第6章

CHAPTERXX。

TheallowancemadebyhisMajestyfortheyearlyexpensesofhisdresswastwentythousandfrancs；andtheyearof，thecoronationhebecameveryangrybecausethatsumhadbeenexceeded。Itwasneverwithouttrepidationthatthevariousaccountsofhouseholdexpenseswerepresentedtohim；andheinvariablyretrenchedandcutdown，andrecommendedallsortofreforms。Irememberafteraskingforsomeoneaplaceofthreethousandfrancs，whichhegrantedme，Iheardhimexclaim，“Threethousandfrancs！butdoyouunderstandthatthisistherevenueofoneofmycommunes？WhenIwassub-lieutenantIdidnotspendasmuchasthat。“Thisexpressionrecurredincessantlyinhisconversationswiththosewithwhomhewasfamiliar；and“whenIhadthehonorofbeingsub-

lieutenant“wasoftenonhislips，andalwaysinillustrationofcomparisonsorexhortationstoeconomy。

Whileonthesubjectofaccounts，Irecallacircumstancewhichshouldhaveaplaceinmymemoirs，sinceitconcernsmepersonally，andmoreovergivesanideaofthemannerinwhichhisMajestyunderstoodeconomy。Hesetoutwiththeidea，whichwas，Ithink，oftenverycorrect，thatinprivateexpensesasinpublicones，evengrantingthehonestyofagents(whichtheEmperorwasalways，Iadmit，veryslowtodo)，thesamethingscouldhavebeendonewithmuchlessmoney。Thus，whenherequiredretrenchment，itwasnotinthenumberofobjectsofexpense，butonlyinthepriceschargedforthesearticlesbythefurnishers；andIwillelsewherecitesomeexamplesoftheeffectwhichthisideaproducedontheconductofhisMajestytowardstheaccountingagentsofhisgovernment。NowIamrelatingonlyprivatematters。Onedaywheninvestigatingvariousaccounts，theEmperorcomplainedmuchoftheexpensesofthestables，andcutoffaconsiderablesum；andthegrandequerry，inordertoputintoeffecttherequiredeconomy，founditnecessarytodepriveseveralpersonsinthehouseholdoftheircarriages，minebeingincludedinthisnumber。Somedaysaftertheexecutionofthismeasure，hisMajestychargedmewithacommission，whichnecessitatedacarriage；andIwasobligedtoinformhimthat，nolongerhavingmine，Ishouldnotbeabletoexecutehisorders。TheEmperorthenexclaimedthathehadnotintendedthis，andM。Caulaincourtmusthaveapoorideaofeconomy。WhenheagainsawtheDukeofVicenza，hesaidtohimthathedidnotwishanythingofminetobetouched。

TheEmperoroccasionallyreadinthemorningthenewworksandromancesoftheday；andwhenaworkdispleasedhim，hethrewitintothefire。

Thisdoesnotmeanthatonlyimproperbookswerethusdestroyed；foriftheauthorwasnotamonghisfavorites，orifhespoketoowellofaforeigncountry，thatwassufficienttocondemnthevolumetotheflames。

OnthisaccountIsawhisMajestythrowintothefireavolumeoftheworksofMadamedeStael，onGermany。Ifhefoundusintheeveningenjoyingabookinthelittlesaloon，whereweawaitedthehourforretiring，heexaminedwhatwewerereading；andifhefoundtheywereromances，theywereburnedwithoutpity，hisMajestyrarelyfailingtoaddalittlelecturetothisconfiscation，andtoaskthedelinquent“ifamancouldnotfindbetterreadingthanthat。“Onemorninghehadglancedoverandthrowninthefireabook(bywhatauthorIdonotknow)；andwhenRoustanstoopeddowntotakeitouttheEmperorstoppedhim，saying，“Letthatfilthythingburn；itisallthatitdeserves。“

TheEmperormountedhishorsemostungracefully，andIthinkwouldnothavealwaysbeenverysafewhenthere，ifsomuchcarehadnotbeentakentogivehimonlythosewhichwereperfectlytrained；buteveryprecautionwastaken，andhorsesdestinedforthespecialserviceoftheEmperorpassedthrougharudenovitiatebeforearrivingatthehonorofcarryinghim。Theywerehabituatedtoendure，withoutmakingtheleastmovement，tormentsofallkinds；blowswithawhipovertheheadandears；thedrumwasbeaten；pistolswerefired；fireworksexplodedintheirears；flagswereshakenbeforetheireyes；heavyweightswerethrownagainsttheirlegs，sometimesevensheepandhogs。Itwasrequiredthatinthemidstofthemostrapidgallop(theEmperorlikednootherpace)，heshouldbeabletostophishorsesuddenly；andinshort，itwasabsolutelynecessarytohaveonlythemostperfectlytrainedanimals。

M。Jardin，senior，equerryofhisMajesty，acquittedhimselfofthislaboriousdutywithmuchskillandability，astheEmperorattachedsuchimportancetoit；healsoinsistedstronglythathishorsesshouldbeveryhandsome，andinthelastyearsofhisreignwouldrideonlyArabhorses。

TherewereafewofthosenobleanimalsforwhichtheEmperorhadagreataffection；amongothers，Styria，whichherodeovertheSt。BernardandatMarengo。Afterthislastcampaign，hewishedhisfavoritetoendhisdaysintheluxuryofrepose，forMarengoandthegreatSt。Bernardwereinthemselvesawell-filledcareer。TheEmperorrodealsoformanyyearsanArabhorseofrareintelligence，inwhichhetookmuchpleasure。

Duringthetimehewasawaitinghisrider，itwouldhavebeenhardtodiscoverinhimtheleastgrace；butassoonasheheardthedrumsbeatthetattoowhichannouncedthepresenceofhisMajesty，herearedhisheadmostproudly，tossedhismane，andpawedtheground，anduntiltheverymomenttheEmperoralighted，wasthemostmagnificentanimalimaginable。

HisMajestymadeagreatpointofgoodequerries，andnothingwasneglectedinorderthatthepagesshouldreceiveinthisparticularthemostcarefuleducation。Toaccustomthemtomountfirmlyandwithgrace，theypracticedexercisesinvaulting，forwhichitseemedtometheywouldhavenouseexceptattheOlympiccircus。And，infact，oneofthehorsemenofMessieursFranconihadchargeofthispartofthepages\'

education。

TheEmperor，ashasbeensaidelsewhere，tooknopleasureinhunting，exceptjustsofaraswasnecessarytoconformtotheusagewhichmakesthisexerciseanecessaryaccompanimenttothethroneandthecrown；andyetIhaveseenhimsometimescontinueitsufficientlylongtojustifythebeliefthathedidnotfinditaltogetherdistasteful。HehuntedonedayintheforestofRambouilletfromsixinthemorningtoeightintheevening，astagbeingtheobjectofthisprolongedexcursion；andI

remembertheyreturnedwithouthavingtakenhim。InoneoftheimperialhuntsatRambouillet，atwhichtheEmpressJosephinewaspresent，astag，pursuedbythehunters，threwhimselfundertheEmpress\'scarriage；whichrefugedidnotfailhim，forherMajesty，touchedbythemiseryofthepooranimal，beggedhislifeoftheEmperor。Thestagwasspared；andJosephineplacedrounditsneckasilvercollartoattestitsdeliverance，andprotectitagainsttheattacksofallhunters。

OneoftheladiesoftheEmpressonedayshowedlesshumanitythanshe，however；andthereplywhichshemadetotheEmperordispleasedhimexceedingly，forhelovedgentlenessandpityinwomen。WhentheyhadhuntedforseveralhoursintheBoisdeBoulogne，theEmperordrewnearthecarriageoftheEmpressJosephine，andbegantalkingwithaladywhoboreoneofthemostnobleandmostancientnamesinallFrance，andwho，itissaid，hadbeenplacedneartheEmpressagainstherwishes。ThePrinceofNeuchatel(Berthier)announcedthatthestagwasatbay。

“Madame，“saidtheEmperorgallantlytoMadamedeC——，“Iplacehisfateinyourhands。“——“Dowithhim，Sire，“repliedshe，“asyouplease。

Itdifferencetome。“TheEmperorgaveheraglanceofdisapproval，andsaidtothemasterofthehounds，“SincethestaginhismiserydoesnotinterestMadameC——，hedoesnotdeservetolive；havehimputtodeath；“whereuponhisMajestyturnedhishorse\'sbridle，androdeoff。

TheEmperorwasshockedby，suchananswer，andrepeateditthatevening，onhisreturnfromthehunt，intermsbynomeansflatteringtoMadamedeC。

ItisstatedintheMemorialofSaint-HelenathattheEmperor，whilehunting，wasthrownandwoundedbyawildboar，fromwhichoneofhisfingersboreabadscar。Ineversawthis，andneverknewofsuchanaccidenthavinghappenedtotheEmperor。TheEmperordidnotplacehisgunfirmlytohisshoulder，andashealwayshaditheavilyloadedandrammed，neverfiredwithoutmakinghisarmblackwithbruises；butI

rubbedtheinjuredplacewitheaudeCologne，andhegaveitnofurtherthought。

Theladiesfollowedthehuntintheircoaches；atablebeingusuallyarrangedintheforestforbreakfast，towhichallpersonsinthehuntwereinvited。

TheEmperorononeoccasionhuntedwithfalconsontheplainofRambouillet，inordertomakeatrialofthefalconrythattheKingofHolland(Louis)hadsentasapresenttohisMajesty。Thehouseholdmadeafeteofseeingthishunt，ofwhichwehadbeenhearingsomuch；buttheEmperorappearedtotakelesspleasureinthisthaninthechaseorshooting，andhawkingwasnevertriedagain。

HisMajestywasexceedinglyfondoftheplay，preferringgreatlyFrenchtragedyandtheItalianopera。Corneillewashisfavoriteauthor；andhehadalwaysonhistablesomevolumeoftheworksofthisgreatpoet。I

haveoftenheardtheEmperordeclaim，whilewalkingupanddowninhisroom，versesofCinna，orthisspeechonthedeathofCaesar:

Caesar，youwillreign；seetheaugustdayInwhichtheRomanpeople，alwaysunjusttothee，“etc。

AtthetheaterofSaint-Cloud，thepiecefortheeveningwasoftenmadeupoffragmentsandselectionsfromdifferentauthors，oneactbeingchosenfromoneopera，onefromanother，whichwasveryvexatioustothespectatorswhomthefirstpiecehadbeguntointerest。Often，also，comedieswereplayed；onwhichoccasionstherewasgreatrejoicinginthehousehold，andtheEmperorhimselftookmuchpleasureinthem。HowmanytimeshaveIseenhimperfectlyovercomewithlaughter，whenseeingBaptistejuniorin\'lesHeritiers\'，andMichautalsoamusedhimin\'laPartiedeChassedeHenryIV\'。

Icannotrememberinwhatyear，butitwasduringoneofthesojournsofthecourtatFontainebleau，thatthetragedyoftheVenetianswaspresentedbeforetheEmperorbyArnault，senior。Thatevening，ashewasretiring，hisMajestydiscussedthepiecewithMarshalDuroc，andgavehisopinion，adducingmanyreasons，insupportofit。Thesepraises，likethecriticisms，wereallexplainedanddiscussed；thegrandmarshaltalkinglittle，andtheEmperorincessantly。Althoughapoorjudgemyselfofsuchmatters，itwasveryentertaining，andalsoveryinstructive，toheartheEmperor\'sopinionofpieces，ancientandmodern，whichhadbeenplayedbeforehim；andhisobservationsandremarkscouldnothavefailed，Iamsure，tobeofgreatprofittotheauthors，hadtheybeenablelikemyselftohearthem。Asforme，ifIgainedanythingfromit，itisbeingenabledtospeakofitherealittle(althoughaverylittle)，moreappropriatelythanablindmanwouldofcolors；

nevertheless，forfearofsayingthewrongthing，Ireturntomatterswhichareinmydepartment。

IthasbeensaidthathisMajestyusedagreatquantityoftobacco，andthatinordertotakeitstillmorefrequentlyandquickly，heputitinapocketofhisvest，linedwithskinforthatpurpose。Thisisanerror。TheEmperornevertooktobaccoexceptinhissnuff-boxes；andalthoughhewastedagreatquantityofit，hereallyusedverylittle，ashetookapinch，heldittohisnosesimplytosmellit，andletitfallimmediately。Itistruethattheplacewherehehadbeenwascoveredwithit；buthishandkerchiefs，irreproachablewitnessesinsuchmatters，werescarcelystained，andalthoughtheywerewhiteandofveryfinelinen，certainlyborenomarksofasnuff-taker。Sometimeshesimplypassedhisopensnuff-boxunderhisnoseinordertobreathetheodorofthetobaccoitcontained。Theseboxeswereofblackshell，withhinges，andofanarrow，ovalshape；theywerelinedwithgold，andornamentedwithantiquecameos，ormedallions，ingoldorsilver。Atonetimeheusedroundtobacco-boxes；butasittooktwohandstoopenthem，andinthisoperationhesometimesdroppedeithertheboxorthetop，hebecamedisgustedwiththem。Histobaccowasgratedverycoarse，andwasusuallycomposedofseveralkindsoftobaccomixedtogether。FrequentlyheamusedhimselfbymakingthegazellesthathehadatSaint-Cloudeatit。

Theywereveryfondofit，andalthoughexceedinglyafraidofeveryoneelse，cameclosetohisMajestywithouttheslightestfear。

TheEmperortookafancyononeoccasion，butonlyone，totryapipe，asIshallnowrelate。ThePersianambassador(orperhapsitwastheTurkishambassadorwhocametoParisundertheConsulate)hadmadehisMajestyapresentofaveryhandsomepipesuchasisusedbytheOrientals。Onedayhewasseizedwithadesiretotryit，andhadeverythingnecessaryforthispurposeprepared。Thefirehavingbeenappliedtothebowl，theonlyquestionnowwastolightthetobacco；butfromthemannerinwhichhisMajestyattemptedthisitwasimpossibleforhimtosucceed，ashealternatelyopenedandclosedhislipsrepeatedlywithoutdrawinginhisbreathatall。“Why，whatisthematter？“criedhe；“itdoesnotworkatall。“Icalledhisattentiontothefactthathewasnotinhalingproperly，andshowedhimhowitoughttobedone；buttheEmperorstillcontinuedhisperformances，whichwerelikesomepeculiarkindofyawning。Tiredoutbyhisfruitlesseffortsatlast，hetoldmetolightitforhim，whichIdid，andinstantlyhandeditbacktohim。Buthehadhardlytakenawhiffwhenthesmoke，whichhedidnotknowhowtobreatheoutagain，filledhisthroat，gotintohiswindpipe，andcameoutthroughhisnoseandeyesingreatpuffs。Assoonashecouldgethisbreath，hepantedforth，“Takeitaway！whatapest！Oh，thewretches！ithasmademesick。“Infact，hefeltillforatleastanhourafter，andrenouncedforeverthe“pleasureofahabit，which，“saidhe，“isonlygoodtoenabledo-nothingstokilltime。“

TheonlyrequirementstheEmperormadeastohisclothingwasthatitshouldbeoffinequalityandperfectlycomfortable；andhiscoatsforordinaryuse，dress-coats，andeventhefamousgrayovercoat，weremadeofthefinestclothfromLouviers。UndertheConsulatehewore，aswasthenthefashion，theskirtsofhiscoatextremelylong；afterwardsfashionchanged，andtheywerewornshorter；buttheEmperorheldwithsingulartenacitytothelengthofhis，andIhadmuchtroubleininducinghimtoabandonthisfashion，anditwasonlybyasubterfugethatIatlastsucceeded。EachtimeIorderedanewcoatforhisMajesty，Idirectedthetailortoshortentheskirtsbyaninchatleast，untilatlast，withouthisbeingawareofit，theywerenolongerridiculous。Hedidnotabandonhisoldhabitsanymorereadilyonthispointthanonallothers；andhisgreatestdesirewasthathisclothesshouldnotbetootight，inconsequenceofwhichthereweretimeswhenhedidnotmakeaveryelegantappearance。TheKingofNaples，themaninallFrancewhodressedwiththemostcare，andnearlyalwaysingoodtaste，sometimestookthelibertyofbanteringtheEmperorslightlyabouthisdress。“Sire，“saidhetotheEmperor，“yourMajestydressestoomuchlikeagoodfamilyman。Pray，Sire，beanexampletoyourfaithfulsubjectsofgoodtasteindress。“——“Wouldyoulikeme，inordertopleaseyou，“repliedtheEmperor，“todresslikeascentedfop，likeadandy，infine，liketheKingofNaplesandtheTwoSicilies。Asforme，Imustholdontomyoldhabitudes。“——“Yes，Sire，andtoyour\'habitstues\'，“

addedthekingononeoccasion。“Detestable！“criedtheEmperor；“thatisworthyofBrunet；“andtheylaughedheartilyoverthisplayonwords，whiledeclaringitwhattheEmperorcalledit。

However，thesediscussionsastohisdressbeingrenewedatthetimeofhisMajesty\'smarriagetotheEmpressMarieLouise，theKingofNaplesbeggedtheEmperortoallowhimtosendhimhistailor。HisMajesty，whosoughtatthattimeeverymeansofpleasinghisyoungwife，acceptedtheofferofhisbrother-in-law；andthatverydayIwentforLeger，KingJoachim\'stailor，andbroughthimwithmetothechateau，recommendinghimtomakethesuitswhichwouldbeorderedaslooseaspossible，certainasIwasinadvance，that，MonsieurJourdain——[acharacterinaMolierecomedy。]——tothecontrary，iftheEmperorcouldnotgetintothemeasily，hewouldnotwearthem。Legerpaidnoattentiontomyadvice，buttookhismeasureveryclosely。Thetwocoatswerebeautifullymade；

buttheEmperorpronouncedthemuncomfortable，andworethemonlyonce，andLegerdidnomoreworkforhisMajesty。Atonetime，longbeforethis，hehadorderedaveryhandsomecoatofchestnutbrownvelvet，withdiamondbuttons，whichheworetoareceptionofherMajestytheEmpress，withablackcravat，thoughtheEmpressJosephinehadpreparedforhimanelegantlacestock，whichallmyentreatiescouldnotinducehimtoputon。

TheEmperor\'svestandbreecheswerealwaysofwhitecassimere；hechangedthemeverymorning，andtheywerewashedonlythreeorfourtimes。Twohoursafterhehadlefthisroom，itoftenhappenedthathisbreecheswereallstainedwithink，owingtohishabitofwipinghispenonthem，andscatteringinkallaroundhimbyknockinghispenagainstthetable。Nevertheless，ashedressedinthemorningforthewholeday，hedidnotchangehisclothesonthataccount，andremainedinthatconditiontheremainderoftheday。Ihavealreadysaidthatheworenonebutwhitesilkstockings，hisshoes，whichwereverylightandthin，beinglinedwithsilk，andhisbootslinedthroughoutinsidewithwhitefustian；andwhenhefeltanitchingononeofhislegs，herubbeditwiththeheelofhisshoeorthebootontheotherleg，whichaddedstillmoretotheeffectoftheinkblotches。Hisshoe-buckleswereoval，eitherplaingoldorwithmedallions，andhealsoworegoldbucklesonhisgarters。IneversawhimwearpantaloonsundertheEmpire。

OwingtotheEmperor\'stenacitytooldcustoms，hisshoemakerinthefirstdaysoftheEmpirewasstillthesameheemployedatthemilitaryschool；andashisshoeshadbeenmadebythesamemeasure，fromthattime，andnonewoneevertaken，hisshoes，aswellashisboots，werealwaysbadlymadeandungraceful。Foralongtimeheworethempointed；

butIpersuadedhimtohavethem\'enbecdecanne\'，asthatwasthefashion。Atlasthisoldmeasurewasfoundtoosmall，andIgothisMajesty\'sconsenttohaveanewone-taken；soIsummonedtheshoemaker，whohadsucceededhisfather，andwasexceedinglystupid。HehadneverseentheEmperor，althoughheworkedforhim；andwhenhelearnedthathewasexpectedtoappearbeforehisMajesty，hisheadwascompletelyturned。HowcouldhedaretopresenthimselfbeforetheEmperor？Whatcostumemusthewear？Iencouragedhim，andtoldhimhewouldneedablackFrenchcoat，withbreeches，andhat，etc。；andhepresentedhimselfthusadornedattheTuileries。OnenteringhisMajesty\'schamberhemadeadeepbow，andstoodmuchembarrassed。“Itsurelycannotbeyouwhomadeshoesformeatthel\'ecolemilitaire？“——“No，yourMajesty，EmperorandKing，itwasmyfather。“——“Andwhydon\'thedosonow？“——“Sire，theEmperorandKing，becauseheisdead。“——“Howmuchdoyoumakemepayformyshoes？“——“YourMajesty，EmperorandKing，payseighteenfrancsforthem。“——“Thatisverydear。“——“YourMajesty，EmperorandKing，couldpaymuchmoreforthemifhewould。“TheEmperorlaughedheartilyatthissimplicity，andlethimtakehismeasure；buttheEmperor\'slaughterhadsocompletelydisconcertedthepoormanthat，whenheapproachedhim，hishatunderhisarm，makingathousandbows，hisswordcaughtbetweenhislegs，wasbrokenintwo，andmadehimfallonhishandsandknees，nottoremaintherelong，however，forhisMajesty\'sroarsoflaughterincreasing，andbeingatlastfreedfromhissword，thepoorshoemakertooktheEmperor\'smeasurewithmoreease，andwithdrewamidstprofuseapologies。

AllhisMajesty\'slinenwasofextremelyfinequality，markedwithan“N“

inacoronet；atfirstheworenosuspenders，butatlastbeganusingthem，andfoundthemverycomfortable。HeworenexthisbodyvestsmadeofEnglishflannel，andtheEmpressJosephinehadadozencashmerevestsmadeforhisuseinsummer。

ManypersonshavebelievedthattheEmperorworeacuirassunderhisclotheswhenwalkingandwhileinthearmy。Thisisentirelyfalse:theEmperorneverputonacuirass，noranythingresemblingone，underhiscoatanymorethanoverit。

TheEmperorworenojewelry；heneverhadinhispocketseitherpurseorsilver，butonlyhishandkerchief，hissnuff-box，andhisbonbon-box。

Heworeonhiscoatonlyastarandtwocrosses，thatoftheLegionofHonor，andthatoftheIronCrown。Underhisuniformandonhisvestheworearedribbon，theendsofwhichcouldjustbeseen。

Whentherewasareceptionatthechateau，orheheldareview，heputthisgrandcordonoutsidehiscoat。

Hishat，theshapeofwhichitwillbeuselesstodescribewhileportraitsofhisMajestyexist，was-extremelyfineandverylight，linedwithsilkandwadded；andonitheworeneithertasselsnorplumes，butsimplyanarrow，flatbandofsilkandalittletricoloredcockade。

TheEmperorpurchasedseveralwatchesfromBreguetandMeunier，——veryplainrepeaters，withoutornamentationorfigures，thefacecoveredwithglass，thebackgold。M。LasCasasspeaksofawatchwithadoublegoldcase，markedwiththecipher“B，“andwhichneverlefttheEmperor。I

neversawanythingofthesort，thoughIwaskeeperofallthejewels，andevenhadinmycareforseveraldaysthecrowndiamonds。TheEmperoroftenbrokehiswatchbythrowingitatrandom，asIhavesaidbefore，onanypieceoffurnitureinhisbedroom。Hehadtwoalarm-clocksmadebyMeunier，oneinhiscarriage，theotherattheheadofhisbed，whichhesetwithalittlegreensilkcord，andalsoathird，butitwasoldandwornoutsothatitwouldnotwork；itisthislastwhichhadbelongedtoFredericktheGreat，andwasbroughtfromBerlin。

TheswordsofhisMajestywereveryplain，withgoldmountings，andanowlonthehilt。

TheEmperorhadtwoswordssimilartotheoneheworethedayofthebattleofAusterlitz。OneoftheseswordswasgiventotheEmperorAlexander，asthereaderwilllearnlater，andtheothertoPrinceEugenein1814。ThatwhichtheEmperorworeatAusterlitz，andonwhichheafterwardshadengravedthenameanddateofthatmemorablebattle，wastohavebeeninclosedinthecolumnofthePlaceVendome；buthisMajestystillhadit，Ithink，whilehewasatSt。Helena。

Hehadalsoseveralsabersthathehadworninhisfirstcampaigns，andonwhichwereengravedthenamesofthebattlesinwhichhehadusedthem。TheyweredistributedamongthevariousgeneralofficersofhisMajestytheEmperor，ofwhichdistributionIwillspeaklater。

WhentheEmperorwasabouttoquithiscapitaltorejoinhisarmy，orforasimplejourneythroughthedepartments，weneverknewtheexactmomentofhisdeparture。Itwasnecessarytosendinadvanceonvariousroadsacompleteserviceforthebedroom，kitchen，andstables；thissometimeswaitedthreeweeks，orevenamonth，andwhenhisMajestyatlengthsetout，thatwhichwaswaitingontheroadhedidnottakewasorderedtoreturn。IhaveoftenthoughtthattheEmperoractedthusinordertodisconcertthosewhospiedonhisproceedings，andtobaffletheirschemes。

Thedayhewastosetoutnoonecoulddiscoverthatfactfromhim，andeverythingwentonasusual。Afteraconcert，aplay，oranyotheramusementwhichhadcollectedalargenumberofpeople，hisMajestywouldsimplyremarkonretiring，“Ishallleaveattwoo\'clock！“Sometimesthetimewasearlier，sometimeslater；buthealwaysbeganhisjourneyatthedesignatedhour。Theorderwasinstantlyannouncedbyeachoftheheadservants；andallwerereadyattheappointedtime，thoughthechateauwaslefttopsy-turvy，asmaybeseenfromthepictureIhavegivenelsewhereoftheconfusionatthechateauwhichprecededandfollowedtheEmperor\'sdeparture。WhereverhisMajestylodgedonthejourney，beforeleavinghehadalltheexpensesofhimselfandofhishouseholdpaid，madepresentstohishosts，andgavegratuitiestotheservantsofthehouse。OnSundaytheEmperorhadmasscelebratedbythecurateoftheplace，givingalwaysasmuchastwentynapoleons，sometimesmore，andregulatingthegiftaccordingtotheneedsofthepooroftheparish。Heaskedmanyquestionsofthecuresconcerningtheirresources，thatoftheirparishioners，theintelligenceandmoralityofthepopulation，etc。

Herarelyfailedtoaskthenumberofbirths，deaths，marriages，andifthereweremanyyoungmenandgirlsofamarriageableage。Ifthecurerepliedtothesequestionsinasatisfactorymanner，andifhehadnotbeentoo-longinsayingmass，hecouldcountonthefavorofhisMajesty；

hischurchandhispoorwouldfindthemselveswellprovidedfor；andasforhimself，theEmperorleftonhisdeparture，orhadsenttohim，acommissionaschevalieroftheLegionofHonor。HisMajestypreferredtobeansweredwithconfidenceandwithouttimidity；heevenenduredcontradiction；andonecouldwithoutanyriskreplyinaccurately；thiswasalmostalwaysoverlooked，forhepaidlittleattentiontothereply，butheneverfailedtoturnawayfromthosewhospoketohiminahesitatingorembarrassedmanner。WhenevertheEmperortookuphisresidenceatanyplace，therewereonduty，nightandday，apageandanaide-decamp，whosleptonsackingbeds。Therewasalsoconstantlyinattendance，inanantechamber，aquartermasterandsergeantofthestablespreparedtoorder，whennecessary，theequipages，whichtheytookcaretokeepalwaysinreadinesstomove；horsesfullysaddledandbridled，andcarriagesharnessedwithtwohorses，leftthestablesonthefirstsignalofhisMajesty。Theseattendantswererelievedeverytwohours，likesentinels。

IsaidabovethathisMajestylikedpromptreplies，andthosewhichshowedvivacityandsprightliness。Iwillgivetwoanecdotesinsupportofthisassertion。Once，whiletheEmperorwasholdingareviewonthePlaceduCarrousel，hishorsereared，andintheeffortshisMajestymadetocontrolhim，hishatfelltotheground；alieutenant(hisname，I

think，wasRabusson)，atwhosefeetthehatfell，pickeditup，andcameoutfromthefrontrankstoofferittohisMajesty。“Thanks，Captain，“

saidtheEmperor，stillengagedinquietinghishorse。“Inwhatregiment？“——“Sire？“askedtheofficer。TheEmperor，thenregardinghimmoreattentively，andperceivinghismistake，saidtohim，smiling，“Ah，thatisso，monsieur；intheGuard。“

Thenewcaptainreceivedthecommissionwhichheowedtohispresenceofmind，butwhichhehadinfactwellearnedbyhisbraveryanddevotiontoduty。

Atanotherreview，hisMajestyperceivedintheranksofaregimentofthelineanoldsoldier，whosearmsweredecoratedwiththreechevrons。

HerecognizedhiminstantlyashavingseenhiminthearmyofItaly，andapproachinghim，said，“Well，mybravefellow，whyhaveyounotthecross？Youdonotlooklikeabadfellow。“——“Sire，“repliedtheoldsoldier，withsorrowfulgravity，“Ihavethreetimesbeenputonthelistforthecross。“——“Youshallnotbedisappointedafourthtime，“repliedtheEmperor；andheorderedMarshalBerthiertoplaceonthelist，forthenextpromotion，thebravesoldier，whowassoonmadeachevalieroftheLegionofHonor。

CHAPTERXXI。

PopePiusVII。hadleftRomeearlyinNovember，1804；andhisHoliness，accompaniedbyGeneralMenou，administratorofPiedmont，arrivedatMontCenis，onthemorningofNov。15。TheroadofMontCenishadbeensurveyedandsmoothed，andalldangerouspointsmadesecurebybarriers。

TheHolyFatherwasreceivedbyM。Poitevin-Maissemy，prefectofMontBlanc，andafterashortvisittothehospice，crossedthemountaininasedanchair，escortedbyanimmensecrowd，whoknelttoreceivehisblessingashepassed。

Nov。17hisHolinessresumedhiscarriage，inwhichhemadetheremainderofthejourney，accompaniedinthesamemanner。TheEmperorwenttomeettheHolyFather，andmethimontheroadtoNemoursintheforestofFontainebleau。TheEmperordismountedfromhishorse，andthetwosovereignsreturnedtoFontainebleauinthesamecarriage。Itissaidthatneithertookprecedenceovertheother，andthat，inordertoavoidthis，theybothenteredthecarriageatthesameinstant，hisMajestybythedoorontheright，andhisHolinessbythatontheleft。

IdonotknowwhetheritistruethattheEmperoruseddevicesandstratagemsinordertoavoidcompromisinghisdignity，butIdoknowthatitwouldhavebeenimpossibletoshowmoreregardandattentiontothevenerableoldman。ThedayafterhisarrivalatFontainebleau，thePopemadehisentranceintoPariswithallthehonorsusuallyrenderedtotheheadoftheEmpire。ApartmentshadbeenpreparedforhimattheTuileriesinthePavilionofFlora；andasacontinuationofthedelicateandaffectionateconsiderationwhichhisMajestyhadshownfromthebeginninginwelcomingtheHolyFather，hefoundhisapartments，inarrangementandfurniture，anexactduplicateofthoseheoccupiedatRome。Heevincedmuchsurpriseandgratitudeatthisattention，whichhehimself，itissaid，withhisusualdelicacy，calledentirelyfilial；

desiringthustoacknowledgetherespectwhichtheEmperorhadshownhimoneveryoccasion，andthenewtitleofeldestsonoftheChurch，whichhisMajestywasabouttoassumewiththeimperialcrown。

EverymorningIwent，byorderofhisMajesty，toinquireafterthehealthoftheHolyFather。PiusVII。hadanobleandhandsomecountenance，anairofangelicsweetness，andagentle，wellmodulatedvoice；hespokelittle，andalwaysslowly，butwithgrace；histasteswereextremelysimple，andhisabstemiousnessincredible；hewasindulgenttoothersandmostlenientinhisjudgments。ImustadmitthatonthescoreofgoodcheerthepersonsofhissuitemadenopretenseofimitatingtheHolyFather，but，onthecontrary，tookmostunbecomingadvantageoftheEmperor\'sorders，thateverythingrequestedshouldbefurnished。Thetablessetforthemwereabundantlyandevenmagnificentlyserved；which，however；didnotpreventawholebasketofChambertinbeingrequestedeachdayforthePope\'sprivatetable，thoughhedinedaloneanddrankonlywater。

ThesojournofnearlyfivemonthswhichtheHolyFathermadeatPariswasatimeofedificationforthefaithful；andhisHolinessmusthavecarriedawayamostflatteringopinionofthepopulace，who，havingceasedtopractice，andnothavingwitnessedformorethantenyears，theceremoniesoftheCatholicreligion，hadreturnedtothemwithirrepressiblezeal。WhenthePopewasnotdetainedinhisapartmentsbyhisdelicatehealthinregardtowhichthedifferenceintheclimate，comparedwiththatofItaly，andtheseverityofthewinter，requiredhimtotakegreatprecautions)，hevisitedthechurches，themuseum，andtheestablishmentsofpublicutility；andifthesevereweatherpreventedhisgoingout，thepersonswhorequestedthisfavorwerepresentedtoPiusVII。inthegrandgalleryoftheMuseumNapoleon。IwasonedayaskedbysomeladiesofmyacquaintancetoaccompanythemtothisaudienceoftheHolyFather，andtookmuchpleasureindoingso。

Thelonggalleryofthemuseumwasfilledwithladiesandgentlemen，arrangedindoublelines，thegreaterpartofwhomweremothersoffamilies，withtheirchildrenattheirkneesorintheirarms，readytobepresentedfortheHolyFather\'sblessing；andPiusVII。gazedonthesechildrenwithasweetnessandmildnesstrulyangelic。Precededbythegovernorofthemuseum，andfollowedbythecardinalsandlordsofhishousehold，headvancedslowlybetweenthesetworanksofthefaithful，whofellontheirkneesashepassed，oftenstoppingtoplacehishandontheheadofachild，toaddressafewwordstothemother，ortogivehisringtobekissed。Hisdresswasaplainwhitecassockwithoutornament。

JustasthePopereachedus，thedirectorofthemuseumpresentedaladywho，liketheothers，wasawaitingtheblessingofhisHolinessonherknees。IheardthedirectorcallthisladyMadame，theCountessdeGenlis，uponwhichtheHolyFatherheldouttoherhisring，raisedherinthemostaffablemanner，andsaidafewflatteringwordscomplimentingheronherworks，andthehappyinfluencewhichtheyhadexercisedinre-

establishingtheCatholicreligioninFrance。

Sellersofchapletsandrosariesmusthavemadetheirfortunesduringthiswinter，forinsomeshopsmorethanonehundreddozenweresoldperday。DuringthemonthofJanuary，bythisbranchofindustryalone，onemerchantoftheRueSaint-Denismadefortythousandfrancs。AllthosewhopresentedthemselvesattheaudienceoftheHolyFather，orwhopressedaroundhimashewentout，madehimblesschapletsforthemselves，foralltheirrelations，andfortheirfriendsinParisorintheprovinces。Thecardinalsalsodistributedanincrediblequantityintheirvisitstothevarioushospitals，totheHoteldesInvalides，etc。，andevenatprivatehouses。

ItwasarrangedthatthecoronationoftheirMajestiesshouldtakeplaceonDec。2。Onthemorningofthisgreatdayallatthechateauwereastirveryearly，especiallythepersonsattachedtotheserviceofthewardrobe。TheEmperorhimselfaroseateighto\'clock。ItwasnosmallaffairtoarrayhisMajestyintherichcostumewhichhadbeenpreparedfortheoccasion；andthewholetimeIwasdressinghimheutteredunlimitedmaledictionsandapostrophesagainstembroiderers，tailors，andfurnishersgenerally。AsIpassedhimeacharticleofhisdress，“Now，thatissomethinghandsome，Monsieurledrole，“saidhe(andmyearshadtheirpartintheplay)，“butweshallseethebillsforit。“Thiswasthecostume:silkstockingsembroideredingold，withtheimperialcoronetontheclocks；whitevelvetbootslacedandembroideredwithgold；whitevelvetbreechesembroideredingoldontheseams；diamondbucklesandbuttonsonhisgarters；hisvest，alsoofwhitevelvet，embroideredingoldwithdiamondbuttons；acrimsonvelvetcoat，withfacingsofwhitevelvet，andembroideredonalltheseams，thewholesparklingwithgoldandgems。Ashortcloak，alsoofcrimson，andlinedwithwhitesatin，hungfromhisleftshoulder，andwascaughtontherightoverhisbreastwithadoubleclaspofdiamonds。Onsuchoccasionsitwascustomaryforthegrandchamberlaintopasstheshirt；butitseemsthathisMajestydidnotrememberthislawofetiquette，anditwasIalonewhoperformedthatoffice，asIwasaccustomed。TheshirtwasoneofthoseordinarilywornbyhisMajesty，butofverybeautifulcambric，fortheEmperorwouldwearonlyveryfinelinen；butrufflesofveryhandsomelacehadbeenadded，andhiscravatwasofthemostexquisitemuslin，andhiscollarofsuperblace。Theblackvelvetcapwassurmountedbytwowhiteaigrettes，andsurroundedwithabandofdiamonds，caughttogetherbytheRegent。TheEmperorsetout，thusdressed，fromtheTuileries；anditwasnottillhehadreachedNotre-

Dame，thatheplacedoverhisshouldersthegrandcoronationmantle。

Thiswasofcrimsonvelvet，studdedwithgoldenbees，linedwithwhitesatin，andfastenedwithagoldcordandtassel。Theweightofitwasatleasteightypounds，and，althoughitwasheldupbyfourgranddignitaries，borehimdownbyitsweight。Therefore，onreturningtothechateau，hefreedhimselfassoonaspossiblefromallthisrichanduncomfortableapparel；andwhileresuminghisgrenadieruniform，herepeatedoverandover，“AtlastIcangetmybreath。“Hewascertainlymuchmoreathiseaseonthedayofbattle。

ThejewelswhichwereusedatthecoronationofherMajestytheEmpress，andwhichconsistedofacrown，adiadem，andagirdle，camefromtheestablishmentofM。Margueritte。Thecrownhadeightbranches，whichsupportedagoldenglobesurmountedbyacross，eachbranchsetwithdiamonds，fourbeingintheshapeofpalmandfourofmyrtleleaves。

Aroundthecrownranabandsetwitheightenormousemeralds，whilethebandeauwhichrestedonthebrowshonewithamethysts。

Thediademwascomposedoffourrowsofmagnificentpearlsentwinedwithleavesmadeofdiamonds，eachofwhichmatchedperfectly，andwasmountedwithaskillasadmirableasthebeautyofthematerial。Onherbrowwereseverallargebrilliants，eachonealoneweighingonehundredandforty-ninegrains。Thegirdle，finally，wasagoldenribbonornamentedWiththirty-ninerose-coloredstones。ThescepterofhisMajestytheEmperorhadbeenmadebyM。Odiot；itwasofsilver，entwinedwithagoldenserpent，andsurmountedbyaglobeonwhichCharlemagnewasseated。ThehandofJusticeandthecrown，aswellasthesword，wereofmostexquisiteworkmanship，butitwouldtaketoolongtodescribethem；

theywerefromtheestablishmentofM。Biennais。

Atnineo\'clockinthemorningthePopelefttheTuileriesforNotreDame，inacarriagedrawnbyeighthandsomegrayhorses。Fromtheimperialofthecoachroseatiarasurroundedbytheinsigniaofthepapacyingiltbronze，whilethefirstchamberlainofhisHoliness，mountedonamule，precededthecarriage，bearingasilvergiltcross。

TherewasanintervalofaboutonehourbetweenthearrivalofthePopeatNotreDameandthatoftheirMajesties，wholefttheTuileriespreciselyateleveno\'clock，whichfactwasannouncedbynumeroussalutesofartillery。TheirMajesties\'carriage，glitteringwithgoldandadornedwithmagnificentpaintings，wasdrawnbyeightbayhorsessuperblycaparisoned。

Abovetheimperialofthiscoachwasacrownsupportedbyfoureagleswithextendedwings。Thepanelsofthiscarriage，whichwastheobjectofuniversaladmiration，wereofglassinsteadofwood；anditwassobuiltthatthebackwasexactlylikethefront，whichsimilaritycausedtheirMajesties，onenteringit，tomaketheabsurdmistakeofplacingthemselvesonthefrontseat。TheEmpresswasfirsttoperceivethis，andbothsheandherhusbandweremuchamused。

Icouldnotattempttodescribethecortege，althoughIstillretainmostvividrecollectionsofthescene，because1shouldhavetoomuchtosay。

Picturetoyourself，then，tenthousandcavalrysuperblymounted，defilingbetweentworowsofinfantryequallyimposing，eachbodycoveringadistanceofnearlyhalfaleague。Thenthinkofthenumberoftheequipages，oftheirmagnificence，thesplendorofthetrappingsofthehorses，andoftheuniformsofthesoldiers；ofthecrowdsofmusiciansplayingcoronationmarches，addedtotheringingofbellsandboomingofcannon；thentoallthisaddtheeffectproducedbythisimmensemultitudeoffromfourtofivehundredthousandspectators；andstillonewouldbeveryfarfromobtainingacorrectideaofthisastonishingmagnificence。

InthemonthofDecemberitisveryrarethattheweatherisfine，butonthatdaytheheavensseemedauspicioustotheEmperorandjustasheenteredthearchiepiscopalchurch，quiteaheavyfog，whichhadlastedallthemorning，wassuddenlydissipated，andabrilliantfloodofsunlightaddeditssplendortothatofthecortege。Thissingularcircumstancewasremarkedbythespectators，andincreasedtheenthusiasm。

Allthestreetsthroughwhichthecortegepassedwerecarefullyclearedandsanded；andtheinhabitantsdecoratedthefrontsoftheirhousesaccordingtotheirvariedtasteandmeans，withdrapery，tapestry，coloredpaper，andsomeevenwithgarlandsofyew-leaves，almostalltheshopsontheQuaidesOrfevresbeingornamentedwithfestoonsofartificialflowers。

Thereligiousceremonylastednearlyfourhours，andmusthavebeenextremelyfatiguingtotheprincipalactors。ThepersonalattendantswerenecessarilyondutycontinuallyintheapartmentpreparedfortheEmperoratthearchiepiscopalpalace；butthecurious(andallwereso)

relievedeachotherfromtimetotime，andeachthushadanopportunityofwitnessingtheceremonyatleisure。

Ihaveneverheardbeforeorsincesuchimposingmusic:itwasthecompositionofMessieursPaesiello，Rose，andLesueur，precentorsoftheirMajesties；andtheorchestraandchorusescomprisedthefinestmusiciansofParis。Twoorchestraswithfourchoruses，includingmorethanthreehundredmusicians，wereled，theonebyM。Persuis，theotherbyM。Rey，bothleadersoftheEmperor\'sbands。M。Lais，firstsingertohisMajesty，M。Kreutzer，andM。Baillot，firstviolinistsofthesamerank，hadgatheredthefinesttalentwhichtheimperialchapel，theopera，andthegrandlyrictheaterspossessed，eitherasinstrumentalplayersormaleandfemalesingers。Innumerablemilitarybands，underthedirectionofM。Lesuem，executedheroicmarches，oneofwhich，orderedbytheEmperorfromM。LesueurforthearmyofBoulogne，isstillto-day，accordingtothejudgmentofconnoisseurs，worthytostandinthefirstrankofthemostbeautifulandmostimposingmusicalcompositions。

Asforme，thismusicaffectedmetosuchanextentthatIbecamepaleandtrembling，andconvulsivetremorsranthroughallmybodywhilelisteningtoit。

HisMajestywouldnotallowthePopetotouchthecrown，butplaceditonhisheadhimself。Itwasagoldendiadem，formedofoakandlaurelleaves。HisMajestythentookthecrownintendedfortheEmpress，and，havingdonnedithimselfforafewmoments，placeditonthebrowofhisaugustwife，whokneltbeforehim。Heragitationwassogreatthatsheshedtears，and，rising，fixedontheEmperoralookoftendernessandgratitude；andtheEmperorreturnedherglancewithoutabatingintheleastdegreethedignityrequiredbysuchanimposingceremonybeforesomanywitnesses。

Inspiteofthisconstrainttheirheartsunderstoodeachotherinthemidstofthebrilliancyandapplauseoftheassembly，andassuredlynoideaofdivorceenteredtheEmperor\'smindatthatmoment；and，formypart，IamverysurethatthiscruelseparationwouldneverhavetakenplaceifherMajestytheEmpresscouldhavebornechildren，oreveniftheyoungNapoleon，sonoftheKingofHollandandQueenHortense，hadnotdiedjustatthetimetheEmperorhaddecidedtoadopthim。YetI

mustadmitthatthefear，orratherthecertainty，ofJosephinenotbearinghimanheirtothethrone，drovetheEmperortodespair；andI

havemanytimesheardhimpausesuddenlyinthemidstofhiswork，andexclaimwithchagrin，“TowhomshallIleaveallthis？“

Afterthemass，hisExcellency，CardinalFesch，grandalmonerofFrance，boretheBookoftheGospelstotheEmperor，whothereupon，fromhisthrone，pronouncedtheimperialoathinavoicesofirmanddistinctthatitwasheardbyallpresent。Then，forthetwentiethtimeperhaps，thecryof\'Vivel\'Empereur\'sprangtothelipsofall，the\'TeDeum\'waschanted，and\'theirMajestiesleftthechurchinthesamemannerastheyhadentered。ThePoperemainedinthechurchaboutaquarterofanhourafterthesovereigns；and，whenherosetowithdraw，universalacclamationsaccompaniedhimfromthechoirtotheportal。

TheirMajestiesdidnotreturntothechateauuntilhalf-pastsix，andthePopenottillnearlyseven。Ontheirentrancetothechurch，theirMajestiespassedthroughthearchbishop\'spalace，thebuildingsofwhich，asIhavesaid，communicatedwithNotreDamebymeansofawoodengallery。Thisgallery，coveredwithslate，andhungwithmagnificenttapestry，endedinaplatform，alsoofwood，erectedbeforetheprincipalentrance，andmadetoharmonizeperfectlywiththegothicarchitectureofthishandsomemetropolitanchurch。Thisplatformresteduponfourcolumns，decoratedwithinscriptionsinlettersofgold，enumeratingthenamesoftheprincipaltownsofFrance，whosemayorshadbeendeputizedtoattendthecoronation。Abovethesecolumnswasapaintinginrelief，representingClovisandCharlemagneseatedontheirthrones，scepterinhand；andinthecenterofthisfrontispiecewerepresentedthearmsoftheEmpire，drapedwiththebannersofthesixteencohortsoftheLegionofHonor，whileoneachsideweretowers，surmountedbygoldeneagles。

Theinsideofthisportico，aswellasthegallery，wasshapedlikearoof，paintedsky-blue，andsownwithstars。

ThethroneoftheirMajestieswaserectedonastageintheshapeofasemicircle，andcoveredwithabluffcarpetstuddedwithbees，andwasreachedbytwenty-twosteps。Thethrone，drapedinredvelvet，wasalsocoveredbyapavilionofthesamecolor，theleftwingofwhichextendedovertheEmpress，theprincesses，andtheirmaidsofhonor，andtherightoverthetwobrothersoftheEmperor，withthearch-chancellorandthearch-treasurer。

Nothingcouldbegranderthanthebird\'s-eyeviewofthegardenoftheTuileriesontheeveningofthisauspiciousday，thegrandparterre，encircledbyilluminatedcolonnadesfromarchtoarchofwhichwerefestoonedgarlandsofrose-coloredlights；thegrandpromenadeoutlinedbycolumns，abovewhichstarsglittered；theterracesoneachsidefilledwithorange-trees，thebranchesofwhichwerecoveredwithinnumerablelights；whileeverytreeontheadjoiningwalkspresentedasbrilliantaspectacle；andfinally，tocrownallthismagnificentblazeoflight，animmensestarwassuspendedabovethePlacedelaConcorde，andoutshoneallelse。Thismightintruthbecalledapalaceoffire。

OntheoccasionofthecoronationhisMajestymademagnificentpresentstothemetropolitanchurch。Iremarked，amongotherthings，achaliceornamentedwithbas-reliefs，designedbythecelebratedGermain，apyx，twoflagonswiththewaiter，aholy-watervessel，andaplateforofferings，thewholeinsilvergilt，andbeautifullyengraved。BytheordersofhisMajesty，transmittedthroughtheministeroftheinterior，therewasalsopresentedtoM。d\'Astros，canonofNotreDame，aboxcontainingthecrownofthorns，anail，andapieceofthewoodofthetruecross，andasmallvial，containing，itwassaid，someofthebloodofourLord，withanironscourgewhichSaintLouishadused，andatunicwhichhadalsobelongedtothatking。

InthemorningMarshalMurat，GovernorofParis，hadgivenamagnificentbreakfasttotheprincesofGermanywhohadcometoParisinordertobepresentatthecoronation；andafterbreakfastthemarshal-governorconveyedthemtoNotreDameinfourcarriages，eachdrawnbysixhorses，accompaniedbyanescortofahundredmenonhorseback，andcommandedbyoneofhisaides-de-camp。Thisescortwasespeciallynoticeablefortheeleganceandrichnessofitsuniforms。

Thedayafterthisgrandandmemorablesolemnitywasoneofpublicrejoicing。Fromtheearlymorninganimmensecrowdofthepopulace，enjoyingthemagnificentweather，spreaditselfovertheboulevards，thequays，andthepublicsquares，onwhichwerepreparedaninfinitevarietyofamusements。

Theheralds-at-armswentatanearlyhourthroughallthepublicplaces，throwingtothecrowd，whichpressedaroundthem，medalsstruckinmemoryofthecoronation。ThesemedalsrepresentedononesidethelikenessoftheEmperor，hisbrowencircledwiththecrownoftheCaesars，withthismotto:Napoleon，Empereur。Onthereversesidewasthefigureofamagistrate，withtheattributesofhisofficearoundhim，andthatofanancientwarrior，bearingonashieldaherocrowned，andcoveredwiththeimperialmantle。Abovewaswritten:TheSenateandthePeople。Soonafterthepassageoftheheralds-at-armstherejoicingscommenced，andwereprolongedfarintotheevening。

TherehadbeenerectedonthePlaceLouisXV。，whichwascalledthenthePlacedelaConcorde，fourlargesquareroomsoftemporarywoodwork，fordancingandwaltzing。Stagesforthepresentationofpantomimesandfarceswereplacedontheboulevardshereandthere；groupsofsingersandmusiciansexecutednationalairsandwarlikemarches；greasedpoles，rope-dancers，sportsofallkinds，attractedtheattentionofpromenadersateverystep，andenabledthemtoawaitwithoutimpatiencetheilluminationsandthefireworks。

Thedisplayoffireworkswasmostadmirable。FromthePlaceLouisXV。

totheextremeendoftheBoulevardSaint-Antoine，ranadoublelineofcoloredlightsinfestoons。ThepalaceoftheCorps-Legislatif，formerlytheGarde-Meuble，wasresplendentwithlights，andthegatesofSaint-

DenisandSaint-Martinwerecoveredwithlampsfromtoptobottom。

Intheeveningallthoseinterestedbetookthemselvestothequaysandbridges，inordertowitnessthefireworkswhichweresetofffromtheBridgedelaConcorde(nowcalledBridgeLouisXVI。)，andwhichfarsurpassedinmagnificenceallthathadeverbeenseen。

CHAPTERXXII。

Wednesday，Dec。5，threedaysafterthecoronation，theEmperormadeadistributionofthecolorsontheChamp-de-Mars。

InfrontofEcole-Militaireabalconywaserected，coveredwithawnings，andplacedonalevelwiththeapartmentsonthefirstfloor。Themiddleawning，supportedbyfourcolumns，eachoneofwhichwasagildedfigurerepresentingVictory，coveredthethroneonwhichtheirMajestieswereseated。Amostfortunateprecaution，foronthatdaytheweatherwasdreadful；thethawhadcomesuddenly，andeveryoneknowswhataParisthawis。

Aroundthethronewererangedprincesandprincesses，granddignitaries，ministers，marshalsoftheEmpire，grandofficersofthecrown，theladiesofthecourt，andthecouncilofstate。

Thisbalconywasdividedontherightandleftintosixteencompartments，decoratedwithbanners，andcrownedwitheagles，thesedivisionsrepresentingthesixteencohortsoftheLegionofHonor。ThoseontherightwereoccupiedbytheSenate，theofficersoftheLegionofHonor，thecourtofappeals，andthechiefsofthenationaltreasury，andthoseontheleftbytheTribunateandtheCorps-Legislatif。

Ateachendofthebalconywasapavilion。Thatonthesidenextthecitywasstyledtheimperialtribune，andintendedforforeignprinces，whilethediplomaticcorpsandforeignpersonagesofdistinctionfilledtheotherpavilion。

FromthisgalleryanimmensestaircasedescendedintotheChamp-de-Mars，thefirststepofwhichformedabenchbelowthetribunes，andwasoccupiedbythepresidentsofthecantons，theprefects，thesub-

prefects，andthemembersofthemunicipalcouncil。OneachsideofthisstaircasewereplacedthecolossalfiguresofFrancemakingpeaceandFrancemakingwar。Uponthestepswereseatedthecolonelsofregiments，andthepresidentsoftheelectoralcollegesofthedepartment，holdingalofttheimperialeagles。

ThecortegeoftheirMajestiessetoutatnoonfromthechateauoftheTuileries，inthesameorderadoptedatthecoronation:thechasseursoftheguardandthesquadronsofmamelukesmarchinginfront，theLegiond\'Eliteandthemountedgrenadiersfollowingthemunicipalguard；whilethegrenadiersoftheguardcloseduptheline。TheirMajestieshavingenteredl\'Ecole-Militaire，receivedthehomageofthediplomaticcorps，whowerestationedforthispurposeinthereception-rooms。ThentheEmperorandEmpress，havingdonnedtheirinsigniaofroyalty，tooktheirseatsuponthethrone，whiletheairwasrentwithreiterateddischargesofartilleryanduniversalacclamations。Atagivensignalthedeputationsofthearmy，scatteredovertheChamp-de-Mars，placedthemselvesinsolidcolumn，andapproachedthethroneamidaflourishoftrumpets。TheEmperorthenrose，andimmediatelyadeepsilenceensued，whileinaloud，cleartonehepronouncedthesewords，“Soldiers，beholdyourstandards！Theseeagleswillserveyoualwaysasarallyingpoint。

TheywillgowhereveryourEmperormayjudgetheirpresencenecessaryforthedefenseofhisthroneandofhispeople。Willyousweartosacrificeevenyourlivesintheirdefense，andtokeepthemalwaysbyyourvalorinthepathtovictory？Doyouswearit？“Weswearit，“repeatedallthecolonelsinchorus，whilethepresidentsofthecollegeswavedtheflagstheybore。“Weswearit，“saidinitsturnthewholearmy，whilethebandsplayedthecelebratedmarchknownas“TheMarchoftheStandards。“

Thisintenseenthusiasmwascommunicatedtothespectators，who，inspiteoftherain，pressedincrowdsupontheterraceswhichsurroundedtheenclosureoftheChamp-de-Mars。Soontheeaglestooktheirdesignatedplaces，andthearmydefiledindivisionsbeforethethroneoftheirMajesties。

Althoughnothinghadbeensparedtogivethisceremonyeverypossiblemagnificence，itwasbynomeansbrilliant。Itistrue，theobjectoftheoccasionwasimposing；buthowcouldanimpressiveceremonybeheldinadelugeofmeltedsnow，andamidaseaofmud，whichwastheappearancetheChamp-de-Marspresentedthatday？Thetroopswereunderarmsfromsixinthemorning，exposedtorain，andforcedtoendureitwithnoapparentnecessitysoatleasttheyregardedit。Thedistributionofstandardswastothesemennothingmorethanareview；

andsurelyitmuststrikeasoldierasaverydifferentmattertobravetheweatheronthefieldofbattle，fromwhatitistostandidle，exposedtoitforhours，withshininggunandemptycartridge-box，onaparade-day。

ThecortegereturnedtotheTuileriesatfiveo\'clock，afterwhichtherewasagrandbanquetinthegalleryofDiana，atwhichthePope，thesovereignelectorofRatisbonne，theprincesandprincesses，thegranddignitaries，thediplomaticcorps，andmanyotherpersonswereguests。

TheirMajesties\'tablewasplacedinthemidstofthegallery，uponaplatform，andcoveredwithamagnificentcanopy，underwhichtheEmperorseatedhimselfontherightoftheEmpress，andthePopeonherleft。

Theservingwasdonebythepages。Thegrandchamberlain，thegrandequerry，andthecolonel-generaloftheguardstoodbeforehisMajesty；

thegrandmarshalofthepalaceonhisright，andinfrontofthetable，andlowerdown，theprefectofthepalace；ontheleft，andoppositethegrandmarshal，wasthegrandmasterofceremonies；allthesealsostanding。OneithersideoftheirMajesties\'tablewerethoseoftheirimperialhighnesses，ofthediplomaticcorps，oftheministersandgrandofficers，andlastlythatoftheladiesofhonor。Atnighttherewasgivenareception，concert，andball。Thedayafterthedistributionoftheeagles，hisimperialhighnessPrinceJosephpresentedtohisMajestythepresidentsoftheelectoralcollegesofthedepartments；andthepresidentsofthecollegesofthearrondissementsandtheirprefectswerenextintroduced，andreceivedbyhisMajesty。

TheEmperorconversedwiththegreaterpartoftheseofficialsontheneedsofeachdepartment，andthankedthemfortheirzealinassistinghim。Thenherecommendedtothemespeciallytheexecutionoftheconscriptlaw。“Withoutconscription，“saidhisMajesty，“weshouldhaveneitherpowernornationalindependence。AllEuropeissubjecttoconscription。Oursuccessandthestrengthofourpositiondependonourhavinganationalarmy，anditisnecessarytomaintainthisadvantagewiththegreatestcare。“

Thesepresentationsoccupiedseveraldays，duringwhichhisMajestyreceivedinturn，andalwayswiththesameceremonial，thepresidentsofthehighcourtsofjustice，thepresidentsofthecouncils-generalofdepartments，thesubprefects，thedeputiesofthecolonies，themayorsofthethirty-sixprincipalcities，thepresidentsofthecantons，thevice-

presidentsofthechambersofcommerce，andthepresidentsoftheconsistories。

SomedayslaterthecityofParisgave，inhonoroftheirMajesties，afetewhosebrillianceandmagnificencesurpassedanydescriptionthatcouldpossiblybegiven。OnthisoccasiontheEmperor，theEmpress，andtheprincesJosephandLouis，rodetogetherinthecoronationcarriage；

andbatteriesplaceduponthePont-NeufannouncedthemomentatwhichtheirMajestiesbegantoascendthestepsoftheHoteldeVille。Atthesametime，buffetswithpiecesoffowlandfountainsofwineattractedanimmensecrowdtothechiefsquaresofeachofthetwelvemunicipalitiesofParis，almosteveryindividualofwhichhadhisshareinthedistributionofeatables，thankstotheprecautionwhichtheauthoritiestookofdistributingtononeexceptthosewhopresentedtickets。ThefrontoftheHoteldeVillewasbrilliantwithcoloredlamps；butwhatseemedtomethefinestpartofthewholedisplaywasavesselpiercedforeightycannon，whosedecks，masts，sails，andcordageweredistinctlyoutlinedincoloredlights。Thecrowningpieceofall，whichtheEmperorhimselfsetoff，representedtheSaint-Bernardasavolcanoineruption，inthemidstofglacierscoveredwithsnow。InitappearedtheEmperor，gloriousinthelight，seatedonhishorseattheheadofhisarmy，climbingthesteepsummitofthemountain。Morethansevenhundredpersonsattendedtheball，andyettherewasnoconfusion。TheirMajestieswithdrewearly。TheEmpress，onenteringtheapartmentpreparedforherattheHoteldeVille，hadfoundthereamostmagnificenttoilets-service，allingold。AfteritwasbroughttotheTuileriesitwasformanydaysherMajesty\'schiefsourceofentertainmentandsubjectofconversation。Shewishedeveryonetoseeandadmireit；and，intruth，noonewhosawitcouldfailtodoso。

TheirMajestiesgavepermissionthatthis，withaservicewhichthecityhadpresentedtotheEmperor，shouldbeplacedonexhibitionforseveraldays，forthegratificationofthepublic。

Afterthefireworksasuperbballoonwassentup，thewholecircumferenceofwhich，withthebasket，andtheropeswhichattachedittotheballoon，weredecoratedwithcountlessfestoonsofcoloredlights。Thisenormousbodyofcoloredfirerisingslowlyandmajesticallyintotheairwasamagnificentspectacle。ItremainedsuspendedforawhileexactlyoverthecityofParis，asiftowaittillpubliccuriositywasfullysatisfied，then，havingreachedaheightatwhichitencounteredamorerapidcurrentofair，itsuddenlydisappeared，drivenbythewindtowardsthesouth。Afteritsdisappearanceitwasthoughtofnomore，butfifteendayslateraverysingularincidentrecalledittopublicattention。

WhileIwasdressingtheEmperorthefirstdayoftheyear，orthedaybefore，oneofhisministerswasintroduced；andtheEmperorhavinginquiredthenewsinParis，ashealwaysdidofthosewhomhesawearlyinthemorning，theministerreplied，“IsawCardinalCapraralateyesterdayevening，andIlearnedfromhimaverysingularcircumstance。“——

“Whatwasit？aboutwhat？“andhisMajesty，imaginingdoubtlessthatitwassomepoliticalincident，waspreparingtocarryoffhisministerintohiscabinet，beforehavingcompletedhistoilet，whenhisExcellencyhastenedtoadd，“Oh，itisnothingveryserious，Sire！YourMajestydoubtlessremembersthattheyhavebeendiscussinglatelyinthecircleofherMajestytheEmpressthechagrinofpoorGarnerin，whohasnotsucceededuptothistimeinfindingtheballoonwhichhesentuponthedayofthefetegiventoyourMajestybythecityofParis。Hehasatlastreceivednewsofhisballoon。“——“Wherediditfall？“askedtheEmperor。“AtRome，Sire！“——“Ah，thatisreallyverysingular。“——“Yes，Sire；Garnerin\'sballoonhasthus，intwenty-fourhours，shownyourimperialcrowninthetwocapitalsoftheworld。“ThentheministerrelatedtohisMajestythefollowingdetails，whichwerepublishedatthetime，butwhichIthinksufficientlyinterestingtoberepeatedhere。

Garnerinhadattachedtohisballoonthefollowingnotice:

“TheballooncarryingthisletterwassentupatParisontheeveningofthe25thFrimaire(Dec。16)byMonsieurGarnerin，specialaeronautofhisMajestytheEmperorofRussia，andordinaryaeronautoftheFrenchgovernment，ontheoccasionofafetegivenbythecityofParistotheEmperorNapoleon，celebratinghiscoronation。WhoeverfindsthisballoonwillpleaseinformM。Garnerin，whowillgotothespot。“

Theaeronautexpected，doubtless，toreceivenoticenextdaythathisballoonhadfallenintheplainofSaint-Denis，orinthatofGrenelle；

foritistobepresumedthathehardlydreamedofgoingtoRomewhenheengagedtogotothespot。Morethanfifteendayspassedbeforehereceivedtheexpectednotice；andhehadprobablygivenuphisballoonaslost，whentherecamethefollowingletterfromthenuncioofhisHoliness:

“CardinalCapraraischargedbyhisExcellencyCardinalGonsalvi，SecretaryofStateofHisHoliness，toremittoM。GarnerinacopyofaletterdatedDec。18。Hehastenstosendit，andalsotoaddacopyofthenotewhichaccompaniedit。ThecardinalalsotakesthisoccasiontoassureMonsieurGarnerinofhishighestesteem。“

Tothisletterwasaddedatranslationofthereportmadetothecardinal，secretaryofstateatRome，bytheDukeofMondragone，anddatedfromAnguillora，nearRome，Dec。18:

“Yesterdayeveningabouttwenty-fouro\'clocktherepassedthroughtheairaglobeofastonishingsize，whichfelluponLakeBracciano，andhadtheappearanceofahouse。Boatmenweresenttobringittoland；buttheywerenotabletodoso，asahighwindprevailed，accompaniedbysnow。Thismorningearlytheysucceededinbringingitashore。Thisglobeisofoiledsilk，coveredwithnetting，andthewiregalleryisalittlebroken。Itseemstohavebeenlightedbylampsandcoloredlanterns，ofwhichmuchdebrisremains。

Attachedtotheglobewasfoundthefollowingnotice“(whichisgivenabove)。

Thusweseethatthisballoon，whichleftParisatseveno\'clockontheeveningofDec。16，hadfallennextday，the17th，nearRome，attwenty-

fouro\'clock，thatistosay，atsunset。IthadcrossedFrance，theAlps，etc。，andpassedoveraspaceofmorethanthreehundredleaguesintwenty-twohours，itsrateofspeedbeingthenfifteenleagues(45miles)

perhour；and，whatrendersthisstillmoreremarkable，isthefactthatitsweightwasincreasedbydecorationsweighingfivehundredpounds。

Anaccountoftheformertripsofthisballoonwillnotbewithoutinterest。ItsfirstascensionwasmadeinthepresenceoftheirPrussianMajestiesandthewholecourt，uponwhichoccasionitcarriedM。

Garnerin，hiswife，andM。Gaertner，anddescendeduponthefrontiersofSaxony。

ThesecondascensionwasatSt。Petersburg，inthepresenceoftheEmperor，thetwoEmpresses，andthecourt，carryingMonsieurandMadameGarnerin；anditfellashortdistanceoffinamarsh。ThiswasthefirstballoonascensioneverseeninRussia。

ThethirdtrialwasalsoatSt。Petersburg，inthepresenceoftheimperialfamily。M。Garnerinascended，accompaniedbyGeneralSuolf；andthetwotravelersweretransportedacrosstheGulfofFriedlandinthree-

quartersofanhour，anddescendedatKrasnoe-selo，twenty-fiveverstsfromSt。Petersburg。ThefourthtrialtookplaceatMoscow，andGarnerinascendedmorethanfourthousandtoises[24，000ft。]Hehadmanyharrowingexperiences，andattheendofsevenhoursdescendedthreehundredandthirtyversts[200miles]fromMoscow，intheneighborhoodoftheoldfrontiersofRussia。ThissameballoonwasagainusedattheascensionwhichMadameGarnerinmadeatMoscowwithMadameToucheninolf，inthemidstofafrightfulstorm，andamidflashesoflightningwhichkilledthreemenwithinthreehundredpacesoftheballoon，attheveryinstantoftheascension。Theseladiesdescendedwithoutaccidenttwenty-oneverstsfromMoscow。

ThecityofParisgaveagratuityofsixhundredfrancstotheboatmenwhohaddrawnoutofLakeBraccianotheballoon，whichwasbroughtbacktoParis，andplacedinthemuseumoftheHoteldeVille。

IwasawitnessthatsamedayofthekindnesswithwhichtheEmperorreceivedthepetitionofapoorwoman，anotary\'swife，Ibelieve，whosehusbandhadbeencondemnedonaccountofsomecrime，Iknownotwhat，toalongimprisonment。AsthecarriageoftheirImperialMajestiespassedbeforethePalais-Royal，twowomen，onealreadyold，theothersixteenorseventeenyearsofage，sprangtothedoor，crying，“Pardonformyhusband，pardonformyfather。“

TheEmperorimmediately，inaloudtone，gavetheordertostophiscarriage，andheldouthishandforthepetitionwhichtheolderofthetwowomenwouldgivetonoonebuthim，atthesametimeconsolingherwithkindwords，andshowingamosttouchinginterestlestshemightbehurtbythehorsesofthemarshalsoftheempire，whowereoneachsideofthecarriage。Whilethiskindnessofhisaugustbrotherwasexcitingtothehighestpitchtheenthusiasmandsensibilitiesofthewitnessesofthisscene，PrinceLouis，seatedonthefrontseatofthecarriage，alsoleanedout，tryingtoreassurethetremblingyounggirl，andurginghertocomforthermother，andcountwithcertaintyontheEmperor\'sfavorableconsideration。Themotheranddaughter，overcomebytheiremotion，couldmakenoreply；andasthecortegepassedon，Isawtheformeronthepointoffallinginaswoon。Shewascarriedintoaneighboringhouse，wheresherevived，andwithherdaughtershedtearsofgratitudeandjoy。

TheCorpsLegislatifhaddecreedthatastatue，inwhitemarble，shouldbeerectedtotheEmperorintheirassemblyhall，tocommemoratethecompletionoftheCivilCode。Onthedayoftheunveilingofthismonument，herMajestytheEmpress，theprincesJoseph，Louis，Borghese，Bacciochi，andtheirwives，withothermembersoftheimperialfamily，deputationsoftheprincipalordersofthestate，thediplomaticcorps，andmanyforeignersofdistinction，themarshalsoftheempire，andaconsiderablenumberofgeneralofficers，assembledatseveno\'clockintheeveningatthepalaceoftheLegislativeCorps。

AstheEmpressappearedinthehall，theentireassemblyrose，andabandofmusic，stationedintheneighboringstand，renderedthewell-knownchorusfromGluck，“Howmanycharms！Whatmajesty！“Scarcelyhadthefirststrainsofthischorusbeenheardthaneachonewasstruckwiththehappycoincidence，andapplauseburstforthfromallsides。

Byinvitationofthepresident，MarshalsMuratandMassenaunveiledthestatue；andalleyeswerefixedonthisimageoftheEmperor，hisbrowsencircledwithacrownoflaurel，andentwinedwithoakandoliveleaves。

Whensilencehadsucceededtotheacclamationsexcitedbythissight，M。deVaublancmountedthetribune，andpronouncedadiscourse，whichwasloudlyapplaudedintheassembly，whosesentimentsitfaithfullyexpressed。

“Gentlemen，“saidtheorator，“youhavecelebratedthecompletionoftheCivilCodeofFrancebyanactofadmirationandofgratitude；youhaveawardedastatuetotheillustriousprincewhosefirmnessandperseverancehaveledtothecompletionofthatgrandwork，whileatthesametimehisvastintelligencehasshedamostgloriouslightoverthisnobledepartmentofhumaninstitutions。FirstConsulthen，EmperoroftheFrenchto-day，heappearsinthetempleofthelaws，hisheadadornedwithatriumphalcrownasvictoryhassooftenadornedit，whileforetellingthatthisshouldchangetothediademofkings，andcoveredwiththeimperialmantle，nobleattributeofthehighestofdignities。

“Doubtless，onthissolemnday，inpresenceoftheprincesandthegreatofthestate，beforetheaugustpersonwhomtheEmpirehonorsforherbeautifulcharacterevenmorethanforthehighrankofwhichhervirtuesrenderhersoworthy，inthisgloriousfeteinwhichwewouldreuniteallFrance，youwillpermitmyfeeblevoicetoberaisedamoment，andtorecalltoyoubywhatimmortalactionsNapoleonentereduponthiswonderfulcareerofpowerandhonor。

“Ifpraisecorruptsweakminds，itisthenourishmentofgreatsouls；

andthegranddeedsofheroesaretieswhichbindthemtotheircountry。

Torecapitulatethemistosaythatweexpectfromthemacombinationofthosegrandthoughts，thosegeneroussentiments，thosegloriousdeeds，sonoblyrewardedbytheadmirationandgratitudeofthepublic。

“Victoriousinthethreequartersoftheworld，peacemakerofEurope，legislatorofFrance，havingbestowedandaddedprovincestotheEmpire，doesnotthisgloriousrecordsufficetorenderhimworthyatoneandthesametimebothofthisaugusttitleofEmperoroftheFrench，andthismonumenterectedinthetempleofthelaws？AndyetIwouldwishtomakeyouforgetthesebrilliantrecollectionswhichIhavejustrecalled。

Withastrongervoicethanthatwhichsoundedhispraises，Iwouldsaytoyou:erasefromyourmindsthisgloryofthelegislator，thisgloryofthewarrior，andsaytoyourselves，beforethe18thBrumaire，whenfatallawswerepromulgated，andwhenthedestructiveprinciplesproclaimedanewwerealreadydraggingalongmenandthingswitharapiditywhichitwouldsoonhavebeenimpossibletoarrest——whoappearedsuddenlylikeabeneficentstar，whocametoabrogatetheselaws，whofilledupthehalf-

openabyss？Youhavesurvived，eachoneofyou，throughthosethreateningscenes；youlive，andyouoweittohimwhoseimageyounowbehold。You，whoweremiserableoutlaws，havereturned，youbreatheagainthegentleairofyournativeland，youembraceyourchildren，yourwives，yourfriends；andyouoweittothisgreatman。Ispeaknolongerofhisglory，Inolongerbearwitnesstothat；butIinvokehumanityontheoneside，gratitudeontheother；andIdemandofyou，towhomdoyouoweahappinesssogreatsoextraordinary，sounexpected？……Andyou，eachandall，replywithme——tothegreatmanwhoseimagewebehold。“

Thepresidentrepeatedinhisturnasimilareulogium，inverysimilarterms；andfewpersonsthendreamedofthinkingthesepraisesexaggerated，thoughtheiropinionshaveperhapschangedsince。

AftertheceremonytheEmpress，onthearmofthepresident，passedintothehallofconference，whereherMajesty\'stablehadbeenpreparedunderamagnificentdaisofcrimsonsilk，andcoversfornearlythreehundredguestshadbeenlaidbythecatererRobert，inthedifferenthallsofthepalace。Tothedinnersucceededabrilliantball。Themostremarkablethinginthisfetewastheindescribableluxuryofflowersandshrubs，whichmustdoubtlesshavebeencollectedatgreatexpense，owingtotheseverityofthewinter。ThehallsofLucreceandofLaReunion，inwhichthedancingquadrilleswereformed，resembledanimmenseparterreofroses，laurel，lilac，jonquils，lilies，andjessamine。

Itwasthe2dofJanuary，1805，exactlyamonthafterthecoronation，thatIformedwiththeeldestdaughterofM。Charvetaunionwhichhasbeen，andwillItrusteverbe，thegreatesthappinessofmylife。I

promisedthereadertosayverylittleofmyself；and，infact，howcouldhebeinterestedinanydetailsofmyownprivatelifewhichdidnotthrowadditionallightuponthecharacterofthegreatmanaboutwhomI

haveundertakentowrite？Nevertheless，Iwillaskpermissiontoreturnforalittlewhiletothis，themostinterestingofallperiodstome，andwhichexertedsuchaninfluenceuponmywholelife。Surelyhewhorecallsandrelateshissouvenirsisnotforbiddentoattachsomeimportancetothosewhichmostnearlyconcernhimself。Moreover，eveninthemostpersonaleventsofmylife，therewereinstancesinwhichtheirMajestiestookapart，andwhich，fromthatfact，areofimportanceinenablingthereadertoformacorrectestimateofthecharactersofboththeEmperorandtheEmpress。

Mywife\'smotherhadbeenpresentedtoMadameBonaparteduringthefirstcampaigninItaly，andshehadbeenpleasedwithher；forMadameBonaparte，whowassoperfectlygood，had，inherownexperience，alsoenduredtrials，andknewhowtosympathizewiththesorrowsofothers。

ShepromisedtointeresttheGeneralinthefateofmyfather-in-law，whohadjustlosthisplaceinthetreasury。DuringthistimeMadameCharvetwasincorrespondencewithafriendofherhusband，whowas，Ithink，thecourierofGeneralBonaparte；andthelatterhavingopenedandreadtheselettersaddressedtohiscourier，inquiredwhowasthisyoungwomanthatwrotesuchinterestingandintelligentletters，andMadameCharvetwelldeservedthisdoublepraise。Myfather-in-law\'sfriend，whilereplyingtothequestionoftheGeneral-in-chief，tookoccasiontorelatethemisfortunesofthefamily，andtheGeneralremarkedthat，onhisreturntoParis，hewishedtomeetM。andMadameCharvet；inconsequenceofwhichtheywerepresentedtohim，andMadameBonaparterejoicedtolearnthatherprotegeeshadalsobecomethoseofherhusband。IthadbeendecidedthatM。CharvetshouldfollowtheGeneraltoEgypt；butwhenmyfather-in-lawarrivedatToulon，MadameBonaparterequestedthatheshouldaccompanyhertothewatersofPlombieres。IhavepreviouslyrelatedtheaccidentwhichoccurredatPlombieres，andthatM。CharvetwassenttoSaint-GermaintobringMademoiselleHortensefromtheboarding-schooltohermother。OnhisreturntoParis，M。Charvetsearchedthroughallthesuburbstofindacountry-seat，astheGeneralhadchargedhiswifetopurchaseoneduringhisabsence。

WhenMadameBonapartedecidedonMalmaison，M。Charvet，hiswife，andtheirthreechildrenwereinstalledinthischarmingresidence。

Myfather-in-lawwasveryfaithfultotheinterestsofthesebenefactorsofhisfamily，andMadameCharvetoftenactedasprivatesecretarytoMadameBonaparte。

MademoiselleLouise，whobecamemywife，andMademoiselleZoe，heryoungersister，werefavoritesofMadameBonaparte，especiallythelatter，whopassedmoretimethanLouiseatMalmaison。Thecondescensionoftheirnobleprotectresshadrenderedthischildsofamiliar，thatshesaidthouhabituallytoMadameBonaparte。Onedayshesaidtoher，“Thouarthappy。Thouhastnomammatoscoldtheewhenthoutearestthydresses。“