread,withoutleavingacrumb.Whileheate,hekeptcontinuallylookingroundwithanexpressionofinquietude:hestartedattheslightestsound;andonce,whenaviolentgustofwindmadethedoorbang,hesprangtohisfeet,andseizedhiscarbine,withanairwhichshowedthat,ifnecessary,hewouldsellhislifedearly.Discoveringthecauseofthealarm,hereseatedhimselfattable,andfinishedhisrepast.
"Now,"saidhe,"Ihaveonethingmoretoask.Ihavebeenwounded,andforeightdaysmywoundhasnotbeendressed.Givemeafewoldrags,andyoushallbenolongerburdenedwithmypresence."
"Iaminnohasteforyoutogo,"repliedthepriest,whosequest,notwithstandinghisconstantwatchfulness,hadconversedveryentertainingly."Iknowsomethingofsurgery,andwilldressyourwound."
Sosaying,hetookfromacupboardacasecontainingeverythingnecessary,andproceededtodoashehadsaid.Thestrangerhadbledprofusely,aballhavingpassedthroughhisthigh;andtohavetraveledinthiscondition,andwhilesuffering,too,fromwantoffood,showedastrength,whichseemedhardlyhuman.
"Youcannotpossiblycontinueyourjourneyto-day,"saidthehost."Youmustpassthenighthere.Alittlerestwillgetupyourstrength,diminishtheinflammationofyourwound,and—"
"Imustgoto—day,andimmediately,"interruptedthestranger."Therearesomewhowaitforme,"headdedwithasigh—"andtherearesome,too,whofollow
me."Andthemomentarylookofsoftnesspassedfromhisfeaturesbetweentheclausesofthesentence,andgaveplacetoanexpressionalmostofferocity."Now,isitfinished?Thatiswell.See,IcanwalkasfirmlyasthoughIhadneverbeenwounded.Givemesomebread:payyourselfforyourhospitalitywiththispieceofgold,andadieu."
Thepriestputbackthegoldwithdispleasure."Iamnotaninnkeeper,saidhe;"andIdonotsellmyhospitality."
"Asyouwill,butpardonme;andnowfarewell,mykindhost."
Sosayinghetookthebread,whichMargarita,athermaster'scommand,veryunwillinglygavehim,andsoonhistallfiguredisappearedamongthethickfoliageofawoodwhichsurroundedthehouse,orratherthecabin.Anhourhadscarcelypassed,whenmusket-shotswereheardcloseby,andtheunknownreappeared,deadlypale,andbleedingfromadeepwoundneartheheart.
"Takethese,"saidhe,givingpiecesofgoldtohislatehost;"theyareformychildren—nearthestream—inthevalley."
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deadlyagency,whichithadpowertoexert.Eventheroadwayleadingupanddownthemountainisnotalwayssafe,itwouldseem,fromthesedangerousintruders.Itisrockyandsolitary,andisborderedeverywherewithgloomyravinesandchasms,allfilledwithdenseandentangledthickets,inwhich,andinthecavernousrocksofwhichthestrataofthemountainarecomposed,wildbeastandnoxiousanimalsofeverykindfindasecureretreat.Themonksrelatethatnotmanyyearsagoaservantoftheconvent,whohadbeensentdownthemountaintoHaifa,toaccompanyatraveler,wasattackedandseizedbyapantheronhisreturn.Thepanther,however,insteadofputtinghisvictimimmediatelytodeath,begantoplaywithhimasacatplayswithamousewhichshehassucceededinmakingherprey-holdinghimgentlywithherclaws,foratime,andthen,afterdrawingbackalittle,dartinguponhimagain,asiftorepeatandrenewthepleasureofcapturingsuchaprize.Thiswascontinuedsolong,thatthecriesoftheterrifiedcaptivebroughttothespotsomepersonsthatchancedtobenear,whenthepantherwasterrifiedinherturn,andfledintotheforests;andthenthemanwasrescuedfromhishorriblesituationunharmed.
Fortheseandsimilarreasons,travelerswhoascendtotheconventofMt.
Carmel,enjoybutlittlelibertythere,butmostconfinetheirexplorationsinmostcasestothebuildingsofthemonks,andtosomeofthenearestcavesoftheancientrecluses.Stillthespotisrenderedsoattractivebythesalubrityoftheair,theintrinsicbeautyofthesituation,themagnificenceoftheprospect,andthekindandattentivedemeanorofthemonks,thatsomevisitorshaverecommendeditasaplaceofpermanentresortforthosewholeavetheirhomesintheWestinpursuitofhealth,orinsearchofretirementandrepose.Therulethatrequiresthosewhohavebeenguestsoftheconventmorethantwoweekstogiveplacetoothersmorerecentlyarrived,provesinfactobenoseriousdifficulty.Somekindofanarrangementcaninsuchcasesalways,bemade,thoughitisseldomthatanyoccasionarisesthatrequiresit.Thequarters,too,thoughplainandsimplearecomfortableandneat,andalthoughthevisitorissomewhatrestricted,fromcausesthathavealreadybeennamed,inrespecttoexplorationsofthemountainitself,therearemanyexcursionsthatcanbemadeinthecountrybelow,ofaveryattractivecharacter.HecanvisitHaifa,hecanrideorwalkalongthebeachtoAcre;hecangotoNazareth,orjourneydownthecoast,passingroundthewesterndeclivityofthemountain.Intheseandsimilarrambleshewillfindscenesofcontinualnoveltytoattracthim,andbesurroundedeverywherewiththeformsandusagesofOrientallife.
ThetravelerwhocomestoMt.Carmelbytheway……….ofNazarethandtheplainofEsdraelon,ingoingawayfromitgenerallypassesroundthewesterndeclivityofthemountain,andthenceproceedstothesouth,bythewayofthesea.Onreachingthefootofthedescent,wherethemountainmule-pathcomesoutintothemainroad,asshownuponthemapnearthecommencementofthisarticle,heturnsshortstotheleft,andgoesonroundthebaseofthepromontory,withtheloftydeclivitiesofthemountainononehand,andamassofdenseforestsontheother,lyingbetweentheroadandtheshore.Ashepasseson,theroad,picturesqueandromanticfromthebeginningbecomesgraduallywild,solitary,anddesolate.Itleadshimsometimesthroughtangledthickets,sometimesundershelvingrocks,andsometimesitbringshimoutunexpectedlytotheshoreofthesea,whereheseesthesurfrollinginuponthebeachathisfeet,andfaroverthewaterthesettingsungoingdowntohisrestbeneaththewesternhorizon.Atlengththetwilightgraduallydisappears,andastheshadesoftheeveningcomeon,lightsglimmerinthesolitaryvillagesthathepassesonhisway;butthereisnowelcomeforhimintheirbeaming.Atlengthwhenhedeemsittimetobringhisday'sjourneytoanend,hepitcheshistentbythewaysideinsomeunfrequentedspot,andbeforeheretirestorestforthenight,comesouttotakeonemoreviewofthedarkandsombremountainwhichheisabouttoleave
forever.Hestandsatthedoorofhistent,andgazesatitlongandearnestly,beforehebidsitfarewell,equallyimpressedwiththesublimemagnificenceofitssituationandform,andwiththesolemngrandeurofitshistory.
Francewasnowatpeacewithalltheworld.ItwasuniversallyadmittedthatNapoleonwasthegreatpacificator.HewastheidolofFrance.ThemassesofthepeopleinEurope,everywhereregardedhimastheiradvocateandfriend,theenemyofaristocraticusurpation,andthegreatchampionofequality.ThepeopleofFrancenolongerdemandedliberty.Wearyyearsofwoehadtaughtthemgladlytorelinquishtheboon.Theyonlydesiredarulerwhowouldtakecareofthem,governthem,protectthemfromthepowerofallieddespotism,andgivethemequalrights.ThoughNapoleonhadnowbutthetitleofFirstConsul,andFrancewasnominallyarepublic,hewasinrealitythemostpowerfulmonarchinEurope.Histhronewasestablishedintheheartsofnearlyfortymillionsofpeople.Hiswordwaslaw.
ItwillberememberedthatJosephinecontemplatedtheextraordinarygrandeurtowhichherhusbandhadattained,withintensesolicitude.Shesawthatmorethatthanordinaryregalpowerhadpassedintohishands,andshewasnotastrangertotheintensedesirewhichanimatedhishearttohaveanheirtowhomtotransmithisnameandhisglory.SheknewthatmanywereintimatingtohimthatanheirwasessentialtothereposeofFrance.Shewasfullyinformedthatdivorcehadbeenurgeduponhimasoneofthesternnecessitiesofstate.Oneday,whenNapoleonwasbusyinhiscabinet,Josephineenteredsoftly,byasidedoor,andseatingherselfaffectionatelyuponhisknee,andpassingherhandgentlythroughhishair,saidtohim,withaburstoftenderness,"Ientreatyou,myfriend,donotmakeyourselfking.ItisLucienwhourgesyoutoit.Donotlistentohim."Napoleonsmileduponherkindly,andsaid,"Why,mypoorJosephine,youaremad.Youmustnotlistentothesefableswhichtheolddowagers,tellyou.Butyouinterruptmenow;Iamverybusy;leavemealone."
ItisrecordedthatLucienventuredtosuggesttoJosephinethatalawhigherthanthelawofordinarymoralityrequiredthatshemustbecomeamother,evenwereitnecessary,fortheattainmentofthatend,thatsheshouldviolatehernuptialvows.BrutalizingandvulgarinfidelityhadobliteratedinFrance,nearlyallthesacrednessofdomesticties.Josephine,instinctivelyvirtuous,andreveringthereligionofherchildhood,whichherhusbandhadreinstated,burstingintotears,indignantlyexclaimed,"Thisisdreadful.WretchedshouldIbewereanyonetosupposemecapableoflistening,withouthorror,toyourinfamousproposal.
Yourideasarepoisonous;yourlanguagehorrible.""Well,then,madame,"respondedLucien,"allthatIcansayis,thatfrommyheartIpityyou."
Josephinewasattimesalmostdeliriousinapprehensionoftheawfulcalamitywhichthreatenedher.Sheknewtheintensityofherhusband'slove.Shealsoknewtheboundlessnessofhisambition.Shecouldnotbeblindtotheapparentimportance,asamatterofstatepolicythatNapoleonshouldpossessanheir.ShealsowasfullyawarethatthroughoutFrancemarriagehadlongbeenregardedbutasapartnershipofconvenience,tobeformedandsunderedalmostatpleasure."Marriage,"saidMadamedeStael,hasbecomebutthesacramentofadultery."Thenation,undertheinfluenceoftheseviews,wouldcondemnherforselfishlyrefusingassenttoanarrangementapparentlyessentialtothereposeofFranceandofEuropeNeverwasawomanplacedinasituationofmoreterribletrial.Neverwasanambitiousmanexposedtoamorefierytemptation.LayingasidetheauthorityofChristianity,andcontemplatingthesubjectinthelightofmereexpediency,itseemedaplaindutyforNapoleonandJosephinetoseparate.ButgloriouslydoesitillustratetheimmutabletruthofGod'sword,thateveninsuchanexigenceasthis,thepathwhichtheBiblepointedoutwastheonlypathofsafetyandofpeace."InseparatingmyselffromJosephine,"saidNapoleonafterward,"andinmarryingMariaLouisa,Iplacedmyfootuponanabysswhichwascoveredwithflowers."
Josephine'sdaughter,Hortense,beautiful,brilliant,andamiable,thenbuteighteenyearsofage,wasstronglyattachedtoDuroc,oneofNapoleon'saids,averyfashionableandhandsomeman.Josephine,however,hadconceivedtheideaofmarryingHortensetoLouisBonaparte,Napoleon'syoungerbrother.Shesaid,oneday,toBourrienne,"Mytwobrothers-in-lawaremydeterminedenemies.Youseealltheirintrigues.Youknowhowmuchuneasinesstheyhavecausedme.ThisprojectedmarriagewithDuroc,leavesmewithoutanysupport.Duroc,independentofBonaparte'sfriendship,isnothing.Hehasneitherfortune,rank,norevenreputation.Hecanaffordmenoprotectionagainsttheenmityofthebrothers.Imusthavesomemorecertainrelianceforthefuture.MyhusbandlovesLouisverymuch.IfIcansucceedinunitingmydaughtertohim,hewillproveastrongcounterpoisetothecalumniesandpersecutionsofmybrothers-in-law."TheseremarkswerereportedtoNapoleon.Hereplied,"Josephinelaborsinvain.DurocandHortenseloveeachother,andtheyshallbemarried.IamattachedtoDuroc.Heiswellborn.IhavegivenCarolinetoMurat,andPaulinetoLeClerc.IcanaswellgiveHortensetoDuroc.Heisbrave.Heisasgoodastheothers.Heisgeneralofdivision.Besides,IhaveotherviewsforLouis."
Inthepalacetheheartmaythrobwiththesamejoysandgriefsasinthecottage.InanticipationoftheprojectedmarriageDurocwassentonaspecialmissiontocomplimenttheEmperorAlexanderonhisaccessiontothethrone.DurocwroteoftentoHortensewhileabsent.Whentheprivatesecretarywhisperedinherears,inthemidstofthebrilliantthrongoftheTuileries,"Ihavealetter,"shewouldimmediatelyretiretoherapartment.Uponherreturnherfriendscouldseethathereyesweremoistenedwiththetearsofaffectionandjoy.JosephinecherishedthehopethatcouldshesucceedinunitingHortensewithLouisBonaparte,shouldHortensegivebirthtoason,Napoleonwouldregardhimashisheir.ThechildwouldbearthenameofBonaparte;thebloodoftheBonaparteswouldcirculateinhisveins;andhewouldbetheoffspringofHortense,whomNapoleonregardedashisowndaughter,andwhomhelovedwiththestrongestparentalaffection.Thustheterribledivorcemightbeaverted.Urgedbymotivessopowerful,Josephineleftnomeansuntriedtoaccomplishherpurpose.
LouisBonapartewasastudious,pensive,imaginativeman,ofgreatmoralworth,thoughpossessingbutlittleforceofcharacter.Hehadbeenbitterlydisappointedinhisaffections,andwaswearyoftheworld.WhenbutnineteenyearsofagehehadformedaverystrongattachmentforayoungladywhomhehadmetinParis.Shewasthedaughterofanemigrantnoble,andhiswholebeingbecauseabsorbedinthepassionoflove.Napoleon,theninthemidstofthosevictorieswhichpavedhiswaytothethroneofFrance,wasapprehensivethattheallianceofhisbrotherwithoneoftheoldroyalistfamilies,mightendangerhisownambitiousprojects.Hethereforesenthimawayonamilitarycommission,andsecured,byhispowerfulinstrumentality,themarriageoftheyoungladytoanotherperson.Thedisappointmentpreyeddeeplyupontheheartofthesensitiveyoungman.Allambitiondiedwithinhim.Helovedsolitude,andstudiouslyavoidedthecaresandpompofstate.Napoleon,nothavingbeenawareoftheextremestrengthofhisbrother'sattachment,whenhesawthewoundwhichhehadinflicteduponhim,endeavoredtomakealltheamendsinhispower.Hortensewasbeautiful,fullofgraceandvivacity.AtlastNapoleonfellinwiththeviewsofJosephine,andresolved,havingunitedthetwo,torecompensehisbrother,asfaraspossible,bylavishinggreatfavorsuponthem.
ItwaslongbeforeLouiswouldlistentothepropositionofhismarriagewithHortense.Hisaffectionsstillclungtothelostobjectofhisidolatry,andhecouldnot,withoutpain,thinkofunionwithanother.Indeedamoreuncongenialalliancecouldhardlyhavebeenimagined.Innoonethingweretheirtastessimilar.ButwhocouldresistthecombinedtactofJosephineandpowerof
Napoleon.Allobstaclesweresweptaway,andthemaiden,lovingthehilarityoflife,anditsgayestscenesoffestivityandsplendor,wasreluctantlyledtothesilent,pensivescholar,whoasreluctantlyreceivedherashisbride.Hortensehadbecomeinsomedegreereconciledtothematch,asherpowerfulfatherpromisedtoplacetheminhighpositionsofwealthandrank.Louisresignedhimselftohislot,feelingtheearthhadnofurtherjoyinstoreforhim.Amagnificentfetewasgiveninhonorofthismarriage,atwhichallthesplendorsoftheancientroyaltywererevived.LouisNapoleonBonaparte,who,asPresidentoftheFrenchRepublic,succeededLouisPhilippe,theKingoftheFrench,wastheonlychildofthismarriagewhosurvivedhisparents.
NapoleonhadorganizedintheheartofItalyarepubliccontainingaboutfivemillionsofinhabitants.ThisrepubliccouldbynomeansmaintainitselfagainstthemonarchiesofEurope,unaidedbyFrance.Napoleon,surroundedbyhostilekings,deemeditessentialtothesafetyofFrance,tosecureinItalyanationofcongenialsympathiesandinterests,withwhomhecouldformtheallianceofcordialfriendship.TheItalians,allinexperiencedinself-government,regardingNapoleonastheirbenefactorandtheirsolesupporter,lookedtohimforaconstitution.ThreeofthemostinfluentialmenoftheCisalpineRepublic,weresentasdelegatestoParis,toconsultwiththeFirstConsulupontheorganizationoftheirgovernment.UnderthedirectionofNapoleonaconstitutionwasdrafted,which,consideringthecharacteroftheItalianpeople,andthehostilemonarchicalsinfluenceswhichsurroundedthem,wasmosthighlyliberal.APresidentwasVice-Presidentweretobechosenfortenyears.TherewastobeaSenateofeightmembersandaHouseofRepresentativesofseventy-fivemembers.Therewerealltobeselectedfromabodycomposedof300landedproprietors,200oftheclergyandprominentliterarymen.Thusalltheimportantinterestsofthestatewererepresented.
InItaly,asinalltheothercountriesofEuropeatthattime,therewerethreeprominentparties.TheLoyalistssoughttherestorationofmonarchyandtheexclusiveprivilegesofkingsandnobles.TheModerateRepublicanswishedtoestablishafirmgovernment,whichwouldenforceorderandconferuponallequalrights.TheJacobinswishedtobreakdownalldistinctions,divideproperty,andtogovernbytheblindenergiesofthemob.ItalyhadlongbeenheldinsubjectionbythespiritualterrorsofthepriestsandbythebayonetsoftheAustrians.AgesofbondagehadenervatedthepeopleandtherewerenoItalianstatesmencapableoftakingthehelmofgovernmentinsuchaturbulentseaoftroubles.NapoleonresolvedtohavehimselfproposedasPresident,andthen
reservingtohimselfthesupremedirection,todelegatethedetailsofaffairstodistinguishedItalians,untiltheyshould,insomedegree,betrainedtodutiessonewtothem.SaysTheirs."Thisplanwasnot,onhispart,theinspirationofambition,butratherofgreatgoodsense.Hisviewsonthisoccasionwereunquestionablybothpureandexalted."ButnothingcanmorestrikinglyshowthealmostmiraculousenergiesofNapoleon'smind,andhisperfectself-reliance,thanthereadinesswithwhich,inadditiontothecaresoftheEmpireofFrance,heassumedtheresponsibilityoforganizinganddevelopinganothernationoffivemillionsofinhabitants.Thiswasin1802.Napoleonwasthenbutthirty-threeyearsofage.
TohavesurrenderedthoseItalians,whohadralliedaroundthearmiesofFranceintheirhourofneed,againtoAustriandomination,wouldhavebeenanactoftreachery.Tohaveabandonedthem,intheirinexperience,totheJacobinmobontheonehand,andtoroyalistintriguesontheother,wouldhaveinsuredtheruinoftheRepublic.ButbyleavingthedetailsofgovernmenttobeadministeredbyItalians,andatthesametimesustainingtheconstitutionbyhisownpowerfulhand,therewasaprobabilitythattherepublicmightattainprosperityandindependence.AsthepressofbusinessrendereditextremelydifficultforNapoleontoleaveFrance,aplanwasformedforavastcongressoftheItalians,tobeassembledinLyons,abouthalfwaybetweenParisandMilan,fortheimposingadoptionoftherepublicanconstitution.Fourhundredandfifty-twodeputieswereelectedtocrossthefrozenAlps,inthemonthofDecember.TheextraodinarywatchfulnessandforesightoftheFirstConsul,hadpreparedeverycomfortforthemontheway.InLyonssumptuouspreparationsweremadefortheirentertainment.Magnificenthallsweredecoratedinthehigheststyleofearthlysplendorforthesolemnitiesoftheoccasion.ThearmyofEgypt,whichhadrecentlylanded,bronzedbyanAfricansunwasgorgeouslyattiredtoaddtothemagnificenceofthespectacle.TheLyoneseyouth,exultantwithpride,wereformedintoanimposingbodyofcavalry.Onthe11thofJanuary,1802,Napoleon,accompaniedbyJosephine,arrivedinLyons.Thewholepopulationoftheadjoiningcountryhadassembledalongtheroad,anxiouslywatchingforhispassage.Atnightimmensefiresilluminedhispath,blazinguponeveryhillsideandineveryvalley.Onecontinuousshoutof"LiveBonaparte,"rolledalongwiththecarriagefromParistoLyons.ItwaslateintheeveningwhenNapoleonarrivedinLyons.Thebrilliantcityflamedwiththesplendorofnoon-day.ThecarriageoftheFirstConsulpassedunderatriumphalarch,surmountedbyasleepinglion,theemblemofFrance,andNapoleontookuphisresidenceintheHoteldeVille,which,inmostprincelysumptuousnesshadbeendecoratedforhis
reception.TheItaliansadoredNapoleon.Theyfeltpersonallyennobledbyhisrenown,fortheyconsideredhimtheircountryman.TheItalianlanguagewashisnativetongue,andhespokeitwiththemostperfectfluencyandelegance.ThemomentthatthenameofNapoleonwassuggestedtothedeputiesasPresidentoftheRepublic,itwasreceivedwithshoutsofenthusiasticacclamation.AdeputationwasimmediatelysendtotheFirstConsultoexpresstheunanimousandcordialwishoftheconventionthathewouldaccepttheoffice.Whilethesethingsweretranspiring,Napoleon,everintenselyoccupied,wasinspectinghisveteransoldiersofItalyandofEgypt,inapublicreview.Theelementsseemedtoconspiretoinvesttheoccasionwithsplendor.Thedaywascloudless,thesunbrilliant,theskyserene,theairinvigorating.AlltheinhabitantsofLyonsandthepopulaceoftheadjacentcountrythrongedthestreets.Nopencandescribethetransportswithwhichtheherowasreceived,asherodealongthelinesoftheseveterans,whomhehadsooftenledtovictory.Thesoldiersshoutedinafrenzyofenthusiasm.Oldmen,andyoungmen,andboyscaughttheshoutanditreverberatedalongthestreetsinonecontinuousroar.Matronsandmaidens,wavingbannersandhandkerchiefs,weptinexcessofemotion.Bouquetsofflowerswereshoweredfromthewindows,tocarpethispath,andeveryconceivabledemonstrationwasmadeofthemostenthusiasticlove.Napoleonhimselfwasdeeplymovedbythescene.Someoftheoldgrenadiers,whomherecognized,hecalledoutoftheranks,kindlytalkedwiththem,inquiringrespectingtheirwoundsandtheirwants.Headdressedseveraloftheofficers,whomhehadseeninmanyencounters,shookhandswiththem,andadeliriumofexcitementpervadedallmindsUponhisreturntotheHoteldeVille,hemetthedeputationoftheconvention.Theypresentedhimtheaddress,urginguponhimtheacceptanceofthePresidencyoftheCisalpineRepublic.Napoleonreceivedtheaddress,intimatedhisacceptance,andpromised,onthefollowingday,tomeettheconvention.
Thenextmorningdawnedbrightlyuponthecity.Alargechurch,embellishedwithrichestdrapery,waspreparedforthesolemnitiesoftheoccasion.Napoleonenteredthechurch,tookhisseatuponanelevatedplatform,surroundedbyhisfamily,theFrenchministers,andalargenumberofdistinguishedgeneralsandstatesmen.HeaddressedtheassemblyintheItalianlanguage,withasmucheaseofmanner,eleganceofexpression,andfluencyofutteranceasifhiswholelifehadbeendevotedtothecultivationofthepowersoforatory.HeannouncedhisacceptanceofthedignitywithwhichtheywouldinvesthimandutteredhisviewsrespectingthemeasureswhichheadoptedtosecuretheprosperityoftheItalianRepublic,asthenewstatewashenceforthtobecalled.Repeatedbursts
ofapplauseinterruptedhisaddress,andatitscloseonecontinuousshoutofacclamationtestifiedtheassentandthedelightoftheassembledmultitude.NapoleonremainedatLyonstwentydays,occupied,apparentlyeverymoment,withthevastaffairswhichthenengrossedhisattention.AndyethefoundtimetowritedailytoParis,urgingforwardthemajesticenterprisesofthenewgovernmentinFrance.Thefollowingbriefextractsfromthisfreeandconfidentialcorrespondence,affordaninterestingglimpseofthemotiveswhichactuatedNapoleonatthistime,andofthegreatobjectsofhisambition.
"Iamproceedingslowlyinmyoperations.Ipassthewholeofmymorningsingivingaudiencetothedeputationsoftheneighboringdepartments.TheimprovementinthehappinessofFranceisobvious.DuringthepasttwoyearsthepopulationofLyonshasincreasedmorethan20,000souls.Allthemanufacturerstellmethattheirworksareinastateofhighactivity.Allmindsseemtobefullofenergy,notthatenergywhichoverturnsempires,butthatwhichre-establishesthem,andconductsthemtoprosperityandriches."
"Ibegofyouparticularlytoseethattheunrulymembers,whomwehaveintheconstitutedauthorities,areeveryoneofthemremoved.Thewishofthenationis,thatthegovernmentshallnotbeobstructedinitsendeavorstoactforthepublicgood,andthattheheadofMedusashallnolongershowitself,eitherinourtribunesorinourassemblies.TheconductofSieyes,onthisoccasion,completelyprovesthathavingcontributedtothedestructionofalltheconstitutionssince'91,hewishesnowtotryhishandagainstthepresent.HeoughttoburnawaxcandletoOurLady,forhavinggotoutofthescrapesofortunatelyandinsounexpectedamanner.ButtheolderIgrow,themoreIperceivethateachmanmustfulfillhisdestiny.IrecommendyoutoascertainwhethertheprovisionsforSt.Domingohaveactuallybeensentoff.ItakeitforgrantedthatyouhavetakenpropermeasuresfordemolishingtheChatelet.IftheMinisterofMarineshouldstandinneedofthefrigatesoftheKingofNaples,hemaymakeuseofthem.GeneralJourdangivesmeasatisfactoryaccountofthestateofPiedmont."
"IwishthatcitizenRoyerbesenttothe16thmilitarydivision,toexamineintotheaccountsofthepaymaster.Ialsowishsomeindividual,likecitizenRoyer,toperformthesamedutyforthe13thand14thdivisions.Itiscomplainedthatthereceiverskeepthemoneyaslongastheycan,andthatthepaymasterspostponepaymentaslongaspossible.Thepaymastersandthereceiversarethegreatestnuisanceinthestate."
"YesterdayIvisitedseveralfactories.Iwaspleasedwiththeindustryandthesevereeconomywhichpervadedtheseestablishments.Shouldthewintryweathercontinuesevere,Idonotthinkthatthe$25,000amonth,whichtheMinisteroftheInteriorgrantsforthepurposesofcharity,willbesufficient.Itwillbenecessarytoaddfivethousanddollarsforthedistributionofwood,andalsotolightfiresinthechurchesandotherlargebuildingstogivewarmthtoagreatnumberofpeople."
NapoleonarrivedinParisonthe31stofJanuary.Inthemeantime,therehadbeenanewelectionofmembersoftheTribunateandoftheLegislativebody.AllthosewhohadmanifestedanyoppositiontothemeasuresofNapoleon,inthere-establishmentofChristianity,andintheadoptionofthenewcivilcode,wereleftout,andtheirplacessuppliedbythosewhoapprovedofthemeasuresoftheFirstConsul.Napoleoncouldnowactunembarrassed.Ineveryquartertherewassubmission.Alltheofficersofthestate,immediatelyuponhisreturn,soughtanaudience,andinthatpompoflanguagewhichhismajesticdeedsandcharacterinspired,presentedtohimtheircongratulations.Hewasalreadyasovereign,inpossessionofregalpower,suchasnoothermonarchinEuropeenjoyed.Upononeobjectalltheenergiesofhismightymindwereconcentrated.Francewashisestate,hisdiadem,hisall.ThegloryofFrancewashisglory,thehappinessofFrancehishappiness,therichesofFrancehiswealth.Neverdidafatherwithmoreuntiringself-denialandtoillaborforhisfamily,thandidNapoleonthroughdaysofHerculeanexertionandnightsofsleeplessnessdevoteeveryenergyofbodyandsoultothegreatnessofFrance.Helovednotease,helovednotpersonalindulgence,helovednotsensualgratification.TheelevationofFrancetoprosperity,wealth,andpower,wasalimitlessambition.Thealmostsupernaturalsuccesswhichhadthusfarattendedhisexertions,didbutmagnifyhisdesiresandstimulatehishopes.HehadnowishtoelevateFranceupontheruinsofothernations.ButhewishedtomakeFrancethepatternofallexcellence,theillustriousleaderattheheadofallnations,guidingthemtointelligence,toopulence,andtohappiness.Such,atthistime,wasthetoweringambitionofNapoleon,themostnobleandcomprehensivewhichwaseverembracedbytheconceptionofman.Ofcourse,suchambitionwasnotconsistentwiththeequalityofothernationsforhedeterminedthatFranceshouldbethefirst.Buthemanifestednodispositiontodestroytheprosperityofothers;heonlywishedtogivesuchanimpulsetohumanityinFrance,bythecultureofmind,bypurityofmorals,bydomesticindustry,byforeigncommerce,bygreatnationalworks,astoplaceFranceintheadvanceupontheracecourseofgreatness.InthisraceFrancehadbutoneantagonist—England.Francehadnearlyfortymillionsofinhabitants.TheislandofGreatBritaincontainedbutaboutfifteenmillions.ButEngland,withhercolonies,girdledtheglobe,and,withherfleets,commandedallseas."France,"saidNapoleon,"mustalsohavehercoloniesandherfleets.""Ifwepermitthat,"thestatesmanofEnglandrejoined,"wemaybecomeasecondarypower,andmaythusbeatthemercyofFrance."Itwasundeniablyso.Shallhistorybeblindtosuchfatalityasthis?Isman,inthehouroftriumphantambition,somoderate,thatwecanbewillingthatheshouldattainpowerwhichplacesusathismercy?Englandwas
omnipotentupontheseas.Shebecamearrogant,andabusedthatpower,andmadeherselfoffensivetoallnations.Napoleondevelopednospecialmeeknessofcharactertoindicatethathewouldbe,intheprideofstrengthwhichnonationcouldresist,moremoderateandconciliating.CandorcannotcensureEnglandforbeingunwillingtoyieldherhighpositiontosurrenderhersupremacyontheseas—tobecomeasecondarypower—toallowFrancetobecomehermaster.AndwhocancensureFranceforseekingtheestablishmentofcolonies,theextensionofcommerce,friendlyalliancewithothernations,andthecreationoffleetstoprotectherfromaggressionupontheocean,aswellasupontheland?Napoleonhimself,withthatwonderfulmagnanimitywhichevercharacterizedhim,thoughattimesexasperatedbythehostilitywhichhenowencounteredyetoftenspokeintermsofrespectoftheinfluenceswhichanimatedhisfoes.Itistoberegrettedthathisantagonistssoseldomreciprocatedthismagnanimity.Therewashere,mostcertainly,arightandawrong.Butitisnoteasyformanaccuratelytoadjustthebalance.Godalonecanawardtheissue.Themindissaddenedasitwandersamidthelabyrinthsofconscientiousnessandofpassion,ofpuremotivesandimpureambition.Thisis,indeed,afallenworld.Thedramaofnationsisatragedy.Melancholyisthelotofman.
Englanddailywitnessed,withincreasingalarm,therapidandenormousstrideswhichFrancewasmaking.TheenergyoftheFirstConsulseemedsuperhuman.Hisactsindicatedthemostprofoundsagacity,themostfar-reachingforesight.To-daythenewsreachesLondonthatNapoleonhasbeenelectedPresidentoftheItalianRepublic.Thusinanhourfivemillionsofpeopleareaddedtohisempire!To-morrowitisannouncedthatheisestablishingacolonyatElba,thatavastexpeditionissailingforSt.Domingo,tore-organizethecolonythere.Englandisbewildered.AgainitisproclaimedthatNapoleonhaspurchasedLouisianaofSpain,andispreparingtofillthefertilevalleyoftheMississippiwithcolonists.Inthemeantime,allFranceisinastateofactivity.Factories,roads,bridges,canals,fortificationsareeverywherespringingintoexistence.ThesoundoftheshiphammerreverberatesinalltheharborsofFrance,andeverymonthwitnessestheincreaseoftheFrenchfleet.ThemassoftheEnglishpeoplecontemplatewithadmirationthisdevelopmentofenergy.ThestatesmenofEnglandcontemplateitwithdread.
Forsomemonths,Napoleon,inthemidstofallhisothercares,hadbeenmaturingavastsystemofpublicinstructionfortheyouthofFrance.Hedrewup,withhisownhand,theplanfortheirschools,andproposedthecourseofstudy.Itisalittlesingularthat,withhisstrongscientificpredilections,heshouldhave
assignedthefirstranktoclassicalstudies.Perhapsthisistobeaccountedforfromhisprofoundadmirationoftheheroesofantiquity.HisownmindwasmostthoroughlystoredwithallthetreasuresofGreekandRomanstory.Alltheseschoolswereformeduponamilitarymodel,forsituatedasFrancewas,inthemidstofmonarchies,athearthostile,hedeemeditnecessarythatthenationshouldbeuniversallytrainedtobeararms.Religiousinstructionwastobecommunicatedinalltheseschoolsbychaplains,militaryinstructionbyoldofficerswhohadleftthearmy,andclassicalandscientificinstructionbythemostlearnedmenEuropecouldfurnish.TheFirstConsulalsodevotedspecialattentiontofemaleschools."Franceneedsnothingsomuchtopromoteherregeneration,"saidhe,"asgoodmothers."ToattracttheyouthofFrancetotheseschools,onemillionsofdollarswasappropriatedforoversixthousandgratuitousexhibitionsforthepupils.Tenschoolsoflawwereestablished,nineschoolsofmedicine,andaninstitutionforthemechanicalarts,calledthe"SchoolofBridgesandRoads,"thefirstmodelofthoseschoolsofartwhichcontinueinFranceuntilthepresentday,andwhicharedeemedinvaluable.Therewerenoexclusiveprivilegesintheseinstitutions.Asystemofperfectequalitypervadedthem.Thepupilsofallclasseswereplaceduponalevel,withanunobstructedarenabeforethem."Thisisonlyacommencement,"saidNapoleon,"by-and-byweshalldomoreandbetter."
AnotherprojectwhichNapoleonnowintroducedwasvehementlyopposed—theestablishmentoftheLegionofHonor.Oneoftheleadingprinciplesoftherevolutionwastheentireoverthrowofalltitlesofdistinction.Everyman,highorlow,wastobeaddressedsimplyasCitizen.Napoleonwishedtointroduceasystemofrewardswhichshouldstimulatetoheroicdeeds,andwhichshouldennoblethosewhohaddeservedwellofhumanity.InnumerableforeignersofdistinctionhadthrongedFrancesincethepeace.Hehadobservedwithwhateagernessthepopulacehadfollowedtheseforeigners,gazingwithdelightupontheirgaydecorationsThecourt-yardoftheTuilerieswasevercrowdedwhentheseillustriousstrangersarrivedanddeparted.Napoleon,inhiscouncil,wherehewasalwayseloquentandpowerful,thusurgedhisviews:
"Lookatthesevanities,whichgeniuspretendssomuchtodisdain.Thepopulaceisnotofthatopinion.Itlovesthesemany-coloredribbons,asitlovesreligiouspomp.Thedemocratphilosophercallsitvanity.Vanityletitbe.Butthatvanityisaweaknesscommontothewholehumanrace,andgreatvirtuesmaybemadetospringfromit.Withthesesomuchdespisedbaublesheroesaremade.Theremustbeworshipforthereligioussentiment.Theremustbevisibledistinctions
forthenoblesentimentofglory.Nationsshouldnotstrivetobesingularanymorethanindividuals.Theaffectationofactingdifferentlyfromtherestoftheworld,isanaffectationwhichisreprovedbyallpersonsofsenseandmodesty.Ribbonsareinuseinallcountries.LetthembeinuseinFrance.ItwillbeonemorefriendlyrelationestablishedwithEurope.Ourneighborsgivethemonlytothemanofnoblebirth.Iwillgivethemtothemanofmerit—totheonewhoshallhaveservedbestinthearmyorinthestate,orwhoshallhaveproducedthefinestworks."
ItwasobjectedthattheinstitutionoftheLegionofHonorwasareturntothearistocracywhichtherevolutionhadabolished."Whatistherearistocratic,"Napoleonexclaimed,"inadistinctionpurelypersonal,andmerelyforlife,bestowedonthemanwhohasdisplayedmerit,whetherevilormilitary—bestowedonhimalone,bestowedforhislifeonly,andnotpassingtohischildren.Suchadistinctionisthereverseofaristocratic.Itistheessenceofaristocracythatitstitlesaretransmittedfromthemanwhohasearnedthem,tothesonwhopossessesnomerit.Theancientregime,sobatteredbytheramrevolution,ismoreentirethanisbelieved.Alltheemigrantsholdeachotherbythehand.TheVendeeansaresecretlyenrolled.Thepriests,atheart,arenotveryfriendlytous.Withthewords'legitimateking,'thousandsmightberousedtoarms.Itisneedfulthatthemenwhohavetakenpartintherevolutionshouldhaveabondofunion,andceasetodependonthefirstaccidentwhichmightstrikeonesinglehead.Fortenyearswehaveonlybeenmakingruins.Wemustnowfoundanedifice.Dependuponit,thestruggleisnotoverwithEurope.Beassuredthatstrugglewillbeginagain"
Itwasthenurgedbysome,thattheLegionofHonorshouldbeconfinedentirelytomilitarymerit."Bynomeans,"saidNapoleon,"Rewardsarenottobeconferreduponsoldiersalone.Allsortsofmeritarebrothers.ThecourageofthePresidentoftheConvention,resistingthepopulace,shouldcomparedwiththecourageofKleber,mountingtotheassaultofAcre.Itisrightthatcivilvirtuesshouldhavetheirreward,aswellasmilitaryvirtues.Thosewhoopposethiscourse,reasonlikebarbarians.Itisthereligionofbruteforcetheycommendtous.Intelligencehasitsrightsbeforethoseofforce.Force,withoutintelligence,isnothing.Inbarbarousages,themanofstoutestsinewswasthechieftain.Nowthegeneralisthemostintelligentofthebrave.AtCairo,theEgyptianscouldnotcomprehendhowitwasthatKleber,withhismajesticform,wasnotcommander-in-chief.WhenMouradBeyhadcarefullyobservedourtactics,hecouldcomprehendhowitwasthatI,andnoother,oughttobethegeneralofan
armysoconducted.YoureasonliketheEgyptians,whenyouattempttoconfinerewardstomilitaryvalor.Thesoldiersreasonbetterthanyou.Gototheirbivouacs;listentothem.Doyouimaginethatitisthetallestoftheirofficers,andthemostimposingbyhisstature,forwhomtheyfeelthehighestregard!Doyouimagineeventhatthebraveststandsfirstintheiresteem.Nodoubttheywoulddespisethemanwhosecouragetheysuspected;buttheyrankabovethemerelybravemanhimwhotheyconsiderthemostintelligent.Asformyself,doyousupposethatitissolelybecauseIamreputedagreatgeneralthatIruleFrance!No!Itisbecausethequalitiesofastatesmanandamagistrateareattributedtome.Francewillnevertoleratethegovernmentofthesword.Thosewhothinksoarestrangelymistaken.Itwouldrequireanabjectservitudeoffiftyyearsbeforethatcouldbethecase.Franceistoonoble,toointelligentacountrytosubmittomaterialpower.Letushonorintelligence,virtue,thecivilqualities;inshortletusbestowuponthem,inallprofession,thelikereward."
Thetruespiritofrepublicanismiscertainlyequalityofrights,notofattainmentsandhonors;theabolitionofhereditarydistinctionsandprivileges,notofthosewhicharefoundeduponmerit.ThebadgeoftheLegionofHonorwastobeconferreduponallwho,bygenius,self-denial,andtoil,hadwonrenown.Theprizeswereopentothehumblestpeasantintheland.Stillthepopularhostilitytoanyinstitutionwhichborearesemblancetothearistocracyoftheancientnobilitywassostrong,thatthoughamajorityvotedinfavorofthemeasure,therewasastrongopposition.Napoleonwassurprised.HesaidtoBourrienne:"Youareright.Prejudicesarestillagainstme.Ioughttohavewaited.Therewasnooccasionforhasteinbringingitforward.Butthethingisdone;andyouwillsoonfindthatthetasteforthesedistinctionsisnotyetgoneby.Itisatastewhichbelongstothenatureofman.Youwillseethatextraordinaryresultswillarisefromit."
Theorderwasconsistofsixthousandmembers.Itwasconstitutedinfourranks:grandofficers,commanders,officers,andprivatelegionaries.Thebadgewassimplyaredribbon,inthebutton-hole.Tothefirstrank,therewasallottedanannualsalaryof$1000;tothesecond$400;tothethird,$200;tothefourth,$50.Theprivatesoldier,theretiredscholar,andtheskillfulartistwerethusdecoratedwiththesamebadgeofdistinctionwhichfigureduponthebreastofgenerals,noblesandmonarchs.ThatthisinstitutionwaspeculiarlyadaptedtothestateofFrance,isevidentfromthefact,thatithassurvivedalltherevolutionsofsubsequentyears."Thoughofsuchrecentorigin,"saysTheirs,"itisalreadyconsecratedasifithadpassedthroughcenturies;tosuchadegreehasitbecome
therecompenseofheroism,ofknowledge,ofmeritofeverykind—somuchhaveitshonorsbeencovetedbythegrandeesandtheprincesofEuropethemostproudoftheirorigin."
ThepopularityofNapoleonwasnowunbounded.AverygeneralandearnestdispositionwasexpressedtoconferupontheFirstConsulamagnificenttestimonialofthenationalgratitude—atestimonialworthyoftheillustriousmanwhowastoreceiveit,andofthepowerfulnationbywhichitwastobebestowed.ThePresidentoftheTribunalthusaddressedthatbody:"Amongallnationspublichonorshavebeendecreedtomenwho,bysplendidactions,havehonoredtheircountry,andsaveditfromgreatdangers.WhatmaneverhadstrongerclaimstothenationalgratitudethanGeneralBonaparte?HisvalorandgeniushavesavedtheFrenchpeoplefromtheexcessesofanarchy,andfromthemiseriesofwar;andFranceistoogreat,toomagnanimoustoleavesuchbenefitswithoutreward."
AdeputationwasimmediatelychosentoconferwithNapoleonuponthesubjectofthetributeofgratitudeandaffectionwhichheshouldreceive.Surroundedbyhiscolleaguesandtheprincipalofficersofthestate,hereceivedthemthenextdayintheTuileries.Withseriousnessandmodestyhelistenedtothehigheulogiumuponhisachievementswhichwaspronounced,andthenreplaced."IreceivewithsinceregratitudethewishtoexpressedbytheTribunate.Idesirenootherglorythanhavingcompletelyperformedthetaskimposeuponme.Iaspiretonootherrewardthantheaffectionofmyfellow-citizens.Ishallbehappyiftheyarethoroughlyconvinced,thattheevilswhichtheymayexperience,willalwaysbetometheseverestofmisfortunes;thatlifeisdeartomesolelyfortheserviceswhichIamtorendertomycountry;thatdeathitselfwillhavenobitternessforme,ifmylastlookscanseethehappinessoftherepublicasfirmlysecuredasisitsglory."……….
ButhowwasNapoleontoberewarded!Thatwasthegreatdifficultquestion.Waswealthtobeconferreduponhim!ForwealthhecarednothingMillionshadbeenathisdisposal,andhehademptiedthemallintothetreasuryofFrance.Ease,luxury,self-indulgencehadnocharmsforhim.Weremonumentstoberearedtohishonor,titlestobelavisheduponhisname?Napoleonregardedthesebutmeansfortheaccomplishmentofends.Inthemselvestheywerenothing.Theoneonlythingwhichhedesiredwaspower,powertoworkoutvastresultsforothers,andthustosecureforhimselfrenown,whichshouldbepureandimperishable.ButhowcouldthepowerofNapoleonbeincreased!Hewas
alreadyalmostabsolute.Whateverhewilled,heaccomplished.Senators,legislators,andtribunesallco-operatedingivingenergytohisplans.Itwillberemembered,thatNapoleonwaselectedFirstConsulforaperiodoftenyears.Itseemedthattherewasabsolutelynothingwhichcouldbedone,gratifyingtotheFirstConsul,buttoprolongthetermofhisConsulship,byeitheraddingtoitanotherperiodoftenyears,orbycontinuingitduringhislife."Whatdoeshewish?"wastheuniversalinquiry.Everypossiblemeansweretried,butinvain,toobtainasinglewordfromhislips,significantofhisdesires.OneofthesenatorswenttoCambaceres,andsaid,"WhatwouldbegratifyingtoGeneralBonaparte?Doeshewishtobeking?Onlylethimsayso,andweareallreadytovoteforthere-establishmentofroyalty.Mostwillinglywillwedoitforhim,forheisworthyofthatstation."ButtheFirstConsulshuthimselfupinimpenetrablereserve.Evenhismostintimatefriendscouldcatchnoglimpseofhissecretwishes.Atlastthequestionwasplainlyandearnestlyputtohim.Withgreatapparenthumility,hereplied:"Ihavenotfixedmyminduponanything.Anytestimonyofthepublicconfidencewillbesufficientforme,andwillfillmewithsatisfaction."ThequestionwasthendiscussedwhethertoaddtenyearstohisConsulship,ortomakehimFirstConsulforlife.CambaceresknewwelltheboundlessambitionofNapoleon,andwasfullyconscious,thatanylimitedperiodofpowerwouldnotbeinaccordancewithhisplans.Heventuredtosaytohim"Youarewrongnottoexplainyourself.Yourenemies,fornotwithstandingyourservices,youhavesomeleftevenintheSenate,willabuseyourreserve."Napoleoncalmlyreplied:"Letthemalone.ThemajorityoftheSenateisalwaysreadytodomorethanitisasked.Theywillgofurtherthanyouimagine."
Ontheeveningofthe8thofMay,1802,theresolutionwasadopted,ofprolongingthepowersoftheFirstConsulfortenyears.Napoleonwasprobablysurprisedanddisappointed.Hehowever,decidedtoreturnagratefulanswer,andtosaythatfromtheSenate,butfromthesuffragesofthepeoplealonecouldheacceptaprolongationofthatpowertowhichtheirvoiceshadelevatedhim.ThefollowinganswerwastransmittedtotheSenate,thenextmorning:
"Thehonorableproofofyouresteem,giveninyourdeliberationofthe8th,willremainforeverengravenonmyheart.Inthethreeyearswhichhavejustelapsedfortunehassmiledupontherepublic.Butfortuneisfickle.Howmanymenwhomshehasloadedwithfavors,havelivedafewyearstoolong.Theinterestofmygloryandthatofmyhappiness,wouldseemtohavemarkedthetermofmypubliclife,atthemomentwhenthepeaceoftheworldisproclaimed.Butthegloryandthehappinessofthecitizenoughttobesilent,whentheinterestofthe
state,andthepublicpartiality,callhim.YoujudgethatIoweanewsacrificetothepeople.Iwillmakeit,ifthewishesofthepeoplecommandwhatyoursuffrageauthorizes."
NapoleonimmediatelyleftParisforhiscountry-seatatMalmaison.Thisbeautifulchateauwasabouttenmilesfromthemetropolis.Josephinehadpurchasedthepeaceful,ruralretreatatNapoleon'srequestduringhisfirstItaliancampaign.Subsequently,largesumshadbeenexpendedinenlargingandimprovingthegrounds;anditwaseverthefavoritethegrounds;anditwaseverthefavoriteresidenceofbothJosephineandNapoleon.CambacrescalledanextraordinarymeetingoftheCouncilofState.Aftermuchdeliberation,itwasresolved,byanimmensemajority,thatthefollowingprepositionshouldbesubmittedtothepeople:"ShallNapoleonBonapartebetheFirstConsulforlife?Itwasthenresolvedtosubmitasecondquestion:"ShalltheFirstConsulhavethepowerofappointinghissuccessor?Thiswasindeedre-establishingmonarchy,underarepublicanname.
CambaceresimmediatelyrepairedtoMalmaison,tosubmittheseresolutionstoNapoleon.Totheamazementofall,heimmediatelyandfirmlyrejectedthesecondquestion.Energetically,hesaid"Whomwouldyouhavemeappointmysuccessor?onbrothers?ButwillFrancewhichhasconsentedtobegovernedbyJosephorLucien?ShallInominateyouconsul,Cambceres?You?Dareyouundertakesuchatask?AndthenthewillofLouisXIVwasnotrespected;itislikelythatminewouldbe?Adeadman,lethimbewhohewill,isnobody."Inoppositiontoallurgency,heorderedthesecondquestiontobeerased,andthefirstonlytobesubmittedtothepeople.ItisimpossibletodivinethemotivewhichinfluencedNapoleoninthemostunexpecteddecision.SomehavesupposedthateventhenhehadinviewtheEmpireandthehereditarymonarchy,andthathewishedtoleaveachasmintheorganizationofthegovernment,asareasonforfuturechange.Othershavesupposedthathedreadedtherivalrieswhichwouldariseamonghisbrothersandhisnephews,fromhishavinghisdisposalsoresplendentagiftastheEmpireofFrance.Butthehistoriantreadsupondangerousground,whenhebeginstojudgeofmotives.ThatwhichNapoleonactuallydidwasmoderateandnobleinthehighestdegree.Hedeclinedthepowerofappointinghissuccessor,andsubmittedhiselectiontothesuffragesofthepeople.Amajorityof3,568,885votedfortheConsulateforlife,andonlyeightthousandsandafewhundreds,againstit.Neverbefore,orsince,wasanearlygovernmentestablishedbysuchunamitity.Neverhadamonarchamoreindisputabletitletohisthrone.UponthisoccasionLafayetteaddedtohis
votetheseorqualifyingwords:"Icannotvoteforsuchamagistracy,untilpublicfreedsufficientlyguarantied.Whenthatisdone,IgivemyvoicetoNapoleonBonaparte."InaprivateconversationwiththeFirstConsul,headded:"Afreegovernment,andyouatitshead-thatcomprehendsallmydesires."Napoleonremarked:IntheoryLafayetteisperhapsright.Butwhatistheory?Ameredream,whenappliedtothemassesofmankind.HethinkheisstillintheUnitedStates—asiftheFrenchwereAmericans.Hehasnoconceptionofwhatisrequiredforthiscountry."
Adaywasfixedforagranddiplomaticfestival,whenNapoleonshouldreceivethecongratulationsoftheconstitutedauthorities,andoftheforeignembassadors.Thesoldiers,inbrilliantuniform,formedadoubleline,fromtheTuileriestotheLuxembourg.TheFirstConsulwasseatedinamagnificentchariot,drawnbyeighthorses.Acortegeofgorgeoussplendoraccompaniedhim.AllParisthrongedthestreetsthroughwhichhepassed,andthemostenthusiasticapplauserenttheheavens.TothecongratulatoryaddressoftheSenate,Napoleonreplied:"Thelifeofacitizenbelongstohiscountry.TheFrenchnationwishesthatmineshouldbewhollyconsecratedtoFrance.Iobeyitswill.Throughmyefforts,byyourassistance,citizen-senators,bytheaidoftheauthorities,andbytheconfidenceandsupportofthismightypeople,theliberty,equalityandprosperityofFrancewillberenderedsecureagainstthecapricesoffate,andtheuncertaintyoffuturity.Themostvirtuousofnationswillbethemosthappy,asitdeservestobe;anditsfelicitywillcontributetothegeneralhappinessofallEurope.Proudthenofbeingthuscalled,bythecommandofthatPowerfromwhicheverythingemanates,tobringbackorder,justice,andequalitytotheearth,whenmylasthourapproaches,Ishallyieldmyselfupwithresignation,and,withoutanysolicituderespectingtheopinionsoffuturegenerations."
Onthefollowingdaythenewarticles,modifyingtheconstitutioninaccordancewiththechangeintheconsulship,weresubmittedtotheCouncilofState.TheFirstConsulpresided,andwithhisaccustomedvigorandperspicuity,explainedthereasonsofeacharticle,asherecountedthemonebyone.ThearticlescontainedtheprovisionthatNapoleonshouldnominatehissuccessortotheSenate.Tothis,afteraslightresistance,heyielded,ThemostprofoundsatisfactionnowpervadedFrance.EvenJosephinebegantobetranquilandhappySheimaginedthatallthoughtsofroyaltyandofhereditarysuccessionhadnowpassedaway.ShecontemplatedwithnouneasinessthepowerwhichNapoleonsympathizedcordiallywithherinherhighgratificationthatHortense
wassoontobecomeamother.Thischildwasalready,intheirhearts,theselectedheirtothepowerofNapoleon.Onthe15thofAugust,Parismagnificientlycelebratedtheanniversaryofthebirth-dayoftheFirstConsul.Thiswasanotherintroductionofmonarchicalusages.AllthehighauthoritiesoftheChurchandtheState,andtheforeigndiplomaticbodies,calleduponhimwithcongratulations.Atnoon,inallthechurchesofthemetropolis,aTeDeunwassung,ingratitudetoGodforthegiftofNapoleon.Atnightthecityblazedwithilluminations.Thesplendorsandtheetiquetteofroyaltywerenowrapidlyintroduced;andthesameficklepopulacewhohadsorecentlytrampledprincesandthronesintobloodandruin,werenowcaptivatedwithre-introductionofthesediscardedsplendors.NapoleonsoonestablishedhimselfinthebeautifulchateauofSt.Cloud,whichhehascausedtoberepairedwithgreatmagnificence.OntheSabbaththeFirstConsul,withJosephine,invariablyattendeddivineservice.Theirexamplewassoonfollowedbymostofthemembersofthecourt,andthenationasabodyreturnedtoChristianity,which,eveninitsmostcorruptform,saveshumanityfromthoseabyssesofdegradationintowhichinfidelityplungesit.Immediatelyafterdivineserviceheconversedinthegalleryofthechateauwiththevisitorswhowerethenwaitingforhim.Thebrillianceofhisintellect,andhishighrenown,causedhimtobeapproachedwithemotionsofawe.Hiswordswerelistenedtowithintensesteagerness.Hewastheexclusiveobjectofobservationandattention.Noearthlypotentatehadeverattainedsuchadegreeofhomage,pureandsincere,asnowcircledaroundtheFirstConsul.
Napoleonwasverydesirousofhavinghiscourtamodelofdecorumandofmorals.LucienownedabeautifulruralmansionnearNeuilly.UpononeoccasionheinvitedNapoleon,andalltheinmatesofMalmaison,toattendsomeprivatetheatricalsathisdwelling.LucienandElizaweretheperformersinapiececalledAlzire.Theardoroftheirdeclamation,thefreedomoftheirgestures,andabovealltheindelicacyofthecostumewhichtheyassumed,displeasedNapoleonexceedingly.Assoonastheplaywasoverheexclaimed,"Itisascandal.Ioughtnottosuffersuchindecencies.IwillgiveLucientounderstandthatIwillhavenomoreofit."AssoonasLucienenteredthesaloon,havingresumedhisusualdress,Napoleonaddressedhimbeforethewholecompany,andrequestedhiminfuturetodesistfromallsuchrepresentations."What!"saidhe,"whenIamendeavoringtorestorepurityofmanners,mybrotherandsistermustneedsexhibitthemselvesuponaplatform,almostinastateofnudity!Itisaninsult!"
OnedayatthistimeBourrienne,goingfromMalmaisontoRuel,lostabeautifulwatch.HeproclaimedhislossbymeansofthebellmanatRuel.Anhourafter,ashewassittingdowntodinner,apeasantboybroughthimthewatch,whichhehadfoundontheroad.Napoleonheardoftheoccurrence.Immediatelyheinstitutedinquiriesrespectingtheyoungmanandthefamily.Hearingagoodreportofthem,hegavethethreebrothersemployment,andamplyrewardedthehonestlad."Kindness,"saysBourrienne,"wasaveryprominenttraitinthecharacterofNapoleon."
IfwenowtakeabriefreviewofwhatNapoleonhadaccomplishedsincehisreturnfromEgypt,itmustbeadmittedthattherecordsoftheworldaretobesearchedinvainforasimilarrecital.Nomortalmanbeforeeveraccomplishedsomuch,oraccomplisheditsowell,insoshortatime.
LetusforamomentreturntohislandingatFrejusonthe8thofOctober,1799,untilhewaschosenFirstConsulforlife,inAugust,1802,aperiodofnotquitethreeyears.ProceedingtoParis,almostalone,heoverthrewtheDirectory,andseizedthesupremepower;restoredorderintotheadministrationofgovernment,establishedanewandveryefficientsystemforthecollectionoftaxes,raisedpubliccredit,andsuppliedthewantsofthesufferingarmy.Bygreatenergyandhumanityheimmediatelyterminatedthehorrorsofthatunnaturalwarwhichhadforyears,beendesolatingLaVendee.Condescendingtotheattitudeofsuppliant,heimploredofEuropepeace.Europechosewar.Byamajesticconceptionofmilitarycombinations,hesentMoreauwithavastarmytotheRhime;stimulatedMassenatothemostdesperatestrifeatGenoa,andthen,creatingasbymagic,anarmy,frommaterialswhichexcitedbuttheridiculeofhisfoes,heclimbed,withartilleryandhorse,andallthemunitionsofwar,theicypinnaclesoftheAlps,andfelllikeanavalancheuponhisfoesupontheplainofMarengo.Withfarinferiornumbers,hesnatchedthevictoryfromthevictors;andintheexultanthourofthemostsignalconquest,wroteagainfromthefieldofbloodimploringpeace.Hisfoes,humbled,andathismercy,gladlyavailedthemselvesofhisclemency,andpromisedtotreat.Perfidiously,theyonlysoughttimetoregaintheirstrength.HethensentMoreautoHohenlinden,andbeneaththewallsofViennaextortedpeacewithcontinentalEurope.Englandstillprosecutedthewar.ThefirstConsul,byhisgenius,wontheheartofPaulofRussia,securedtheaffectionofPrussia,Denmark,andSweden,andformedaleagueofallEuropeagainsttheMistressoftheSeas.Whileengagedinthiswork,hepaidthecreditorsoftheState,establishedtheBankofFrance,overwhelmedthehighwayrobberswithutterdestruction,andrestoredsecurityinalltheprovinces;cut
magnificentcommunicationsovertheAlps,foundedhospitalsontheirsummits,surroundedexposedcitieswithfortifications,openedcanals,constructedbridges,createdmagnificentroads,andcommencedthecompiliationofthatcivilcodewhichwillremainanever-duringmonumentofhislaborsandhisgenius.Inoppositiontotheremonstrancesofhisbestfriends,here-establishedChristianity,andwithitproclaimedperfectlibertyofconscience.Publicworkswereeverywhereestablished,toencourageindustry.SchoolsandcollegeswerefoundedMeritofeverykindwasstimulatedbyabundantrewards.VastimprovementsweremadeinParis,andthestreetscleanedandirrigated.Inthemidstofallthesecares,hewasdefendingFranceagainsttheassaultsofthemostpowerfulnationontheglobe;andhewaspreparing,ashislastresort,avastarmy,tocarrythewarintotheheartofEngland.NotwithstandingthemostatrociouslibelswithwhichEnglandwasfilledagainsthim,hisfameshoneresplendentthroughthemall,andhewaspopularwiththeEnglishpeople.ManyofthemostillustriousoftheEnglishstatesmenadvocatedhiscause.Hisgiganticadversary,WilliamPitt.vanquishedbythegeniusofNapoleon,wascompelledtoretirefromtheministry—andtheworldwasatpeace.
Thedifficulties,perplexities,embarrassmentswhichwereencounteredinthoseenterprises,wereinfinite.SaysNapoleon,withthatmagnanimitywhichhistoryshouldrecognizeandapplaud,"WearetoldthatalltheFirstConsulhastolookto,wastodojustice.Buttowhomwashetodojustice?Totheproprietorswhomtherevolutionhadviolentlydespoiledoftheirproperties,forthisonly,thattheyhadbeenfaithfultotheirlegitimatesovereigntotheprincipleofhonorwhichtheyhadinheritedfromtheirancestors;ortothosenewproprietors,whohadpurchasedthesedomains,adventuringtheirmoneyonthefaithoflawsflowingfromanillegitimateauthority?Washetodojusticetothoseroyalistsoldiers,mutilatedinthefieldsofGermany,LaVendee,andQuiberon,arrayedunderthewhitestandardoftheBourbons,inthefirmbeliefthattheywereservingthecauseoftheirkingagainstausurpingtyranny;ortothemillionofcitizens,who,formingaroundthefrontiersawallofbrass,hadsooftensavedtheircountryfromtheinveteratehostilityofitsenemies,andhadbornetosotranscendentaheightthegloryoftheFrencheagle?Washetodojusticetothatclergy,themodelandtheexampleofeveryChristianvirtue,strippedofitsbirthright,therewardoffifteenhundredyearsofbenevolence;ortotherecentacquires,whohadconvertedtheconventsintoworkshops,thechurchesintowarehouses,andhadturnedtoprofaneusesallthathadbeendeemedmostholyforages?"
"Atthisperiod,"saysTheirs,"Napoleonappearedsomoderate,afterhaving
beensovictorious,heshowedhimselfsoprofoundalegislator,afterhavingprovedhimselfsogreatacommander,heevincedsomuchlovefortheartsofpeace,afterhavingexcelledintheartsofwar,thatwellmightheexciteillusionsinFranceandintheworld.Onlysomefewamongtheparsonageswhowereadmittedtohiscouncils,whowerecapableofjudgingfuturitybythepresent,werefilledwithasmuchanxietyasadmiration,onwitnessingtheindefatigableactivityofhismindandbody,andtheenergyofhiswill,andtheimpetuosityofhisdesires.Theytrembledevenatseeinghimdogood,inthewayhedid—soimpatientwashetoaccomplishitquickly,anduponanimmensescale.ThewiseandsagaciousTronchet,whobothadmiredandlovedhim,andlookeduponhimasthesaviorofFrance,said,nevertheless,onedayinatoneofdeepfeelingtoCambracers,'ThisyoungmanbeginslikeCaesar:Ifearthathewillendlikehim.`"
TheelevationofNapoleontothesupremepowerforlifewasregardedbymostofthestatesofcontinentalEuropewithsatisfaction,astendingtodiminishthedreadedinfluencesofrepublicanism,andtoassimilateFrancewiththesurroundingmonarchies.EveninEngland,theprimeMinister,Mr.Addington,assuredtheFrenchembassadorofthecordialapprobationoftheBritishgovernmentofanevent,destinedtoconsolidateorderandpowerinFrance.TheKingofPrussia,theEmperorAlexander,andtheArchdukeCharlesofAustria,senthimtheirfriendlycongratulations.EvenCatharine,thehaughtyQueenofNaples,motheroftheEmpressofAustria,beingthenatVienna,inardentexpressionofhergratificationtotheFrenchembassadorsaid,"GeneralBonaparteisagreatman.Hehasdonememuchinjury,butthatshallnotpreventmefromacknowledginghisgenius.BycheckingdisorderinFrance,hehasrenderedaservicetoallofEurope.Hehasattainedthegovernmentofhiscountrybecauseheismostworthyofit.Iholdhimouteverydayasapatterntotheyoungprincesoftheimperialfamily.Iexhortthemtostudythatextraordinarypersonage,tolearnfromhimhowtodirectnations,howtomaketheyokeofauthorityendurable,bymeansofgeniusandglory."
ButdifficultieswererapidlyrisingbetweenEnglandandFrance.TheEnglishweremuchdisappointedinnotfindingthatsaleoftheirmanufactureswhichtheyhadanticipated.ThecottonandironmanufacturesweretherichestbranchesofindustryinEngland.Napoleon,supremelydevotedtothedevelopmentofthemanufacturingresourcesofFrance,encouragedthosemanufacturesbythealmostabsoluteprohibitionoftherivalarticles.WilliamPittandhispartisans,stillretainingimmenseinfluence,regardedwithextremejealousytherapid
strideswhichNapoleonwasmakingtopower,andincessantlydeclaimed,inthejournals,againsttheambitionofFrance.Mostoftheroyalistemigrants,whohadrefusedtoacknowledgethenewgovernment,andwerestilldevotedtothecauseoftheBourbons,hadtakenrefugeinLondon.TheyhadbeentheallieswithEnglandinthelongwaragainstFrance.TheEnglishgovernmentcouldnotrefrainfromsympathizingwiththemintheirsufferings.Itwouldhavebeenungenerousnottohavedoneso.TheemigrantsweremanyofthemsupportedbypensionspaidthembyEngland.AtthesametimetheywereconstantlyplottingconspiraciesagainstthelifeofNapoleon,andsendingassassinstoshoothim."IwillyetteachthoseBourbons,"thatIamnotamantobeshotatlikeadog."Napoleoncomplainedbitterlythathisenemies,thenattemptinghisassassination,wereinthepayoftheBritishgovernment.AlmostdailytheplotsoftheseemigrantswerebroughttolightbythevigilanceoftheFrenchpolice.
ABourbonpamphleteer,namedPeltier,circulatedwidelythroughEnglandthemostatrociouslibelsagainsttheFirstConsul,hiswife,herchildren,hisbrothersandsisters.Theywerechargedwiththemostlow,degrading,andrevoltingvices.TheseaccusationswerecirculatedwidelythroughEnglandandAmerica.Theyproducedaprofoundimpression.Theywerebelieved.Manywereinterestedinthecirculationofthesereports,wishingtodestroythepopularityofNapoleon,andtopreparethepopulaceofEnglandfortherenewalofthewar.NapoleonremonstratedagainstsuchinfamousrepresentationsofhischaracterbeingallowedinEngland.ButhewasinformedthattheBritishpresswasfree;thattherewasnoresourcebuttoprosecuteforlibelintheBritishcourts;andthatitwasthepartoftruegreatnesstotreatsuchslanderswithcontempt.ButNapoleonfeltthatsuchfalsechargeswereexasperatingnations,werepavingthewaytodelugeEuropeagaininwar,andthatcausestendingtosuchwoesweretoopotenttobedespised.
TheAlgerineswerenowsweepingwiththeirpareticcraftstheMediterranean,exactingtributefromallChristianpowers.AFrenchshiphadbeenwreckeduponthecoast,andthecrewweremadeprisoners.TwoFrenchvesselsandaNeapolitanshiphadalsobeencapturedandtakentoAlgiers.TheindignationofNapoleonwasaroused.HesentanofficertotheDeywithaletter,informinghimthatiftheprisonerswerenotreleasedandthecapturedvesselsinstantlyrestored,andpromisegiventorespectinfuturetheflagsofFranceandItaly,hewouldsendafleetandanarmyandoverwhelmhimwithruin.TheDeyhadheardofNapoleon'scareerinEgypt.Hewasthoroughlyfrightened,restoredtheshipsandtheprisoners,imploredclemency,andwithbarbarianinjusticedoomedtodeath
thosewhohadcapturedtheshipsinobediencetohiscommands.TheirlivesweresavedonlythroughtheintercessionoftheFrenchministerNapoleonthenperformedoneofthemostgraciousactsofcourtesytowardthePope.Thefeeblemonarchhadnomeansofprotectinghiscoastsfromthepirateswhostillswarmedinthoseseas.NapoleonselectedtwofinebrigsinthenavalarsenalatToulon,equippedthemwithgreatelegance,armedthemmosteffectively,filledthemwithnavalstores,andconferringuponthemtheapostolicalnamesofSt.PeterandSt.Paul,sentthemasapresenttothePontiff.Withcharacteristicgrandeurofaction,hecarriedhisattentionssofarastosendacuttertobringbackthecrews,thatthepapaltreasurymightbeexposedtonoexpense.ThevenerablePope,intheexuberanceofhisgratitude,insistedupon,takingtheFrenchseamentoRome.Hetreatedthemwitheveryattentioninhispower;exhibitedtothemSt.Peter's,anddazzledthemwiththepompandsplendorofcathedralworship.TheyreturnedtoFranceloadedwithhumblepresents,andexceedinglygratifiedwiththekindnesswithwhichtheyhadbeenreceived.
ItwasstipulatedinthetreatyofAmiens,thatbothEnglandandFranceshouldevacuateEgypt,andthatEnglandshouldsurrenderMaltatoitsancientrulers.Malta,impregnableinitsfortifications,commandedtheMediterranean,andwasthekeyofEgypt.Napoleonhadtherefore,whileheprofessedawillingnesstorelinquishallclaimtotheislandhimself,insisteduponit,asanessentialpoint,thatEnglandshoulddothesame.Thequestionuponwhichthetreatyhinged,wasthesurrenderofMaltatoaneutralpower.Thetreatywassigned.Napoleonpromptlyandscrupulouslyfulfilledhisagreements.Severalembarrassments,forwhichEnglandwasnotresponsible,delayedforafewmonthstheevacuationofMalta.Butnownearlyayearhadpassedsincethesigningofthetreaty.Allobstacleswereremovedfromthewayofitsentirefulfillment,andyetthetroopsofEnglandremainedbothinEgyptandinMalta.ThequestionwasseriouslydiscussedinParliamentandintheEnglishjournals,whetherEnglandwereboundtofulfillherengagements,sinceFrancewasgrowingsoalarminglypowerful.GenerouslyandeloquentlyFoxexclaimed,"IamastonishedatallIhear,particularlywhenIconsiderwhotheyarethatspeaksuchwords.IndeedIammoregrievedthananyofthehonorablefriendsandcolleaguesofMr.Pitt,atthegrowinggreatnessofFrance,whichisdailyextendingherpowerinEuropeandinAmerica.ThatFrance,nowaccusedofinterferingwiththeconcernsofothers,weinvaded,forthepurposeofforcinguponheragovernmenttowhichshewouldnotsubmit,andofobliginghertoacceptthefamilyoftheBourbons,whoseyokeshespurned.Byoneofthosesublimemovements,whichhistoryshouldrecommendtoimitation,andpreserveineternalmemorial,sherepelled
herinvaders.ThoughwarmlyattachedtothecauseofEngland,wehavefeltaninvoluntarymovementofsympathywiththatgenerousoutburstofliberty,andwehavenodesiretoconcealit.NodoubtFranceisgreat,muchgreaterthanagoodEnglishmanoughttowish,butthatoughtnottobeamotiveforviolatingsolemntreaties.ButbecauseFrancenowappearstoogreattous—greaterthanwethoughtheratfirst—tobreakasolemnengagement,toretainMalta,forinstance,wouldbeanunworthybreachoffaith,whichwouldcompromisethehonorofBritain.IamsurethatiftherewereinParisanassemblysimilartothatwhichisdebatinghere,theBritishnavyanditsdominionovertheseaswouldhetalkedof,inthesametermsaswetalkinthishouseoftheFrencharmies,andtheirdominionovertheland."
Napoleonsincerelywishedforpeace.Hewasconstructingvastworkstoembellishandimprovetheempire.ThousandsofworkmenwereemployedincuttingmagnificentroadsacrosstheAlps.Hewaswatchingwithintensestinterestthegrowthoffortificationsandtheexcavationofcanals.Hewasinthepossessionofabsolutepower,wassurroundedbyuniversaladmiration,and,intheenjoymentofprofoundpeace,wascongratulatinghimselfuponbeingthepacificatorofEurope.Hehaddisbandedhisarmies,andwasconsecratingalltheresourcesofthenationtothestimulationofindustry.Hethereforeleftnomeansofforbearanceandconciliationuntriedtoavertthecalamitiesofwar.HereceivedLordWhitworth,theEnglishembassadorinParis,withgreatdistinction.Themostdelicateattentionswerepaidtothislady,theDuchessofDorset.SplendidentertainmentsweregivenattheTuileriesandatSt.Cloudintheirhonor.Talleyrandconsecratedtothemalltheresourcesofhiscourtlyandelegantmanners.ThetwoAssociateConsuls,CambaceresandLebrum,werealsounweariedinattentions.StillalltheseeffortsonthepartofNapoleontosecurefriendlyrelationswithEnglandwereunavailing.TheBritishgovernmentstill,inopenviolationofthetreaty,retainedMalta.ThehonorofFrancewasatstakeinenforcingthesacrednessoftreatiesMaltawastooimportantaposttobeleftinthehandsofEngland.NapoleonatlastresolvedtohaveapersonalinterviewhimselfwithLordWhitworth,andexplaintohim,withallfrankness,hissentimentsandhisresolves.
Itwasontheeveningofthe18thofFebruary,1803,thatNapoleonreceivedLordWhitworthinhiscabinetintheTuileries.Alargewriting-tableoccupiedthemiddleoftheroom.Napoleoninvitedtheembassadortotakeaseatatoneendofthetable,andseatedhimselfattheother."Ihavewished,"saidhe,"toconversewithyouinperson,thatImayfullyconvinceyouofmyrealopinionsand
intentions."Thenwiththatforceoflanguageandthatperspicuitywhichnomaneverexcelled,herecapitulatedhistransactionswithEnglandfromthebeginning;thathehadofferedpeaceimmediatelyupontheaccessiontotheconsulship;thatpeacehadbeenrefused;thateagerlyhehadrenewednegotiationsassoonashecouldwithanyproprietydoso:andthathehadmadegreatconcessionstosecurethepeaceofAmiens."Butmyefforts,"saidhe,"toliveongoodtermswithEngland,havemetwithnofriendlyresponse.TheEnglishnewspapersbreathebutanimosityagainstme.ThejournalsoftheemigrantsareallowedalicenseofabusewhichisnotjustifiedbytheBritishconstitution.PensionsaregrantedtoGeorgesandhisaccomplices,whoareplottingmyassassination.Theemigrants,protectedinEngland,arecontinuallymakingexcursionstoFrancetostirupcivilwar.TheBourbonprincesarereceivedwiththeinsigniaoftheancientroyalty.AgentsaresenttoSwitzerlandandItalytoraiseupdifficultiesagainstFrance.EverywindwhichblowsfromEnglandbringsmebuthatredandinsult.Nowwehavecometoasituationfromwhichwemustrelieveourselves.WillyouorwillyounotexecutethetreatyofAmiens?Ihaveexecuteditonmypartwithscrupulousfidelity.ThattreatyobligedmetoevacuateNaples,Tarento,andtheRomanStates,withinthreemonths.Inlessthantwomonths,alltheFrenchtroopswereoutofthosecountries.Tenmonthshaveelapsedsincetheexchangeoftheratifications,andtheEnglishtroopsarestillinMalta,andatAlexandria.Itisuselesstotrytodeceiveusonthispoint.Willyouhavepeace,orwillyouhavewar?Ifyouareforwar,onlysayso;wewillwageitunrelentingly.Ifyouwishforpeace,youmustevacuateAlexandriaandMalta.TherockofMalta,onwhichsomanyfortificationshavebeenerected,is,inamaritimepointofview,anobjectofgreatimportanceinfinitelygreater,inasmuchasitimplicatesthehonorofFrance.Whatwouldtheworldsay,ifweweretoallowasolemntreaty,signedwithus,tobeviolated!Itwoulddoubtourenergy.Formypart,myresolutionisfixed.IhadratherseeyouinpossessionoftheHeightsofMontmartre,thaninpossessionofMalta."
"Ifyoudoubtmydesiretopreservepeace,listen,andjudgehowfarIamsincere.Thoughyetveryyoung,Ihaveattainedapower,arenowntowhichitwouldbedifficulttoadd.DoyouimaginethatIamsolicitoustoriskthispower,thisrenown,inadesperatestruggle?IfIhaveawarwithAustria.IshallcontrivetofindthewaytoVienna.IfIhaveawarwithyou,IwilltakefromyoueveryallyupontheContinent.Youwillblockadeus;butIwillblockadeyouinmyturn.YouwillmaketheContinentaprisonforus;butIwillmaketheseasaprisonforyou.However,toconcludethewar,theremustbemoredirectefficiency.Theremustbeassembled150,000men,andanimmenseflotilla.Wemusttrytocross
theStrait,andperhapsIshallburyinthedepthsoftheseamyfortune,myglory,mylife.Itisanawfultemerity,mylord,theinvasionofEngland."Here,totheamazementofLordWhitworth,Napoleonenumeratedfranklyandpowerfullyalltheperilsoftheenterprise:theenormouspreparationsitwouldbenecessarytomakeofships,men,andmunitionsofwar-thedifficultyofeludingtheEnglishfleet."Thechancethatweshallperish,"saidhe,"isvastlygreaterthanthechancethatweshallsucceed.Yetthistemerity,mylord,awfulasitis,Iamdeterminedtohazard,ifyouforcemetoit.Iwillriskmyarmyandmylife.Withmethatgreatenterprisewillhavechanceswhichitcannothavewithanyother.SeenowifIought,prosperous,powerful,andpeacefulasInowam,toriskpower,prosperity,andpeaceinsuchanenterprise.Judge,ifwhenIsayIamdesirousofpeace,ifIamnotsincere.Itisbetterforyou;itisbetterformetokeepwithinthelimitsoftreaties.YoumustevacuateMalta.YoumustnotharbormyassassinsinEngland.Letmebeabused,ifyouplease,bytheEnglishjournals,butnotbythosemiserableemigrants,whodishonortheprotectionyougrantthem,andwhomtheAlienActpermitsyoutoexpelfromthecountry.Actcordiallywithme,andIpromiseyou,onmypart,anentirecordiality.Seewhatpowerweshouldexerciseovertheworld,ifwecouldbringourtwonationstogether.Youhaveanavy,which,withtheincessanteffortsoftenyears,intheemploymentofallresources,Ishouldnotbeabletoequal.ButIhave500,000menreadytomarch,undermycommand,whithersoeverIchoosetoleadthem.Ifyouaremastersoftheseas,Iammasteroftheland.Letusthenthinkofuniting,ratherthanofgoingtowar,andweshallruleatpleasurethedestiniesoftheworldFranceandEnglandunited,candoeverythingfortheinterestsofhumanity."
England,however,stillrefused,upononepretenseandanother,toyieldMalta;andbothpartiesweregrowingmoreandmoreexasperated,andweregraduallypreparingfortherenewalofhostilities.Napoleon,attimes,gaveveryfreeutterancetohisindignation."Malta,"saidhe,"givesthedominionoftheMediterranean.NobodywillbelievethatIconsenttosurrendertheMediterraneantotheEnglish,unlessIfeartheirpower.Ithusloosethemostimportantseaintheworld,andtherespectofEurope.Iwillfighttothelast,forthepossessionoftheMediterranean;andifIoncegettoDover,itisalloverwiththosetyrantsoftheseas.Besides,aswemustfight,soonerorlater,withapeopletowhomthegreatnessofFranceisintolerable,thesoonerthebetter.Iamyoung.TheEnglishareinthewrong;moresothantheywilleverbeagain.Ihadrathersettlethematteratonce.TheyshallnothaveMalta."
StillNapoleonassentedtotheproposalfornegotiatingwiththeEnglishforthecessionofsomeotherislandintheMediterranean."Letthemobtainaporttoputinto,"saidhe."TothatIhavenoobjection.ButIamdeterminedthattheyshallnothavetwoGibraltarsinthatsea,oneattheentrance,andoneinthemiddle."Tothisproposition,however,Englandrefusedassent.
NapoleonthenproposedthattheIslandofMaltashouldbeplacedinthehandsoftheEmperorofRussia;leavingitwithhimintrust,tillthediscussionsbetweenFranceandEnglandweredecided.Ithadsohappenedthattheemperorhadjustofferedhismediation,ifthatcouldbeavailable,topreventawar.ThistheEnglishgovernmentalsodeclined,uponthepleathatitdidnotthinkthatRussiawouldbewillingtoaccepttheofficethusimposeduponher.TheEnglishembassadornowreceivedinstructionstodemandthatFranceshouldcedetoEngland,Maltafortenyears;andthatEngland,bywayofcompensation,wouldrecognizetheItalianrepublic.Theembassadorwasorderedtoapplyforhispassports,iftheseconditionswerenotacceptedwithinsevendays.TothispropositionFrancewouldnotaccede.TheEnglishministerdemandedhispassports,andleftFrance.ImmediatelytheEnglishfleetcommenceditsattackuponFrenchmerchant-ships,wherevertheycouldbefound.Andtheworldwasagaindelugedinwar.
Francehasrecordedherpasthistoryandherpresentcondition,intheregalpalacesshehasreared.Uponthesemonumentalwallsareinscribed,inlettersmorelegiblethanthehieroglyphicsofEgypt,andasineffaceable,thelonganddrearystoryofkinglyvice,voluptuousnessandpride,andofpopularservilityandoppression.Theunthinkingtouristsauntersthroughthesemagnificentsaloons,uponwhichhavebeenlavishedthewealthofprincesandthetoilofages,andadmirestheirgorgeousgrandeur.Inmarbledfloorsandgildedceilingsanddamasktapestry,andalltheappliancesofboundlessluxuryandopulence,heseesbutthetriumphsofart,andbewilderedbythedazzlingspectacle,forgetstheburningoutrageuponhumanrightswhichitproclaims.Half-entranced,hewandersthroughuncountedacresofgrovesandlawns,andparterresofflowers,embellishedwithlakes,fountains,cascades,andthemostvoluptuousstatuary,wherekingsandqueenshavereveled,andhereflectsnotuponthemillionswhohavetoiled,fromdewymorntilltheshadesofnight,throughlongandjoylessyears,eatingblackbread,clothedincoarseraiment—theman,thewoman,theox,companionsintoil,companionsinthought—toministertothisindulgence.ButthepalacesofFranceproclaim,intrumpettones,theshameofFrance.Theysaytoherkings.Beholdtheundeniablemonumentsofyourpride,yourinsatiate
extortion,yourmeasurelessextravaganceandluxury.Theysaytothepeople,Beholdtheproofsoftheoutrageswhichyourfathers,forcountlessages,haveendured.Theylivedinmudhovelsthattheirlicentiouskingsmightriothaughtilyintheapartments,canopiedwithgold,ofVersailles,theTuileries,andSt.Cloud—thePalacesofFrance.Themindofthepoliticaleconomistlingerspainfullyuponthem.Theyaregorgeousasspecimensofart.Theyaresacredasmemorialsofthepast.Vandalismalonewouldrazethemtotheirfoundations.Still,thejudgmentsays,ItwouldbebetterforthepoliticalregenerationofFrance,if,liketheBastile,theirveryfoundationswereplowedup,andsownwithsalt.Fortheyareaperpetualprovocativetoeverythinkingman.Theyexciteunceasinglydemocraticrageagainstaristocraticarrogance.Thousandsofnoblewomen,astheytraversethosegorgeoushalls,feelthosefiresofindignationglowingintheirsouls,whichglowedinthebosomofMadameRoland.Thousandsofyoungmen,withcompressedlipandmoistenedeye,leanagainstthosemarblepillars,lostinthought,andalmostexcuseeventhedemoniacandblood-thirstymercilessnessofDanton,Marat,andRobespierre.Thesepalacesareaperpetualstimulusandprovocativetogovernmentalaggression.Theretheystand,inalltheirgorgeousness,empty,swept,andgarnished.Theyareresplendentlybeautiful.Theyaresuppliedwitheveryconvenience,everyluxury.KingandEmperordweltthere.WhyshouldnotthePresident?HencethepalacebecomesthehomeoftheRepublicanPresident.Theexpensesofthepalace,theretinueofthepalace,thecourtetiquetteofthepalacebecometherequisitionsofgoodtaste.InAmerica,theheadofthegovernment,inhisconvenientandappropriatemansion,receivesasalaryoftwenty-fivethousanddollarsayear.InFrance,thePresidentoftheRepublicreceivesfourhundredthousanddollarsayear,andyet,evenwiththatvastsum,cannotkeepupanestablishmentatallinaccordancewiththedwellingsofgrandeurwhichinvitehisoccupancy,andwhichunceasinglyandirresistiblystimulatetoregalpompandtoregalextravagance.ThepalacesofFrancehaveavastinfluenceuponthepresentpoliticsofFrance.Thereisanunceasingconflictbetweenthosemarblewallsofmonarchicalsplendor,andtheprinciplesofrepublicansimplicity.Thiscontestwillnotsoonterminate,anditsresultnoonecanforesee.NeverhaveIfeltmyindignationmorethoroughlyarousedthanwhenwanderinghourafterhourthroughthevoluptuoussumptuousnessofVersailles.Thetriumphsoftasteandartareadmirable,beyondthepowerofthepentodescribe.Butthemoralofexeerableoppressionisdeeplyinscribeduponall.InabriefdescriptionofthePalacesofFrance.IshallpresentthemintheorderinwhichIchancedtovisitthem.
1.PalaisdesThermes.—Inlong-gonecenturies,whichhavefadedawayintooblivion,awanderingtribeofbarbariansalightedfromtheircanoes,uponasmallislandintheSeine,andthererearedtheirhuts.TheywerecalledtheParisii.Theslowlapseofcenturiesrolledoverthem,andtherewerewarsandwoes,bridalsandburials,andstilltheyincreasedinnumbersandinstrength,andfortifiedtheirlittleisleagainsttheinvasionsoftheirenemies;forman,whethercivilizedorsavage,haseverbeenthemostferociouswildbeastmanhashadtoencounter.ButsoonthetrampoftheRomanlegionswashearduponthebanksoftheSeine,andallGaulwithitssixtytribes,cameunderthepoweroftheCaesars.Extensivemarshesandgloomyforestssurroundedthebarbarianvillage;but,gradually,Romanlawsandinstitutionswereintroduced;andRomanenergychangedtheaspectofthecountry.Immediatelytheproudconquerorscommencedrearingapalacefortheprovincialgovernor.ThePalaceofWarmBathsrose,withitsmassivewallsandinimposinggrandeur.Romanspearsdrovethepeopletothework;andRomaningenuityknewwellhowtoextortfromthepopulacetherevenuewhichwasrequired.Largeremainsofthatpalacecontinuetothepresentday.ItisthemostinterestingmemorialofthepastwhichcannowbefoundinFrance.Themagnificenceofitsproportionsstillstrikethebeholderwithawe."Behold,"saysawriter,whotroditsmarblefloorsnearlyathousandyearsago:"BeholdthePalaceoftheKings,whoseturretspiercetheskies,andwhosefoundationspenetrateeventotheempireofthedead."JuliusCaesargazedproudlyuponthoseturrets;andheretheshoutsofRomanlegions,fifteenhundredyearsagoproclaimedJulianemperor;andRomanmaidens,withthrobbinghearts,trodthesefloorsinthemazydance.Noonecanenterthegrandhallofthehaths,withoutbeingdeeplyimpressedwiththemajesticaspectoftheedifice,andwiththegrandeurofitsgiganticproportions.Thedecayofnearlytwothousandyearshasleftitsvenerableimpressuponthosewalls.HereRomangeneralsproudlystrode,encasedinbrassandsteel,andtheclatteroftheirarmsresoundedthroughthesearches.Inthesemouldering,crumblingtubsofstone,theylavedtheirsinewylimbs.Butwherearethosefiercewarriorsnow?Inwhatemploymentshavetheirturbulentspiritsbeenengaged,whilegenerationaftergenerationhaspassedonearth,intheenactmentofthecomediesandthetragediesoflife?Didtheirroughtutelageinthecamp,andtheirproudhearinginthecourt,preparethemforthelove,thekindness,thegentleness,thedevotionofHeaven?Infieldsofoutrage,clamor,andblood,madlyrushingtotheassault,shoutinginfrenzy,dealing,withironhand,everywherearound,destructionanddeath,didtheyacquireatasteforthe"greenpasturesandthestillwaters?"Alas!forthemysteryofourbeing!Theyaregone,andgoneforever!Theirnamehasperished—theirlanguageisforgotten.
"Thestormwhichwrecksthewintrysky.Nomoredisturbstheirdeeprepose,Thansummerevening'sgentlestsign,Whichshutstherose."
UponapartoftherumsofthisoldpalaceofCaesars,therehasbeenrearedbymoremodernancients,stillanotherpalace,wheremirthandrevelryhaveresounded,wherepridehaselevatedherhaughtyhead,andvanitydisplayedhercostlyrobes—butoverallthosescenesofsplendor,deathhasrolleditsobliviouswaves.Aboutfourhundredyearsago,uponaportionofthecrumblingwallsofthisoldRomanmansion,thePalaceofClunywasreared.Forthreecenturies,thispalacewasoneoftheabodesofthekingsofFrance.Thetideofregallifeebbedandflowedthroughthosesaloons,andalongthosecorridors.ThereisthechamberwhereMaryofEngland,sisterofHenryVIII.,andwidowofLouisXII.,passedthewearyyearsofherwidowhood.Itisstillcalledthechamberofthe"whitequeen,"fromthecustomofthequeensofFrancetowearwhitemourning.Threehundredyearsago,theseGothicturrets,andgorgeouslyornamentedlucarnewindows,gleamedwithilluminations,astheyoungKingofScotland,JamesV.,ledMadeleine,thebloomingdaughterofFrancisI.,tothebridalaltar.HerethehaughtyfamilyoftheGuisesostentatiouslydisplayedtheirregalretinue—vyingwiththeKingsofFranceinsplendor,andoutvyingtheminpower.Thesetwopalaces,nowblendedbythenuptailsofdecayintoone,areconvertedintoamuseumofantiquities—silentdespositoriesofmemorialsofthedead.Sadlyoneloitersthroughtheirdesertedhalls.TheypresentoneofthemostinterestingsightsofParis.Inthereflectivemindtheyawakenemotionswhichthepencannotdescribe.
2.TheLourre.—WhenParisconsistedonlyofthelittleislandintheSeine,andkingsandfeudallords,withwineandwassailwererevelinginthesaloonsofChina,ahunting-seatwasrearedinthethedenseforestwhichspreaditselfalongthebanksoftheriver.Asthecityextended,andtheforestdisappeared,thehunting-seatwasenlarged,strengthened,andbecameafortressandastate-prisonThusitcontinuedforthreehundredyears.Initsgloomydungeonsprisonersofstate,andthevictimsofcrime,groanedanddied;andcountlesstragediesofdespoticpowertheretranspired,whichtheDayofJudgmentalonecanreveal.Threehundredyearsago,FrancisI,toredownthedilapidatedwallsofthisoldcastle,andcommercesthemagnificentPalaceoftheLouverupontheirfoundations.Butitsconstructionhasrequiredcandle,whileGilpin,whowastallerandstrongerthaneitheroftheotherboys,boredtheholeinthedoor,intheplacewhichRodolphusindicated.Whentheholewasbored,theboysinsertedanironrodintoit.andrunningthisrodunderthehasp,theypriedthe
haspupandunfastenedthedoor.Theyopenedthedoor,andthen,totheirgreatjoy,foundthemselvesallsafeintheoffice.
Theyputthedarklanterndownuponthetable,andcovereditwithitsscreen,andthenlistened,perfectlywhist,aminuteortwo,tobesurethatnobodywascoming.
"Yougoandwatchattheshed-door,"saidGilpintoRodolphus,"whileweopenthedesk."
SoRodolphuswenttotheshed-door.Hepeepedout,andlookedupanddownthevillage-street,butallwasstill.
Presentlyheheardasortofsplittingsoundwithintheoffice,whichheknewwasmadebytheforcingopenofthelidofthedesk.Verysoonafterwardtheboyscameout,inahurriedmanner—GriffhadthelanternandGilpinthebox.
"Haveyougotit!"saidRodolphus.
"Yes,"saidGriff.
"Let'ssee,"saidRodolphus.
GriffheldouttheboxtoRodolphus.Itwasveryheavyandtheycouldhearthesoundofthemoneywithin.Allthreeoftheboysseemedalmostwildwithtrepidationandexcitement.Griffhoweverimmediatelybegantohurrythemaway,pullingtheboxfromthemandsaying,"Come,come,boys,wemustnotstayfoolinghere."
"WaitaminutetillIhidethetoolsagain!"saidRodolphus,"andthenwe'llrun."
Rodolphushidthetoolsbehindthewood-pile,intheshed,wheretheyhadbeenbefore,andthentheboyssalliedforthintothestreet.Theycreptalongstealthilyintheshadowsofthehousesandthemostdarkandobscureplaces,untiltheycametothetavern,wheretheyweretoturndownthelanetothecorn-barn.Assoonastheygotsafelytothislane,theyfeltrelieved,andtheywalkedoninamoreunconcernedmanner;andwhenatlengththeygotfairlyinunderthecorn-barntheyfeltperfectlysecure.
"There,"saidGriff,"wasnotthatwelldone!"
"Yes,"saidRodolphus,"andnowallthatwehavegottodoistogettheboxopen."
"Wecanbreakitopenwithstones,"saidGriff.
"No,"saidGilpin,"thatwillmaketoomuchnoise.Wewillburyitunderthisstrawforafewdays,andopenitsomehoworotherby-and-by,whentheyhavegivenuplookingforthebox.Youcangettherealkeyofitforus,Rodolphus,can'tyou!"
"HowcanIgetit?"askedRodolphus.
"Oh,youcancontrivesomewaytogetitfromoldKerber,I'venodoubt.Atanyratethebestthingistoburyitnow.'
Tothisplantheboysallagreed.Theypulledawaythestraw,whichwasspreadunderthecorn-barn,anddugaholeinthegroundbeneath,workingpartlywithsticksandpartlywiththeirfingers.Whentheyhadgottheholedeepenough,theyputtheboxinandcovereditup.Thentheycovereditup.Thentheyspreadthestrawovertheplaceasbefore.
Duringallthistimethelanternhadbeenstandinguponaboxprettynearby,havingbeenputtherebytheboys,inorderthatthelightmightshinedownupontheplacewheretheyhadbeendigging.Assoonastheirworkwasdone,theboyswentsoftlyoutsidetoseeifthewaywasclearforthemtogohome,leavingthelanternonthebox;andwhiletheywerestandingatthecornerofthebarnoutside,lookingupthelane,andwhisperingtogether,theysawsuddenlyalightbeginningtogleamupfromwithin.Theyraninandfoundthatthelanternhadfallendown,andthatthestrawwasallinablaze.Theyimmediatelybegantotreaduponthefireandtrytoputitout,buttheinstantthattheydidsotheywereallthunderstruckbytheappearanceofafourthperson,whocamerushinginamongthemfromtheoutside.Theyallscreamedoutwithterrorandran.Rodolphusseparatedfromtherestandcroucheddownamomentbehindthestonewall,butimmediatelyafterward,feelingthattherewouldbenosafetyforhimhere,hesetoffagainandranacrosssomebackfieldsandgardens,inthedirectiontowardMr.Kerber's.Helookedbackoccasionallyandfoundthatthelightwasrapidlyincreasing.Presentlyhebegantohearcriesoffire.Heranontillhereachedthehouse;hescrambledoverthefencesintothebackyard,climbedupuponashed,creptalongunderthechimneystothewindowofhis
room,gotinasfastashecould,undressedhimselfandwenttobed,andhadjustdrawntheclothesupoverhim,whenheheardaloudknockingatthedoor,andMrs.Kerber'svoiceoutside,callingouttohim,thattherewasacryoffireinthevillage,andthathemustgetupquickaspossibleandhelpputitout.
TheExpeditiontoEgyptwasoneofthemostmagnificententerpriseswhichhumanambitioneverconceived.TheReturntoFrancecombinesstillmore,ifpossible,oftheelementsofthemoralsublime.ButforthedisastrousdestructionoftheFrenchfleettheplansofNapoleon,inreferencetotheEast,wouldprobablyhavebeentriumphantlysuccessful.AtleastitcannotbedoubtedthatavastchangewouldhavebeeneffectedthroughouttheEasternworld.Thoseplanswerenowhopeless.Thearmywasisolated,andcutofffromallreinforcementsandallsupplies.thebestthingwhichNapoleoncoulddoforhistroopsinEgyptwastoreturntoFrance,andexerthispersonalinfluenceinsendingthemsuccor.Hisreturninvolvedthecontinuanceofthemosthonorabledevotiontothosesoldierswhomhenecessarilyleftbehindhim.Thesecrecyofhisdeparturewasessentialtoitssuccess.Hadtheboldattemptbeensuspected,itwouldcertainlyhavebeenfrustratedbytheincreasedvigilanceoftheEnglishcruisers.Theintrepidityoftheenterprisemustelicituniversaladmiration.
Contemplate,foramoment,themoralaspectsofthisundertaking.Anationofthirtymillionsofpeople,hadbeenfortenyearsagitatedbythemostterribleconvulsions.Thereisnoatrocity,whichthetonguecanname,whichhadnotdesolatedthedoomedland.Everypassionwhichcandegradetheheartoffallenman,hadsweptwithsimoomblastoverthecitiesandthevillagesofFrance.Conflagrationshadlaidthepalacesofthewealthyinruins,andthegreenlawnswheretheirchildrenhadplayed,hadbeencrimsonedwiththebloodoffathersandsons,mothersanddaughters.Agiganticsystemofrobberyhadseizeduponhousesandlandsandeveryspeciesofpropertyandhadturnedthousandsoftheopulentoutintodestitution,beggary,anddeath.PollutionhadbeenlegalizedbythevoiceofGod-defyinglust,andFrance,labelleFrance,hadbeenconvertedintoadisgustingwarehouseofinfamy.Law,withsuicidalhand,haddestroyeditself,andthedecisionsofthelegislatureswayedtoandfro,inaccordancewiththehideousclamorsofthemob.Theguillotine,withgutterseverclottedwithhumangore,wastheonlyargumentwhichanarchycondescendedtouse.Effectuallyitsilencedeveryremonstratingtongue.Constitutionafterconstitutionhadrisen,likemushrooms,inanight,andlikemushroomshadperishedinaday.CivilwarwasragingwithbloodhoundfuryinFrance,MonarchistsandJacobinsgrapplingeachotherinfuriatewithdespair.ThealliedkingsofEurope,whoby
theiralliancehadfannedtheseflamesofrageandruin,weregazingwithterrorupontheportentousprodigy,andweresurroundingFrancewiththeirnaviesandtheirarmies.
Thepeoplehadbeenenslavedforcenturiesbythekingandthenobles.Theiroppressionhadbeenexecrable,andithadbecomeabsolutelyunendurable."We,themillions,"theyexclaimedintheirrage,"willnolongerministertoyourvoluptuousness,andpride,andlust.""Youshall,youinsolentdogs,"exclaimedkingandnobles,"weheednotyourbarking.""Youshall,"reiteratedthePope,intheportentousthunderingsoftheVatican."Youshall,"cameechoedbackfromthepalacesofVienna,fromthedomeoftheKremlin,fromtheseragliooftheTurk,and,intonesdeeper,stronger,moreresolute,fromconstitutional,liberty-loving,happyEngland.ThenwasFranceavolcano,anditslava-streamsdelugedEurope.Thepeopleweredesperate.Intheblindfuryoftheirfrenziedself-defensetheylostallconsideration.Thecastlesofthenobleswerebutthemonumentsofpasttaxationandservitude.Withyellsofhatredtheinfuriatedpopulacerazedthemtotheground.Thepalacesofthekings,where,foruncountedcenturies,dissolutemonarchshadreveledinenervatingandheaven-forbiddenpleasures,werebutnationalbadgesofthebondageofthepeople.Theindignantthrongsweptthroughthem,likeaMississippiinundation,leavinguponmarblefloors,andcartoonedwallsandceilings,theimpressoftheirrage.AtoneboundFrancehadpassedfromdespotismtoanarchy.Thekinglytyrant,withgoldencrownandironsceptre,surroundedbywealthynoblesanddissolutebeauties,haddisappeared,andamany-headedmonster,rapaciousandblood-thirsty,vulgarandrevolting,hademergedfromminesandworkshopsandthecellarsofviceandpenury,likeoneofthespectresoffairytalestofillhisplace.FrancehadpassedfromMonarchy,nottohealthyRepublicanism,buttoJacobinism,tothereignofthemob.Napoleonutterlyabhorredthetyrannyoftheking.Healsoutterlyabhorredthedespotismofvulgar,violent,sanguinaryJacobinmisrule.Thelatterheregardedwithevenfardeeperrepugnancethantheformer."Ifranklyconfess,"saidNapoleon,againandagain,"thatifImustchoosebetweenBourbonoppression,andmobviolence,Iinfinitelyprefertheformer.
SuchhadbeenthestateofFrance,essentially,fornearlytenyears.Thegreatmassofthepeoplewereexhaustedwithsuffering,andlongedforrepose.Thelandwasfilledwithplotsandcounterplots.Buttherewasnoonemanofsufficientprominencetocarrywithhimthenation.Thegovernmentwasdespisedanddisregarded.Francewasinastateofchaoticruin.Manyvoices
hereandthere,begantoinquire"WhereisBonaparte,theconquerorofItaly,theconquerorofEgypt?Healonecansaveus."Hisworld-widerenownturnedtheeyesofthenationtohimastheironlyhope.
UnderthesecircumstancesNapoleon,thenayoungmanbuttwenty-nineyearsofage,andwho,butthreeyearsbefore,hadbeenunknowntofameortofortune,resolvedtoreturntoFrance,tooverthrowthemiserablegovernment,bywhichthecountrywasdisgraced,tosubdueanarchyathomeandaggressionfromabroad,andtorescuethirtymillionsofpeoplefromruin.Theenterprisewasundeniablymagnificentinitsgrandeurandnobleinitsobject.Hehadtwofoestoencounter,eachformidable,theroyalistsofcombinedEuropeandthemobofParis.Thequietandundoubtingself-confidencewithwhichheentereduponthisenterprise,isoneofthemostremarkableeventsinthewholeofhisextraordinaycareer.Hetookwithhimnoarmiestohewdownopposition.Heengagedinnodeep-laidandwide-spreadconspiracy.Relyingupontheenergiesofhisownmind,anduponthesympathiesofthegreatmassofthepeople,hewentalone,withbutoneortwocompanions,towhomherevealednothisthoughts,togatherintohishandsthescatteredreinsofpower.Neverdidheencountermorefearfulperil.ThecruisersofEngland,Russia,Turkey,ofalliedEuropeinarmsagainstFrance,throngedtheMediterranean.Howcouldhehopetoescapethem?Theguillotinewasredwithblood.Everyonewhohaddaredtoopposethemobhadperisheduponit.HowcouldNapoleonventure,single-handed,tobeardthisterriblelioninhisden?
Itwasteno'clockatnight,the22dofAugust,1799,whenNapoleonascendedthesidesofthefrigateMuiron,toFrance.AfewofhisfaithfulGuards,andeightcompanions,eitherofficersinthearmyormembersofthescientificcorps,accompaniedhim.Therewerefivehundredsoldiersonboardtheships.ThestarsshonebrightlyintheSyriansky,andundertheirsoftlightthebluewavesoftheMediterraneanlayspreadoutmostpeacefullybeforethem.Thefrigatesunfurledtheirsails.Napoleon,silentandlostinthought,foralongtimewalkedthequarterdeckoftheship,gazinguponthelowoutlineofEgyptas,inthedimstarlight,itfadedaway.Hiscompanionswereintoxicatedwithdelight,inviewofagainreturningtoFrance.Napoleonwasneitherelatednordepressed.Sereneandsilenthecommunedwithhimself,andwheneverwecancatchaglimpseofthosesecretcommuningswefindthemalwaysbearingtheimpressofgrandeur.ThoughNapoleonwasinthehabitofvisitingthesoldiersattheircampfires,ofsittingdownandconversingwiththemwiththegreatestfreedomandfamiliarity,themajestyofhischaracteroverawedhisofficers,andadorationandreserve
blendedwiththeirlove.Thoughtherewasnohaughtinessinhisdemeanor,hehabituallydweltinaregionofelevationabovethemall.Theirtalkwasofcards,ofwine,ofprettywomen.Napoleon'sthoughtswereofempire,ofrenown,ofmouldingthedestiniesofnations.Theyregardedhimnotasacompanion,butasamaster,whosewishestheylovedtoanticipate;forhewouldsurelyguidethemtowealth,andfame,andfortune.Hecontemplatedthem,notasequalsandconfidingfriends,butasefficientandvaluableinstrumentsfortheaccomplishmentofhispurposes.MuratwastoNapoleonabodyoftenthousandhorsemen,everreadyforaresistlesscharge.Lanneswasaphalanxofinfantry,bristlingwithbayonets,whichneitherartillerynorcavalrycouldbatterdownorbreak.Augereauwasanarmedcolumnofinvincibletroops,black,dense,massy,impetuous,resistless,movingwithgigantictreadwhereverthefingeroftheconquerorpointed.ThesewerebutthemembersofNapoleon'sbody,thelimbsobedienttothemightysoulwhichswayedthem.Theywerenotthecompanionsofhisthoughts,theywereonlytheservantsofhiswill.ThenumbertobefoundwithwhomthesoulofNapoleoncoulddwellinsympatheticfriendshipwasfew—veryfew.
Napoleonhadformedaverylowestimateofhumannature,andconsequentlymadegreatallowancefortheinfirmitiesincidenttohumanity.Bourriennereportshimassaying,"Friendshipisbutaname.Ilovenoone;no,notevenmybrothers.Josephperhapsalittle.AndifIdolovehim,itisfromhabit,andbecauseheismyelder.Duroc!Ah,yes!Ilovehimtoo.Butwhy?Hischaracterpleaseme.Heiscold,reserved,andresolute,andIreallybelievethathenevershedatear.Astomyself,IknowwellthatIhavenotonetruefriend.AslongasIcontinuewhatIam,ImayhaveasmanypretendedfriendsasIplease.Wemustleavesensibilitytothewomen.Itistheirbusiness.Menshouldhavenothingtodowithwarorgovernment.Iamnotamiable.No;Iamnotamiable.Ineverhavebeen.ButIamjust."
Inanothermoodofmind,moretender,moresubdued,heremarked,atSt.Helena,inreplytoLasCasas,whowithgreatseveritywascondemningthosewhoabandonedNapoleoninhishourofadversity:"Youarenotacquaintedwithmen.Theyaredifficulttocomprehendifonewishestobestrictlyjust.Cantheyunderstandorexplaineventheirowncharacters?AlmostallthosewhoabandonedmewouldhadIcontinuedtobeprosperous,neverperhapshavedreamedoftheirowndefection.Therearevicesandvirtueswhichdependuponcircumstances.Ourlasttrialswerebeyondallhumanstrength!BesidesIwasforsakenratherthanbetrayed;therewasmoreweaknessthanofperfidyaroundme.ItwasthedenialofSt.Peter.Tearsandpenitenceareprobablyathand.Andwherewillyoufindinthepageofhistoryanyonepossessingagreaternumberoffriendsandpartisans?Whowasevermorepopularandmorebeloved?Whowasevermoreardentlyanddeeplyregretted?HerefromthisveryrockonviewingthepresentdisordersinFrancewhowouldnotbetemptedtosaythatIstillreignthere?No;humannaturemighthaveappearedinamoreodiouslight."
LasCasas,whosharedwithNapoleonhiswearyyearsofimprisonmentatSt.Helenasaysofhim:"Heviewsthecomplicatedcircumstancesofhisfromsohighapointthatindividualsescapehisnotice.Heneverevincestheleastsymptomofvirulencetowardthoseofwhomitmightbesupposedhehasthegreatestreasontocomplain.Hisstrongestmarkofreprobation,andIhavehadfrequentoccasionstonoticeit,istopreservesilencewithrespecttothemwhenevertheyarementionedinhispresence.Buthowoftenhashebeenheardtorestraintheviolentandlessreservedexpressionsofthoseabouthim?"
"AndhereImustobserve,"sayLasCasas,"thatsinceIhavebecomeacquainted
withtheEmperor'scharacter,Ihaveneverknownhimtoevince,forasinglemoment,theleastfeelingofangeroranimosityagainstthosewhohadmostdeeplyinjuredhim.Hespeaksofthemcoollyandwithoutresentment,attributingtheirconductinsomemeasuretotheplace,andthrowingtheresttotheaccountofhumanweakness."
Marmont,whosurrenderedParistotheallieswasseverelycondemnedbyLasCasas.Napoleonreplied:"Vanitywashisruin.Posteritywilljustlycastashadeuponhischaracter,yethisheartwillbemorevaluedthanthememoryofhiscareer.""YourattachmentforBerthier,"saidLasCasas,"surprisedus.Hewasfullofpretensionsandpride.""Berthierwasnotwithouttalent."Napoleonreplied,"andIamfarfromwishingtodisavowhismerit,ormypartiality;buthewassoundecided!"Hewasveryharshandoverbearing."LasCasasrejoined."Andwhat,mydearLasCasas,"Napoleonreplied,"ismoreoverbearingthanweaknesswhichfeelsitselfprotectedbystrength!Lookatwomenforexample."ThisBerthierhadwiththeutmostmeanness,abandonedhisbenefactor,andtookhisplaceinfrontofthecarriageofLouisXVIII.asherodetriumphantlyintoParis."TheonlyrevengeIwishonthispoorBerthier,"saidNapoleonatthetime,"wouldbetoseehiminhiscostumeofcaptainofthebody-guardofLouis."
SaysBourrienne,Napoleon'srejectedsecretary,"ThecharacterofNapoleonwasnotacruelone.Hewasneitherrancorousnorvindictive.Nonebutthosewhoareblindedbyfury,couldhavegivenhimthenameofNeroorCaligula.IthinkthatIhavestatedhisrealfaultwithsufficientsinceritytobebelieveduponmyword.IcanassertthatBonaparte,apartfrompolitics,wasfeelingkind,andaccessibletopity.Hewasveryfondofchildren,andabadmanhasseldomthatdisposition.Inthehabitsofprivatelifehehadandtheexpressionisnottoostrong,muchbenevolenceandgreatindulgenceforhumanweakness.Acontraryopinionistoofirmlyfixedinsomemindsformetohopetoremoveit.Ishall,Ifear,haveopposers;butIaddressmyselftothosewhoareinsearchoftruth.IlivedinthemostunreservedconfidencewithNapoleonuntiltheageofthirty-fouryears,andIadvancenothinglightly."ThisistheadmissionofonewhohadbeenejectedfromofficebyNapoleon,andwhobecomeacourtierofthereinstatedBourbons.Itisacandidadmissionofanenemy.
Theshipsweighedanchorinthedarknessofthenight,hopingbeforethedayshoulddawntoescapetheEnglishcruiserswhichwerehoveringaboutAlexandria.Unfortunately,atmidnight,thewinddiedaway,anditbecame
almostperfectlycalm.Fearfulofbeingcaptured,somewereanxioustoseekagaintheshore."Bequiet,"saidNapoleon,"weshallpassinsafety."
AdmiralGantheaumewishedtotaketheshortestroutetoFrance.Napoleon,however,directedtheadmiraltosailalongasnearaspossiblethecoastofAfrica,andtocontinuethatunfrequentedroute,tilltheshipsshouldpasstheIslandofSardinia."Inthemeanwhile,"saidhe,"shouldanEnglishfleetpresentitself,wewillrunashoreuponthesands,andmarch,withthehandfulofbravemenandthefewpiecesofartillerywehavewithus,toOranorTunis,andtherefindmeanstore-embark."ThusNapoleon,isthishazardousenterprisebravedeveryperil.ThemostimminentandthemosttobedreadedofallwascaptivityinanEnglishprison.Fortwentydaysthewindwassoinvariableadverse,thattheshipsdidnotadvancethreehundredmiles.ManyweresodiscouragedandsoapprehensiveofcapturethatitwasevenproposedtoreturntoAlexandria.Napoleonwasmuchinthehabitofpeacefulsubmissiontothatwhichhecouldnotremedy.Duringallthesetryingweeksheappearedperfectlysereneandcontented.Tothemurmuringofhiscompanionshereplied,"WeshallarriveinFranceinsafety.Iamdeterminedtoproceedatallhazards.Fortunewillnotabandonus.""Peoplefrequentlyspeak,"saysBourrienne,whoaccompaniedNapoleonuponthisvoyage,"ofthegoodfortunewhichattachestoanindividual,andevenattendshimthissortofpredestination,yet,whenIcalltomindthenumerousdangerswhichBonaparteescapedinsomanyenterprises,thehazardsheencountered,thechancesheran,Icanconceivethatothersmayhavethisfaith.Buthavingforalengthoftimestudiedthe'manofdestiny',Ihaveremarkedthatwhatwascalledhisfortunewas,inreality,hisgenius;thathissuccesswastheconsequenceofhisadmirableforesight—ofhiscalculations,rapidaslightning,andoftheconvictionthatboldnessisoftenthetruestwisdom.If,forexample,duringourvoyagefromEgypttoFrance,hehadnotimperiouslyinsisteduponpursuingacoursedifferentfromthatusuallytaken,andwhichusualcoursewasrecommendedbytheadmiral,wouldhehaveescapedtheperilswhichbesethispath!Probablynot.Andwasallthistheeffectofchance.……….Certainlynot."
DuringthesedaysofsuspenseNapoleon,apparentlyassereneinspiritasthecalmwhichoftensilveredtheunrippledsurfaceoftheseaheldalltheenergiesofhismindinperfectcontrol.Achoicelibraryheinvariablytookwithhimwhereverhewent.Hedevotedthehourstowritingstudy,findingrecreationinsolvingthemostdifficultproblemsingeometry,andininvestigatingchemistryandotherscientificsubjectsofpracticalutility.Hedevotedmuchtimeto
conversationwiththedistinguishedscholarswhomhehadselectedtoaccompanyhim.Hiswholesoulseemedengrossedinthepursuitofliteraryandscientificattainments.Healsocarefully,andwithmostintenseinterest,studiedtheBibleandKoran,scrutinizing,withtheeyeofaphilosopher,theantagonisticsystemoftheChristianandtheMoslem.ThelimityoftheScripturescharmedhim.Hereadagainandagain,withdeepadmiration,Christ'ssermonuponthemountandcalledhiscompanionsformtheircard-tables,toreadittothem,thattheymightalsoappreciateitsmoralbeautyanditseloquence."Youwillerelong,becomedevoutyourself,"saidoneofhisinfidelcompanions."IwishImightbecomeso,"Napoleonreplied."WhatasolaceChristianitymustbetoonewhohasanundoubtingconvictionofitstruth."ButpracticalChristianityhehadonlyseeninthemummeriesofthepapalchurch.Rememberingthefasts,thevigils,thepenances,thecloisters,thescourgingsofacorruptChristianity,andcontrastingthemwiththevoluptuousparadiseandthesensualhourieswhichinflamedtheeagervisionoftheMoslem,heonceexclaimedinphrasecharacteristicofhisgenius,"ThereligionofJesusisathreat,thatofMohammed."ThereligionofJesusisnotathreat.ThoughthewrathofGodshallfalluponthechildrenofdisobedience,ourSaviourinvitesus,ingentleaccents,tothegreenpasturesandthestillwatersoftheHeavenlyCanaan;tocitiesresplendentwithpearlsandgold;tomansionsofwhichGodisthearchitect;tothesongsofseraphim,andtheflightofcherubim,exploringontirelesspinionthewondersofinfinity;topeaceofconscienceandrapturedwellinginpureheartandtoblestcompanionshiplovingandbeloved;tomajestyofpersonandloftinessofintellect;toappearaschildrenandasnoblesintheaudience-chamberofGod;toanimmoralityofbliss.No!thereligionofJesusisnotathreat,thoughithastoooftenbeenthusrepresentedbyitsmistakenordesigningadvocates.
Oneeveningagroupofofficerswereconversingtogether,uponthequarterdeck,respectingtheexistenceofGod.Manyofthembelievednotinhisbeing.Itwasacalm,cloudless,brilliantnight.Theheavens,theworkofGod'sfingers,canopiedthemgloriously.Themoonandthestars,whichGodhadordainedbeameddownuponthemwithserenelustre.Astheywereflippantlygivingutterancetotheargumentsofatheism.Napoleonpacedtoandfrouponthedeck,takingnopartintheconversation,andapparentlyabsorbedinhisownthoughts.Suddenlyhestoppedbeforethemandsaid,inthosetonesofdignitywhicheveroverawed,"Gentlemen,yourargumentsareveryfine.Butwhomadeallthoseworlds,beamingsogloriouslyaboveus?Canyoutellmethat?"Nooneanswered.Napoleonresumedhissilentwalk,andtheofficersselectedanothertopicfor
conversation.
IntheseintensestudiesNapoleonfirstbegantoappreciatethebeautyandthesublimityofChristianity.Previouslytothis,hisownstrongsensehadtaughthimtheprinciplesofanobletoleration;andJew,Christian,andMoslemstoodequallyregardedbeforehim.NowhebegantoapprehendthesurpassingexcellenceofChristianity.Andthoughthecaresofthebusiestlifethroughwhichamortalhaseverpassedsoonengrossedhisenergies,thisappreciationandadmirationofthegospelofChrist,visiblyincreasedwitheachsucceedingyear.HeunflinchinglybravedthescoffsofinfidelEurope,inre-establishingtheChristianreligioninpaganizedFrance.Heperiledhispopularitywiththearmy,anddisregardedtheoppositionofhismostinfluentialfriends,fromhisdeepconvictionoftheimportanceofreligiontothewelfareofthestate.Withtheinimitableforceofhisownglowingeloquence,hesaidtoMontholon,atSt.Helena,"Iknowmen,andItellyouthatJesusChristisnotaman!ThereligionofChristisamystery,whichsubsistsbyitsownforce,andproceedsfromamindwhichisnotahumanmind.Wefindinitamarkedindividualitywhichoriginatedatrainofwordsandmaximsunknownbefore.Jesusborrowednothingfromourknowledge.Heexhibitedhimselftheperfectexampleofhisprecepts.Jesusisnotaphilosopher:forhisproofsarehismiracles,andfromthefirsthisdisciplesadoredhim.Infact,learningandphilosophyareofnouseforsalvation;andJesuscameintotheworldtorevealthemysteriesofheavenandthelawsofthespirit.Alexander,Caesar,Charlemagne,andmyselfhavefoundedempires.Butuponwhatdidwerestthecreationsofourgenius?uponforce.JesusChristalonefoundedhisempireuponlove.Andatthismomentmillionsofmenwoulddieforhim.Idiebeforemytime,andmybodywillbegivenbacktoearth,tobecomefoodforworms.SuchisthefateofhimwhohasbeencalledthegreatNapoleon.WhatanabyssbetweenmydeepmiseryandtheeternalkingdomofChrist,whichisproclaimed,loved,andadored,andwhichisextendingoverthewholeearth!Callyouthisdying?Isitnotlivingrather?ThedeathofChrististhedeathofaGod!"
AtthetimeoftheinvasionofEgypt,Napoleonregardedallformsofreligionwithequalrespect.AndthoughheconsideredChristianitysuperior,inintellectualityandrefinement,toallothermodesofworship,hedidnotconsideranyreligionasofdivineorigin.Atonetime,speakingofthecoursewhichhepursuedinEgypt,hesaid,"Suchwasthedispositionofthearmy,thatinordertoinducethemtolistentothebarementionofreligion,Iwasobligedtospeakverylightlyonthesubject;toplaceJewsbesideChristians,andrabbisbesidebishops.
ButafterallitwouldnothavebeensoveryextraordinaryhadcircumstancesinducedmetoembraceIslamism.ButImusthavehadgoodreasonsformyconversion.ImusthavebeensecureofadvancingatleastasfarastheEuphrates.Changeofreligionforprivateinterestisinexcusable.Butitmaybepardonedinconsiderationofimmensepoliticalresults.HenryIV.said,Parisiswellworthamass.WillitthenbesaidthatthedominionoftheEast,andperhapsthesubjugationofallAsia,werenotworthaturbanandapairoftrousers?Andintruththewholematterwasreducedtothis.Thesheikshadstudiedhowtorenderiteasytous.Theyhadsmootheddownthegreatobstacles,allowedustheuseofwine,anddispensedwithallcorporealformalities.Weshouldhavelostonlyoursmall-clothesandhats."
OftheinfidelRousseau,Napoleoneverspokeintermsofseverereprobation."Hewasabadman,averybadman,"saidhe,"hecausedtherevolution.""Iwasnotaware,"anotherreplied,"thatyouconsideredtheFrenchRevolutionsuchanunmixedevil.""Ah,"Napoleonrejoined,"youwishtosaythatwithouttherevolutionyouwouldnothavehadme.Nevertheless,withouttherevolutionFrancewouldhavebeenmorehappy."WheninvitedtovisitthehermitageofRousseau,toseehiscap,table,greatchair,&c.,heexclaimed,"Bah!Ihavenotasteforsuchfooleries.ShowthemtomybrotherLouis.Heisworthyofthem."
ProbablythefollowingremarksofNapoleon,madeatSt.Helena,willgiveaverycorrectideaofhisprevailingfeelinguponthesubjectofreligion."Thesentimentofreligionissoconsolatory,thatitmustbeconsideredagiftfromHeaven.Whataresourcewoulditnotbeforushere,topossessit.WhatrewardshaveInotarighttoexpect,whohaverunacareersoextraordinary,sotempestuous,asminehasbeen,withoutcommittingasinglecrime.AndyethowmanymightInothavebeenguiltyof?IcanappearbeforethetribunalofGod,Icanawaithisjudgment,withoutfear.Hewillnotfindmyconsciencestainedwiththethoughtsofmurderandpoisonings;withtheinflictionofviolentandpremeditateddeaths,eventssocommoninthehistoryofthosewhoselivesresemblemine.Ihavewishedonlyforthepower,thegreatness,thegloryofFrance.Allmyfaculties,allmyefforts,allmymovements,weredirectedtotheattainmentofthatobject.Thesecannotbecrimes.Tometheyappearedactsofvirtue.Whatthenwouldbemyhappiness,ifthebrightprospectoffuturitypresenteditselftocrownthelastmomentsofmyexistence."
Afteramoment'spause,inwhichheseemedlostinthought,heresumed:"But,howisitpossiblethatconvictioncanfinditswaytoourhearts,whenwehear
theabsurdlanguage,andwitnesstheiniquitousconductofthegreaterpartofthosewhosebusinessitistopreachtous.Iamsurroundedbypriests,whorepeatincessantlythattheirreignisnotofthisworld;andyettheylaytheirhandsuponeverythingwhichtheycanget.ThePopeistheheadofthatreligionwhichisfromHeaven.Whatdidthepresentchiefpontiff,whoisundoubtedlyagoodandaholyman,notoffer,tobeallowedtoreturntoRome.Thesurrenderofthegovernmentofthechurch,oftheinstitutionofbishopswasnottoomuchforhimtogive,tobecomeoncemoreasecularprince.
"Nevertheless,"hecontinued,afteranotherthoughtfulpause,"itcannotbedoubtedthat,asemperor,thespeciesofincredulitywhichIfeltwasbeneficialtothenationsIhadtogovern.HowcouldIhavefavoredequallysectssoopposedtooneanother,ifIhadjoinedanyoneofthem?HowcouldIhavepreservedtheindependenceofmythoughtsandofmyactionsunderthecontrolofaconfessor,whowouldhavegovernedmeunderthedreadofhell!"Napoleonclosedthisconversation,byorderingtheNewTestamenttobebrought.Commencingatthebeginning,hereadaloudasfarastheconclusionofourSavior'saddresstohisdisciplesuponthemountain.Heexpressedhimselfstruckwiththehighestadmiration,incontemplatingitspurity,itssublimity,andthebeautifulperfectionofitsmoralcode.
Forfortydaystheshipsweredrivenaboutbycontrarywinds,andonthe1stofOctobertheymadetheislandofCorsica,andtookrefugeintheharborofAjaccio.ThetidingsthatNapoleonhadlandedinhisnativetownsweptovertheislandlikeagale,andthewholepopulationcrowdedtotheporttocatchasightoftheirillustriouscountryman."Itseemed,"saidNapoleon,"thathalfoftheinhabitantshaddiscoveredtracesofkindred."ButafewyearshadelapsedsincethedwellingofMadameLetitiawaspillagedbythemob,andthewholeBonapartefamily,inpenuryandfriendlessness,werehuntedfromtheirhome,effectingtheirescapeinanopenboatbynight.Now,thenameofBonapartefilledtheislandwithacclamations.ButNapoleonwasalikeindifferenttosuchunjustcensure,andtosuchunthinkingapplause.Asthecursedidnotdepress,neitherdidthehosannaelate.
Afterthedelayofafewdaysinobtainingsupplies,theshipsagainweighedanchor,onthe7thofOctober,andcontinuedtheirperilousvoyage.Theeveningofthenextday,asthesunwasgoingdowninunusualsplendor,thereappearedinthewest,paintedinstrongreliefagainsthisgoldenrays,anEnglishsquadron.Theadmiral,whosawfromtheenemy'ssignalsthathewasobserved,urgedan
immediatereturntoCorsica.Napoleon,convincedthatcapturewouldbetheresultofsuchamanoeuvre,exclaimed,"TodosowouldbetotaketheroadtoEngland.
IamseekingthattoFrance.Spreadallsail.Leteveryonebeathispost.Steertothenorthwest.Onward."Thenightwasdark,thewindfair.RapidlytheshipswereapproachingthecoastofFrance,throughthemidstofthehostilesquadron,andexposedtothemostimminentdangerofcapture.Escapeseemedimpossible.Itwasanightoffearfulapprehensionandterrortoallonboard,exceptingNapoleon.Hedetermined,incaseofextremity,tothrowhimselfintoaboat,andtrustforsafetytodarknessandtheoars.Withthemostperfectself-possessionandcomposureofspirits,heorderedthelong-boattobeprepared,selectedthosewhomhedesiredtoaccompanyhim,andcarefullycollectedsuchpapersashewasanxioustopreserve.Notaneyewasclosedduringthenight.Itwasindeedafearfulquestiontobedecided.Arethesewearywanderers,inafewhours,tobeintheembraceoftheirwivesandtheirchildren,orwillthenextmomentshowthemtheblackhullofanEnglishman-ofwar,emergingfromthegloom,toconsignthemtolingeringyearsofcaptivityinanEnglishprison?InthisterriblehournoonecouldperceivethatthecomposureofNapoleonwasintheslightestdegreeruffled.ThefirstdrawnofthemorningrevealedtotheirstrainingvisionthehillsofFrancestretchingalongbutafewleaguesbeforethem,andfaraway,inthenortheast,thehostilesquadron,disappearingbeneaththehorizonofthesea.TheFrenchhadescaped.Thewildestburstsofjoyrosefromtheships.ButNapoleongazedcalmlyuponhisbelovedFrance,withpalecheekandmarblebrow,tooproudtomanifestemotion.Ateighto'clockinthemorningthefourvesselsdroppedanchorinthelittleharborofFrejus.Itwasthemorningofthe8thofOctober.ThusforfiftydaysNapoleonhadbeentosseduponthewavesoftheMediterranean,surroundedbythehostileflectsofEngland,Russia,andTurkey,andyethadeludedtheirvigilance.
ThiswonderfulpassageofNapoleon,gaverisetomanycaricatures,bothinEnglandandFrance.Oneofthesecaricatures,whichwasconspicuousintheLondonshopwindows,possessedsomuchpointandhistorictruth,thatNapoleonissaidtohavelaughedmostheartilyonseeingit.LordNelson,asiswellknown,withallhisheroism,wasnotexemptfromthefrailtiesofhumanity.TheBritishadmiralwasrepresentedasguardingNapoleon.LadyHamiltonmakesherappearance,andhislordshipbecomessoengrossedincaressingthefairenchantress,thatNapoleonescapesbetweenhislegs.Thiswashardlyacaricature.Itwasalmosthistoricverity.WhileNapoleonwasstrugglingagainst
adversestormsoffthecoastofAfrica,LordNelson,adornedwiththelaurelsofhismagnificentvictory,infonddalliancewithhisfrailDelilah,wasbaskinginthecourtsofvoluptuousandprofligatekings."Noone,"saidNapoleon,"cansurrenderhimselftothedominionoflove,withouttheforfeitureofsomepalmsofglory."
WhenthefourvesselsenteredtheharborofFrejus,asignalatthemast-headoftheMuironinformedtheauthoritiesonshorethatNapoleonwasonboard.Thewholetownwasinstantlyincommotion.Beforetheanchorsweredroppedtheharborwasfilledwithboats,andtheshipsweresurroundedwithanenthusiasticmultitude,climbingtheirsides,throngingtheirdecks,andrendingtheairwiththeiracclamations.Allthelawsofquarantineweredisregarded.Thepeople,wearyofanarchy,andtremblinginviewoftheapproachingAustrianinvasion,werealmostdeliriouswithdelightinreceivingthusasitwerefromtheclouds,adeliverer,inwhosepotencytheycouldimplicitlytrust.WhenwarnedthattheshipshadrecentlysailedfromAlexandria,andthattherewasimminentdangerthattheplague,mightbecommunicated,theyreplied,"WehadratherhavetheplaguethantheAustrians,"Breakingoverallthemunicipalregulationsofhealth,thepeopletookNapoleon,almostbyviolence,hurriedhimoverthesideoftheshiptotheboats,andconveyedhimintriumphtotheshore.Thetidingshadspreadfromfarm-housetofarm-housewithalmostelectricspeed,andthewholecountrypopulation,men,women,andchildren,werecrowdingdowntotheshore.Eventhewoundedsoldiersinthehospital,lefttheircotsandcrawledtothebeach,togetasightofthehero.ThethrongbecamesogreatthatitwaswithdifficultythatNapoleoncouldland.Thegatheringmultitude,however,openedtotherightandtheleft,andNapoleonpassedthroughthem,greetedwiththeenthusiasticcriesof"LonglivetheconquerorofItaly,theconquerorofEgypt,theliberatorofFrance."ThepeacefullittleharborofFrejuswassuddenlythrownintoastateofthemostunheardofexcitement.Thebellsrangtheirmerriestpeels.Thegunsinthefortsrolledforththeirheaviestthundersoverthehillsandoverthewaves;andtheenthusiasticshoutsoftheeverincreasingmultitudes,throngingNapoleon,filledtheair.Theshipsbroughtthefirsttidings,ofthewonderfulvictoriesofMountTaborandofAboukir.TheFrench,humiliatedbydefeat,wereexceedinglyelatedbythisrestorationofthenationalhonor.TheintelligenceofNapoleon'sarrivalwasimmediatelycommunicated,bytelegraph,toParis,whichwassixhundredmilesfromFrejus.
WhenthetidingsofNapoleon'slandingofFrejus,arrivedinParis,ontheeveningofthe9thofOctober,JosephinewasatalargepartyatthehouseofM.
Gohier,PresidentoftheDirectory.Allthemostdistinguishedmenofthemetropoliswerethere.Theintelligenceproducedthemostprofoundsensation.Some,riotinginthespoilsofoffice,turnedpalewithapprehension;knowingwellthegeniusofNapoleon,andhisboundlesspopularity,theyfearedanotherrevolution,whichshouldejectthemfromtheirseatsofpower.Otherswereelatedwithhope;theyfeltthatProvidencehadsenttoFranceadeliverer,attheverymomentwhenadelivererwasneeded.Oneofthedeputies,whohadbeendeeplygrievedatthedisasterswhichwereoverwhelmingtheRepublic,actuallydiedofjoy,whenheheardofNapoleon'sreturn.Josephine,intenselyexcitedbythesuddenandtotallyunexpectedannouncement,immediatelywithdrew,hastenedhome,andatmidnight,withoutallowinganhourforrepose,sheenteredhercarriage,withLouisBonaparteandHortense,whosubsequentlybecamethebrideofLouis,andsetouttomeetherhusband.Napoleonalmostatthesamehour,withhissuite,leftFrejus.Duringeverystopofhisprogresshewasgreetedwiththemostextraordinarydemonstrationsofenthusiasmandaffection.Bonfiresblazedfromthehills,triumphedarches,hastilyofmaidensspreadacarpetofflowersforhischariotwheels,andgreetedhimwithsmilesandchorusesofwelcome.HecarriedatLyonsintheevening.Thewholecitywasbrilliantwithilluminations.Animmenseconcoursesurroundedhimwithalmostdeliriousshoutsofjoy.Theconstitutedauthoritiesreceivedhimashedescendedfromhiscarriage.Themajorhadpreparedalongandeulogisticharanguefortheoccasion.Napoleonhadnotimetolistentoit.Withamotionofhishand,imposingsilence,hesaidsaid,"Gentlemen,IlearnedthatFrancewasinperil,IthereforedidnothesitatetoleavemyarmyinEgypt,thatImightcometoherescue.Inowgohence.Inafewdays,ifyouthinkfittowaituponme,Ishallbeatleisuretohearyou."Freshhorseswerebythistimeattachedtothecarriages,andthecavalcade,whichlikeameteorhadburstuponthem,likeameteordisappeared.FromLyons,forsomeunexplainedreason,NapoleonturnedfromtheregularroutetoParisandtookalessfrequentedroad.WhenJosephinearrivedatLyons,toherutterconsternationshefoundthatNapoleonhadleftthecity,severalhoursbeforeherarrival,andthattheyhadpassedeachotherbydifferentroads.Heranguishwasinexpressible.Formanymonthsshehadnotreceivedalinefromheridolizedhusband,allcommunicationhavingbeeninterceptedbytheEnglishcruisers.Sheknewthatmany,jealousherpower,haddisseminated,farandwide,falsereportsrespectingherconduct.Sheknewthatthese,herenemies,wouldsurroundNapoleonimmediatelyuponhisarrival,andtakeadvantageofherabsencetoinflamehismindagainsther.Lyonsis245milesfromParis.Josephinehadpassedoverthosewearyleaguesofhillanddale,pressingonwithoutintermission,bydayandbynight,alightingnotfor
refreshmentofrepose.Faint,exhausted,andherheartsinkingwithinherwithfearfulapprehensionsofthehopelessalienationofherhusband,shereceivedthedreadfultidingsthatshehadmissedhim.Therewasnoresourceleftherbuttoretracethestepswiththeutmostpossiblecelerity.Napoleonwould,however,havebeenoneortwodaysinParisbeforeJosephinecould,byanypossibility,re-enterthecity.ProbablyinallFrance,therewasnot,atthattime,amoreunhappywomanthanJosephine.
SecretwretchednesswasalsognawingattheheartofNapoleon.Whohasyetfathomedthemysteryofhumanlove!Intensestloveandintensesthatecan,atthesamemoment,intertwinetheirfibresininextricableblending.Innothingisthewillsoimpotentasinguidingorcheckingtheimpulsesofthisomnipotentpassion.NapoleonlovedJosephinewiththatalmostsuperhumanenergywhichcharacterizedallthemovementsofhisimpetuousspirit.Thestreamdidnotfretandrippleoverashallowbed,butitwassereneinitsunfathomabledepths.TheworldcontainedbuttwoobjectsforNapoleon,gloryandJosephine;gloryfirst,andthen,closelyfollowingthemoresubstantialidol.
ManyoftheParisianladies,proudofamoreexaltedlineagethanJosephinecouldboast,wereexceedinglyenviousofthesupremacyshehadattainedinconsequenceoftherenownofherhusband.HerinfluenceoverNapoleonwaswellknown.Philosophers,statesmen,ambitiousgenerals,allcrowdedhersaloons,payingherhomage.AfavorablewordfromJosephinetheyknewwouldpavethewayforthemtofameandfortune.ThusJosephine,fromthesaloonsofParis,withmilderradiance,reflectedbackthesplendorofherhusband.Shesolicitousofsecuringasmanyfriendsaspossible,toaidhiminfutureemergencies,wasasdiligentin"winninghearts"athome,asNapoleonwasinconqueringprovincesabroad.ThegracefulnessofJosephine,herconsummatedelicacyofmoralappreciation,herexaltedintellectualgifts,themelodioustonesofherwinningvoice,charmedcourtiers,philosophers,andstatesmenalike.Hersaloonswereevercrowded.Herentertainmentswereeverembellishedbythepresenceofallwhowereillustriousinrankandpowerinthemetropolis.Andinwhatevercirclessheappearedtheeyesofthegentlemenfirstsoughtforher.Tworesistlessattractionsdrewthem.Shewaspeculiarlyfascinatinginpersonandincharacter,and,throughherrenownedhusband,shecoulddispensethemostpreciousgifts.Itisnotdifficulttoimaginetheenvywhichmustthushavebeenexcited.Manyahaughtyduchesswasprovoked,almostbeyondendurance,thatJosephine,theuntitleddaughterofaWestIndianplanter,shouldthusengrossthehomageofParis,whileshe,withherproudrank,herwit,andherbeauty,was
comparativelyacipher.Moreau'swife,inparticularresentedthesupremacyofJosephineasapersonalaffront.ShethoughtGeneralMoreauentitledtoasmuchconsiderationasGeneralBonaparte.Bythejealousy,ranklinginherownbosom,shefinallysucceededinrousingherhusbandtoconspireagainstNapoleon,andthustheheroofHohenlindenwasruined.SomeofthebrothersandsistersofNapoleonwerealsojealousoftheparamountinfluenceofJosephine,andwouldgladlywrestaportionofitfromherhands.Underthesecircumstances,invariousways,slanderhadbeenwarilyinsinuatedintotheearsofNapoleon,respectingtheconductofhiswife.Conspiringenemiesbecamemoreandmorebold.Josephinewasrepresentedashavingforgottenherhusband,asrevelingexultantwithfemalevanity,ingeneralflirtation;and,finally,asguiltyofgrossinfidelity.NearlyalltheletterswrittenbyNapoleonandJosephinetoeachother,wereinterceptedbytheEnglishcruisers.ThoughNapoleondidnotcreditthesechargesinfull,hecherishednotalittleofthepride,whichledtheRomanmonarchtoexclaim,"Caesar'swifemustnotbesuspected."
NapoleonwasinthetroubledstateofmindduringthelattermonthsofhisresidenceinEgypt.Onedayhewassittingaloneinhistent,whichwaspitchedinthegreatArabiandesert.SeveralmonthshadpassedsincehehadheardawordfromJosephine.Yearsmightelapseeretheywouldmeetagain.Junotentered,havingjustreceived,throughsomechannelofjealousyandmalignity,communicationsfromParis.Cautiously,butfully,heunfoldedthewholebudgetofParisiangossip.Josephinehadfound,asherepresented,intheloveofothersanamplerecompensefortheabsenceofherhusband.Shewassurroundedbyadmirerswithwhomshewasengagedinanincessantroundofintriguesandflirtations.Regardlessofhonorshehadsurrenderedherselftothedominionofpassion.Napoleonwasforafewmomentsinastateofterribleagitation.Withhastystrides,likeachafedlion,hepacedhistent,exclaiming,"WhydoIlovethatwomanso?WhycanInottearherimagefrommyheart?Iwilldoso.Iwillhaveanimmediateandopendivorce-openandpublicdivorce."HeimmediatelywrotetoJosephine,intermsoftheutmostseverityaccusingherofplayingthecoquettewithhalftheworld."TheletterescapedtheBritishcruisersandshereceivedit.Italmostbrokeherfaithfulheart.SuchwerethecircumstancesunderwhichNapoleonandJosephineweretomeetafteranabsenceofeighteenmonths.JosephinewasexceedinglyanxioustoseeNapoleonbeforeheshouldhaveaninterviewwithherenemies.Hencethedepthofanguishwithwhichsheheardherhusbandhadpassesher.Twoorthreedaysmusthaveelapseereshecouldpossiblyretracedthewearymilesoverwhichshehadalreadytraveled.
InthemeantimethecarriageofNapoleonwasrapidlyapproachingthemetropolis.Bynighthispathwasbrilliantwithbonfiresandilluminations.Theringingofbells,thethundersofartillery,andtheacclamationsofthemultitude,accompaniedhimeverystepofhisway.Butnosmileoftriumphplayeduponhispaleandpensivecheeks.Hefeltthathewasreturningtoadesolatedhome.Gloomreignedinhisheart.HeenteredParis,anddroverapidlytohisowndwelling.Behold,Josephinewasnotthere.Consciousguilt,hethought,hadmadeherafraidtomeethim.ItisinvaintoattempttopenetratethehiddenanguishofNapoleon'ssoul.Thathisproudspiritmusthavesufferedintensityofwoenoonecandoubt.ThebitterenemiesofJosephineimmediatelysurroundedhim,eagerlytakingadvantageofherabsence,toinflame,toastillhigherdegree,byadroitinsinuations,hisjealousyandanger.EugenehadaccompaniedhiminhisreturnfromEgypt,andhisaffectionatehearteverglowedwithloveandadmirationforhismother.Withanxiety,amountingtoanguish,hewatchedatthewindowforherarrival.SaidonetoNapoleon,maliciouslyendeavoringtopreventthepossibilityofreconciliation,"Josephinewillappearbeforeyou,withallherfascinations.Shewillexplainmatters.Youwillforgiveall,andtranquillitywillberestored.""Never!"exclaimedNapoleon,withpallidcheekandtremblinglip,stridingnervouslytooandfro,throughtheroom,"never!Iforgive!ever!"Thenstoppingsuddenly,andgazingtheinterlocutorwildlyintheface,heexclaimed,withpassionategesticulation,"Youknowme.WereInotsureofmyresolution,Iwouldtearoutthisheart,andcastitintothefire."
Howstrangeisthelifeoftheheartofman.Fromthisinterview,Napoleon,twohoursafterhisarrivalinPariswithhiswholesoulagitatedbythetumultofdomesticwoe,wenttothepalaceoftheLuxembourg,tovisittheDirectory,toformhisplansforoverthrowthegovernmentofFrance.Pale,pensive,joyless,hisinflexiblepurposesofambitionwaverednot—hisironenergiesyieldednot.Josephinewasanidol.Heexecratedherandheadoredher.Helovedhermostpassionately.Hehatedhermostvirulently.Hecouldclaspheronemomenttohisbosomwithburningkisses;thenextmomenthewouldspurnherfromhimwithasthemostloathsomewretch.Butglorywasastillmorecherishedidol,atwhoseshrinehebowedwithunwaveringadoration.Hestrovetoforgethisdomesticwretchednessbyprosecuting,withnewvigor,hisschemesofgrandeur.AsheascendedthestairsoftheLuxembourg,someoftheguard,whohadbeenwithhiminItaly,recognizedhisperson,andhewasinstantlygreeted,withenthusiasticshouts."LongliveBonaparte."Theclamorrolledlikeavoiceofthunderthroughthespacioushallsofthepalace,andfell,likeadeathknell,upontheearsoftheDirectors.Thepopulaceuponthepavement,caughtthesoundand
reechoeditfromstreettostreet.Theplaysatthetheatres,andthesongsattheOpera,werestopped,thatitmightbeannounced,fromthestage,thatBonapartehadarrivedinParis.Men,women,andchildrensimultaneouslyrosetotheirfeet,andawildburstofenthusiasticjoyswelleduponthenightair.AllPariswasincommotion.ThenameofBonapartewasuponeverylip.Theenthusiasmwascontagious.Illuminationsbegantoblaze,hereandthere,withoutconcert,fromtheuniversalrejoicing,tillthewholecitywasresplendentwithlight.Onebellrangforthitsmerrypealofgreeting,andthenanother,andanothertilleverysteeplewasvocalwithitsclamorouswelcome.Onegunwasheard,rollingitsheavythundersoverthecity.Itwasthesignalforaninstantaneous,tumultuousroar,fromartilleryandmusketry,fromallthebattalionsinthemetropolis.ThetidingsofthegreatvictoriesofAboukirandMountTabor,reachedPariswithNapoleon.ThoseOrientalnameswereshoutedthroughthestreets,andblazedupontheeyesofthedelightedpeopleinlettersoflight.ThusinanhourthewholeofPariswasthrownintoadeliriumofjoy,wasdisplayedthemosttriumphantandgorgeousfestival.
ThegovernmentofFrancewasatthetimeorganizedsomewhatuponthemodelofthattheUnitedStates.InsteadofonePresident,theyhavefive,calledDirectors.TheirSenatewascalledTheHouseofAncients;theirHouseofRepresentatives,TheCouncilofFiveHundred.ThefiveDirectors,asmighthavebeenexpected,wereeverquarrelingamongthemselves,eachwishingforthelion'sshareofpower.TheMonarchist,theJacobin,andthemoderateRepublicancouldnotharmoniouslyco-operateinthegovernmentTheyonlycircumventedeachother,whiletheadministrationsankintodisgraceandruin.TheAbbe'SieyeswasdecidedlythemostablemanoftheExecutive.Hewasaproudpatrician,andhischaractermaybeestimatedfromthefollowinganecdote,whichNapoleonhasrelatedrespectinghim:
"Theabbe,beforetherevolution,waschaplaintooneoftheprincesses.Oneday,whenhewasperformingmassbeforeherself,herattendants,andalargecongregation,somethingoccurredwhichrendereditnecessaryfortheprincesstoleavetheroom.Theladiesinwaitingandthenobility,whoattendedchurchmoreoutofcomplaisancetoherthanfromanysenseofreligionfollowedherexample.Sieyeswasverybusyreadinghisprayers,and,forafewmoments,hedidnotperceivetheirdeparture.Atlast,raisinghiseyesfromhisbook,beholdtheprincess,thenobles,andallthetonhaddisappeared.Withanairofdispleasureandcontemptheshutthebook,anddescendedfromthepulpit,exclaiming,'Idonotreadprayersfortherabble.'Heimmediatelywentoutofthe
chapel,leavingtheservicehalf-finished."
NapoleonarrivedinParisontheeveningofthe17thofOctober,1799.TwodaysandtwonightselapseereJosephinewasabletoretracethewearyleaguesoverwhichshehadpassed.Itwasthehourofmidnightonthe19thwhentherattleofhercarriagewheelswasheardenteringthecourt-yardoftheirdwellingintheRueChanteraine.Eugene,anxiouslyawaitingherarrival,wasinstantlyathismother'sside,foldingherinhisembrace.Napoleonalsoheardthearrival,butheremainedsternlyinhischamber.HehadeverbeenaccustomedtogreetJosephineatthedoorofhercarriage,evenwhenshereturnedfromanordinarymorningride.Nomatterwhatemploymentsengrossedhismind,nomatterwhatguestwerepresent,hewouldimmediatelyleaveeverything,andhastentothedoortoassistJosephinetoalightandtoaccompanyherintothehouse.Butnow,afteranabsenceofeighteenmonths,thefaithfulJosephine,half-deadwithexhaustion,wasatthedoor,andNapoleon,withpallidcheckandcompressedlip,andjealousyranklinginhisbosom,remainedsternlyinhisroom,preparingtooverwhelmherwithhisindignation.
Josephinewasinastateofterribleagitation.Herlimbstotteredandherheartthrobbedmostviolently.AssistedbyEugene,andaccompaniedbyHortense,shetremblinglyascendedthestairstothelittleparlorwhereshehadsooftenreceivedthecaressesofhermostaffectionatespouse.Sheopenedthedoor.TherestoodNapoleon,asimmovableasastatue,leaningagainstthemantle,withhisarmsfoldedacrosshisbreast.Sternlyandsilently,hecastawitheringlookuponJosephine,andthenexclaimedintones,which,likeadaggerpiercedherheart"Madame!ItismywishthatyouretireimmediatelytoMalmaison."
Josephinestaggeredandwouldhavefallen,asifstruckbyamortalblow,hadshenotbeencaughtinthearmsofherson.Sobbingbitterlywithanguish,shewasconveyedbyEugenetoherownapartment.Napoleonalsowasdreadfullyagitated.ThesightofJosephinehadrevivedallhispassionatelove.ButhefullybelievedthatJosephinehadunpardonablytrifledwithhisaffections,thatshehadcourtedtheadmirationofamultitudeofflatterers,andthatshehaddegradedherselfandherhusbandbyplayingthecoquette.TheproudspiritofNapoleoncouldnotbrooksucharequitalforhisfervidlove.Withhastystrideshetraversedtheroom,strivingtonourishhisindignation.ThesobsofJosephinehaddeeplymovedhim.Heyearnedtofoldheragaininfondlovetohisheart.Butheproudlyresolvedthathewouldnotrelent.Josephine,withthatpromptobediencewhichevercharacterizedher,preparedimmediatelytocomplywith
hisorders.Itwasmidnight.Foraweekshehadlivedinhercarriagealmostwithoutfoodorsleep.MalmaisonwasthirtymilesfromParis.Napoleondidnotsupposethatshewouldleavethehouseuntilmorning.Muchtohissurprise,inafewmomentsheheardJosephine,Eugene,andHortensedescendingthestairstotakethecarriage.Napoleon,eveninhisanger,couldnotbethusinhuman."Myheart,"hesaid,"wasneverformedtowitnesstearswithoutemotion."Heimmediatelydescendedtothecourt-yard,thoughhispridewouldnotyetallowhimtospeaktoJosephine.He,however,addressingEugene,urgedthepartytoreturnandobtainrefreshmentandrepose.Josephine,allsubmission,unhesitatinglyyieldedtohiswishes,andre-ascendingthestairs,intheextremityofexhaustionandgrief,threwherselfuponacouch,inherapartment.Napoleon,equallywretched,returnedtohiscabinet.Twodaysofuttermiserypassedaway,duringwhichnointercoursetookplacebetweentheestrangedparties,eachofwhomlovedtheotherwithalmostsuperhumanintensity.
Loveintheheartwillfinallytriumphoverallobstructions.Thestrugglewaslong,butgraduallyprideandpassionyielded,andloveregainedtheascendency.Napoleonsofarsurrenderedonthethirdday,astoentertheapartmentofJosephine.Shewasseatedatatoilet-table,herfaceburiedinherhands,andabsorbedintheprofoundestwoe.Theletters,whichshehadreceivedfromNapoleon,andwhichshehadevidentlybeenreading,werespreaduponthetable.Hortensethepictureofgriefanddespair,wasstandinginthealcoveofawindow.Napoleonhadopenedthedoorsoftly,andhisentrancehadnotbeenheard.Withanirresolutestepheadvancedtowardhiswife,andthensaid,kindlyandsadly,"Josephine!"Shestartedatthesoundofthatwell-knownvoice,andraisingherswolleneyes,swimmingintears,mournfullyexclaimed,"Monami"—myfriend.Thiswasthetermofendearmentwithwhichshehadinvariablyaddressedherhusband.Itrecalledathousanddelightfulreminiscences.Napoleonwasvanquished.Heextendedhishand.Josephinethrewherselfintohisarms,pillowedherachingheaduponhisbosom,andintheintensityofblendedjoyandanguish,weptconvulsively.Alongexplanationensued.NapoleonbecamesatisfiedthatJosephinehadbeendeeplywronged.Thereconciliationwascordialandentire,andwasneveragaininterrupted.
Napoleonnow,withastrongerheart,turnedtotheaccomplishmentofhisdesignstorescueFrancefromanarchy.Hewasfullyconsciousofhisownabilitytogovernthenation.Heknewthatitwasthealmostunanimouswishofthepeoplethatheshouldgraspthereinsofpower.Hewasconfidentoftheircordialco-operationinanyplanshemightadopt.Stillitwasanenterpriseofnosmall
difficultytothrustthefiveDirectorsfromtheirthrones,andtogetthecontroloftheCouncilofAncientsandofTheFiveHundred.Neverwasadifficultachievementmoreadroitlyandproudlyaccomplished.
FormanydaysNapoleonalmostentirelysecludedhimselffromobservation,affectingastudiousavoidanceofthepublicgaze.HelaidasidehismilitarydressandassumedthepeacefulcostumeoftheNationalInstitute.OccasionallyheworeabeautifulTurkishsabre,suspendedbyasilkribbon.ThissimpledresstransportedtheimaginationofthebeholdertoAboukir,MountTabor,andthePyramids.Hestudiouslysoughtthesocietyofliterarymen,anddevotedtothemhisattention.HeinviteddistinguishedmenoftheInstitutetodinewithhim,andavoidingpoliticaldiscussion,conversedonlyuponliteraryandscientificsubjects.
MoreauandBernadottewerethetworivalgeneralsfromwhomNapoleonhadthemosttofear.TwodaysafterhisarrivalinParisNapoleonsaidtoBourrienne,"IbelievethatIshallhaveBernadotteandMoreauagainstme.ButIdonotfearMoreau.Heisdevoidofenergy.Heprefersmilitarytopoliticalpower.Weshallgainhimbythepromiseofacommand.ButBernadottehasMoorishbloodinhisveins.Heisboldandenterprising.Hedoesnotlikeme,andIamcertainthathewillopposeme.Ifheshouldbecomeambitioushewillventureanything.Besides,thisfellowisnottobeseduced.Heisdisinterestedandclever.But,afterall,wehavejustarrived.Weshallsee."
Napoleonformednoconspiracy.Heconfidedtonoonehisdesigns.Andyet,inhisownsolitarymind,relyingentirelyuponhisowncapaciousresources,hestudiedthestateofaffairsandhematuredhisplans.SieyeswastheonlyonewhosetalentsandinfluenceNapoleonfeared.Theabbealsolookedwithapprehensionuponhisformidablerival.Theystoodaloofandeyedeachother.Meetingatadinnerparty,eachwastooproudtomakeadvances.Yeteachthoughtonlyoftheother.Mutuallyexasperated,theyseparatedwithouthavingspoken."Didyouseethatinsolentlittlefellow?"saidSieyes,"hewouldnotevencondescendtonoticeamemberofthegovernment,who,iftheyhaddoneright,wouldhavecausedhimtobeshot.""Whatonearth,"saidNapoleon,"couldhaveinducedthemtoputthatpriestintheDirectory.HeissoldtoPrussia.Unlessyoutakecare,hewilldeliveryouuptothatpower."NapoleondinedwithMoreau,whoafterwardinhostilitytoNapoleonpointedthegunsofRussiaagainstthecolumnsofhiscountrymen.Thedinnerpartywasat(Gohier's,oneoftheDirectors.Thefollowinginterestingconversationtookplacebetweentherival
generals.Whenfirstintroduced,theylookedateachotheramomentwithoutspeaking,Napoleon,consciousofhisownsuperiority,andsolicitoustogainthepowerfulco-operationofMoreau,madethefirstadvances,and,withgreatcourtesy,expressedtheearnestdesirehefelttomakehisacquaintance."YouhavereturnedvictoriousfromEgypt."repliedMoreau,"andIfromItalyafteragreatdefeat.ItwasthemonthwhichGeneralJoubertpassedinPairsafterhismarriage,whichcausedourdisasters.ThisgavethealliestimetoreduceMantua,andtobringuptheforcewhichbesiegedittotakeapartintheaction.Itisalwaysthegreaternumberwhichdefeatstheless.""True,"repliedNapoleon,"itisalways,thegreaternumberwhichbeatstheless""Andyet,"saidGohier,"withsmallarmiesyouhavefrequentlydefeatedlargeones.""Eventhen,"rejoinedNapoleon,"itwasalwaystheinferiorforcewhichwasdefeatedbythesuperior.WhenwithasmallbodyofmenIwasinthepresenceofalargeone,collectingmylittleband,Ifelllikelightningononeofthewingsofthehostilearmy,anddefeatedit.Profitingbythedisorderwhichsuchaneventneverfailedtooccasionintheirwholeline,Irepeatedtheattack,withsimilarsuccess,inanotherquarter,stillwithmywholeforce.Ithusbeatitindetail.Thegeneralvictorywhichwastheresult,wasstillanexampleofthetruthoftheprinciplethatthegreaterforcedefeatsthelesser."Napoleon,bythosefascinationsofmindandmanner,whichenabledhimtowintohimwhomhewould,soongainedanascendencyoverMoreau.Andwhen,twodaysafter,intokenofhisregard,hesenthimabeautifulponiardsetwithdiamonds,worthtwothousanddollars:theworkwasaccomplished,andMoreauwasreadytodohisbidding.Napoleongaveasmallandveryselectdinnerparty.Gohierwasinvited.TheconversationturnedontheturquoiseusedbytheOrientalstoclasptheirturbans.Napoleon,risingfromthetabletookfromaprivatedrawer,twoverybeautifulbrooches,richlysetwiththosejewels.OnehegavetoGohier,theothertohistriedfriendDesaix."Itisalittletoy,"saidhe,"whichwerepublicansmaygiveandreceivewithoutimpropriety."TheDirector,flatteredbythedelicacyofthecompliment,andyetnotrepelledbyanythingassumingthegrossnessofabribe,yieldedhisheart'shomagetoNapoleon.
RepublicanFrancewassurroundedbymonarchiesinarmsagainsther.Theirhostilitywassoinveterate,and,fromtheverynatureofthecase,soinevitable,thatNapoleonthoughtthatFranceshouldeverbepreparedforanattack,andthatthemilitaryspiritshouldbecarefullyfostered.RepublicanAmerica,mosthappily,hasnofoetofear,andallherenergiesmaybedevotedtofillingthelandwithpeaceandplenty,ButarepublicinmonarchicalEuropemustsleepbythesideofitsguns."Doyou,really,"saidNapoleon,toGohier,inthisinterview,
"advocateageneralpeace!Youarewrong.TheRepublicshouldnevermakebutpartialaccommodations.Itshouldalwayscontrivetohavesomewaronhandtokeepalivethemilitaryspirit."Wecan,perhaps,findalittleextenuationforthisremark,initsapparentnecessity,andintheinfluencesofthemartialardorinwhichNapoleonfromhisveryinfancyhadbeenenveloped.Evennow,itistobefearedthatthetimeisfardistanterethenationsoftheearthcanlearnwarnomore.
Lefebvrewascommandantoftheguardofthetwolegislativebodies.Hisco-operationwasimportant.Napoleonsentaspecialinvitationforaninterview."Lefebvre,"saidhe,"willyou,oneofthepillarsoftheRepublic,sufferittoperishinthehandsoftheselawyers?Joinmeandassisttosaveit."TakingfromhisownsidethebeautifulTurkishscimitarwhichhewore,hepassedtheribbonoverLefebvre'sneck,saying,"acceptthissword,whichIworeatthebattleofthePyramids.Igiveittoyouasatokenofmyesteemandconfidence.""Yes,"repliedLefebvre,mosthighlygratifiedatthissignalmarkofconfidenceandgenerosity,"letusthrowthelawyersintotheriver."
NapoleonsoonhadaninterviewwithBernadotte."Heconfessed,"saidNapoleontoBourrienne,"thathethoughtusalllost.Hespokeofexternalenemies,ofinternalenemies,and,atthatwordhelookedsteadilyinmyface.Ialsogavehimaglance.Butpatience;thepearwillsoonberipe."
InthisinterviewNapoleoninveighedagainsttheviolenceandlawlessnessoftheJacobinclub."Yourownbrothers,"Bernadottereplied,"werethefoundersofthatclub.Andyetyoureproachmewithfavoringitsprinciples.Itistotheinstructionsofsomeone,Iknownotwho,thatwearetoascribetheagitationwhichnowprevails.""True,general,"Napoleonreplied,mostvehemently,"andIwouldratherliveinthewoods,thaninasocietywhichpresentsnosecurityagainstviolence."Thisconversationonlystrengthenedthealienationalreadyexistingbetweenthem.
Bernadotte,thoughabraveandefficientofficer,wasajealousbraggadocio.Atthefirstinterviewbetweenthesetwodistinguishedmen,whenNapoleonwasincommandofthearmyofItaly,theycontemplatedeachotherwithmutualdislike."Ihaveseenaman,"saidBernadotte,"oftwenty-sixorsevenyearsofage,whoassumestheairofoneoffifty;andhepresagesanythingbutgoodtotheRepublic."NapoleonsummarilydismissedBernadottebysaying,"hehasaFrenchheadandaRomanheart."
TherewerethreepoliticalpartiesnowdividingFrance,theoldroyalistparty,infavoroftherestorationoftheBourbons;theradicaldemocrats,orJacobins,withBarrasatitshead,supportedbythemobofParis;andthemoderaterepublicansledbySieyes.Allthesepartiesstrugglingtogether,andfearingeachother,inthemidstofthegeneralanarchywhichprevailed,immediatelypaidcourttoNapoleon,hopingtosecurethesupportofhisall-powerfularm.Napoleondeterminedtoco-operatewiththemoderaterepublicans.TherestorationoftheBourbonswasnotonlyoutofthequestion,butNapoleonhadnomorepowertosecurethatresult,thanhadWashingtontobringtheUnitedStatesintopeacefulsubmissiontoGeorgeIII."HadIjoinedtheJacobins,"saidNapoleon,"Ishouldhaveriskednothing.Butafterconqueringwiththem,itwouldhavebeennecessaryalmostimmediately,toconqueragainstthem.Aclubcannotendureapermanentchief.Itwantsoneforeverysuccessivepassion.Nowtomakeuseofapartyoneday,inordertoattackitthenext,underwhateverpretextitisdone,isstillanactoftreachery.Itwasinconsistentwithmyprinciples."
Sieyes,theheadofthemoderaterepublicans,andNapoleonsoonunderstoodeachother,andeachadmittedthenecessityofco-operation.Thegovernmentwasinastateofchaos."Oursalvationnowdemands,"saidthewilydiplomatist,"bothaheadandasword."Napoleonhadboth.InonefortnightfromthetimewhenhelandedatFrejus,"thepearwasripe."Theplanwasallmaturedforthegreatconflict.Napoleon,insolitarygrandeur,kepthisowncounsel.Hehadsecuredthecordialco-operation,theunquestioningobedienceofallhissubordinates.Likethegeneraluponthefieldofbattle,hewassimplytogivehisorders,andcolumnsmarched,andsquadronscharged,andgeneralssweptthefieldinunquestioningobedience.Thoughhehaddeterminedtorideoverandtodestroytheexistinggovernment,hewishedtoavailhimself,sofaraspossible,ofthemysteriouspoweroflaw,asaconquerorturnsacapturedbatteryuponthefoefromwhomithadbeenwrested.Suchaplot,sosimple,yetsoboldandefficient,wasneverformedbefore.Andnoone,butanotherNapoleon,willbeabletoexecuteanothersuchagain.AllPariswasinastateofintenseexcitement.Somethinggreatwastobedone.Napoleonwastodoit.Butnobodyknewwhen,orwhat,orhow.Allimpatientlyawaitedorders.ThemajorityoftheSenate,orCouncilofAncients,conservativeinitstendencies,andhavingonceseen,duringthereignofterror,thehorrorsofJacobindomination,wereready,mostobsequiously,torallybeneaththebannerofsoresolutealeaderasNapoleon.Theywereprepared,withoutquestion,topassanyvotewhichheshouldpropose.TheHouseofRepresentativesorCouncilofFiveHundred,moredemocraticinitsconstitution,containedalargenumberofvulgar,ignorant,and
passionatedemagogues,strugglingtograspthereinsofpower.Carnot,whoseco-operationNapoleonhadentirelysecured,wasPresidentoftheSenate.LucienBonaparte,thebrotherofNapoleon,wasSpeakeroftheHouse.ThetwobodiesmetinthepalaceoftheTuileries.TheconstitutionconferredupontheCouncilofAncients,therighttodecideupontheplaceofmeetingforbothlegislativeassemblies.
AlltheofficersofthegarrisoninParis,andallthedistinguishedmilitarymeninthemetropolis,hadsolicitedthehonorofapresentationtoNapoleon.Withoutanypublicannouncement,eachonewasprivatelyinformedthatNapoleonwouldseehimonthemorningofthe9thofNovember.Alltheregimentsinthecityhadalsosolicitedthehonorofareviewbythedistinguishedconqueror.TheywerealsoinformedthatNapoleonwouldreviewthemearlyonthemorningofthe9thofNovember.TheCouncilofAncientswascalledtoconveneatsixo'clockonthemorningofthesameday.TheCouncilofFiveHundredwerealsotoconveneat11o'clockofthesamemorning.This,thefamous18thofBrumaire,wasthedestineddayforthecommencementofthegreatstruggle.Theseappointmentsweregiveninsuchawayastoattractnopublicattention.Thegeneral-in-chiefwasthussilentlyarranginghisforcesfortheimportantconflict.Tononedidherevealthosecombinations,bywhichheanticipatedabloodlessvictory.
Themorningofthe9thofNovemberarrived.Thesunrosewithunwontedsplendoroverthedomesofthethrongedcity.Amorebrilliantdayneverdawned.Throughallthestreetsofthemammothmetropolistherewasheard,intheearliesttwilightoftheday,themusicofmartialbands,thetrampofbattalions,theclatterofironhoofs,andtherumblingofheavyartillerywheelsoverthepavements,asregimentsofinfantry,artillery,andcavlary,intheproudestarray,marchedtotheBoulevardstoreceivethehonorofareviewfromtheconquerorofItalyandofEgypt.Thewholecitywasincommotion,guidedbytheunseenenergiesofNapoleonintheretirementofhiscloset.Ateighto'clockNapoleon'shouse,intheRueChanteraine,wassothrongedwithillustriousmilitarymen,inmostbrilliantuniform,thateveryroomwasfilledandeventhestreetwascrowdedwiththeresplendentguests.AtthatmomenttheCouncilofAncientspassedthedecree,whichNapoleonhadprepared,thatthetwolegislativebodiesshouldtransfertheirmeetingtoSt.Cloud,afewmilesfromParis;andthatNapoleonBonaparteshouldbeputincommandofallthemilitaryforcesinthecity,tosecurethepublicpeace.TheremovaltoSt.Cloudwasamercifulprecautionagainstbloodshed.ItsecuredthelegislaturesfromtheferociousinterferenceofaParisianmob.ThePresidentoftheCouncilwashimself
commissionedtobearthedecreetoNapoleon.Heelbowedhiswaythroughthebrilliantthrong,crowdingthedoorandtheapartmentofNapoleon'sdwelling,andpresentedtohimtheordinance.Napoleonwasreadytoreceiveit.Hesteppeduponthebalcony,gatheredhisvastretinueofpowerfulguestsbeforehim,andinaloudandfirmvoice,readtothemthedecree."Gentlemen,"saidhe,"willyouhelpmesavetheRepublic?"Onesimultaneousburstofenthusiasmrosefromeverylip,asdrawingtheirswordsfromtheirscabbardstheywavedthemintheairandshouted,"Weswearit,weswearit."Thevictorywasvirtuallywon.NapoleonwasnowattheheadoftheFrenchnation.Nothingremainedbuttofinishhisconquest.Therewasnoretreatleftopenforhisfoes.Therewashardlythepossibilityofarally.AndnowNapoleonsummonedallhisenergiestomakehistriumphmostillustrious.Messengerswereimmediatelysenttoreadthedecreetothetroopsalreadyassembled,intheutmostdisplayofmartialpomp,togreettheidolofthearmy,andwhowereinastateofmindtowelcomehimmostexultinglyastheirchief.Aburstofenthusiasticacclamationascendedfromtheirrankswhichalmostrenttheskies.Napoleonimmediatelymountedhishorse,and,surroundedbythemostmagnificentstaff,whomhehadthusingeniouslyassembledathishouse,and,accompaniedbyabodyoffifteenhundredcavalry,whomhehadtakentheprecautiontorendezvousnearhisdwellingproceededtothepalaceoftheTuileries.ThegorgeousspectacleburstlikeavisionuponastonishedParis.ItwasNapoleon'sfirstpublicappearance.Dressedintheutmostsimplicityofacivilian'scostume,herodeuponhismagnificentcharger,thecentreofalleyes.Thegleamingbanners,wavinginthebreeze,andthegorgeoustrappingsofsilverandgold,withwhichhisretinuewasembellished,setoffinstrongerreliefthemajesticsimplicityofhisownappearance.Withthepumpandtheauthorityofanenthronedking,NapoleonenteredtheCounciloftheAncients.TheAncientsthemselvesweredazzledbyhissuddenapparitioninsuchimposingandunexpectedsplendorandpower.Ascendingthebar,attendedbyanimposingescort,headdressedtheassemblyandtookhisoathofoffice."You,"saidNapoleon,"arethewisdomofthenation.ToyouitbelongstoconcertmeasuresforthesalvationoftheRepublic.Icome,surroundedbyourgenerals,toofferyousupport.FaithfullywillIfulfillthetaskyouhaveintrustedtome.Letusnotlookintothepassforprecedents.nothinginhistoryresemblestheeighteenthcentury.Nothingintheeighteenthcenturyresemblesthepresentmoment."
AnaidwasimmediatelysenttothepalaceoftheLuxembourg,toinformthefiveDirectors,thereinsession,ofthedecree.TwooftheDirectors,SieyesandDucos,werepledgedtoNapoleon,andimmediatelyresignedtheiroffices,and
hastenedtotheTuileries.Barras,bewilderedandindignant,senthissecretarywitharemonstrance.Napoleon,alreadyassumingtheauthorityofanemperor,andspeakingasifFrancewerehispatrimony,camedownuponhimwithatorrentofinvective."Where."heindignantlyexclaimed,"isthatbeautifulFrancewhichIleftyousobrilliant!Ileftyoupeace.Ifindwar.Ileftyouvictories.Ifindbutdefeats.IleftyoumillionsofItaly.Ifindtaxationandbeggary.Wherearethehundredthousandmen,mycompanionsinglory!Theyaredead.Thisstateofthingscannotcontinue.Itwillleadtodespotism."Barraswasterrified.HefearedtohaveNapoleon'seagleeyeinvestigatehispeculations.Heresigned.TwoDirectorsonlynowwereleft,GohierandMoulins.Ittookamajorityofthefivetoconstituteaquorum.Thetwowerepowerless.IndespairofsuccessfulresistanceandfearingvengeancetheyhastenedtotheTuileriestofindNapoleon.TheywereintroducedtohimsurroundedbySieyes,Ducos,andabrilliantstaff.Napoleonreceivedthemcordially."Iamgladtoseeyou,"saidhe."Idoubtnotthatyouwillbothsign.Yourpatriotismwillnotallowyoutoapposearevolutionwhichisbothinevitableandnecessary.""Idonotyetdespair,"saidGohier,vehemently,"aidedbymycolleage,Moulins,ofsavingtheRepublic.""Withwhatwillyousaveit?"exclaimedNapoleon."WiththeConstitutionwhichiscrumblingtopieces?"JustatthatmomentamessengercameinandinformedtheDirectorsthatSanteree,thebrewer,who,duringtheReignofTerror,hadobtainedabloodycelebrityasleaderoftheJacobins,wasrousingthemobinthefaubourgstoresistance."GeneralMoulins,"saidNapoleon,firmly,"youarethefriendofSanterre.Tellhimthatattheveryfirstmovementhemakes,Iwillcausehimtobeshot."Moulins,exasperatedyetappalled,madeanapologeticreply."TheRepublicisindanger,"saidNapoleon.Wemustsaveit.Itismywill.Sieyes,Ducos,andBarrashaveresigned.Youaretwoindividualsinsulatedandpowerless.Iadviseyounottoresist."Theystillrefused.Napoleonhadnotimetospendinparleying.HeimmediatelysentthembothbackintotheLuxembourg,separatedthemandplacedthemunderarrest.Fouche,*occupyingtheimportantpostofMinisterofPolice,thoughnotinNapoleon'sconfidence,yetanxioustodisplayhishomagetotherisingluminary,calleduponNapoleonandinformedhimthathehadclosedthebarriers,andhadthuspreventedallingressoregress."Whatmeansthisfolly?"saidNapoleon."Letthoseordersbeinstantlycountermanded.Dowenotmarchwiththeopinionofthenation,andbyitsstrengthalone?Letnocitizenbeinterrupted.Leteverypublicitybegiventowhatisdone."
"Fouche,"saidNapoleon,isamiscreantofallcolors,aterrorist,andonewhotookanactivepartinmanybloodyscenesoftheRevolution.Heisamanwho
canwormallyoursecretsoutofyou,withanairofcalmnessandunconcern.Heisveryrich;buthisricheshavebeenbadlyacquired.Heneverwasmyconfidant.Neverdidheapproachmewithoutbendingtotheground.ButIneverhadanyesteemforhim.Iemployedhimmerelyasaninstrument."
TheCouncilofFiveHundred,ingreatconfusionandbewilderment,assembledateleveno'clock.LucienimmediatelycommunicatedthedegreetransferringtheirsessiontoSt.Cloud.Thiscutoffalldebate.Thedecreewasperfectlylegal.Therecouldthereforebenolegalpretextforopposition.Napoleon,theidolofthearmy,hadthewholemilitarypowerobedienttohisnod.Thereforeresistanceofanykindwasworsethanfolly.Thedeedwasadroitlydone.Ateleveno'clocktheday'sworkwasaccomplished.TherewasnolongeraDirectory.Napoleonwastheappointedchiefofthetroops,andtheywerefillingthestreetswithenthusiasticshoutsof"LiveNapoleon."TheCouncilofAncientswereentirelyathisdisposal.AnalargepartyintheCouncilofFiveHundredwerealsowhollysubservienttohiswill.Napoleon,proud,silent,reservedreserved,fullyconsciousofhisownintellectualsupremacy,andregardingthegenerals,thestatesmen,andthemultitudearoundhim,asamancontemplateschildren,ascendedthegrandstaircaseoftheTuileriesasitwerehishereditaryhome.Nearlyallpartiesunitedtosustainhistriumph.Napoleonwasasolider.ThegunsofParisjoyfullythunderedforththevictoryofonewhoseemedthepeculiarfavoriteoftheGodofwar.Napoleonwasascholar,stimulatingintellecttoitsmightiestachievements.ThescholarsofParis,gratefullyunitedtoweaveachapletforthebrowoftheirhonoredassociateandpatron.Napoleonwas,forthosedaysofprofligacyandunbridledlust,amodelofpurityofmorals,andofirreproachableintegrity.Theprofferedbribeofmillionscouldnottempthim.ThedancingdaughtersofHerodias,withalltheirblandishments,couldnotlurehimfromhislifeofHerculeantoilandfromhismajesticpatriotism.Thewinewhichglittersinthecup,nevervanquishedhim.Attheshrineofnovicewashefoundaworshiper.ThepurestandthebestinFrance,disgustedwiththatgildedcorruptionwhichhadconvertedthepalacesoftheBourbonsintoharemsofvoluptuoussin,andstillmoredeeplyloathingthatvulgarandrevoltingvice,whichhadtransformedParisintoahouseofinfamy,enlistedalltheirsympathiesinbehalfoftheexemplaryhusbandandtheincorruptiblepatriot.Napoleonwasoneofthemostfirmandunflinchingfriendsoflawandorder.Francewaswearyofanarchyandwastremblingundertheapprehensionthattheguttersoftheguillotinewereagaintobeclottedwithblood.AndmothersandmaidensprayedforGod'sblessinguponNapoleon,whoappearedtothemasamessengersentfromHeavenfortheirprotection.
DuringtheafternoonandthenighthisroomattheTuilerieswasthrongedwiththemostillustriousstatesmen,generals,andscholarsofParis,hasteningtopledgetohimtheirsupport.Napoleon,perfectlyunembarrassedandneveratalossinanyemergency,gavehisordersfortheensuingday.LanneswasintrustedwithabodyoftroopstoguardtheTuileries.Murat,who,saidNapoleon,"wassuperbatAboukir,"withanumerouscavalryandacropsofgrenadierswasstationedatSt.Cloud,athunderboltinNapoleon'srighthand.Woebetidethemobintowhoseranksthatthunderboltmaybehurled.Moreau,withfivehundredmen,wasstationedtoguardtheLuxembourg,wherethetworefractoryDirectorswereheldunderarrest.Serrurierwaspostedinacommandingpositionwithastrongreserve,promptforanyunexpectedexigence.EvenabodyoftroopsweresenttoaccompanyBarrastohiscountryseat,ostensiblyasanescortofhonor,butinrealitytoguardagainstanychangeinthatvenalandversatilemind.Themostenergeticmeasureswereimmediatelyadoptedtopreventanyrallyingpointforthedisaffected.Billswereeverywhereposted,exhortingthecitizenstobequiet,andassuringthemthatpowerfuleffortsweremakingtosavetheRepublic.TheseminuteprecautionwerecharacteristicofNapoleon.Hebelievedindestiny.Yetheleftnothingfordestinytoaccomplish.Heeversoughttomakeprovisionforallconceivablecontingencies.Thesemeasureswerecompletelysuccessful.ThoughPariswasinadeliriumofexcitement,therewereoutbreaksoflawlessviolence.NeitherMonarchist,Republican,norJacobinknewwhatNapoleonintendedtodo.Allwereconsciousthathewoulddosomething.ItwasknownthattheJacobinpartyintheCouncilofFiveHundredontheensuingday,wouldmakeadesperateeffortatresistance.Sieyes,perfectlyacquaintedwithrevolutionarymovements,urgedNapoleontoarrestsomefortyoftheJacobinsmostprominentintheCouncil.Thiswouldhavesecuredaneasyvictoryonthemorrow.Napoleon,however,rejectedtheadvice,saying,"Ipledgedmywordthismorningtoprotectthenationalrepresentation.Iwillnotthiseveningviolatemyoath."HadtheAssemblybeenconvenedinParis,allthemobofthefaubourgswouldhaverisen,likeaninundation,intheirbehalf,andtorrentsofbloodmusthavebeenshed.ThesagacioustransferrenceofthemeetingtoSt.Cloud,severalmilesfromParis,savedthoselives.Thepowerfulmilitarydisplay,checkedanyattemptatamarchuponSt.Cloud.Whatcouldthemobdo,withMurat,Lannes,andSerrurier,guidedbytheenergiesofNapoleon,readytohurltheirsolidcolumnsuponthem!
ThedelicacyofattentionwithwhichNapoleontreatedJosephine,wasoneofthemostremarkabletraitsinhischaracter.Itisnotstrangethatheshouldhavewonfromheralovealmostmorethanhuman.Duringtheexcitingscenesofthisday,
whennoonecouldtellwhethereventswereguidinghimtoacrownortotheguillotine,Napoleondidnotforgethiswife,whowasawaitingtheresult,withdeepsolicitude,inherchamberintheRueChanteraine.NearlyeveryhourhedispatchedamessengertoJosephine,withahastilywrittenlinecommunicatingtohertheprogressofevents.Lateatnighthereturnedtohishome,apparentlyhasfreshandunexhaustedasinthemorning.HeinformedJosephineminutelyofthescenesoftheday,andthenthrewhimselfuponasofa,foranhour'srepose.Earlythenextmorninghewasonhorseback,accompaniedbyaregalretinue,directinghisstepstoSt.Cloud.Threehallshadbeenpreparedinthepalace;onefortheAncients,onefortheFiveHundred,andoneforNapoleon.Hethusassumedthepositionwhichheknewittobethealmostunanimouswillofthenationthatheshouldfill.DuringthenighttheJacobinshadarrangedaveryformidableresistance.Napoleonwasconsideredtobeinimminentperil.Hewouldbedenouncedasatraitor.SieyesandDucoshadeachapost-chaiseandsixhorses,waitingatthegateofSt.Cloud,prepared,incaseofreverse,toescapeforlife.Thereweremanyambitiousgenerals,readytomountthecrestofanyrefluentwavetosweepNapoleontodestruction.Benadottewasthemosttobefeared.Ordersweregiventocutdownthefirstpersonwhoshouldattempttoharanguethetroops.Napoleon,ridingattheheadofthisimposingmilitarydisplay,manifestednoagitation.Heknew,however,perfectlywellthecapriciousnessofthepopularvoice,andthatthemultitudeinthesamehourcouldcry"Hosanna!"and"crucify!"ThetwoCouncilsmet.ThetumultintheFiveHundredwasfearful.Criesof"Downwiththedictator!""Deathtothetyrant!""LivetheConstitution!"filledthehall,anddrownedthevoiceofdeliberation.ThefriendsofNapoleonweresweptbeforethefloodofpassion.ItwasproposedthateverymembershouldimmediatelytakeanewtheoathtosupporttheConstitution.Noonedaredtoperilhislifebytherefusal.EvenLucien,theSpeaker,wascompelledtodescendfromhischairandtaketheoath.TheAncients,overawedbytheunexpectedviolenceofthisoppositioninthelowerandmorepopularhouse,begantobealarmedandtorecede.Theoppositiontookaboldandaggressivestand,andproposedadecreeofoutlawryagainstNapoleon.ThefriendsofNapoleon,rememberingpastscenesofearnage,weretimidandyielding.Defeatseemedinevitable.Victorywasapparentlyturnedintodiscomfitureanddeath.InthisemergencyNapoleondisplayedthesamecoolness,energy,andtactwithwhichsooften,onthefieldofbattle,inthemostdisastroushour,hehadrolledbackthetideofdefeatintheresplendentwavesofvictory.Hisownmindwasthecorpsdereservewhichhenowmarchedintotheconflicttoarresttheroutofhisfriends.Takingwithhimafewaidsandabandofgrenadiers,headvancedtothedoorofthehall.Onhis
wayhemetBernadotte."Youaremarchingtotheguillotine,"saidhisrival,sternly."Weshallsee,"Napoleoncoollyreplied.Leavingthesoldiers,withtheirglitteringsteelandnoddingplumes,attheentranceoftheroom,heascendedthetribune.Thehushofperfectsilencepervadedtheagitatedhall."Gentlemen,"saidhe,"youareonavolcano.YoudeemedtheRepublicindanger.Youcalledmetoyouraid.Iobeyed.AndnowIamassailedbyathousandcalumnies.TheytalkofCaesar,ofCromwell,ofmilitarydespotism,asifanythinginantiquityresembledthepresentmoment.
Dangerpresses.Disasterthickens.Wehavenolongeragovernment.TheDirectorshaveresigned.TheFiveHundredareinatumult.EmissariesareinstigatingParistorevolt.Agitatorswouldgladlybringbacktherevolutionarytribunals.Butfearnot.AidedbymycompanionsinarmsIwillprotectyou.Idesirenothingformyself,buttosavetheRepublic.AndIsolemnlysweartoprotectthatlibertyandequality,forwhichwehavemadesuchsacrifices.""AndtheConstitution!"someonecriedout.NapoleonhadpurposelyomittedtheConstitutioninhisoath,forhedespisedit,andwasatthatmomentlaboringforitsoverthrow.Hepausedforamoment,andthen,withincreasingenergyexclaimed,"Theinstitution!youhavenone.YouviolatedwhentheExecutiveinfringedtherightsoftheLegislature.YouviolateditwhentheLegislaturestruckattheindependenceoftheExecutive.Youviolateditwhen,withsacriligioushand,boththeLegislatureandExecutivestruckatthesovereigntyofthepeople,byannullingtheirelections.TheConstitution!Itisamockery;invokedbyall,regardedbynone."
RalliedbythepresenceofNapoleon,andbythesedaringwords,hisfriendsrecoveredtheircourage,andtwo-thirdsoftheAssemblyroseinexpressionoftheirconfidenceandsupport.AtthismomentintelligencearrivedthattheFiveHundredwerecompellingLucientoputtothevoteNapoleon'soutlawry.Notaninstantwastobelost.Thereisamysteriouspowerinlaw.Thepassageofthatvotewouldprobablyhavebeenfatal.Lifeanddeathweretremblinginthebalance."Iwouldthenhavegiventwohundredmillions,"saidNapoleon,"tohavehadNeybymyside."TurningtotheAncients,heexclaimed,"ifanyorator,paidbyforeigners,shalltalkofoutlawingme,Iwillappealforprotectiontomybravecompanionsinarms,whoseplumesarenoddingatthedoor.RememberthatImarchaccompaniedbytheGodoffortuneandbytheGodofwar."
HeimmediatelylefttheAncients,and,attendedbyhismilitaryband,hastenedtotheCouncilofFiveHundred.OnhiswayhemetAugereau,whowaspaleand
trembling,deemingNapoleonlost."Youhavegotyourselfintoaprettyfix,"saidhe,withdeepagitation."MatterswereworseatArcola,"Napoleoncoollyreplied."Keepquiet.Allwillbechangedinhalfanhour."Followedbyhisgrenadiers,heimmediatelyenteredtheHalloftheFiveHundred.Thesoldiersremainednearthedoor.Napoleontraversedalonehalfoftheroomtoreachthebar.Itwasanhourinwhichnothingcouldsavehimbuttheresourcesofhisownmind.Furiousshoutsrosefromallpartsofthehouse."Whatmeansthis!downwiththetyrant!begone!""Thewinds,"saysNapoleon,"suddenlyescapingfromthecavernsofAeoluscangivebutafaintideaofthattempest."Inthemidstofthehorribleconfusionheinvainendeavoredtospeak.Themembers,inthewildestfray,crowdedaroundhim.Thegrenadierswitnessingtheperiloftheirchiefrushedtohisrescue.Adaggerwasstruckathisbosom.Asoldier,withhisarm,parriedtheblow.Withtheirbayonetstheydrovebackthemembers,andencirclingNapoleon,borehimfromtheHall.NapoleonhadhardlydescendedtheouterstepseresomeoneinformedhimthathisbrotherLucienwassurroundedbytheinfuriateddeputies,andthathislifewasinimminentjeopardy."ColonelDumoulin,"saidhe,"takeabattalionofgrenadiersandhastentomybrother'sdeliverance."Thesoldiersrushedintotheroom,drovebackthecrowdwho,withviolentmenaces,weresurroundingLucien,andsaying,"Itisbyyourbrother'scommands,"escortedhiminsafetyoutoftheballintothecourt-yard.Napoleon,nowmountinghishorse,withLucienbyhisside,rodealonginfrontofhistroops."TheCouncilofFiveHundred,"exclaimedLucien,"isdissolved.ItisIthattellyouso.Assassinshavetakenpossessionofthehallofmeeting.Isummonyoutomarchandclearitofthem.""Soldiers!"saidNapoleon,"canIrelyuponyou!"………."LongliveBonaparte,"wasthesimultaneousresponseMurattookabattalionofgrenadiersandmarchedtotheentranceofthehall.WhenMuratheadedacolumnitwaswellknownthattherewouldbenochild'splay."Chargebayonets,forward!"heexclaimed,withimperturbablecoolness.Thedrumsbeatthecharge.Steadilythebristlinglineofsteeladvanced.Theterrifiedrepresentativesleapedoverthebenches,rushedthroughthepassageways,andsprangoutofthewindows,throwinguponthefloor,intheirprecipitateflight,gowns,scarfs,andhats.Intwominutesthehallwascleared.AstheRepresentativeswereflyingindismayacrossthegarden,onofficerproposedthatthesoldiersshouldbeorderedtofireuponthem.Napoleondecisivelyrefused,saying,"Itismywishthatnotasingledropofbloodbesplit."
AsNapoleonwishedtoavailhimselfasfaraspossible,oftheformsoflaw,heassembledthetwolegislativebodiesintheevening.Thoseonlyattendedwhowerefriendlytohiscause.UnanimouslytheydecreedthatNapoleonhaddeservedwellofhiscountry;theyabolishedtheDirectory.TheexecutivepowertheyvestedinNapoleon,Sieyes,andDucos,withthetitleofConsuls.Twocommitteesoftwenty-fivememberseach,takenfromthetwoCouncils,wereappointedtoco-operatewiththeConsulsinforminganewConstitution.DuringtheeveningtherumorreachedParisthatNapoleonhadfailedinhisenterprise.Theconsternationwasgreat.Themassofthepeople,ofallranks,dreadingtherenewalofrevolutionaryhorrors,andwornoutwithpastconvulsions,passionatelylongedforreposeTheironlyhopewasinNapoleon.Atnineo'clockatnightintelligenceofthechangeofgovernmentwasofficiallyannounced,byaproclamationwhichthevictorhaddictatedwiththerapidityandtheglowingeloquencewhichcharacterizedallofhismentalacts.Itwasreadbytorchlighttoassembledanddeeplyagitatedgroups,alloverthecity.Thewelcometidingsweregreetedwiththeliveliestdemonstrationsofapplause.Atthreeo'clockinthemorningNapoleonthrewhimselfintohiscarriagetoreturntoParis.Bourrienneaccompaniedhim.Napoleonappearedsoabsorbedinthought,thatheutterednotonesinglewordduringtheride.
Atfouro'clockinthemorninghealightedfromhiscarriage,atthedoorofhisdwellingintheRueChanteraine.Josephine,inthegreatestanxiety,waswatchingatthewindowforhisapproach.Napoleonhadnotbeenabletosendheronesinglelineduringtheturmoilandtheperilofthateventfulday.Shesprangtomeethim.Napoleonfoundlyencircledherinhisarms,brieflyrecapitulatedthescenesoftheday,andassuredherthatsincehehadtakentheoathofoffice,hehadnotallowedhimselftospeaktoasingleindividual,forhewishedthatthebelovedvoiceofhisJosephinemightbethefirsttocongratulatehimuponhisvirtualaccessiontotheEmpireofFrance.TheheartofJosephinecouldappreciateadelicacyoflovesorefinedandsotouching.Wellmightshesay,"Napoleonisthemostfascinatingofmen."Itwasthenafterfouro'clockinthemorning.ThedawnofthedaytoconductNapoleontoanewsceneofHerculeantoilinorganizingtheRepublicThrowinghimselfuponacouch,forafewmomentsofrepose,heexclaimed,gayly,"good-night,myJosephine!To-morrow,wesleepinthepalaceoftheLuxembourg."
Napoleonwasthenbuttwenty-nineyearsofage.Andyet,undercircumstancesofinconceivabledifficulty,withunhesitatingrelianceuponhisownmental
resources,heassumedtheenormouscareofcreatingandadministeringaLewgovernmentforthirtymillionsofpeople.Neverdidheachieveavictorywhichdisplayedmoreconsummategenius.Onnooccasionofhislifedidhismajesticintellectualpowerbeamforthwithmorebrilliance.Itisnottobeexpectedthat,foragestocome,theworldwillbeunitedinopinionrespectingthistransaction.Somerepresentitasanoutrageagainstlawandliberty.Othersconsideritanecessaryactwhichputanendtocorruptionandanarchy.ThatthecoursewhichNapoleonpursuedwasinaccordancewiththewishedoftheoverwhelmingmajorityoftheFrenchpeopleononecandoubt.Itisquestionablewhether,evennow,Franceispreparedforself-government.Therecanbenoquestionthatthentherepublichadtotallyfailed.SaidNapoleon,inreferencetothisrevolution,"Formypart,allmyshareoftheplot,wasconfinedtoassemblingthecrowdofmyvisitorsatthesamehourinthemorning,andmarchingattheirheadtoseizeuponpower.Itwasfromthethresholdofmydoor,andwithoutmyfriendshavinganypreviousknowledgeofmyintentions,thatIledthemtothisconquest.pItwasamidstthebrilliantescortwhichtheyformed,theirlivelyjoyandunanimousardor,thatIpresentedmyselfathebaroftheAncientstothankthemforthedictatorshipwithwhichtheyinvestedme.Metaphysicianshavedisputedandwilllongdispute,whetherwedidnotviolatethelaws,andwhetherwewerenotcriminal.Butthesearemereabstractionswhichshoulddisappearbeforeimperiousnecessity.Onemightaswellblameasailorforwasteanddestruction,whenhecutsawayamasttosavehisship.thefactis,haditnotbeenforusthecountrymusthavebeenlost.Wesavedit.Theauthorsofthatmemorablestatetransactionoughttoanswertheiraccusersproudly,liketheRoman,'Weprotestthatwehavesavedourcountry.ComewithusandrenderthankstotheGods.'"
WiththeexceptionoftheJacobinsallpartieswerestronglyinfavorofthisrevolution.Fortenyearsthepeoplehadbeensoaccustomedtotheviolationofthelaws,thattheyhadceasedtocondemnsuchacts,andjudgedofthemonlybytheirconsequences.AlloverFrancethefeelingwasnearlyuniversalinfavorofthenewgovernment.SaysAlison,whosurelywillnotbeaccusedofregardingNapoleonwithapartialeye,"NapoleonrivaledCaesarintheelemencywithwhichheusedhisvictory.Noproscriptionsormassacres,fewarrestsorimprisonmentsfollowedthetriumphoforderoverrevolution.Onthecontrary,numerousactsofmerey,aswiseastheyweremagnanimous,illustratedtheriseoftheconsularthrone.TheelevationofNapoleonwasnotonlyunstainedbyblood,butnotevenasinglecaptivelonglamentedthecarofthevictor.Asignaltriumphoftheprinciplesofhumilityoverthoseofcruelty,gloriousaliketothe
actorsandtheageinwhichitoccurred:andamemorableproofhowmuchmoredurablearethevictoriesobtainedbymoderationandwisdom,thanthoseachievedbyviolenceandstainedbyblood."
EndofTheProjectGutenbergEtextofNapoleonBonapartebyJohnS.C.Abbott
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