第8章

CountLucien(Idonotknowinwhatyear)establishedhimselfinthegoodgracesofMademoiselleMeserai，anactressoftheTheatreFrancais，whowasbothprettyandsprightly。Theconquestwasnotdifficult，inthefirstplace，becausethishadneverbeenhercharactertowardsanyone，and，secondly，becausetheartisteknewthegreatwealthofthecount，andbelievedhimtobeprodigal。Thefirstattentionsofherloverconfirmedherinthisopinion，andshedemandedahouse。Heatoncepresentedherwithonerichlyandelegantlyfurnished，thedeedbeingputinherhandsonthedayshetookpossession；andeachvisitofthecountaddedtotheactress\'swardrobeorjewel-casesomenewgifts。Thislastedsomemonths，attheendofwhichLucienbecamedisgustedwithhisbargain，andbegantoconsiderbywhatmeanstobreakitwithoutlosingtoomuch。Amongotherthings，hehadmademademoiselleapresentofapairofgirandoles，containingdiamondsofgreatvalue。Inoneofthelastinterviews，beforethecounthadallowedanysignsofcoldnesstobeseen，heperceivedthegirandolesonthetoilet-tableofhismistress，and，takingtheminhishands，said，“Really，mydear，youdomeinjustice；whydoyounotshowmoreconfidenceinme？Idonotwishyoutowearjewelrysomuchoutofdateasthese。“——“Why，ithasbeenonlysixmonthssinceyougavethemtome。“——“Iknowit；butawomanofgoodtaste，awomanwhorespectsherself，shouldneverwearanythingsixmonthsold。Iwilltaketheear-ringsandsendthemtodeVilliers[hewasthecount\'sjeweler]withorderstomountthemasIwish。“Thecountwastenderlythankedforsodelicateanattention，andputthegirandolesinhispocket，withoneortwonecklaceswhichhadalsobeenhisgift，andwhichdidnotappeartohimsufficientlynewinstyle，andthebreachtookplacebeforeanyofthesehadbeenreturned。

Notwithstandingthis，Mademoisellebelievedherselfwellprovidedforwithherfurnitureandherhouse，untilonemorningthetrueproprietorcametoaskherwishesastomakinganewlease。Sherantoexamineherdeed，whichshehadnotyetthoughttodo，andfoundthatitwassimplyadescriptionoftheproperty，attheendofwhichwasareceiptfortwoyears\'rent。

DuringourstayatGenoatheheatwasinsupportable；fromthistheEmperorsufferedgreatly，sayinghehadneverexperiencedthelikeinEgypt，andundressedmanytimesaday。Hisbedwascoveredwithamosquitonetting，fortheinsectswerenumerousandworrying。Thewindowsofthebedroomlookedoutuponagrandterraceonthemarginofthesea，andfromthemcouldbeseenthegulfandallthesurroundingcountry。Thefetesgivenbythecityweresuperb。Animmensenumberofvesselswerefastenedtogether，andfilledwithorangeandcitrontreesandshrubs，somecoveredwithflowers，somewithfruits，andallcombinedformedamostexquisitefloatinggardenwhichtheirMajestiesvisitedonamagnificentyacht。

OnhisreturntoFrance，theEmperormadenohaltbetweenTurinandFontainebleau。Hetraveledincognito，inthenameoftheministeroftheinterior，andwentatsuchspeedthatateachrelaytheywereobligedtothrowwateronthewheels；butinspiteofthishisMajestycomplainedoftheslownessofthepostilions，andcriedcontinually，“Hurryup！hurryup！wearehardlymoving。“Manyoftheservants\'carriageswere，leftintherear；thoughmineexperiencednodelay，andIarrivedateachrelayatthesametimeastheEmperor。

InascendingthesteephillofTarare，theEmperoralightedfromthecarriage，asdidalsoBerthier，whoaccompaniedhim；thecarriagesofthesuitebeingsomedistancebehind，asthedrivershadstoppedtobreathetheirhorses。

HisMajestysaw，climbingthehillafewstepsbeforehim，anold，decrepitwoman，whohobbledalongwithgreatdifficulty。AstheEmperorapproachedherheinquiredwhy，infirmasshewas，andapparentlysofatigued，sheshouldattempttotravelsodifficultaroad。

“Sir，“repliedshe，“theytellmetheEmperoristopassalonghere，andIwishtoseehimbeforeIdie。“HisMajesty，wholikedtobeamused，saidtoher，“Ah，butwhytroubleyourselfabouthim？Heisatyrant，likealltherest。“Thegoodwoman，indignantatthisremark，angrilyreplied，“Atleast，Sir，heisourchoice；andsincewemusthaveamaster，itisatleastrightthatweshouldchoosehim。“Iwasnotaneye-witnessofthisincident；butIheardtheEmperorhimselfrelateittoDr。Corvisart，withsomeremarksuponthegoodsenseofthemasses，who，accordingtotheopinionofhisMajestyandhischiefdoctor，hadgenerallyformedverycorrectopinions。

CHAPTERXXVII。

HisMajestytheEmperorpassedthemonthofJanuary，1806，atMunichandStuttgard，duringwhich，inthefirstofthesetwocapitals，themarriageofthevice-kingandthePrincessofBavariawascelebrated。Onthisoccasiontherewasasuccessionofmagnificentfetes，ofwhichtheEmperorwasalwaysthehero，andatwhichhishoststried，byeveryvarietyofhomage，toexpresstothisgreatmantheadmirationwithwhichhismilitarygeniusinspiredthem。

Thevice-kingandvice-queenhadnevermetbeforetheirmarriage，butweresoonasmuchattachedtoeachotherasiftheyhadbeenacquaintedforyears，forneverweretwopersonsmoreperfectlycongenial。Noprincess，andindeednomother，couldhavemanifestedmoreaffectionandcareforherchildrenthanthevice-queen；andshemightwellserveasamodelforallwomen。IhavebeentoldanincidentconcerningthisadmirableprincesswhichItakepleasureinrelatinghere。Oneofherdaughters，whowasquiteyoung，havingspokeninaveryharshtonetohermaid，hermostserenehighnessthevice-queenwasinformedofit，andinordertogiveherdaughteralesson，forbadetheservantstorendertheyoungprincessanyservice，ortoreplytoanyofherdemands，fromthattime。Thechildatoncecomplainedtohermother，whotoldhergravelythatwhenanyonereceived，likeher，thecareandattentionofallaroundthem，itwasnecessarytomeritthis，andtoshowherappreciationbyconsiderationandanobligingpoliteness。Thensherequiredhertoaskpardonofthe\'femmedechambre\'，andhenceforwardtospeaktoherpolitely，assuringherthatbythismeansshewouldalwaysobtaincompliancewithallreasonableandjustrequestsshemightmake。

Thechildobeyed；andthelessonwasofsuchbenefittoherthatshebecame，ifgeneralreportistobebelieved，oneofthemostaccomplishedprincessesofEurope。ThereportofherperfectionsspreadabroadeventotheNewWorld，whichcontendedforherwiththeOld，andhasbeenfortunateenoughtoobtainher。Sheisatthistime，Ithink，EmpressofBrazil。

HisMajestytheKingofBavaria，MaximilianJoseph，thenaboutfiftyyearsofage，wasverytall，withanobleandattractivephysiognomyandfascinatingmanners。BeforetheRevolutionhehadbeencolonelofanAlsatianregimentintheserviceofFrance，underthenameofPrinceMaximilian，orPrinceMaxasthesoldierscalledhim，andstationedatStrasburg，whereheleftareputationforeleganceandchivalrousgallantry。Hissubjects，hisfamily，hisservants，everybody，adoredhim。HeoftentooklongwalksthroughthecityofMunichinthemorning，wenttothemarket，inquiredthepriceofgrain，enteredtheshops，spoketoeveryone，especiallythechildren，whomhepersuadedtogotoschool。

Thisexcellentprincedidnotfeartocompromisehisdignitybythesimplicityofhismanners；andhewasright，forIdonotthinkanyoneeverfailedtoshowhimrespect，andthelovewhichheinspiredlessenedinnowisethevenerationwhichwasfeltforhim。SuchwashisdevotiontotheEmperor，thathiskindlyfeelingsextendedeventothepersonswhobytheirfunctionsapproachednearesttohisMajesty，andwereinthebestpositiontoknowhisneedsandwishes。Thus(Idonotrelateitoutofvanity，butinproofofwhatIhavejustsaid)hisMajestytheKingofBavarianevercametoseetheEmperor，thathedidnottakemyhandandinquirefirstafterthehealthofhisImperialMajesty，thenaftermyown，addingmanythingswhichplainlyshowedhisattachmentfortheEmperorandhisnaturalgoodness。

HisMajestytheKingofBavariaisnowinthetomb，likehimwhogavehimathrone；butthistombisstillaroyaltomb，andtheloyalBavarianscancometokneelandweepoverit。TheEmperor，onthecontrary——

[Constantwrotethisbeforethereturn，in1840，oftheashesofNapoleontoreston“thebanksoftheSeine，amidtheFrenchpeoplewhomhelovedsowell，“whereinamassiveurnofporphyry，andbeneaththegildeddomeoftheInvalides，inthemostsplendidtombofthecenturies，sleepsnowthesoldierofLodi，Marengo，Austerlitz，Wagram，andWaterloo——TRANS。]——

ThevirtuousMaximilianwasabletoleavetoaworthysonthescepterwhichhehadreceivedfromhimwhoperishedanexileatSt。Helena。

PrinceLouis，thepresentKingofBavaria，andto-dayperhapsthebestkinginEurope，wasnotsotallashisaugustfather，neitherwashisfacesohandsome；and，unfortunately，hewasafflictedwithanextremedeafness，whichmadehimraisehisvoicewithoutknowingit，andinadditiontothishisutterancewasimpededbyaslightstammering。Thisprincewasgraveandstudious；andtheEmperorrecognizedhismerit，butdidnotrelyuponhisfriendship。Thiswasnotbecausehethoughthimwantinginloyalty，fortheprinceroyalwasabovesuchsuspicion；buttheEmperorwasawarethathebelongedtoapartywhichfearedthesubjectionofGermany，andwhosuspectedthattheFrench，althoughtheyhadsofarattackedonlyAustria，hadideasofconquestoveralltheGermanpowers。

However，whatIhavejuststatedinregardtotheprinceroyalrelatesonlytotheyearssubsequentto1806；forIamcertainthatatthatepochhissentimentsdidnotdifferfromthoseofthegoodMaximilian，whowas，asIhavesaid，fullofgratitudetotheEmperor。PrinceLouiscametoParisatthebeginningofthisyear；andIsawhimmanytimesatthecourttheaterintheboxoftheprincearch-chancellor，wheretheybothsleptincompanyandveryprofoundly。ThiswasalsosuchahabitwithCambaceres，thatwhentheEmperoraskedforhim，andwastoldthatmonseigneurwasatthetheater，hereplied，“Verywell，verywell；heistakinghissiesta；letusnotdisturbhim！“

TheKingofWurtemburgwaslarge，andsofatthatitwassaidofhimGodhadputhimintheworldtoprovehowfartheskinofamancouldbestretched。Hisstomachwasofsuchdimensionsthatitwasfoundnecessarytomakeabroad，roundincisioninfrontofhisseatatthetable；andyet，notwithstandingthisprecaution，hewasobligedtoholdhisplateonalevelwithhischintodrinkhissoup。Hewasveryfondofhunting，eitheronhorseback，orinalittleRussiancarriagedrawnbyfourhorses，whichheoftendrovehimself。Hewasfondofhorsebackriding，butitwasnoeasytasktofindamountofsizeandstrengthsufficienttocarrysoheavyaburden。Itwasnecessarythatthepooranimalshouldbeprogressivelytrained；andinordertoaccomplishthistheking\'sequerryfastenedroundthehorseagirthloadedwithpiecesoflead，increasingtheweightdailytillitequalledthatofhisMajesty。

Thekingwasdespotic，hard，andevencruel，everreadytosignthesentenceofthecondemned，andinalmostallcases，ifwhatissaidatStuttgartbetrue，increasedthepenaltyinflictedbythejudges。Hardtoplease，andbrutal，heoftenstruckthepeopleofhishousehold；anditisevensaidthathedidnotspareherMajestythequeen，hiswife，whowasasisterofthepresentKingofEngland。Notwithstandingallthis，hewasaprincewhoseknowledgeandbrilliantmindtheEmperoresteemed；fortheyhadamutualaffectionforeachother，andhefoundhimfaithfultohisalliancetotheveryend。KingFredericofWurtemburghadabrilliantandnumerouscourt，atwhichhedisplayedgreatmagnificence。

Thehereditaryprincewasmuchbeloved；hewaslesshaughtyandmorehumanethanhisfather，andwassaidtobejustandliberal。

Besidesthosecrownedbyhishand，theEmperor，whileinBavaria，receivedagreatnumberoftheprincesoftheConfederation；andtheyusuallydinedwithhisMajesty。Inthiscrowdofroyalcourtierstheprinceprimatewasnoticeable，whodifferedinnothingastomanners，bearing，anddressfromthemostfashionablegentlemenofParis。TheEmperorpaidhimspecialattention。Icannotpaythesameeulogytothetoiletoftheprincesses，duchesses，andothernobleladies；formostofthemdressedinexceedinglybadtaste，and，displayingneitherartnorgrace，coveredtheirheadswithplumes，bitsofgold，andsilvergauze，fastenedwithagreatquantityofdiamond-headedpins。

TheequipagestheGermannobilityusedwereallverylargecoaches，whichwereanecessityfromtheenormoushoopsstillwornbythoseladies；andthisadherencetoantiquatedfashionswasallthemoresurprising，becauseatthattimeGermanyenjoyedthegreatadvantageofpossessingtwofashionjournals。OnewasthetranslationofthemagazinepublishedbyMesangere；andtheother，alsoeditedatParis，wastranslatedandprintedatMannheim。Theseridiculouscarriages，whichmuchresembledourancientdiligences，weredrawnbyveryinferiorhorses，harnessedwithropes，andplacedsofarapartthatanimmensespacewasneededtoturnthecarriage。

ThePrinceofSaxe-Gothawaslongandthin。Inspiteofhisgreatage，hewasenoughofadandytoorderatParis，fromourhairdresserMichalon，someprettylittlewigsofyouthfulblonde，curledlikethehairofCupid；but，apartfromthis，hewasanexcellentman。I

recollect，aproposofthenobleGermanladies，tohaveseenatthecourttheateratFontainebleauaprincessoftheConfederationwhowasbeingpresentedtotheirMajesties。ThetoiletofherHighnessannouncedanimmenseprogressintheeleganceofcivilizationbeyondtheRhine；for，renouncingtheGothichoops，theprincesshadadoptedtheverylatestfashions，and，thoughnearlyseventyyearsofage，woreadressofblacklaceoverredsatin，andhercoiffureconsistedofawhitemuslinveil，fastenedbyawreathofroses，inthestyleofthevestalsoftheopera。

Shehadwithheragranddaughter，brilliantwiththecharmofyouth，andadmiredbythewholecourt，althoughhercostumewaslessstylishthanthatofhergrandmother。

IheardherMajesty，theEmpressJosephine，relateonedaythatshehadmuchdifficultyinrepressingasmilewhen，amonganumberofGermanprincessespresentedtoher，onewasannouncedunderthenameofCunegonde——[CunegondewasthemistressofCandideinVoltaire\'snovelofCandide。]——HerMajestyaddedthat，whenshesawtheprincesstakeherseat，sheimaginedshesawherleantooneside。AssuredlytheEmpresshadreadtheadventuresofCandideandthedaughteroftheverynoblebaronofThunder-Ten-Trunck。

AtParis，inthespringof1806，IsawalmostasmanymembersoftheConfederationasIhadseeninthecapitalsofBavariaandWurtemburg。

AFrenchnamehadtheprecedenceamongthesenamesofforeignprinces。

ItwasthatofPrinceMurat，whointhemonthofMarchwasmadeGrand-

dukeofBergandCleves。AfterPrinceLouisofBavaria，arrivedthehereditaryprinceofBaden，whocametoParistomarryanieceoftheEmpress。

Atthebeginningthisunionwasnothappy。ThePrincessStephanie(deBeauharnais)wasaveryprettywoman，gracefulandwitty；andtheEmperorhadwishedtomakeagreatladyofher，andhadmarriedherwithoutconsultingherwishes。PrinceCharles-Louis-Fredericwasthentwentyyearsofage，andthoughexceedinglygood，brave，andgenerous，andpossessingmanyadmirabletraits，washeavyandphlegmatic，evermaintaininganicygravity，andentirelydestituteofthequalitieswhichwouldattractayoungprincessaccustomedtothebrillianteleganceoftheimperialcourt。

ThemarriagetookplaceinApril，tothegreatsatisfactionoftheprince，whothatdayappearedtodoviolencetohisusualgravity，andevenallowedasmiletoapproachhislips。Thedaypassedoffverywell；

but，whenthetimecameforretiring，theprincessrefusedtolethimshareherroom，andforeightdayswasinexorable。

Hewastoldthattheprincessdidnotlikethearrangementofhishair，andthatnothinginspiredherwithmoreaversionthanaqueue；uponwhichthegoodprincehastenedtohavehishaircutclose，butwhenshesawhimthusshorn，shelaughedimmoderately，andexclaimedthathewasmoreuglyalaTitusthanhewasbefore。Itwasimpossiblethattheintelligenceandthekindheartoftheprincesscouldfailtoappreciatethegoodandsolidqualitiesofherhusband；shelearnedtolovehimastenderlyasshewasloved，andIamassuredthattheaugustcouplelivedonexcellentterms。

Threemonthsafterthismarriage，theprincelefthiswifetofollowtheEmperor，firstonthecampaigninPrussia，andafterwardsinPoland。Thedeathofhisgrandfather，whichhappenedsometimeaftertheAustriancampaignof1809，puthiminpossessionofthegrandduchy，whereuponheresignedthecommandofhistroopstohisuncletheCountofHochberg，andreturnedtohisgovernment，nevermoretoleaveit。

IsawhimagainwiththeprincessatErfurt，wheretheytoldmehehadbecomejealousoftheEmperorAlexander，whopaidassiduouscourttohiswife；atwhichtheprincetookalarmandabruptlyleftErfurt，carryingwithhimtheprincess，ofwhomitmustinjusticebesaidthattherehadbeenonherpartnottheslightestimprudencetoarousethisjealousy，whichseemsverypardonable，however，inthehusbandofsocharmingawoman。

Theprince\'shealthwasalwaysdelicate，andfromhisearliestyouthalarmingsymptomshadbeennoticedinhim；andthisphysicalconditionwasnodoubt，inagreatmeasure，themainsourceofthemelancholywhichmarkedhischaracter。Hediedin1818，afteraverylongandpainfulillness，duringwhichhiswifenursedhimwiththemostaffectionatecare，leavingfourchildren，twosonsandtwodaughters。Thetwosonsdiedyoung，andwouldhaveleftthegrandduchyofBadenwithoutheirs，iftheCountsHochberghadnotbeenrecognizedasmembersoftheducalfamily。Thegrand-duchessisto-daydevotingherlifetotheeducationofherdaughters，whopromisetoequalheringracesandvirtues。ThenuptialsofthePrinceandPrincessofBadenwerecelebratedbybrilliantfetes；atRambouillettookplaceagreathunting-

party，inwhichtheirMajesties，withmanymembersoftheirfamily，andalltheprincesofBaden，Cleves，etc。，traversedonfoottheforestsofRambouillet。

Irecollectanotherhunting-party，whichtookplaceaboutthesametimeintheforestofSaint-Germain，towhichtheEmperorinvitedtheambassadoroftheSublimePorte，thenjustarrivedatParis。HisTurkishExcellencyfollowedthechasewithardor，butwithoutmovingamuscleofhisausterecountenance。Theanimalhavingbeenbroughttobay，hisMajestyhadagunhandedtotheTurkishambassador，thathemighthave，thehonoroffiringthefirstshot；butherefused，notconceiving，doubtless，thatanypleasurecouldbefoundinslayingatshortrangeapoor，exhaustedanimal，whonolongerhadthepowertoprotectitself，evenbyflight。

CHAPTERXXVIII。

TheEmperorremainedonlyafewdaysatParis，afterourreturnfromItaly，beforesettingoutagainforthecampofBoulogne。ThefetesofMilanhadnotpreventedhimfrommaturinghispoliticalplans，anditwassuspectedthatnotwithoutgoodreasonhadhebrokendownhishorsesbetweenTurinandParis。Thesereasonswereplainlyevident，whenitwaslearnedthatAustriahadenteredsecretlyintothecoalitionofRussiaandEnglandagainsttheEmperor。ThearmycollectedinthecampofBoulognereceivedorderstomarchontheRhine，andhisMajestydepartedtorejoinhistroopsabouttheendofSeptember。Aswashiscustom，heinformedusonlyanhourinadvanceofhisdeparture；anditwascurioustoobservethecontrastoftheconfusionwhichprecededthismomentwiththesilencethatfollowedit。Hardlywastheordergiven，thaneachonebusiedhimselfhastilywithhisownwantsandthoseofhisMajesty；andnothingcouldbeheardinthecorridorsbutthesoundofdomesticscomingandgoing，thenoiseofcasesbeingnaileddown，andboxesbeingcarriedout。Inthecourtsappearedagreatnumberofcarriagesandwagons，withmenharnessingthem，thescenelightedbytorches，andeverywhereoathsandcriesofimpatience；whilethewomen，eachinherownroom，weresadlyoccupiedwiththedepartureofhusband，son，orbrother。DuringallthesepreparationstheEmperorwasmakinghisadieuxtoherMajestytheEmpress，ortakingafewmomentsofrepose；butattheappointedhourherose，wasdressed，andenteredhiscarriage。Soonaftereverythingwassilentinthechateau，andonlyafewisolatedpersonscouldbeseenflittingaboutlikeshadows；silencehadsucceededtonoise，solitudetothebustleofabrilliantandnumerouscourt。Nextmorningthisdeepsilencewasbrokenonlybyafewscatteredwomenwhosoughteachotherwithpalefacesandeyesfulloftears，tocommunicatetheirgriefandsharetheirapprehensions。Manycourtiers，whowerenotoftheparty，arrivedtomaketheircourt，andwerestupefiedonlearningofhisMajesty\'sabsence，feelingasifthesuncouldnothaverisenthatday。

TheEmperorwentwithouthaltingasfarasStrasburg；andthedayafterhisarrivalinthistown，thearmybegantofileoutoverthebridgeofKehl。

Ontheeveningbeforethismarch，theEmperorhadorderedthegeneralofficerstobeonthebanksoftheRhineonthefollowingday，atexactlysixinthemorning。Anhourbeforethatsetfortherendezvous，hisMajesty，notwithstandingtherainwhichfellintorrents，wentalonetotheheadofthebridge，toassurehimselfoftheexecutionoftheordershehadgiven，andstoodexposedtothisrainwithoutmoving，tillthefirstdivisionscommencedtofileoutoverthebridge。Hewassodrenchedthatthedropswhichfellfromhisclothingrandownunderhishorse，andthereformedalittlewaterfall；andhiscockedhatwassowetthatthebackofitdroopedoverhisshoulders，likethelargefelthatsofthecoal-burnersofParis。Thegeneralswhomhewasawaitinggatheredaroundhim；andwhenhesawthemassembled，hesaid，“Allgoeswell，messieurs；thisisanewsteptakeninthedirectionofourenemies；butwhereisVandamme？Whyishenothere？Canhebedead？“Noonesaidaword。“Answerme，whathasbecomeofVandamme？“GeneralChardon，generalofthevanguard，muchlovedbytheEmperor，replied，“Ithink，Sire，thatGeneralVandammeisstillasleep；wedranktogetherlasteveningadozenbottlesofRhinewine，anddoubtless“——“Hedoesverywelltodrink，sir；butheiswrongtosleepwhenIamwaitingforhim。“

GeneralChardonpreparedtosendanaide-de-camptohiscompanioninarms；buttheEmperorpreventedhim，saying，“LetVandammesleep；Iwillspeaktohimlater。“AtthismomentGeneralVandammeappeared。“Well，hereyouare，sir；youseemtohaveforgottentheorderthatIgaveyesterday。“——“Sire，thisisthefirsttimethishashappened，and“——

“Andtoavoidarepetitionofit，youwillgoandfightunderthebanneroftheKingofWurtemburg；Ihopeyouwillgivethemlessonsinsobriety。“

GeneralVandammewithdrew，notwithoutgreatchagrin，andrepairedtothearmyofWurtemburg，whereheperformedprodigiesofvalor。AfterthecampaignhereturnedtotheEmperor，hisbreastcoveredwithdecorations，bearingaletterfromtheKingofWurtemburgtohisMajesty，who，afterreadingit，saidtoVandamme:“General，neverforgetthat，ifIadmirethebrave，IdonotadmirethosewhosleepwhileIawaitthem。“Hepressedthegeneral\'shand，andinvitedhimtobreakfast，incompanywithGeneralChardon，whowasasmuchgratifiedbythisreturntofavoraswashisfriend。

OnthejourneytoAugsburg，theEmperor，whohadsetoutinadvance，madesuchspeedthathishouseholdcouldnotkeepupwithhim；andconsequentlyhepassedthenight，withoutattendantsorbaggage，inthebesthouseofaverypoorvillage。WhenwereachedhisMajestynextday，hereceiveduslaughing，andthreatenedtohaveustakenupasstragglersbytheprovostguard。

FromAugsburgtheEmperorwenttothecampbeforeUlm，andmadepreparationstobesiegethatplace。

AshortdistancefromthetownafierceandobstinateengagementtookplacebetweentheFrenchandAustrians，andhadlastedtwohours，whencriesof\'Vivel\'Empereur！\'weresuddenlyheard。Thisname，whichinvariablycarriedterrorintotheenemy\'sranks，andalwaysimpartedfreshcouragetooursoldiers，nowelectrifiedthemtosuchanextentthattheyputtheAustrianstoflight，whiletheEmperorshowedhimselfinthefrontranks，crying“Forward，“andmakingsignstothesoldierstoadvance，hisMajesty\'shorsedisappearingfromtimetotimeinthesmokeofthecannon。Duringthisfuriouscharge，theEmperorfoundhimselfnearagrenadierwhowasterriblywounded；andyetthisbravefellowstillshoutedwiththeothers，“Forward！forward！“

TheEmperordrewnearhim，andthrewhismilitarycloakoverhim，saying，“Trytobringitbacktome，andIwillgiveyouinexchangethecrossthatyouhavejustwon。“Thegrenadier，whoknewthathewasmortallywounded，repliedthattheshroudhehadjustreceivedwasworthasmuchasthedecoration，andexpired，wrappedintheimperialmantle。

Atthecloseofthebattle，theEmperorhadthisgrenadier，whowasalsoaveteranofthearmyofEgypt，bornefromthefield，andorderedthatheshouldbeinterredinthecloak。

Anothersoldier，notlesscourageousthantheoneofwhomIhavejustspoken，alsoreceivedfromhisMajestymarksofdistinction。ThedayafterthecombatbeforeUlm，theEmperor，invisitingtheambulances，hadhisattentionattractedbya，cannoneeroflightartillery，whohadlostoneleg，butinspiteofthiswasstillshoutingwithallhismight，\'Vivel\'Empereur！\'Heapproachedthesoldierandsaidtohim，“Isthis，then，allthatyouhavetosaytome？“——“No，Sire，IcanalsotellyouthatI，Ialone，havedismountedfourpiecesoftheAustriancannon；anditisthepleasureofseeingthemsilencedwhichmakesmeforgetthatI

mustsoonclosemyeyesforever。“TheEmperor，movedbysuchfortitude，gavehiscrosstothecannoneer，notedthenamesofhisparents，andsaidtohim，“Ifyourecover，theHoteldesInvalidesisatyourservice。“

“Thanks，Sire，butthelossofbloodhasbeentoogreat；mypensionwillnotcostyouverydear；IknowwellthatImustsoonbeoffduty，butlonglivetheEmperorallthesame！“Unfortunatelythisbravemanrealizedhisrealconditiononlytoowell，forhedidnotsurvivetheamputationofhisleg。

WefollowedtheEmperorintoUlmaftertheoccupationofthatplace，andsawahostilearmyofmorethanthirtythousandmenlaydowntheirarmsatthefeetofhisMajesty，astheydefiledbeforehim；andIhaveneverbeheldamoreimposingsight。TheEmperorwasseatedonhishorse，afewstepsinfrontofhisstaff，hiscountenancewearingacalmandgraveexpression，inspiteofwhichthejoywhichfilledhisheartwasapparentinhisglance。

HeraisedhishateverymomenttoreturnthesalutesofthesuperiorofficersoftheAustriantroops。WhentheImperialGuardenteredAugsburg，eightygrenadiersmarchedattheheadofthecolumns，eachbearingabanneroftheenemy。

TheEmperor，onhisarrivalatMunich，waswelcomedwiththegreatestrespectbyhisally，theElectorofBavaria。HisMajestywentseveraltimestothetheaterandthehunt，andgaveaconcerttotheladiesofthecourt。Itwas，ashasbeensinceascertained，duringthisstayoftheEmperoratMunichthattheEmperorAlexanderandtheKingofPrussiapledgedthemselvesatPotsdam，onthetombofFredericktheGreat，tounitetheireffortsagainsthisMajesty。

AyearlaterNapoleonalsomadeavisittothetombofthegreatFrederick。

ThetakingofUlmhadfinishedtheconquestoftheAustrians，andopenedtotheEmperorthegatesofVienna:butmeanwhiletheRussianswereadvancingbyforcedmarchestothehelpoftheirallies；hisMajestyhastenedtomeetthem，andthe1stofDecemberthetwohostilearmiesfoundthemselvesfacetoface。ByoneofthosehappycoincidencesmadeonlyfortheEmperor，thedayofthebattleofAusterlitzwasalsotheanniversaryofthecoronation。

IdonotrememberwhytherewasnotentfortheEmperoratAusterlitz；

butthesoldiersmadeakindofbarrackoflimbsoftrees，withanopeninginthetopforthepassageofthesmoke。HisMajesty，thoughhehadonlystrawforhisbed，wassoexhaustedafterhavingpassedthedayonhorsebackontheheightsofSanton，thatontheeveofthebattlehewassleepingsoundly，whenGeneralSavary，oneofhisaides-de-camp，entered，togiveanaccountofthemissionwithwhichhehadbeencharged；andthegeneralwasobligedtotouchhisshoulder，andshakehim，inordertorousehim。Hethenrose，andmountedhishorsetovisithisadvanceposts。Thenightwasdark；butthewholecampwaslightedupasifbyenchantment，foreachsoldierputabundleofstrawontheendofhisbayonet，andallthesefirebrandswerekindledinlesstimethanittakestodescribeit。TheEmperorrodealongthewholeline，speakingtothosesoldierswhomherecognized。“Beto-morrowwhatyouhavealwaysbeen，mybravefellows，“saidhe，“andtheRussiansareours；wehavethem！“Theairresoundedwithcriesof\'Vivel\'Empereur\'，andtherewasneitherofficernorsoldierwhodidnotcountonavictorynextday。

HisMajesty，onvisitingthelineofbattle，wheretherehadbeennoprovisionsforforty-eighthours(forthatdaytherehadbeendistributedonlyoneloafofammunitionbreadforeveryeightmen)，saw，whilepassingfrombivouactobivouac，soldiersroastingpotatoesintheashes。

FindinghimselfbeforetheFourthRegimentoftheline，ofwhichhisbrotherwascolonel，theEmperorsaidtoagrenadierofthesecondbattalion，ashetookfromthefireandateoneofthepotatoesofthesquad，“Areyousatisfiedwiththesepigeons？“——“Humph！Theyareatleastbetterthannothing；thoughtheyareverymuchlikeLentenfood。“——“Well，oldfellow，“repliedhisMajestytothesoldier，pointingtothefiresoftheenemy，“helpmetodislodgethoserascalsoverthere，andwewillhaveaMardiGrasatVienna。“

TheEmperorreturnedtohisquarters，wenttobedagain，andsleptuntilthreeo\'clockinthemorning，whilehissuitecollectedaroundabivouacfirenearhisMajesty\'sbarracks，andsleptontheground，wrappedintheircloaks，forthenightwasextremelycold。ForfourdaysIhadnotclosedmyeyes，andIwasjustfallingasleep，whenaboutthreeo\'clocktheEmperoraskedmeforpunch。IwouldhavegiventhewholeempireofAustriatohaverestedanotherhour；butnotwithstandingthis，IcarriedhisMajestythepunch，whichImadebythebivouacfire，andtheEmperorinsistedthatMarshalBerthiershouldalsopartakeofit；theremainderI

dividedwiththeattendants。Betweenfourandfiveo\'clocktheEmperororderedthefirstmovementsofhisarmy，andallwereonfootinafewmoments，andeachathispost；aides-de-campandorderlyofficerswereseengallopinginalldirections，andthebattlewasbegun。

Iwillnotenterintothedetailsofthisgloriousday，which，accordingtotheexpressionoftheEmperorhimself，terminatedthecampaignbyathunderbolt。NotoneoftheplansoftheEmperorfailedinexecution，andinafewhourstheFrenchweremastersofthefieldofbattleandofthewholeofGermany。

ThebraveGeneralRappwaswoundedatAusterlitz，ashewasineverybattleinwhichhetookpart，andwascarriedtothechateauofAusterlitz，wheretheEmperorvisitedhimintheevening，andreturnedtopassthenightinthechateau。

Twodaysafter，theEmperorFrancissoughtanaudienceofhisMajesty，todemandpeace；andbeforetheendofDecemberatreatywasconcluded，bywhich，theElectorofBavariaandtheDukeofWurtemburg，faithfulalliesoftheEmperorNapoleon，weremadekings。Inreturnforthiselevation，ofwhichhealonewastheauthor，hisMajestydemandedandobtainedforPrinceEugene，viceroyofItaly，thehandofthePrincessAugustaAmeliaofBavaria。

DuringhissojournatVienna，theEmperorhadestablishedhisheadquartersatSchoenbrunn，thenameofwhichhasbecomecelebratedbythenumeroussojournsofhisMajestythere，andisto-day，byasingularcoincidence，theresidenceofhisson——[TheDukedeReichstadt，bornKingofRome，diedJuly，1832，soonafterConstantwrote。]

IamnotcertainwhetheritwasduringthisfirstsojournatSchoenbrunnthathisMajestyhadtheextraordinaryencounterthatIshallnowrelate。

HisMajesty，intheuniformofcolonelofthechasseursoftheguard，rodeeverydayonhorseback，andonemorning，whileontheroadtoVienna，sawapproachingaclergyman，accompaniedbyawomanweepingbitterly，whodidnotrecognizehim。Napoleonapproachedthecarriage，andinquiredthecauseofhergrief，andtheobjectandendofherjourney。“Monsieur，“repliedshe，“Iliveatavillagetwoleaguesfromhere，inahousewhichhasbeenpillagedbysoldiers，andmygardenerhasbeenkilled。IamnowonmywaytodemandasafeguardfromyourEmperor，whoknewmyfamilywell，andisundergreatobligationstothem。“——“Whatisyourname，Madame？“——“DeBunny。IamthedaughterofMonsieurdeMarbeuf，formergovernorofCorsica。“——“Iamcharmed，Madame，“repliedNapoleon，“tofindanopportunityofservingyou。IamtheEmperor。“

MadamedeBunnyremainedspeechlesswithastonishment；butNapoleonreassuredher，andcontinuinghisroute，requestedhertogoonandawaithimathisheadquarters。Onhisreturnhereceivedher，andtreatedherwithremarkablekindness，gaveheranescortofthechasseursoftheguard，anddismissedherhappyandsatisfied。

AssoonasthedayofAusterlitzwasgained，theEmperorhastenedtosendthecourierMoustachetoFrancetoannouncethenewstotheEmpress，whowasthenatthechateauofSaint-Cloud。Itwasnineo\'clockintheeveningwhenloudcriesofjoyweresuddenlyheard，andthegallopingofahorseatfullspeed，accompaniedbythesoundofbells，andrepeatedblowsofthewhipwhichannouncedacourier。TheEmpress，whowasawaitingwiththegreatestimpatiencenewsfromthearmy，rushedtothewindow，openedithurriedly，andthewordsvictoryandAusterlitzfellonherears。Eagertoknowthedetails，sherandownthesteps，followedbyherladies；andMoustacheinthemostexcitedmannerrelatedthemarvelousnews，andhandedherMajestytheEmperor\'sletter，whichJosephineread，andthendrawingahandsomediamondringfromherfinger，gaveittothecourier。PoorMoustachehadgallopedmorethanfiftyleaguesthatday，andwassoexhaustedthathehadtobeliftedfromhishorseandplacedinbed，whichitrequiredfourpersonstoaccomplish。

Hislasthorse，whichhehaddoubtlesssparedlessthantheothers，felldeadinthecourtofthechateau。

CHAPTERXXIX。

TheEmperorhavingleftStuttgard，stoppedonlytwenty-fourhoursatCarlsruhe，andforty-eighthoursatStrasburg，andbetweenthatplaceandParismadeonlyshorthalts，withoutmanifestinghiscustomaryhaste，however，orrequiringofthepostilionsthebreak-neckspeedheusuallydemanded。

AswewereascendingthehillofMeaux，andwhiletheEmperorwassoengrossedinreadingabookthathepaidnoattentiontowhatwaspassingontheroad，ayounggirlthrewherselfagainstthedoorofhisMajesty\'scarriage，andclungthereinspiteoftheeffortstoremoveher，notveryvigorousintruth，madebythecavaliersoftheescort。Atlastshesucceededinopeningthedoor，andthrewherselfattheEmperor\'sfeet。

TheEmperor，muchsurprised，exclaimed，“Whatthedevildoesthisfoolishcreaturewantwithme？“Thenrecognizingtheyounglady，afterhavingscrutinizedherfeaturesmoreclosely，headdedinveryevidentanger，“Ah，isityouagain？willyouneverletmealone？“Theyounggirl，withoutbeingintimidatedbythisrudewelcome，saidthroughhersobsthattheonlyfavorshenowcametoaskforherfatherwasthathisprisonmightbechanged，andthathemightberemovedfromtheChateaud\'If，thedampnessofwhichwasruininghishealth，tothecitadelofStrasburg。“No，no，“criedtheEmperor，“don\'tcountonthat。Ihavemanyotherthingstodobesidereceivingvisitsfromyou。IfIgrantedyouthisdemand，ineightdaysyouwouldthinkofsomethingelseyouwished。“Thepoorgirlinsisted，withafirmnessworthyofbettersuccess；buttheEmperorwasinflexible，andonarrivingatthetopofthehillhesaidtoher，“Ihopeyouwillnowalightandletmeproceedonmyjourney。Iregretitexceedingly，butwhatyoudemandofmeisimpossible。“Andhethusdismissedher，refusingtolistenlonger。

WhilethiswasoccurringIwasascendingthehillonfoot，afewpacesfromhisMajesty\'scarriage；andwhenthisdisagreeablescenewasover，theyounglady，beingforcedtoleavewithouthavingobtainedwhatshedesired，passedonbeforemesobbing，andIrecognizedMademoiselleLajolais，whomIhadalreadyseeninsimilarcircumstances，butwherehercourageousdevotiontoherparentshadmetwithbettersuccess。

GeneralLajolaishadbeenarrested，aswellasallhisfamily，onthe18thFructidor。Afterbeingconfinedfortwenty-eightmonths，hehadbeentriedatStrasburgbyacouncilofwar，heldbyorderoftheFirstConsul，andacquittedunanimously。

Later，whentheconspiracyofGeneralsPichegru，Moreau，GeorgeCadoudal，andofMessieursdePolignac，deRiviere，etc。，werediscovered，GeneralLajolais，whowasalsoconcernedtherein，wascondemnedtodeath。HisdaughterandhiswifeweretransferredfromStrasburgtoParisbythepolice，andMadameLajolaiswasplacedinthemostrigorouscloseconfinement，whileherdaughter，nowseparatedfromher，tookrefugewithfriendsofherfamily。Itwasthenthatthisyoungperson，barelyfourteenyearsold，displayedacourageandstrengthofcharacterunusualatherage；andonlearningthatherfatherwascondemnedtodeath，shesetoutatfouro\'clockinthemorning，withoutconfidingherresolutiontoanyone，alone，onfoot，andwithoutaguide，withnoonetointroduceher，andpresentedherselfweepingatthechateauofSaint-Cloud，wheretheEmperorthenwas。

Shesucceededingaininganentranceintothechateauonlyaftermuchopposition；butnotallowingherselftoberebuffedbyanyobstacle，shefinallypresentedherselfbeforeme，saying，“Monsieur，IhavebeenpromisedthatyouwouldconductmeinstantlytotheEmperor“(Idonotknowwhohadtoldherthis)。“Iaskofyouonlythisfavor；donotrefuseit，Ibeg！“andmovedbyherconfidenceandherdespair，IwenttoinformherMajestytheEmpress。

Shewasdeeplytouchedbytheresolutionandthetearsofonesoyoung，butdidnotdare，nevertheless，topromisehersupportatonce，forfearofawakeningtheangeroftheEmperor，whowasverymuchincensedagainstthosewhowereconcernedinthisconspiracy，andorderedmetosaytotheyoungdaughterofLajolaisthatshewasgrievedtobeabletodonothingforherjustthen；butthatshemightreturntoSaint-Cloudthenextdayatfiveo\'clockinthemorning，andmeanwhilesheandQueenHortensewouldconsulttogetherastothebestmeansofplacingherintheEmperor\'sway。Theyounggirlreturnednextdayattheappointedhour；

andherMajestytheEmpresshadherstationedinthegreensaloon，andtheresheawaitedtenhours，themomentwhentheEmperor，comingoutfromthecouncil-chamber，wouldcrossthisroomtoenterhiscabinet。

TheEmpressandheraugustdaughtergaveordersthatbreakfast，andthendinner，shouldbeservedtoher，andcameinpersontobeghertotakesomenourishment；buttheirentreatieswereallinvain，forthepoorgirlhadnootherthought，nootherdesire，thanthatofobtainingherfather\'slife。Atlast，atfiveo\'clockintheafternoon，theEmperorappeared；andasignbeingmadetoMademoiselleLajolaisbywhichshecoulddesignatetheEmperor，whowassurroundedbyseveralcouncilorsofstateandofficersofhishousehold，shesprangtowardshim；andtherefollowedatouchingscene，whichlastedalongwhile。Theyounggirl，prostratingherselfatthefeetoftheEmperor，supplicatedhimwithclaspedhands，andinthemosttouchingterms，tograntherfather\'spardon。TheEmperoratfirstrepulsedher，andsaidinatoneofgreatseverity，“Yourfatherisatraitor；thisisthesecondtimehehascommittedacrimeagainstthestate；Icangrantyounothing。“

MademoiselleLajolaisrepliedtothisoutburstoftheEmperor，“Thefirsttimemyfatherwastriedandfoundinnocent；thistimeitishispardonI

implore！“FinallytheEmperor，conqueredbysomuchcourageanddevotion，andalittlefatiguedbesidesbyaninterviewwhichtheperseveranceoftheyounggirlwoulddoubtlesshaveprolongedindefinitely，yieldedtoherprayers，andthelifeofGeneralLajolaiswasspared——

[ItiswellknownthatthesentenceofGeneralLajolaiswascommutedtofouryearsdetentioninaprisonofstate，thathispropertywasconfiscatedandsold，andthathediedintheChateaud\'Ifmuchbeyondthetimesetfortheexpirationofhiscaptivity——

NotebyCONSTANT。]——

Exhaustedbyfatigueandhunger，thedaughterfellunconsciousattheEmperor\'sfeet；hehimselfraisedher，gavehereveryattention，andpresentinghertothepersonswhowitnessedthisscene，praisedherfilialpietyinunmeasuredterms。

HisMajestyatoncegaveordersthatsheshouldbereconductedtoParis，andseveralsuperiorofficersdisputedwitheachotherthepleasureofaccompanyingher。GeneralsWolff，aide-de-campofPrinceLouis，andLavalettewerechargedwiththisduty，andconductedhertotheconciergeriewhereherfatherwasconfined。Onenteringhiscell，shethrewherselfonhisneckandtriedtotellhimofthepardonshehadjustobtained；butovercomebysomanyemotions，shewasunabletoutteraword，anditwasGeneralLavalette——[MarieChamans，CountdeLavalette，wasborninParis，1769。

Enteredthearmy1792，madeCaptainatArcola1796，andservedinEgyptiancampaign。MarriedEmiliedeBeauharnais，anieceofJosephine。Postmaster-general，1800-1814。CondemnedtodeathduringtheHundredDays，heescapedfromprisoninhiswife\'sdress。

Hiswifewastried，butbecameinsanefromexcitement。Hewaspardoned1822，anddied1830，leavingtwovolumesofMemoirs。]——

whoannouncedtotheprisonerwhatheowedtothebravepersistenceofhisdaughter。Thenextdaysheobtained，throughthefavoroftheEmpressJosephine，thelibertyofhermother，whowastohavebeentransported。

Havingobtainedthelifeofherfatherandthelibertyofhermother，asIhavejustrelated，shestillfurtherexertedherselftosavetheircompanionsinmisfortune，whohadbeencondemnedtodeath，andforthispurposejoinedtheladiesofBrittany，whohadbeenledtoseekhercooperationbythesuccessofherformerpetitions，andwentwiththemtoMalmaisontobegtheseadditionalpardons。

Theseladieshadsucceededingettingtheexecutionofthecondemneddelayedfortwohours，withthehopethattheEmpressJosephinewouldbeabletoinfluencetheEmperor；butheremainedinflexible，andtheirgenerousattemptmetwithnosuccess，whereuponMademoiselleLajolaisreturnedtoParis，muchgrievedthatshehadnotbeenabletosnatchafewmoreunfortunatesfromtherigorofthelaw。

IhavealreadysaidtwothingswhichIamcompelledtorepeathere:thefirstis，that，notfeelingobligedtorelateeventsintheirchronologicalorder，Ishallnarratethemastheypresentthemselvestomymemory；thesecondis，thatIdeemitbothanobligationandadutywhichIowetotheEmperortorelateeveryeventwhichmayservetomakehistruecharacterbetterknown，andwhichhasbeenomitted，whetherinvoluntarilyorbydesign，bythosewhohavewrittenhislife。IcarelittleifIamaccusedofmonotonyonthissubject，orofwritingonlyapanegyric；but，ifthisshouldbedone，Iwouldreply:Somuchtheworseforhimwhogrowswearyoftherecitalofgooddeeds！IhaveundertakentotellthetruthconcerningtheEmperor，beitgoodorbad；andeveryreaderwhoexpectstofindinmymemoirsoftheEmperoronlyevil，aswellashewhoexpectstofindonlygood，willbewisetogonofarther，forIhavefirmlyresolvedtorelateallthatIknow；anditisnotmyfaultifthekindactsperformedbytheEmperoraresonumerousthatmyrecitalsshouldoftenturntopraises。

IthoughtitbesttomaketheseshortobservationsbeforegivinganaccountofanotherpardongrantedbyhisMajestyatthetimeofthecoronation，andwhichthestoryofMademoiselleLajolaishasrecalledtomyrecollection。

OnthedayofthelastdistributionofthedecorationoftheLegionofHonorintheChurchoftheInvalides，astheEmperorwasabouttoretireattheconclusionofthisimposingceremony，averyyoungmanthrewhimselfonhiskneesonthestepsofthethrone，cryingout，“Pardon，pardonformyfather。“HisMajesty，touchedbyhisinterestingcountenanceanddeepemotion，approachedhimandattemptedtoraisehim；

buttheyoungmanstillretainedhisbeseechingposture，repeatinghisdemandinmovingtones。“Whatisyourfather\'sname？“demandedtheEmperor。“Sire，“repliedtheyoungman，hardlyabletomakehimselfheard，“itiswellknown，andhasbeenonlytoooftencalumniatedbytheenemiesofmyfatherbeforeyourMajesty；butIswearthatheisinnocent。IamthesonofHuguesDestrem。“——“Yourfather，sir，isgravelycompromisedbyhisconnectionwithincorrigiblerevolutionists；

butIwillconsideryourapplication。MonsieurDestremishappyinhavingsodevotedason。“TheEmperoraddedafewconsolingwords，andtheyoungmanretiredwiththecertaintythathisfatherwouldbepardoned；butunfortunatelythispardonwhichwasgrantedbytheEmperorcametoolate，andHuguesDestrem，whohadbeentransportedtotheIslandofOleronaftertheattemptofthe3dNivose，——[TheaffairoftheinfernalmachineintheRueSainteNicaise]——inwhichhehadtakennopart，diedinhisexilebeforehehadevenlearnedthatthesolicitationsofhissonhadmetwithsuchcompletesuccess。

OnourreturnfromthegloriouscampaignofAusterlitz，thecommuneofSaint-Cloud，sofavoredbythesojournofthecourt，haddecidedthatitwoulddistinguishitselfonthisoccasion，andtaketheopportunityofmanifestingitsgreataffectionfortheEmperor。

ThemayorofSaint-CloudwasMonsieurBarre，awellinformedman，withaverykindheart。Napoleonesteemedhimhighly，andtookmuchpleasureinhisconversation，andhewassincerelyregrettedbyhissubordinateswhendeathremovedhim。

M。Barrehaderectedanarchoftriumph，ofsimplebutnobledesign，inexcellenttaste，atthefootoftheavenueleadingtothepalace，whichwasadornedwiththefollowinginscription:

“TOHERBELOVEDSOVEREIGN；

THEMOSTFORTUNATEOFTHECOMMUNES。“

TheeveningonwhichtheEmperorwasexpected，themayorandhisassociates，armedwiththenecessaryharangue，passedapartofthenightatthefootofthemonument。M。Barre，whowasoldandfeeble，thenretired，afterhavingplacedassentineloneofhisassociates，whosedutyitwastoinformhimofthearrivalofthefirstcourier；andaladderwasplacedacrosstheentranceofthearchoftriumph，sothatnoonemightpassunderitbeforehisMajesty。Unfortunately，themunicipalarguswenttosleep；andtheEmperorarrivedintheearlymorning，andpassedbythesideofthearchoftriumph，muchamusedattheobstaclewhichpreventedhisenjoyingthedistinguishedhonorwhichthegoodinhabitantsofSaint-Cloudhadpreparedforhim。

Onthedaysucceedingthisevent，alittledrawingwascirculatedinthepalacerepresentingtheauthoritiesasleepnearthemonument，aprominentplacebeingaccordedtheladder，whichbarredthepassage，andunderneathwaswrittenthearchbarre，alludingtothenameofthemayor。Asfortheinscription，theyhadtravestieditinthismanner:

“TOHERBELOVEDSOVEREIGN；

THESLEEPIESTOFTHECOMMUNES。“

TheirMajestiesweremuchamusedbythisepisode。

WhilethecourtwasatSaint-Cloud，theEmperor，whohadworkedverylateoneeveningwithMonsieurdeTalleyrand，invitedthelattertosleepatthechateau；buttheprince，whopreferredreturningtoParis，refused，givingasanexcusethatthebedshadaverydisagreeableodor。Therewasnotruthwhateverinthisstatement，fortherewas，asmaybebelieved，thegreatestcaretakenofthefurniture，eveninthestore-

roomsofthedifferentimperialpalaces；andthereasonassignedbyM。deTalleyrandbeinggivenatrandom，hecouldjustaswellhavegivenanyother；but，nevertheless，theremarkstrucktheEmperor\'sattention，andthateveningonenteringhisbedroomhecomplainedthathisbedhadanunpleasantodor。Iassuredhimtothecontrary，andtoldhisMajestythathewouldnextdaybeconvincedofhiserror；but，farfrombeingpersuaded，theEmperor，whenherosenextmorning，repeatedtheassertionthathisbedhadaverydisagreeableodor，andthatitwasabsolutelynecessarytochangeit。M。Charvet，conciergeofthepalace，wasatoncesummoned；hisMajestycomplainedofhisbed，andorderedanothertobebrought。

M。Desmasis，keeperofthefurniture-room，wasalsocalled，whoexaminedmattress，feather-beds，andcovering，turnedandreturnedthemineverydirection；otherpersonsdidthesame，andeachwasconvincedthattherewasnoodorabouthisMajesty\'sbed。Inspiteofsomanywitnessestothecontrary，theEmperor，notbecausehemadeitapointofhonornottohavewhathehadassertedprovedfalse，butmerelyfromacapricetowhichhewasverysubject，persistedinhisfirstidea，andrequiredhisbedtobechanged。Seeingthatitwasnecessarytoobey，IsentthisbedtotheTuileries，andhadtheonewhichwastherebroughttothechateauofSaint-Cloud。TheEmperorwasnowsatisfied，and，onhisreturntotheTuileries，didnotnoticetheexchange，andthoughthisbedinthatchateauverygood；andthemostamusingpartofallwasthattheladiesofthepalace，havinglearnedthattheEmperorhadcomplainedofhisbed，allfoundanunbearableodorintheirs，andinsistedthateverythingmustbeoverhauled，whichcreatedasmallrevolution。Thecapricesofsovereignsaresometimesepidemic。

CHAPTERXXX。

HisMajestywasaccustomedtosaythatonecouldalwaystellanhonorablemanbyhisconducttohiswife，hischildren，andhisservants；andI

hopeitwillappearfromthesememoirsthattheEmperorconductedhimselfasanhonorableman，accordingtohisowndefinition。Hesaid，moreover，thatimmoralitywasthemostdangerousviceofasovereign，becauseoftheevilexampleitsettohissubjects。Whathemeantbyimmoralitywasdoubtlessascandalouspublicitygiventoliaisonswhichmightotherwisehaveremainedsecret；for，asregardstheseliaisonsthemselves，hewithstoodwomennomorethananyothermanwhentheythrewthemselvesathishead。Perhapsanotherman，surroundedbyseductions，attacks，andadvancesofallkinds，wouldhaveresistedthesetemptationsstillless。

Nevertheless，pleaseGod，IdonotproposetodefendhisMajestyinthisrespect。Iwillevenadmit，ifyouwish，thathisconductdidnotofferanexampleinthemostperfectaccordwiththemoralityofhisdiscourses；butitmustbeadmittedalsothatitwassomewhattothecreditofasovereignthatheconcealed，withthemostscrupulouscare，hisfrailtiesfromthepublic，lesttheyshouldbeasubjectofscandal，or，whatisworse，ofimitation；andfromhiswife，towhomitwouldhavebeenasourceofthedeepestgrief。

OnthisdelicatesubjectIrecalltwoorthreeoccurrenceswhichtookplace，Ithink，abouttheperiodwhichmynarrativehasnowreached。

TheEmpressJosephinewasjealous，and，notwithstandingtheprudencewhichtheEmperorexercisedinhissecretliaisons，couldnotremaininentireignoranceofwhatwaspassing。

TheEmperorhadknownatGenoaMadameGazani，thedaughterofanItaliandancer，whomhecontinuedtoreceiveatParis；andoneday，havinganappointmentwithherinhisprivateapartments，orderedmetoremaininhisroom，andtoreplytowhoeveraskedforhim，evenifitwasherMajestytheEmpressherself，thathewasengagedinhiscabinetwithaminister。

TheplaceoftheinterviewwastheapartmentformerlyoccupiedbyBourrienne，communicatingbyastaircasewhichopenedonhisMajesty\'sbedroom。Thisroomhadbeenarrangedanddecoratedveryplainly，andhadasecondexitonthestaircasecalledtheblackstaircase，becauseitwasdarkandbadlylighted，anditwasthroughthisthatMadameGazanientered，whiletheEmperorcameinbytheotherdoor。TheyhadbeentogetheronlyafewmomentswhentheEmpressenteredtheEmperor\'sroom，andaskedmewhatherhusbandwasdoing。“Madame，theEmperorisverybusyjustnow；heisworkinginhiscabinetwithaminister。“——“Constant，Iwishtoenter。“——“Thatisimpossible，Madame。IhavereceivedaformalordernottodisturbhisMajesty，notevenforherMajestytheEmpress；“

whereuponshewentawaydissatisfiedandsomewhatirritated，andattheendofhalfanhourreturned；and，renewingherdemand，Iwasobligedtorepeatmyreply，and，thoughmuchdistressedinwitnessingthechagrinofherMajestytheEmpress，Icouldnotdisobeymyorders。ThateveningonretiringtheEmperorsaidtome，inaveryseveretone，thattheEmpresshadinformedhimshehadlearnedfromme，that，atthetimeshecametoquestionmeinregardtohim，hewasclosetedwithalady。Notatalldisturbed，IrepliedtotheEmperor，thatofcoursehecouldnotbelievethat。“No，“repliedtheEmperor，returningtothefriendlytonewithwhichhehabituallyhonoredme，“Iknowyouwellenoughtobeassuredofyourdiscretion；butwoetotheidiotswhoaregossiping，ifIcangetholdofthem。“ThenextnighttheEmpressentered，astheEmperorwasretiring，andhisMajestysaidtoherinmypresence，“ItisverybadtoimputefalsehoodtopoorMonsieurConstant；heisnotthemantomakeupsuchataleasthatyoutoldme。“TheEmpress，seatedontheedgeofthebed，begantolaugh，andputherprettylittlehandoverherhusband\'smouth；and，asitwasamatterconcerningmyself，Iwithdrew。ForafewdaystheEmpresswascoolanddistanttome；but，asthiswasforeigntohernature，shesoonresumedthegraciousmannerwhichattachedallheartstoher。

TheEmperor\'sliaisonwithMadameGazanilastednearlyayear，buttheymetonlyatlongintervals。

ThefollowinginstanceofjealousyisnotaspersonaltomeasthatwhichIhavejustrelated。

MadamedeRemusat，——[Authoressofthewell-knownMemoirs。BorninParis，1780，died1821。HerhusbandwasfirstchamberlaintotheEmperor。]——

wifeofoneoftheprefectsofthepalace，andoneoftheladiesofhonortowhomtheEmpresswasmostattached，foundheroneeveningintearsanddespair，andwaitedinsilencetillherMajestyshouldcondescendtotellherthecauseofthisdeeptrouble。Shehadnotlongtowait，however；

forhardlyhadsheenteredtheapartmentthanherMajestyexclaimed，“I

amsurethatheisnowwithsomewoman。Mydearfriend，“addedshe，continuingtoweep，“takethiscandleandletusgoandlistenathisdoor。Wewillhearmuch。“MadamedeRemusatdidallinherpowertodissuadeherfromthisproject，representingtoherthelatenessofthehour，thedarknessofthepassage，andthedangertheywouldrunofbeingsurprised；butallinvain，herMajestyputthecandleinherhand，saying，“Itisabsolutelynecessarythatyoushouldgowithme，but，ifyouareafraid，Iwillgoinfront。“MadamedeRemusatobeyed；andbeholdthetwoladiesadvancingontheirtiptoesalongthecorridor，bythelightofasinglecandleflickeringintheair。HavingreachedthedooroftheEmperor\'santechamber，theystopped，hardlydaringtobreathe，andtheEmpresssoftlyturnedtheknob；but，justassheputherfootintotheapartment，Roustan，whosleptthereandwasthensleepingsoundly，gaveaformidableandprolongedsnore。Theseladieshadnotapparentlyrememberedthattheywouldfindhimthere；andMadamedeRemusat，imaginingthatshealreadysawhimleapingoutofbedsaberandpistolinhand，turnedandranasfastasshecould，stillholdingthecandleinherhand，andleavingtheEmpressincompletedarkness，anddidnotstoptotakebreathuntilshereachedtheEmpress\'sbedroom，whensherememberedthatthelatterhadbeenleftinthecorridorwithnolight。

MadamedeRemusatwentbacktomeether，andsawherreturning，holdinghersideswithlaughter，andforgettingherchagrinintheamusementcausedbythisadventure。MadamedeRemusatattemptedtoexcuseherself。

“Mydearfriend，“saidherMajesty，“youonlyanticipatedme，forthatpigheadedRoustanfrightenedmesothatIshouldhaverunfirst，ifyouhadnotbeenagreatercowardthanI。“

Idonotknowwhattheseladieswouldhavediscoverediftheircouragehadnotfailedthembeforereachingtheendoftheirexpedition，butprobablynothingatall，fortheEmperorrarelyreceivedattheTuileriesanyoneforwhomhehadatemporaryfancy。Ihavealreadystatedthat，undertheconsulate，hehadhismeetingsinasmallhouseinthealleedesVeuves；andafterhebecameEmperor，suchmeetingsstilltookplaceoutsidethechateau；andtotheserendezvoushewentincognitoatnight，exposinghimselftoallthechancesthatamanrunsinsuchadventures。

Oneevening，betweeneleveno\'clockandmidnight，theEmperorcalledme，askedforablackfrockcoatandroundhat，andorderedmetofollowhim；

andwithPrinceMuratasthethirdparty，weenteredaclosecarriagewithCaesarasdriver，andonlyasinglefootman，bothwithoutlivery。

Afterashortride，theEmperorstoppedintheruede，alighted，wentafewstepsfarther，andenteredahousealone，whiletheprinceandI

remainedinthecarriage。Somehourspassed，andwebegantobeuneasy；

forthelifeoftheEmperorhadbeensooftenmenaced，thatitwasverynaturaltofearsomesnareorsurprise，andimaginationtakesthereinswhenbesetbysuchfears。PrinceMuratsworeandcursedwithallhismight，sometimestheimprudenceofhisMajesty，thenhisgallantry，thentheladyandhercomplaisance。Iwasnotanybettersatisfiedthanhe，butbeingcalmerItriedtoquiethim；andatlast，unablelongertorestrainhisimpatience，theprincesprangoutofthecarriage，andI

followed；but，justashishandwasontheknockerofthedoor，theEmperorcameout。Itwasthenalreadybroaddaylight，andthePrinceinformedhimofouranxiety，andthereflectionswehadmadeuponhisrashness。“Whatchildishness！“saidhisMajesty；“whatistheretofear？WhereverIam，amInotinmyownhouse？“

ItwasasvolunteersthatanycourtiersmentionedtotheEmperoranyyoungandprettypersonswhowishedtomakehisacquaintance，foritwasinnowiseinkeepingwithhischaractertogivesuchcommissions。Iwasnotenoughofacourtiertothinksuchanemploymenthonorable，andnevervoluntarilytookpartinanybusinessofthekind。

Itwasnot，however，forwantofhavingbeenindirectlysounded，orevenopenlysolicited，bycertainladieswhowereambitiousofthetitleoffavorites，althoughthistitlewouldhavegivenveryfewrightsandprivilegeswiththeEmperor；butIwouldneverenterintosuchbargains，restrictingmyselftothedutieswhichmypositionimposedonme，andnotgoingbeyondthem；and，althoughhisMajestytookpleasureinrevivingtheusagesoftheoldmonarchy，thesecretdutiesofthefirstvaletdechambrewerenotre-established，andItookcarenottoclaimthem。

Manyothers(notvaletsdechambre)werelessscrupulousthanI。GeneralL——spoketotheEmperoronedayofaveryprettygirlwhosemotherkeptagambling-house，andwhodesiredtobepresentedtohim；buttheEmperorreceivedheronceonly，andafewdaysafterwardsshewasmarried。SometimelaterhisMajestywishedtoseeheragain，andaskedforher；buttheyoungwomanrepliedthatshedidnotbelongtoherselfanylonger，andrefusedalltheinvitationsandoffersmadetoher。TheEmperorseemedinnowisedissatisfied，butonthecontrarypraisedMadameD——forherfidelitytoduty，andapprovedherconducthighly。

In1804herimperialhighnessPrincessMurathadinherhouseholdayoungreadernamedMademoiselleE——，seventeenoreighteenyearsofage，tall，slender，wellmade，abrunette，withbeautifulblackeyes，sprightly，andverycoquettish。SomepersonswhothoughtittotheirinteresttocreatedifferencesbetweenhisMajestyandtheEmpress，hiswife，noticedwithpleasuretheinclinationofthisyoungreadertotrythepowerofherglancesupontheEmperor，andhisdispositiontoencourageher；sotheystirredupthefireadroitly，andoneofthemtookuponhimselfallthediplomacyofthisaffair。Propositionsmadethroughathirdpartywereatonceaccepted；andthebeautifulE——cametothechateausecretly，butrarely，andremainedthereonlytwoorthree，hours。Whenshebecameenceinte，theEmperorhadahouserentedforherintheRueChantereine，wheresheboreafineboy，uponwhomwassettledathisbirthanincomeofthirtythousandfrancs。HewasconfidedatfirsttothecareofMadameI——，nurseofPrinceAchilleMurat，whokepthimthreeorfouryears，andthenMonsieurdeMeneval，hisMajesty\'ssecretary，wasorderedtoprovidefortheeducationofthischild；andwhentheEmperorreturnedfromtheIslandofElba；thesonofMademoiselleE——wasplacedinthecareofherMajesty，theEmpress-

mother。TheliaisonoftheEmperorwithMademoiselleE——didnotlastlong。ShecameonedaywithhermothertoFontainebleau，wherethecourtthenhappenedtobe，wentuptohisMajesty\'sapartment，andaskedmetoannounceher；andtheEmperor，beingexceedinglydispleasedbythisstep，directedmetosaytoMademoiselleE——thatheforbadehertopresentherselfbeforehimagainwithouthispermission，andnottoremainamomentlongeratFontainebleau。Inspiteofthisharshnesstothemother，theEmperorlovedthesontenderly；andIbroughthimtohimoften，onwhichoccasionshecaressedthechild，gavehimagreatmanydainties，andwasmuchamusedbyhisvivacityandrepartees，whichshowedremarkableintelligenceforhisage。

ThischildandthatofthePolishbeauty，ofwhomIwillspeaklater，——[ThissonofCountessWalewskabecameCountWalewski，aleadingstatesmanoftheSecondEmpire，ambassadortoLondon，1852，ministerofforeignaffairs，1855，ministerofstate，1860，presidentofCorpsLegislatif，1865。Born1810，died1868——TRANS。]——

andtheKingofRome，weretheonlychildrenoftheEmperor。Heneverhadadaughter，andIbelievehedesirednone。

Ihaveseenitstated，Iknownotwhere，thattheEmperor，duringthelongstaywemadeatBoulogne，indemnifiedhimselfatnightforthelaborsofthedaywithabeautifulItalian，andIwillnowrelatewhatI

knowofthisadventure。HisMajestycomplainedonemorning，whileIwasdressinghim，inthepresenceofPrinceMurat，thathesawnonebutmoustachedfaces，whichhesaidwasverytiresome；andtheprince，everreadyonoccasionsofthiskindtoofferhisservicestohisbrother-in-

law，spoketohimofahandsomeandattractiveGenoeselady，whohadthegreatestdesiretoseehisMajesty。TheEmperorlaughinglygrantedatete-a-tete，theprincehimselfofferingtosendthemessage；andtwodayslater，byhiskindassistance，theladyarrived，andwasinstalledintheuppertown。TheEmperor，wholodgedatPontdesBriques，orderedmeoneeveningtotakeacarriage，andfindthisprotegeeofPrinceMurat。Iobeyed，andbroughtthebeautifulGenoese，who，toavoidscandal，althoughitwasadarknight，wasintroducedthroughalittlegardenbehindhisMajesty\'sapartments。Thepoorwomanwasmuchexcited，andshedtears，butcontrolledherselfquicklyonfindingthatshewaskindlyreceived，andtheinterviewwasprolongeduntilthreeo\'clockinthemorning，whenIwascalledtocarryherback。Shereturnedafterwardsfourorfivetimes，andwaswiththeEmperorafterwardsatRambouillet。Shewasgentle，simple，credulous，andnotatallintriguing，anddidnottrytodrawanybenefitfromaliaisonwhichatbestwasonlytemporary。

Anotherofthesefavoritesofthemoment，whothrewthemselvessotospeakintothearmsoftheEmperorwithoutgivinghimtimetomakehiscourttothem，wasMademoiselleL。B——，averyprettygirl。Shewasintelligent，andpossessedakindheart，and，hadshereceivedalessfrivolouseducation，woulddoubtlesshavebeenanestimablewoman；butI

havereasontobelievethathermotherhadfromthefirstthedesignofacquiringaprotectorforhersecondhusband，byutilizingtheyouthandattractionsofthedaughterofherfirst。Idonotnowrecallhername，butshewasofanoblefamily，ofwhichfactthemotheranddaughterwereveryproud，andtheyounggirlwasagoodmusician，andsangagreeably；

but，whichappearedtomeasridiculousasindecent，shedancedtheballetbeforealargecompanyinhermother\'shouse，inacostumealmostaslightasthoseoftheopera，withcastanetsortambourines，andendedherdancewithamultiplicityofattitudesandgraces。Withsuchaneducationshenaturallythoughtherpositionnotatallunusual，andwasverymuchchagrinedattheshortdurationofherliaisonwiththeEmperor；whilethemotherwasindespair，andsaidtomewithdisgustingsimplicity，“SeemypoorLise，howshehasruinedhercomplexioninhervexationatseeingherselfneglected，poorchild。Howgoodyouwillbe，ifyoucanmanagetohavehersentfor。“Tosecureaninterviewforwhichthemotheranddaughterwerebothsodesirous，theycametogethertothechapelatSaint-Cloud，andduringmassthepoorLisethrewglancesattheEmperorwhichmadetheyoungladiesblushwhowitnessedthem，andwere，nevertheless，allinvain，fortheEmperorremainedunmoved。

ColonelL。B——wasaide-de-camptoGeneralL——，thegovernorofSaint-Cloud；andthegeneralwasawidower，whichfactsalonefurnishanexcusefortheintimacyofhisonlydaughterwiththefamilyofL。B——，whichastonishedmegreatly。Oneday，whenIwasdiningatthehouseofthecolonel，withhiswife，hisstep-daughter，andMademoiselleL——，thegeneralsentforhisaides-de-camp，andIwasleftalone，withtheladies；whosoearnestlybeggedmetoaccompanythemonavisittoMademoiselleleNormand，thatitwouldhavebeenimpolitetorefuse，consequentlyweorderedacarriageandwenttotheRuedeTournon。

MademoiselleL。B——wasfirsttoentertheSybil\'scave，wheresheremainedalongwhile，butonherreturnwasveryreservedastoanycommunicationsmadetoher，thoughMademoiselleL——toldusveryfranklythatshehadgoodnews，andwouldsoonmarrythemansheloved，whicheventsoonoccurred。Theseladieshavingurgedmetoconsulttheprophetessinmyturn，IperceivedplainlythatIwasrecognized；forMademoiselleleNormandatoncediscoveredinmyhandthatIhadthehappinessofbeingnearagreatmanandbeinghighlyesteemedbyhim，addingmuchothernonsenseofthesamekind，whichwassotiresomethatI

thankedher，andmademyadieuxasquicklyaspossible。

CHAPTERXXXI。

WhiletheEmperorwasgivingcrownstohisbrothersandsisters，——toPrinceLouis，thethroneofHolland；NaplestoPrinceJoseph；theDuchyofBergtoPrinceMurat；tothePrincessEliza，LuccaandMassa-Carrara；

andGuastallatothePrincessPaulineBorghese；andwhile，bymeansoftreatiesandfamilyalliances，hewasassuringstillmoretheco-

operationofthedifferentstateswhichhadenteredintotheConfederationoftheRhine，——warwasrenewedbetweenFranceandPrussia。

Itisnotmyprovincetoinvestigatethecausesofthiswar，nortodecidewhichfirstgavecauseofoffense。

AllIcancertifyisthis，frequentlyattheTuileries，andonthecampaign，IheardtheEmperor，inconversationwithhisintimatefriends，accusetheoldDukeofBrunswick，whosenamehadbeensoodiousinFrancesince1792，andalsotheyoungandbeautifulQueenofPrussia，ofhavinginfluencedKingFredericWilliamtobreakthetreatyofpeace。TheQueenwas，accordingtotheEmperor，moredisposedtowarthanGeneralBlucherhimself。Sheworetheuniformoftheregimenttowhichshehadgivenhername，appearedatallreviews，andcommandedthemaneuvers。

WeleftParisattheendofSeptember。Iwillnotenterintothedetailsofthiswonderfulcampaign，inwhichtheEmperorinanincrediblyshorttimecrushedtopiecesanarmyofonehundredandfiftythousandmen，perfectlydisciplined，fullofenthusiasmandcourage，andfightingindefenseoftheircountry。Inoneofthefirstbattles，theyoungPrinceLouisofPrussia，brotheroftheking，waskilledattheheadofhistroopsbyGuinde，quartermasteroftheTenthHussars。Theprincefoughthandtohandwiththisbravesub-officer，whosaidtohim，“Surrender，Colonel，oryouareadeadman，“towhichPrinceLouisrepliedonlybyasaberstroke，whereuponGuindeplungedhisownintothebodyofhisopponent，andhefelldeadonthespot。

Onthiscampaign，astheroadshadbecomeveryroughfromthecontinualpassageofartillery，mycarriagewasonedayupset，andoneoftheEmperor\'shatsfelloutofthedoor；butaregimentwhichhappenedtopassalongthesameroadhavingrecognizedthehatfromitspeculiarshape，mycarriagewasimmediatelysetupagain，“For，“saidthesebravesoldiers，“wecannotleavethefirstvaletofthelittlecorporalintrouble；“andthehat，afterpassingthroughmanyhands，wasatlastrestoredtomebeforemydeparture。

OntheEmperor\'sarrivalattheplateauofWeimar，hearrangedhisarmyinlineofbattle，andbivouackedinthemidstofhisguard。Abouttwoo\'clockinthemorninghearoseandwentonfoottoexaminetheworkonaroadthatwasbeingcutintherockforthetransportationofartillery，andafterremainingnearlyanhourwiththeworkmen，decidedtotakealookatthenearestadvancepostsbeforereturningtohisbivouac。

Thisround，whichtheEmperorinsistedonmakingaloneandwithnoescort，camenearcostinghimhislife。Thenightwassodarkthatthesentinelsofthecampcouldnotseetenstepsinfrontofthem；andthefirst，hearingsomeoneinthedarknessapproachingourline，calledout“Quivive？“andpreparedtofire。TheEmperorbeinglostinthought，ashehimselftoldmeafterwards，didnotnoticethesentinel\'schallenge，andmadenoreplyuntilaball，whistlingbyhisears，wokehimfromhisreverie，whenimmediatelyperceivinghisdanger，hethrewhimselffacedownwardsontheground，whichwasaverywiseprecaution；forhardlyhadhisMajestyplacedhimselfinthisposition，thanotherballspassedoverhishead，thedischargeofthefirstsentinelhavingbeenrepeatedbythewholeline。Thisfirstfireover，theEmperorrose，walkedtowardsthenearestpost，andmadehimselfknown。

HisMajestywasstilltherewhenthesoldierwhohadfiredonhimjoinedthem，beingjustrelievedathispost；hewasayounggrenadieroftheline。TheEmperororderedhimtoapproach，and，pinchinghischeekshard，exclaimed，“What，youscamp，youtookmeforaPrussian！Thisrascaldoesnotthrowawayhispowderonsparrows；heshootsonlyatemperors。“Thepoorsoldierwascompletelyovercomewiththeideathathemighthavekilledthelittlecorporal，whomheadoredasmuchasdidtherestofthearmy；anditwaswithgreatdifficultyhecouldsay，“Pardon，Sire，butIwasobeyingorders；andifyoudidnotanswer，itwasnotmyfault。Iwascompelledtohavethecountersign，andyouwouldnotgiveit。“TheEmperorreassuredhimwithasmile，andsaid，asheleftthepost，“Mybraveboy，Idonotreproachyou。Thatwasprettywellaimedforashotfiredinthedark；butafterawhileitwillbedaylight；takebetteraim，andIwillrememberyou。“

TheresultsoftheBattleofJena，foughtonthe14thofOctober(1806)，arewellknown。AlmostallthePrussiangenerals，atleastthebravestamongthem，weretheretakenprisoners，orrenderedunabletocontinuethecampaign。

Thekingandqueentookflight，anddidnothalttilltheyhadreachedKoenigsberg。

Afewmomentsbeforetheattack，theQueenofPrussia，mountedonanoble，gracefulsteed，hadappearedinthemidstofthesoldiers；and，followedbytheeliteoftheyouthofBerlin，thisroyalAmazonhadgallopeddownthefrontrankofthelineofbattle。Thenumerousbannerswhichherownhandshadembroideredtoencouragehertroops，withthoseofthegreatFrederick，blackenedbythesmokeofmanybattles，wereloweredatherapproach，amidshoutsofenthusiasmwhichrangthroughtheentireranksofthePrussianarmy。Theatmospherewassoclear，andthetwoarmiessoneareachother，thattheFrenchcouldeasilydistinguishthecostumeofthequeen。

Thisstrikingcostumewas，infact，onegreatcauseofthedangersheencounteredinherflight。Herheadwascoveredwithahelmetofpolishedsteel，abovewhichwavedamagnificentplume，hercuirassglitteredwithgoldandsilver，whileatunicofsilverclothcompletedhercostumeandfelltoherfeet，whichwereshodinredbootswithgoldspurs。Thisdressheightenedthecharmsofthebeautifulqueen。

WhenthePrussianarmywasputtoflight，thequeenwasleftalonewiththreeorfouryoungmenofBerlin，whodefendedheruntiltwohussars，whohadcoveredthemselveswithgloryduringthebattle，rushedatagallopwithdrawnsabersonthislittlegroup，andtheywereinstantlydispersed。Frightenedbythissuddenonset，thehorsewhichherMajestyrodefledwithallthestrengthofhislimbs；andwellwasitforthefugitivequeenthathewasswiftasastag，elsethetwohussarswouldinfalliblyhavemadeheraprisoner，formorethanoncetheypressedsoclosethatsheheardtheirrudespeechesandcoarsejests，whichwereofsuchanatureastoshockherears。

Thequeen，thuspursued，hadarrivedinsightofthegateofWeimar，whenastrongdetachmentofKlein\'sdragoonswereperceivedcomingatfullspeed，thechiefhavingorderstocapturethequeenatanycost；but，theinstantsheenteredthecity，thegatesswungtobehindher，andthehussarsandthedetachmentofdragoonsreturneddisappointedtothebattle-field。