第18章

OnleavingtheGovernmentpalacetotakeuphisabodeatMarrac，theEmperorgaveallnecessaryordersthatitshouldbeinreadinesstoreceivetheKingandQueenofSpain，whowereexpectedatBayonnethelastofthemonth；andexpresslyrecommendedthateverythingshouldbedonetorendertothesovereignsofSpainallthehonorsduetheirposition。JustastheEmperorenteredthechateauthesoundofmusicwasheard，andthegrandmarshalenteredtoinformhisMajestythatalargecompanyoftheinhabitantsinthecostumeofthecountrywereassembledbeforethegateofthechateau。TheEmperorimmediatelywenttothewindow；and，atsightofhim，seventeenpersons(sevenmenandtenwomen)

beganwithinimitablegraceadancecalled\'lapamperruque\'，inwhichthewomenkepttimeontambourines，andthemenwithcastanets，toanorchestracomposedofflutesandguitars。Iwentoutofthecastletoviewthisscenemoreclosely。Thewomenworeshortskirtsofbluesilk，andpinkstockingslikewiseembroideredinsilver；theirhairwastiedwithribbons，andtheyworeverybroadblackbracelets，thatsetofftoadvantagethedazzlingwhitenessoftheirbarearms。Themenworetight-

fittingwhitebreeches，withsilkstockingsandlargeepaulettes，aloosevestofveryfinewoolenclothornamentedwithgold，andtheirhaircaughtupinanetliketheSpaniards。

HisMajestytookgreatpleasureinwitnessingthisdance，whichispeculiartothecountryandveryancient，whichthecustomofthecountryhasconsecratedasameansofrenderinghomagetogreatpersonages。TheEmperorremainedatthewindowuntilthe\'pamperruque\'wasfinished，andthensenttocomplimentthedancersontheirskill，andtoexpresshisthankstotheinhabitantsassembledincrowdsatthegate。

HisMajestyafewdaysafterwardreceivedfromhisRoyalHighness，thePrinceoftheAsturias，aletter，inwhichheannouncedthatheintendedsettingoutfromIrun，wherehethenwas，atanearlyday，inordertohavethepleasureofmakingtheacquaintanceofhisbrother(itwasthusPrinceFerdinandcalledtheEmperor)；apleasurewhichhehadlongdesired，andwhichhewouldatlastenjoyifhisgoodbrotherwouldallowhim。ThisletterwasbroughttotheEmperorbyoneoftheaides-de-campoftheprince，whohadaccompaniedhimfromMadrid，andprecededhimtoBayonnebyonlytendays。HisMajestycouldhardlybelievewhathereadandheard；andI，withseveralotherpersons，heardhimexclaim，“What，heiscominghere？butyoumustbemistaken；hemustbedeceivingus；

thatcannotbepossible！“AndIcancertifythat，inthesewords，theEmperormanifestednopleasureattheannouncement。

Itwasnecessary，however，tomakepreparationstoreceivetheprince，sincehewascertainlycoming；consequentlythePrinceofNeuchatel，theDukeofFrioul，andachamberlainofhonor，wereselectedbyhisMajesty。

Andtheguardofhonorreceivedorderstoaccompanythesegentlemen，andmeetthePrinceofSpainjustoutsidethetownofBayonne；therankwhichtheEmperorrecognizedinFerdinandnotrenderingitproperthattheescortshouldgoasfarasthefrontierofthetwoempires。ThePrincemadehisentranceintoBayonneatnoon，onthe20thofApril。LodgingswhichwouldhavebeenconsideredveryinferiorinParis，butwhichwereelegantinBayonne，hadbeenpreparedforhimandhisbrother，theInfantDonCarlos，whowasalreadyinstalledthere。PrinceFerdinandmadeagrimaceonentering，butdidnotdaretocomplainaloud；andcertainlyitwouldhavebeenmostimproperforhimtohavedoneso，sinceitwasnottheEmperor\'sfaultthatBayonnepossessedonlyonepalace，whichwasatthistimereservedfortheking，and，besides，thishouse，thehandsomestinthetown，waslargeandperfectlynew。DonPedrodeCevallos，whoaccompaniedtheprince，thoughtithorrible，andunfitforaroyalpersonage。Itwastheresidenceofthecommissariat。AnhourafterFerdinand\'sarrival，theEmperorvisitedhim。HewasawaitingtheEmperoratthedoor，andheldouthisarmsonhisapproach；theyembraced，andascendedtohisapartments，wheretheyremainedabouthalfanhour，andwhentheyseparatedtheprinceworeasomewhatanxiousair。

HisMajestyonhisreturnchargedthegrandmarshaltoconveytotheprinceandhisbrother，DonCarlos，theDukeofSan-Carlos，theDukeofInfantado，DonPedrodeCevallos，andtwoorthreeotherpersonsofthesuite，aninvitationtodinewithhim；andtheEmperor\'scarriagesweresentfortheseillustriousguestsattheappointedhour，andtheywereconveyedtothechateau。HisMajestydescendedtothefootofthestaircasetoreceivetheprince；butthiswasthelimitofhisdeference，fornotonceduringdinnerdidhegivePrinceFerdinand，whowasakingatMadrid，thetitleofyourmajesty，noreventhatofhighness；nordidheaccompanyhimonhisdepartureanyfartherthanthefirstdoorofthesaloon；andheafterwardsinformedhim，byamessage，thathewouldhavenootherrankthanthatofPrinceoftheAsturiasuntilthearrivalofhisfather，KingCharles。Ordersweregivenatthesametimetoplaceondutyatthehouseoftheprinces，theBayonnaiseguardofhonor，withtheImperialGuardinadditiontoadetachmentofpickedpolice。

Onthe27thofApriltheEmpressarrivedfromBordeauxatseveno\'clockintheevening，havingmadenostayatBayonne，whereherarrivalexcitedlittleenthusiasm，astheywereperhapsdispleasedthatshedidnotstopthere。HisMajestyreceivedherwithmuchtenderness，andshowedmuchsolicitudeastothefatigueshemusthaveexperienced，sincetheroadsweresorough，andbadlywashedbytherains。Intheeveningthetownandchateauwereilluminated。

Threedaysafter，onthe30th，theKingandQueenofSpainarrivedatBayonne；anditisimpossibletodescribethehomagewhichtheEmperorpaidthem。TheDukeCharlesdePlaisancewentasfarasIrun，andthePrincedeNeuchateleventothebanksoftheBidassoa，inordertopaymarkedrespecttotheirCatholicMajestiesonthepartoftheirpowerfulfriend；andthekingandqueenappearedtoappreciatehighlythesemarksofconsideration。Adetachmentofpickedtroops，superblyuniformed，awaitedthemonthefrontier，andservedastheirescort；thegarrisonofBayonnewasputunderarms，allthebuildingsoftheportweredecorated，allthebellsrang，andthebatteriesofboththecitadelandtheportsalutedwithgreatsalvos。ThePrinceoftheAsturiasandhisbrother，hearingofthearrivalofthekingandqueen，hadleftBayonneinordertomeettheirparents，whentheyencountered，ashortdistancefromthetown，twoorthreegrenadierswhohadjustleftVittoria，andrelatedtothemthefollowingoccurrence:

WhentheirSpanishMajestiesenteredVittoria，theyfoundthatadetachmentoftheSpanishbodyguards，whohadaccompaniedthePrinceoftheAsturiasandwerestationedinthistown，hadtakenpossessionofthepalacewhichthekingandqueenweretooccupyastheypassedthrough，andonthearrivaloftheirMajestieshadputthemselvesunderarms。Assoonasthekingperceivedthis，hesaidtotheminaseveretone，“YouwillunderstandwhyIaskyoutoquitmypalace。YouhavefailedinyourdutyatAranjuez。Ihavenoneedofyourservices，andIdonotwishthem。Go！“Thesewords，pronouncedwithanenergyfarfromhabitualtoCharlesIV。，metwithnoreply。Thedetachmentoftheguardsretired；

andthekingbeggedGeneralVerdiertogivehimaFrenchguard，muchgrieved，hesaid，thathehadnotretainedhisbraveriflemen，whosecolonelhestillkeptnearhimascaptainoftheguards。

ThisnewscouldnotgivethePrinceoftheAsturiasahighopinionofthewelcomehisfatherhadinstoreforhim；andindeedhewasverycoollyreceived，asIshallnowrelate。

TheKingandQueenofSpain，onalightingatthegovernmentalpalace，foundawaitingthemthegrandmarshal，theDukedeFrioul，whoescortedthemtotheirapartments，andpresentedtothemGeneralCountReille，theEmperor\'saide-de-camp，performingthedutiesofgovernorofthepalace；

M。d\'Audenarde，equerry，withM。DumanoirandM。deBaral，chamberlainschargedwiththeserviceofhonorneartheirMajesties。

ThegrandeesofSpainwhomtheirMajestiesfoundatBayonnewerethesamewhohadfollowedthePrinceoftheAsturias，andthesightofthem，asmaywellbeimagined，wasnotpleasanttotheking；andwhentheceremonyofthekissingofthehandtookplace，everyoneperceivedthepainfulagitationoftheunfortunatesovereigns。Thisceremony，whichconsistsoffallingonyourkneesandkissingthehandofthekingandqueen，wasperformedinthedeepestsilence，astheirMajestiesspoketonoonebuttheCountofFuentes，whobychancewasatBayonne。

Thekinghurriedoverthisceremony，whichfatiguedhimgreatly，andretiredwiththequeenintohisapartments，wherethePrinceoftheAsturiaswishedtofollowthem；buthisfatherstoppedhimatthedoor，andraisinghisarmasiftorepulsehim，saidinatremblingtone，Prince，doyouwishstilltoinsultmygrayhairs？“Thesewordshad，itissaid，theeffectofathunderboltontheprince。Hewasovercomebyhisfeelingsforamoment，andwithdrewwithoututteringaword。

VerydifferentwasthereceptiontheirMajestiesgavetothePrincedelaPaix——[ManuelGodoi，bornatBadajos，1767。Acommonsoldier，hebecamethequeen\'slover，andthevirtualrulerofSpain；diedinParis，1851。]——

whenhejoinedthematBayonne，andhemighthavebeentakenforthenearestanddearestrelativeoftheirMajesties。Allthreeweptfreelyonmeetingagain；atleast，thisiswhatIwastoldbyapersonintheservice——thesame，infact，whogavemealltheprecedingdetails。

Atfiveo\'clockhisMajestytheEmperorcametovisittheKingandQueenofSpain；andduringthisinterview，whichwasverylong，thetwosovereignsinformedhisMajestyoftheinsultstheyhadreceived，andthedangerstheyhadencounteredduringthepastmonth。Theycomplainedgreatlyoftheingratitudeofsomanymenwhomtheyhadoverwhelmedwithkindness，andabovealloftheguardwhichhadsobaselybetrayedthem。

“YourMajesty，“saidtheking，“doesnotknowwhatitistobeforcedtocommiserateyourselfonaccountofyourson。MayHeavenforbidthatsuchamisfortuneshouldevercometoyou！Mineisthecauseofallthatwehavesuffered。“

ThePrincedelaPaixhadcometoBayonneaccompaniedbyColonelMartes，aide-de-campofPrinceMurat，andavaletdechambre，theonlyservantwhohadremainedfaithfultohim。Ihadoccasiontotalkwiththisdevotedservant，whospokeverygoodFrench，havingbeenrearednearToulouse；andhetoldmethathehadnotsucceededinobtainingpermissiontoremainwithhismasterduringhiscaptivity，andthatthisunfortunateprincehadsufferedindescribabletorments；thatnotadaypassedwithoutsomeoneenteringhisdungeontotellhimtopreparefordeath，ashewastobeexecutedthatveryeveningorthenextmorning。

Healsotoldmethattheprisonerswereleftsometimesforthirtyhourswithoutfood；thathehadonlyabedofstraw，nolinen，nobooks，andnocommunicationwiththeoutsideworld；andthatwhenhecameoutofhisdungeontobesenttoColonelMarts，hepresentedahorribleappearance，withhislongbeard，andemaciatedframe，theresultofmentaldistressandinsufficientfood。Hehadwornthesameshirtforamonth，ashehadneverbeenabletoprevailonhiscaptorstogivehimothers；andhiseyeshadbeensolongunaccustomedtothelightthathewasobligedtoclosethem，andfeltoppressedintheopenair。

OntheroadfromBayonne，therewashandedtotheprincealetterfromthekingandqueenwhichwasstainedwithtears。Theprincesaidtohisvaletdechambreafterreadingit，“ThesearethefirstconsolingwordsI

havereceivedinamonth，foreveryonehasabandonedmeexceptmyexcellentmasters。Thebodyguards，whohavebetrayedandsoldtheirking，willalsobetrayandsellhisson；andasformyself，Ihopefornothing，excepttobepermittedtofindanasyluminFranceformychildrenandmyself。“M。Martshavingshownhimnewspapersinwhichitwasstatedthattheprincepossessedafortuneoffivehundredmillion，heexclaimedvehementlythatitwasanatrociouscalumny，andhedefiedhismostcruelenemiestoprovethat。

Aswehaveseen，theirMajestieshadnotanumeroussuite；buttheywere，notwithstanding，followedbybaggage-wagonsfilledwithfurniture，goods，andvaluablearticles，andthoughtheircarriageswereold-fashioned，theyfoundthemverycomfortable——especiallytheking，whowasmuchembarrassedthedayafterhisarrivalatBayonne，when，havingbeeninvitedtodinewiththeEmperor，itwasnecessarytoenteramoderncarriagewithtwosteps。Hedidnotdaretoputhisfootonthefrailthings，whichhefearedwouldbreakunderhisweight；andtheoscillatingmovementofthebodyofthecarriagemadehimterriblyafraidthatitwouldupset。

AtthetableIhadanopportunityofobservingatmyleisurethekingandqueen。Thekingwasofmediumheight，andthoughnotstrictlyhandsomehadapleasantface。Hisnosewasverylong，hisvoicehigh-pitchedanddisagreeable；andhewalkedwithamincingairinwhichtherewasnomajesty，butthis，however，Iattributedtothegout。Heateheartilyofeverythingofferedhim，exceptvegetables，whichheneverate，sayingthatgrasswasgoodonlyforcattle；anddrankonlywater，havingitservedintwocarafes，onecontainingice，andpouredfrombothatthesametime。TheEmperorgaveordersthatspecialattentionshouldbepaidtothedinner，knowingthatthekingwassomewhatofanepicure。HepraisedinhightermstheFrenchcooking，whichheseemedtofindmuchtohistaste；foraseachdishwasservedhim，hewouldsay，“Louise，takesomeofthat，itisgood；“whichgreatlyamusedtheEmperor，whoseabstemiousnessiswellknown。

Thequeenwasfatandshort，dressedverybadly，andhadnostyleorgrace；hercomplexionwasveryflorid，andherexpressionharshandsevere。Sheheldherheadhigh，spokeveryloud，intonesstillmorebrusqueandpiercingthanthoseofherhusband；butitisgenerallyconcededthatshehadmorecharacterandbettermannersthanhe。

Beforedinnerthatdaytherewassomeconversationonthesubjectofdress；andtheEmpressofferedtheservicesofM。Duplan，herhairdresser，inordertogiveherladiessomelessonsintheFrenchtoilet。Herpropositionwasaccepted；andthequeencameoutsoonafterfromthehandsofM。Duplan，betterdressed，nodoubt，andherhairbetterarranged，butnotbeautified，however，forthetalentofthehairdressercouldnotgoasfarasthat。

ThePrinceoftheAsturias，nowKingFerdinandVII。，madeanunpleasantimpressiononall，withhisheavystepandcarewornair，andrarelyeverspeaking。

TheirSpanishMajestiesasbeforebroughtwiththemthePrincedelaPaix，whohadnotbeeninvitedbytheEmperor，andwhomforthisreasontheusherondutydetainedoutsideofthedining-hall。Butastheywereabouttobeseated，thekingperceivedthattheprincewasabsent。“AndManuel，“saidhequicklytotheEmperor，“andManuel，Sire！“WhereupontheEmperor，smiling，gavethesignal，andDonManuelGodoiwasintroduced。Iwastoldthathehadbeenaveryhandsomeman；butheshowednosignsofthis，whichwasperhapsowingtothebadtreatmenthehadundergone。

Aftertheabdicationoftheprinces，thekingandqueen，theQueenofEtruria，andtheInfantDonFranciso，leftBayonneforFontainebleau，whichplacetheEmperorhadselectedastheirresidencewhilewaitinguntilthechateauofCompiegneshouldbeputinaconditiontomakethemcomfortable。ThePrinceoftheAsturiasleftthesameday，withhisbrotherDonCarlosandhisuncleDonAntonio，fortheestatesofValencaybelongingtothePrinceofBenevento。Theypublished，whilepassingthroughBordeaux，aproclamationtotheSpanishpeople，inwhichtheyconfirmedthetransmissionofalltheirrightstotheEmperorNapoleon。

ThusKingCharles，freedfromathronewhichhehadalwaysregardedasaheavyburden，couldhereaftergivehimselfupunreservedlyinretirementtohisfavoritepursuits。InalltheworldhecaredonlyforthePrincedelaPaix，confessors，watches，andmusic；andthethronewasnothingtohim。Afterwhathadpassed，thePrincedelaPaixcouldnotreturntoSpain；andthekingwouldneverhaveconsentedtobeseparatedfromhim，eveniftheremembranceoftheinsultswhichhehadpersonallyreceivedhadnotbeenpowerfulenoughtodisgusthimwithhiskingdom。Hemuchpreferredthelifeofaprivateindividual，andcouldnotbehappierthanwhenallowedwithoutinterruptiontoindulgehissimpleandtranquiltastes。OnhisarrivalatthechateauofFontainebleau，hefoundthereM。Remusat，thefirstchamberlain；M。deCaqueray，officerofthehunt；

M。deLugay，prefectofthepalace；andahouseholdalreadyinstalled。

MesdamesdelaRochefoucault，Duchatel，anddeLugayhadbeenselectedbytheEmperorfortheserviceofhonornearthequeen。

TheKingofSpainremainedatFontainebleauonlyuntilthechateauofCompiegnecouldberepaired，andashesoonfoundtheclimateofthispartofFrancetoocoldforhishealth，went，attheendofafewmonths，toMarseilleswiththeQueenofEtruria，theInfantDonFrancisco，andthePrincedelaPaix。In1811heleftFranceforItaly，findinghishealthstillbadatMarseilles，andchoseRomeashisresidence。

IspokeaboveofthefondnessoftheKingofSpainforwatches。IhavebeentoldthatwhileatFontainebleau，hehadhalfadozenofhiswatcheswornbyhisvaletdechambre，andworeasmanyhimself，givingasareasonthatpocketwatcheslosetimebynotbeingcarried。Ihavealsoheardthathekepthisconfessoralwaysnearhim，intheantechamber，orintheroominfrontofthatinwhichheworked，andthatwhenhewishedtospeaktohimhewhistled，exactlyasonewouldwhistleforadog。Theconfessorneverfailedtorespondpromptlytothisroyalcall，andfollowedhispenitentintotheembrasureofawindow，inwhichimprovisedconfessionalthekingdivulgedwhathehadonhisconscience，receivedabsolution，andsentbackthepriestuntilhefelthimselfobligedtowhistleforhimagain。

Whenthehealthoftheking，enfeebledbyageandgout，nolongerallowedhimtodevotehimselftothepleasuresofthechase，hebeganplayingontheviolinmorethaneverbefore，inorder，hesaid，toperfecthimselfinit。Thiswasbeginningratherlate。Asiswellknown，hehadforhisfirstviolinteacherthecelebratedAlexanderBoucher，withwhomhegreatlyenjoyedplaying；buthehadamaniaforbeginningfirstwithoutpayinganyattentiontothemeasure；andifM。Bouchermadeanyobservationinregardtothis，hisMajestywouldreplywiththegreatestcoolness，“Monsieur，itseemstomethatitisnotmyplacetowaitforyou。“

BetweenthedepartureoftheroyalfamilyandthearrivalofJoseph，KingofNaples，thetimewaspassedinreviewsandmilitaryfetes，whichtheEmperorfrequentlyhonoredwithhispresence。The7thofJune，KingJosepharrivedatBayonne，whereithadbeenknownlonginadvancethathisbrotherhadsummonedhimtoexchangehiscrownofNaplesforthatofSpain。

TheeveningofJoseph\'sarrival，theEmperorinvitedthemembersoftheSpanishJunta，whoforfifteendayshadbeenarrivingatBayonnefromallcornersofthekingdom，toassembleatthechateauofMarrac，andcongratulatethenewking。Thedeputiesacceptedthissomewhatsuddeninvitationwithouthavingtimetoconcerttogetherpreviouslyanycourseofaction；andontheirarrivalatMarrac，theEmperorpresentedtothemtheirsovereign，whomtheyacknowledged，withtheexceptionofsomeoppositiononthepartoftheDukeofInfantado，inthenameofthegrandeesofSpain。ThedeputationsfromtheCouncilofCastile，fromtheInquisition，andfromthearmy，etc。，submittedmostreadily。Afewdaysafter，thekingformedhisministry，inwhichallwereastonishedtofindM。deCevallos，whohadaccompaniedthePrinceoftheAsturiastoBayonne，andhadmadesuchaparadeofundyingattachmenttothepersonoftheonewhomhecalledhisunfortunatemaster；whiletheDukeofInfantado，whohadopposedtotheutmostanyrecognitionoftheforeignmonarch，wasappointedCaptainoftheGuard。ThekingthenleftforMadrid，afterappointingtheGrandDukeofBerglieutenant-generalofthekingdom。

CHAPTERX。

AtthistimeitwaslearnedatBayonnethatM。deBelloy，ArchbishopofParis，hadjustdiedofacold，contractedattheageofmorethanninety-eightyears。Thedayafterthissadnewsarrived，theEmperor，whowassincerelygrieved，wasdilatinguponthegreatandgoodqualitiesofthisvenerableprelate，andsaidthathavingonedaythoughtlesslyremarkedtoM。deBelloy，thenalreadymorethanninety-sixyearsold，thathewouldliveacentury，thegoodoldarchbishophadexclaimed，smiling，“Why，doesyourMajestythinkthatIhavenomorethanfouryearstolive？“

IrememberthatoneofthepersonswhowaspresentattheEmperor\'sleveerelatedthefollowinganecdoteconcerningM。deBelloy，whichseemedtoexcitetheEmperor\'srespectandadmiration。

ThewifeofthehangmanofGenoagavebirthtoadaughter，whocouldnotbebaptizedbecausenoonewouldactasgodfather。Invainthefatherbeggedandentreatedthefewpersonswhomheknew，invainheevenofferedmoney；thatwasanimpossibility。Thepoorchildhadconsequentlyremainedunbaptizedfourorfivemonths，thoughfortunatelyherhealthgavenocauseforuneasiness。Atlastsomeonementionedthissingularconditionofaffairstothearchbishop，wholistenedtothestorywithmuchinterest，inquiredwhyhehadnotbeeninformedearlier，andhavinggivenordersthatthechildshouldbeinstantlybroughttohim，baptizedherinhispalace，andwashimselfhergodfather。

AtthebeginningofJulytheGrandDukeofBergreturnedfromSpain，fatigued，ill，andoutofhumor。Heremainedthereonlytwoorthreedays，andheldeachdayaninterviewwithhisMajesty，whoseemedlittlebettersatisfiedwiththegranddukethanthegranddukewaswithhim，andleftafterwardsforthespringsofBareges。

TheirMajesties，theEmperorandEmpress，leftthechateauofMarracthe20thofJuly，atsixo\'clockintheevening。ThisjourneyoftheEmperorwasoneofthosewhichcostthelargestnumberofsnuff-boxessetindiamonds，forhisMajestywasnoteconomicalwiththem。

TheirMajestiesarrivedatPauonthe22d，atteno\'clockinthemorning，andalightedatthechateauofGelos，situatedaboutaquarterofaleaguefromthebirthplaceofthegoodHenryIV。，onthebankoftheriver。Thedaywasspentinreceptionsandhorsebackexcursions，ononeofwhichtheEmperorvisitedthechateauinwhichthefirstkingofthehouseofBourbonwasreared，andshowedhowmuchthisvisitinterestedhim，byprolongingituntilthedinner-hour。

OntheborderofthedepartmentoftheHautes-Pyrenees，andexactlyinthemostdesolateandmiserablepart，waserectedanarchoftriumph，whichseemedamiraclefallenfromheaveninthemidstofthoseplainsuncultivatedandburnedupbythesun。AguardofhonorawaitedtheirMajesties，rangedaroundthisruralmonument，attheirheadanoldmarshalofthecamp，M。deNoe，morethaneightyyearsofage。Thisworthyoldsoldierimmediatelytookhisplacebythesideofthecarriage，andascavalryescortremainedonhorsebackforadayandtwonightswithoutshowingtheleastfatigue。

Aswecontinuedourjourney，wesaw，ontheplateauofasmallmountain，astonepyramidfortyorfiftyfeethigh，itsfoursidescoveredwithinscriptionstothepraiseoftheirMajesties。Aboutthirtychildrendressedasmamelukesseemedtoguardthismonument，whichrecalledtotheEmperorgloriousmemories。ThemomenttheirMajestiesappeared，balladeers，ordancers，ofthecountryemergedfromaneighboringwood，dressedinthemostpicturesquecostumes，bearingbannersofdifferentcolors，andreproducingwithremarkableagilityandvigorthetraditionaldanceofthemountaineersofthesouth。

NearthetownofTarbeswasashammountainplantedwithfirs，whichopenedtoletthecortegepassthrough，surmountedbyanimperialeaglesuspendedintheair，andholdingabanneronwhichwasinscribed——

“HewillopenourPyrenees。“

OnhisarrivalatTarbes，theEmperorimmediatelymountedhishorsetopayavisittotheGrandDukeofBerg，whowasillinoneofthesuburbs。

WeleftnextdaywithoutvisitingBaregesandBagneres，wherethemostbrilliantpreparationshadbeenmadetoreceivetheirMajesties。

AstheEmperorpassedthroughAgen，therewaspresentedtohimabravefellownamedPrintemps，overahundredyearsold，whohadservedunderLouisXIV。，XV。，andXVI。，andwho，althoughbendingbeneaththeweightofmanyyearsandburdens，findinghimselfinthepresenceoftheEmperor，gentlypushedasidetwoofhisgrandsonsbywhomhehadbeensupported，andexclaimedalmostangrilythathecouldgoverywellalone。

HisMajesty，whowasmuchtouched，methimhalf-way，andmostkindlybentovertheoldcentenarian，whoonhisknees，hiswhiteheaduncovered，andhiseyesfulloftears，saidintremblingtones，“Ah，Sire，IwasafraidIshoulddiewithoutseeingyou。“TheEmperorassistedhimtorise，andconductedhimtoachair，inwhichheplacedhimwithhisownhands，andseatedhimselfbesidehimonanother，whichhemadesignstohandhim。

“Iamgladtoseeyou，mydearPrintemps，veryglad。Youhaveheardfrommelately？“(HisMajestyhadgiventhisbravemanapension，whichhiswifewastoinheritafterhisdeath。)Printempsputhishandonhisheart，“Yes，Ihaveheardfromyou。“TheEmperortookpleasureinmakinghimspeakofhiscampaigns，andbadehimfarewellafteralongconversation，handinghimatthesametimeagiftoffiftynapoleons。

TherewasalsopresentedtohisMajestyasoldierbornatAgen，whohadlosthissightinconsequenceofthecampaigninEgypt。TheEmperorgavehimthreehundredfrancs，andpromisedhimapension，whichwasafterwardssenthim。

ThedayaftertheirarrivalatSaint-Cloud，theEmperorandEmpresswenttoParisinordertobepresentatthefetesofthe15thofAugust，whichitisuselesstosayweremagnificent。AssoonasheenteredtheTuileries，theEmperorhastenedthroughthechateautoexaminetherepairsandimprovementswhichhadbeenmadeduringhisabsence，and，aswashishabit，criticisedmorethanhepraisedallthathesaw。Lookingoutofthehallofthemarshals，hedemandedofM。deFleurieu，governorofthepalace，whythetopofthearchoftriumphontheCarrouselwascoveredwithacloth；andhisMajestywastoldthatitwasbecauseallthearrangementshadnotyetbeenmadeforplacinghisstatueinthechariottowhichwereattachedtheCorinthianhorses，andalsobecausethetwoVictorieswhoweretoguidethefourhorseswerenotyetcompleted。“What！“vehementlyexclaimedtheEmperor；“butIwillnotallowthat！Isaidnothingaboutit！Ididnotorderit！“ThenturningtoM。Fontaine，hecontinued，“MonsieurFontaine，wasmystatueinthedesignwhichwaspresentedtoyou？“——“No，Sire，itwasthatofthegodMars。“——“Well，whyhaveyouputmeintheplaceofthegodofwar？“——

“Sire，itwasnotI，butM。thedirector-generalofthemuseum。“

“Thedirector-generalwaswrong，“interruptedtheEmperorimpatiently。

“Iwishthisstatueremoved；doyouhear，MonsieurFontaine？Iwishittakenaway；itismostunsuitable。What！shallIerectstatuestomyself！LetthechariotandtheVictoriesbefinished；butletthechariotletthechariotremainempty。“Theorderwasexecuted；andthestatueoftheEmperorwastakendownandplacedintheorangery，andisperhapsstillthere。Itwasmadeofgildedlead，wasafinepieceofwork，andamostexcellentlikeness。

TheSundayfollowingtheEmperor\'sarrival，hisMajestyreceivedattheTuileriesthePersianambassador，Asker-Khan；M。Jaubertaccompaniedhim，andactedasinterpreter。Thissavant，learnedinOrientalmatters，hadbytheEmperor\'sordersreceivedhisexcellencyonthefrontiersofFrance，incompanywithM。Outrey，vice-consulofFranceatBagdad。

Laterhisexcellencyhadasecondaudience，whichtookplaceinstateatthepalaceofSaint-Cloud。

Theambassadorwasaveryhandsomeman，tall，withregularfeatures，andanobleandattractivecountenance；hismannerswerepolishedandelegant，especiallytowardsladies，withevensomethingofFrenchgallantry。Hissuite，composedofselectpersonagesallmagnificentlydressed，comprised，onhisdeparturefromErzeroum，morethanthreehundredpersons；buttheinnumerabledifficultiesencounteredonthejourneycompelledhisexcellencytodismissalargepartofhisretinue，and，thoughthusreduced，thissuitewasnotwithstandingoneofthemostnumerouseverbroughtbyanambassadorintoFrance。TheambassadorandsuitewerelodgedintheruedeFrejus，intheresidenceformerlyoccupiedbyMademoiselledeConti。

ThepresentswhichhebroughttotheEmperorinthenameofhissovereignwereofgreatvalue，comprisingmorethaneightycashmereshawlsofallkinds；agreatquantityoffinepearlsofvarioussizes，afewofthemverylarge；anEasternbridle，thecurbadornedwithpearls，turquoise，emeralds，etc。；andfinallytheswordofTamerlane，andthatofThamas-

Kouli-Khan，theformercoveredwithpearlsandpreciousstones，thesecondverysimplymounted，bothhavingIndianbladesoffabulousvaluewitharabesquesofembossedgold。

Itookpleasureatthetimeininquiringsomeparticularsaboutthisambassador。Hischaracterwasveryattractive；andheshowedmuchconsiderationandregardforeveryonewhovisitedhim，givingtheladiesattarofroses，thementobacco，perfumes，andpipes。HetookmuchpleasureincomparingFrenchjewelswiththosehehadbroughtfromhisowncountry，andevencarriedhisgallantrysofarastoproposetotheladiescertainexchanges，alwaysgreatlytotheiradvantage；andarefusaloftheseproposalswoundedhimdeeply。Whenaprettywomanenteredhisresidencehesmiledatfirst，andheardherspeakinakindofsilentecstasy；hethendevotedhisattentiontoseatingher，placedunderherfeetcushionsandcarpetsofcashmere(forhehadonlythismaterialabouthim)。Evenhisclothingandbed-coveringswereofanexceedinglyfinequalityofcashmere。Asker-Khandidnotscrupletowashhisface，hisbeard，andhandsinthepresenceofeverybody，seatinghimselfforthisoperationinfrontofaslave，whopresentedtohimonhiskneesaporcelainewer。

Theambassadorhadadecidedtasteforthesciencesandarts，andwashimselfaverylearnedman。MessieursDuboisandLoyseauconductednearhisresidenceaninstitutionwhichheoftenvisited，especiallypreferringtobepresentattheclassesinexperimentalphysics；andthequestionswhichhepropoundedbymeansofhisinterpreterevincedonhispartaveryextensiveknowledgeofthephenomenaofelectricity。Thosewhotradedincuriositiesandobjectsofartlikedhimexceedingly，sinceheboughttheirwareswithoutmuchbargaining。However，ononeoccasionhewishedtopurchaseatelescope，andsentforafamousoptician，whoseizedtheopportunitytochargehimanenormousprice。ButAsker-Khanhavingexaminedtheinstrument，withwhichhewasmuchpleased，saidtotheoptician，“Youhavegivenmeyourlongprice，nowgivemeyourshortone。“

HeadmiredabovealltheprintedcalicoesofthemanufacturesofJouy，thetexture，designs，andcolorsofwhichhethoughtevensuperiortocashmere；andboughtseveralrobestosendtoPersiaasmodels。

OnthedayoftheEmperor\'sfete，hisExcellencygaveinthegardenofhisresidenceanentertainmentintheEasternstyle，atwhichthePersianmusiciansattachedtotheembassyexecutedwarlikepieces，astonishingbothforvigorandoriginality。Therewerealsoartificialfireworks，conspicuousamongwhichwerethearmsoftheSufi，onwhichwererepresentedmostingeniouslythecipherofNapoleon。

HisExcellencyvisitedtheImperiallibrary，M。Jaubertservingasinterpreter；andtheambassadorwasovercomewithadmirationonseeingtheorderinwhichthisimmensecollectionofbookswaskept。Heremainedhalfanhourinthehallofthemanuscripts，whichhethoughtveryhandsome，andrecognizedseveralasbeingcopiedbywritersofmuchrenowninPersia。AcopyoftheKoranstruckhimmostofall；andhesaid，whileadmiringit，thattherewasnotamaninPersiawhowouldnotsellhischildrentoacquiresuchatreasure。

Onleaving，thelibrary，Asker-Khanpresentedhiscomplimentstothelibrarians，andpromisedtoenrichthecollectionbyseveralpreciousmanuscriptswhichhehadbroughtfromhisowncountry。

Afewdaysafterhispresentation，theambassadorwenttovisittheMuseum，andwasmuchimpressedbyaportraitofhismaster，theKingofPersia；andcouldnotsufficientlyexpresshisjoyandgratitudewhenseveralcopiesofthispicturewerepresentedtohim。Thehistoricalpictures，especiallythebattle-scenes，thenengrossedhisattentioncompletely；andheremainedatleastaquarterofanhourinfrontoftheonerepresentingthesurrenderofthecityofVienna。

HavingarrivedattheendofthegalleryofApollo，Asker-Khanseatedhimselftorest，askedforapipe，andindulgedinasmoke；andwhenhehadfinished，rose，andseeingaroundhimmanyladieswhomcuriosityhadattracted，paidthem，throughM。Jaubert，exceedinglyflatteringcompliments。ThenleavingtheMuseum，hisExcellencywenttopromenadeinthegardenoftheTuileries，wherehewassoonfollowedbyanimmensecrowd。OnthatdayhisExcellencybestowedonPrincedeBenevento，inthenameofhissovereign，theGrandOrderoftheSun，amagnificentdecorationconsistingofadiamondsunattachedtoacordonofredclothcoveredwithpearls。

Asker-KhanmadeagreaterimpressionatParisthantheTurkishambassador。Hewasgenerousandmoregallant，paidhiscourtwithmoreaddress，andconformedmorereadilytoFrenchcustomsandmanners。TheTurkwasirascible，austere，andirritable，whilethePersianwasfondofandwellunderstoodajoke。Oneday，however，hebecameredwithanger，anditmustbeadmittednotwithoutgoodreason。

AtaconcertgivenintheapartmentsoftheEmpressJosephine，Asker-

Khan，whomthemusicevidentlydidnotentertainveryhighly，atfirstapplaudedbyecstaticgesturesandrollinghiseyesinadmiration，untilatlastnatureovercamepoliteness，andtheambassadorfellsoundasleep。

HisExcellency\'spositionwasnotthebestforsleeping，however，ashewasstandingwithhisbackagainstthewall，withhisfeetbracedagainstasofaonwhichaladywasseated。Itoccurredtosomeoftheofficersofthepalacethatitwouldbeagoodjoketotakeawaysuddenlythispointofsupport，whichtheyaccomplishedwithalleasebysimplybeginningaconversationwiththeladyonthesofa，whorisingsuddenly，theseatslippedoverthefloor；hisExcellency\'sfeetfollowedthismovement，andtheambassador，suddenlydeprivedoftheweightwhichhadbalancedhim，extendedhislengthonthefloor。Onthisrudeawakening，hetriedtostophimselfinhisfallbyclutchingathisneighbors，thefurniture，andthecurtains，utteringatthesametimefrightfulscreams。

Theofficerswhohadplayedthiscrueljokeuponhimbeggedhim，withthemostridiculouslyseriousair，toplacehimselfonastationarychairinordertoavoidtherecurrenceofsuchanaccident；whiletheladywhohadbeenmadetheaccompliceinthispracticaljoke，withmuchdifficultystifledherlaughter，andhisExcellencywasconsumedwithanangerwhichhecouldexpressonlyinlooksandgestures。

AnotheradventureofAsker-Khan\'swaslongasubjectofconversation，andfurnishedmuchamusement。Havingfeltunwellforseveraldays，hethoughtthatFrenchmedicinemightcurehimmorequicklythanPersian；sohesentforM。Bourdois，amostskillfulphysicianwhosenamehewellknew，havingtakencaretoacquainthimselfwithallourcelebritiesofeverykind。Theambassador\'sorderswerepromptlyexecuted；butbyasingularmistakeitwasnotDr。BourdoiswhowasrequestedtovisitAsker-Khan，butthepresidentoftheCourtofAccounts，M。Marbois，whowasmuchastonishedatthehonorthePersianambassadordidhim，notbeingabletocomprehendwhatconnectiontherecouldbebetweenthem。

Nevertheless，herepairedpromptlytoAsker-Khan，whocouldscarcelybelievethattheseverecostumeofthepresidentoftheCourtofAccountswasthatofaphysician。NosoonerhadM。Marboisenteredthantheambassadorheldouthishandandstuckouthistongue，regardinghimveryattentively。M。Marboiswasalittlesurprisedatthiswelcome；butthinkingitwasdoubtlesstheOrientalmannerofsalutingmagistrates，hebowedprofoundly，andtimidlypressedthehandpresentedtohim，andhewasinthisrespectfulpositionwhenfouroftheservantsoftheambassadorbroughtavesselwithunequivocalsigns。M。Marboisrecognizedtheuseofitwithasurpriseandindignationthatcouldnotbeexpressed，anddrewbackangrily，inquiringwhatallthismeant。

Hearinghimselfcalleddoctor，“What！“criedhe，“M。leDocteurI“——

“Why；yes；leDocteurBourdois！“M。Marboiswasenlightened。Thesimilaritybetweenthesoundofhisnameandthatofthedoctorhadexposedhimtothisdisagreeablevisit。

CHAPTERXI。

ThedayprecedingtheEmperor\'sfete，orthedayfollowing，thecolossalbronzestatuewhichwastobeplacedonthemonumentinthePlaceVendomewasremovedfromthestudioofM。Launay。ThebrewersoftheFaubourgSaint-Antoineofferedtheirhandsomesthorsestodrawthechariotonwhichthestatuewascarried，andtwelvewereselected，onefromeachbrewer；andastheirmastersrequestedtheprivilegeofridingthem，nothingcouldbemoresingularthanthiscortege，whicharrivedonthePlaceVendomeatfiveo\'clockintheevening，followedbyanimmensecrowd，amidcriesof“Vivel\'Empereur。“AfewdaysbeforehisMajesty\'sdepartureforErfurt，theEmperorwiththeEmpressandtheirhouseholdsplayedprisoner\'sbaseforthelasttime。Itwasintheevening；andfootmenborelightedtorches，andfollowedtheplayerswhentheywentbeyondthereachofthelight。TheEmperorfelloncewhiletryingtocatchtheEmpress，andwastakenprisoner；buthesoonbrokeboundsandbegantorunagain，andwhenhewasfree，carriedoffJosephineinspiteoftheprotestsoftheplayers；andthusendedthelastgameofprisoner\'sbasethatIeversawtheEmperorplay。

IthadbeendecidedthattheEmperorAlexanderandtheEmperorNapoleonshouldmeetatErfurtonthe27thofSeptember；andmostofthesovereignsformingtheConfederationoftheRhinehadbeeninvitedtobepresentatthisinterview，whichitwasintendedshouldbebothmagnificentandimposing。ConsequentlytheDukeofFrioul，grandmarshalofthepalace，sentM。deCanouville，marshaloflodgingsofthepalace，M。deBeausset，prefectofthepalace，andtwoquartermasterstoprepareatErfurtlodgingsforalltheseillustriousvisitors，andtoorganizethegrandmarshal\'sservice。

ThegovernmentpalacewaschosenfortheEmperorNapoleon\'slodgings，asonaccountofitssizeitperfectlysuitedtheEmperor\'sintentionofholdinghiscourtthere；fortheEmperorAlexander，theresidenceofM。

Triebelwasprepared，thehandsomestinthetown；andforS。A。L，theGrandDukeConstantine，thatofSenatorRemann。OtherresidenceswerereservedforthePrincesoftheConfederationandthepersonsoftheirsuite；andadetachmentofallbranchesoftheserviceoftheImperialhouseholdwasestablishedineachofthesedifferentlodgings。

Therehadbeensentfromthestorehouseofthecrownalargequantityofmagnificentfurniture，carpetsandtapestry，bothGobelinandlaSavonnerie；bronzes，lusters，candelabras，girondoles，Sevreschina；infine，everythingwhichcouldcontributetotheluxuriousfurnishingofthetwoImperialpalaces，andthosewhichweretobeoccupiedbytheothersovereigns；andacrowdofworkmencamefromParis。GeneralOudinotwasappointedGovernorofErfurt，andhadunderhisorderstheFirstregimentofhussars，theSixthofcuirassiers，andtheSeventeenthoflightinfantry，whichthemajor-generalhadappointedtocomposethegarrison。Twentyselectpolice，withabattalionchosenfromthefinestgrenadiersoftheguard，wereputondutyattheImperialpalaces。

TheEmperor，whosoughtbyeverymeanstorenderthisinterviewatErfurtasagreeableaspossibletothesovereignsforwhomhehadconceivedanaffectionatTilsit，wishedtohavethemasterpiecesoftheFrenchstageplayedintheirhonor。Thiswastheamusementmostworthyofthemthathecouldprocure，sohegaveordersthatthetheatershouldbeembellishedandrepaired。M。Dazincourtwasappointeddirectorofthetheater，andsetoutfromPariswithMessieursTalma，Lafon，Saint-Prix，Damas，Despres，Varennes，Lacave；MesdamesDuchesnoir，Raucourt，Talma，Bourgoin，RoseDupuis，Grosand，andPatrat；andeverythingwasinorderbeforethearrivalofthesovereigns。

NapoleondislikedMadameTalmaexceedingly，althoughshedisplayedmostremarkabletalent，andthisaversionwaswellknown，althoughIcouldneverdiscoverthecause；andnoonewaswillingtobefirsttoplacehernameonthelistofthoseselectedtogotoErfurt，butM。Talmamadesomanyentreatiesthatatlastconsentwasgiven。AndthenoccurredwhateverybodyexceptM。Talmaandhiswifehadforeseen，thattheEmperor，havingseenherplayonce，wasmuchprovokedthatshehadbeenallowedtocome，andhadhernamestruckfromthelist。

MademoiselleBourgoin，whowasatthattimeyoungandextremelypretty，hadatfirstmoresuccess；butitwasnecessary，inordertoaccomplishthis，thatsheshouldconductherselfdifferentlyfromMadameTalma。AssoonassheappearedatthetheaterofErfurtsheexcitedtheadmiration，andbecametheobjectoftheattentions，ofalltheillustriousspectators；andthismarkedpreferencegaverisetojealousies，whichdelightedhergreatly，andwhichsheincreasedtotheutmostofherabilitybyeverymeansinherpower。Whenshewasnotplaying，shetookherseatinthetheatermagnificentlydressed，whereuponalllookswerebentonher，anddistractedfromthestage，totheverygreatdispleasureoftheactors，untiltheEmperoratlastperceivedthesefrequentdistractions，andputanendtothembyforbiddingMademoiselleBourgointoappearinthetheaterexceptonthestage。

Thismeasure，whichwasverywiselytakenbyhisMajesty，puthiminthebadgracesofMademoiselleBourgoin；andanotherincidentaddedstillmoretothedispleasureoftheactress。Thetwosovereignsattendedthetheatertogetheralmosteveryevening，andtheEmperorAlexanderthoughtMademoiselleBourgoincharming。Shewasawareofthis，andtriedbyeverymeanstoincreasethemonarch\'sdevotion。OnedayatlasttheamorousCzarconfidedtotheEmperorhisfeelingsforMademoiselleBourgoin。“Idonotadviseyoutomakeanyadvances，“saidtheEmperorNapoleon。“Youthinkthatshewouldrefuseme？“——“Oh，no；butto-morrowisthedayforthepost，andinfivedaysallPariswouldknowallaboutyourMajestyfromheadtofoot。“Thesewordssingularlycooledtheardoroftheautocrat，whothankedtheEmperorforhisadvice，andsaidtohim，“ButfromthemannerinwhichyourMajestyspeaks，Ishouldbetemptedtobelievethatyoubearthischarmingactresssomeill-will。“——“No，intruth，“repliedtheEmperor，“Idonotknowanythingabouther。“Thisconversationtookplaceinhisbedroomduringthetoilet。AlexanderlefthisMajestyperfectlyconvinced，andMademoiselleBourgoinceasedheroglingandherassurance。

HisMajestymadehisentranceintoErfurtonthemorningofthe27thofSeptember，1808。TheKingofSaxony，whohadarrivedfirst，followedbytheCountdeMarcolini，theCountdeHaag，andtheCountdeBoze，awaitedtheEmperoratthefootofthestairsinthegovernor\'spalace；afterthemcamethemembersoftheRegencyandthemunicipalityofErfurt，whocongratulatedhimintheusualform。Afterashortrest，theEmperormountedhishorse，andleftErfurtbythegateofWeimar，making，inpassing，avisittotheKingofSaxony，andfoundoutsidethecitythewholegarrisonarrangedinlineofbattle，——thegrenadiersoftheguardcommandedbyM。d\'Arquies；theFirstregimentofhussarsbyM。deJuniac；

theSeventeenthinfantrybyM。deCabannes-Puymisson；andtheSixthcuirassiers，thefinestbodyofmenimaginable，byColoneld\'Haugeranville。TheEmperorreviewedthesetroops，orderedachangeinsomedispositions，andthencontinuedonhiswaytomeettheEmperorAlexander。

ThelatterhadsetoutfromSaintPetersburgonthe17thofSeptember；

andtheKingandQueenofPrussiaawaitedhimatKoenigsberg，wherehearrivedonthe18th。TheDukeofMontebellohadthehonorofreceivinghimatBrombergamidasaluteoftwenty-onecannon。Alightingfromhiscarriage，theEmperorAlexandermountedhishorse，accompaniedbytheMarshalsoftheEmpire，Soult，DukeofDalmatia，andLannes，DukeofMontebello，andsetoffatagalloptomeettheNansoutydivision，whichawaitedhimarrangedinlineofbattle。Hewaswelcomedbyanewsalute，andbyoftrepeatedcriesof“LonglivetheEmperorAlexander。“Themonarch，whilereviewingthedifferentcorpswhichformedthisfinedivision，saidtotheofficers，“Ithinkitagreathonor，messieurs，tobeamongstsuchbravemenandsplendidsoldiers。“

ByordersofMarshalSoult，whosimplyexecutedthosegivenbyNapoleon，relaysoftheposthadbeenarrangedonalltheroadswhichtheMonarchoftheNorthwouldpassover，andtheywereforbiddentoreceiveanycompensation。Ateachrelaywereescortsofdragoonsorlightcavalry，whorenderedmilitaryhonorstotheCzarashepassed。

AfterhavingdinedwiththegeneralsoftheNansoutydivision，theEmperorofRussiare-enteredhiscarriage，abarouchewithtwoseats，andseatedtheDukeofMontebellobesidehim，whoafterwardstoldmewithhowmanymarksofesteemandkindfeelingtheEmperoroverwhelmedhimduringthejourney，evenarrangingthemarshal\'scloakaroundhisshoulderswhilehewasasleep。

HisImperialRussianMajestyarrivedatWeimartheeveningofthe26th，andnextdaycontinuedhisjourneytoErfurt，escortedbyMarshalSoult，hisstaff，andthesuperiorofficersoftheNansoutydivision，whohadnotlefthimsincehehadstartedfromBromberg，andmetNapoleonaleagueandahalffromErfurt，towhichplacethelatterhadcomeonhorsebackforthispurpose。

ThemomenttheCzarperceivedtheEmperor，helefthiscarriage，andadvancedtowardshisMajesty，whohadalsoalightedfromhishorse。Theyembracedeachotherwiththeaffectionoftwocollegefriendswhomeetagainafteralongabsence；thenbothmountedtheirhorses，asdidalsotheGrandDukeConstantine，andpassingatagallopinfrontoftheregiments，allofwhichpresentedarmsattheirapproach，enteredthetown，whilethetroops，withanimmensecrowdcollectedfromtwentyleaguesaround，madetheairresoundwiththeiracclamations。TheEmperorofRussiaworeonenteringErfurtthegranddecorationoftheLegionofHonor，andtheEmperoroftheFrenchthatofSaintAndrewofRussia；andthetwosovereignsduringtheirstaycontinuedtoshoweachotherthesemarksofmutualdeference，anditwasalsoremarkedthatinhispalacetheEmperoralwaysgavetherighttoAlexander。Ontheeveningofhisarrival，byhisMajesty\'sinvitation，Alexandergavethecountersigntothegrandmarshal，anditwasafterwardsgivenalternatelybythetwosovereigns。

TheywentfirsttothepalaceofRussia，wheretheyremainedanhour；andlater，whenAlexandercametoreturnthevisitoftheEmperor，hereceivedhimatthefootofthestaircase，andaccompaniedhimwhenheleftasfarastheentranceofthegrandhall。Atsixo\'clockthetwosovereignsdinedathisMajesty\'sresidence，anditwasthesameeachday。Atnineo\'clocktheEmperorescortedtheEmperorofRussiatohispalace；andtheythenheldaprivateconversation，whichcontinuedmorethananhour，andintheeveningthewholecitywasilluminated。ThedayafterhisarrivaltheEmperorreceivedathisleveetheofficersoftheCzar\'shousehold，andgrantedthemthegrandentryduringtherestoftheirStay。

Thetwosovereignsgavetoeachotherproofsofthemostsincerefriendshipandmostconfidentialintimacy。TheEmperorAlexanderalmosteverymorningenteredhisMajesty\'sbedroom，andconversedfreelywithhim。OnedayhewasexaminingtheEmperor\'sdressing-caseinsilvergilt，whichcostsixthousandfrancs，andwasmostconvenientlyarrangedandbeautifullycarvedbythegoldsmithBiennais，andadmireditexceedingly。Assoonashehadgone，theEmperororderedmetohaveadressing-casesenttotheCzar\'spalaceexactlysimilartothatwhichhadjustbeenreceivedfromParis。

AnothertimetheEmperorAlexanderremarkedontheeleganceanddurabilityofhisMajesty\'sironbedstead；andtheverynextdaybyhisMajesty\'sorders，conveyedbyme，anexactlysimilarbedwassetupintheroomoftheEmperorofRussia，whowasdelightedwiththesepoliteattentions，andtwodaysafter，asanevidenceofhissatisfaction，orderedM。deRemusattohandmetwohandsomediamondrings。

TheCzaronedaymadehistoiletintheEmperor\'sroom，andIassisted。

ItookfromtheEmperor\'slinenawhitecravatandcambrichandkerchief，whichIhandedhim，andforwhichhethankedmemostgraciously；hewasanexceedinglygentle，good，amiableprince，andextremelypolite。

Therewasanexchangeofpresentsbetweentheseillustrioussovereigns。

AlexandermadetheEmperorapresentofthreesuperbpelissesofmartin-

sable，oneofwhichtheEmperorgavetohissisterPauline，anothertothePrincessdePonte-Corvo；andthethirdhehadlinedwithgreenvelvetandornamentedwithgoldlace，anditwasthiscloakwhichheconstantlyworeinRussia。ThehistoryoftheonewhichIcarriedfromhimtothePrincessPaulineissingularenoughtoberelatedhere，althoughitmayhavebeenalreadytold。

ThePrincessPaulineshowedmuchpleasureinreceivingtheEmperor\'spresent，andenjoyeddisplayinghercloakfortheadmirationofthehousehold。Oneday，whenshewasinthemidstofacircleofladies，towhomshewasdilatingonthequalityandexcellenceofthisfur，M。deCanouvillearrived，andtheprincessaskedhisopinionofthepresentshehadreceivedfromtheEmperor。Thehandsomecolonelnotappearingasmuchstruckwithadmirationassheexpected，shewassomewhatpiqued，andexclaimed，“What，monsieur，youdonotthinkitexquisite？“——

“No，madame。“——“InordertopunishyouIwishyoutokeepthiscloak；I

giveittoyou，andrequireyoutowearit；Iwishit，youunderstand。“

ItisprobablethattherehadbeensomedisagreementbetweenherImperialhighnessandherprotege，andtheprincesshadseizedthefirstmeansofestablishingpeace；buthoweverthatmaybe，M。deCanouvilleneededlittleentreaty，andtherichfurwascarriedtohishouse。Afewdaysafter，whiletheEmperorwasholdingareviewonthePlaceduCarrousel，M，deCanouvilleappearedonanunrulyhorse，whichhehadgreatdifficultyincontrolling。Thiscausedsomeconfusion，andattractedhisMajesty\'sattention，who，glancingatM。deCanouville，sawthecloakwhichhehadgivenhissistermetamorphosedintoahussar\'scape。TheEmperorhadgreatdifficultyincontrollinghisanger。“M。deCanouville，“hecried，inavoiceofthunder，“yourhorseisyoung，andhisbloodistoowarm；youwillgoandcoolitinRussia。“ThreedaysafterM。deCanouvillehadleftParis。

CHAPTERXII。

TheEmperorAlexandernevertiredofshowinghisregardforactorsbypresentsandcompliments；andasforactresses，IhavetoldbeforehowfarhewouldhavegonewithoneofthemifNapoleonhadnotdeterred。

him。EachdaytheGrandDukeConstantinegotuppartiesofpleasurewithMuratandotherdistinguishedpersons，atwhichnoexpensewasspared，andsomeoftheseladiesdidthehonors。AndwhatfursanddiamondstheycarriedawayfromErfurt！ThetwoEmperorswerenotignorantofallthis，andweremuchamusedthereby；anditwasthefavoritesubjectofconversationinthemorning。ConstantinehadconceivedanespecialaffectionforKingJerome；thekingevencarriedhisaffectionsofarasto\'tutoy\'him，andwishedhimtodothesame。“IsitbecauseIamaking，“hesaidoneday，“thatyouareafraidtosaythoutome？Come，now，isthereanyneedofformalitybetweenfriends？“Theyperformedallsortsofcollegeprankstogether，evenrunningthroughthestreetsatnight，knockingandringingateverydoor，muchdelightedwhentheyhadwakedupsomehonestbourgeois。AstheEmperorwasleaving，KingJeromesaidtothegrandduke:“Come，tellmewhatyouwishmetosendyoufromParis。“——“Nothingwhatever，“repliedthegrandduke；“yourbrotherhaspresentedmewithamagnificentsword；Iamsatisfied，anddesirenothingmore。“——“ButIwishtosendyousomething，sotellmewhatwouldgiveyoupleasure。“——“Well，sendmesixdemoisellesfromthePalaisRoyal。“

TheplayatErfurtusuallybeganatseveno\'clock；butthetwoEmperors，whoalwayscametogether，neverarrivedtillhalf-pastseven。Attheirentrance，allthepitofkingsrosetodothemhonor，andthefirstpieceimmediatelycommenced。

AttherepresentationofCinna，theEmperorfearedthattheCzar，whowasplacedbyhissideinaboxfacingthestage，andonthefirsttier，mightnothearverywell，ashewassomewhatdeaf；andconsequentlygaveorderstoM。deRemusat，firstchamberlain，thataplatformshouldberaisedontheflooroftheorchestra，andarmchairsplacedthereforAlexanderandhimself；andontherightandleftfourhandsomelydecoratedchairsfortheKingofSaxonyandtheothersovereignsoftheConfederation，whiletheprincestookpossessionoftheboxabandonedbytheirMajesties。BythisarrangementthetwoEmperorsfoundthemselvesinsuchaconspicuouspositionthatitwasimpossibleforthemtomakeamovementwithoutbeingseenbyeveryone。Onthe3dofOctoberAEdipuswaspresented。“Allthesovereigns，“astheEmperorcalledthem，werepresentatthisrepresentation；andjustastheactorpronouncedthesewordsinthefirstscene:

“Thefriendshipofagreatmanisagiftfromthegods:“

theCzararose，andheldouthishandwithmuchgracetotheEmperor；andimmediatelyacclamations，whichthepresenceofthesovereignscouldnotrestrain，burstforthfromeverypartofthehall。

OntheeveningofthissamedayIpreparedtheEmperorforbedasusual。

Allthedoorswhichopenedintohissleeping-roomwerecarefullyclosed，aswellastheshuttersandwindows；andtherewasconsequentlynomeansofenteringhisMajesty\'sroomexceptthroughthechamberinwhichI

sleptwithRoustan，andasentinelwasalsostationedatthefootofthestaircase。EverynightIsleptverycalmly，knowingthatitwasimpossibleanyonecouldreachNapoleonwithoutwakingme；butthatnight，abouttwoo\'clock，whileIwassleepingsoundly，astrangenoisewokemewithastart。Irubbedmyeyes，andlistenedwiththegreatestattention，and，hearingnothingwhatever，thoughtthisnoisetheillusionofadream，andwasjustdroppingtosleepagain，whenmyearwasstruckbylow，smotheredscreams，suchasamanmightutterwhowasbeingstrangled。Iheardthemrepeatedtwice，andinaninstantwassittingupstraightinbed，myhaironend，andmylimbscoveredwithacoldsweat。

SuddenlyitoccurredtomethattheEmperorwasbeingassassinated，andIsprangoutofbedandwokeRoustan；andasthecriesnowrecommencedwithaddedintensity，Iopenedthedoorascautiouslyasmyagitationallowed，andenteredthesleeping-room，andwithahastyglanceassuredmyselfthatnoonecouldhaveentered。Onadvancingtowardsthebed，I

perceivedhisMajestyextendedacrossit，inapositiondenotinggreatagony，thedraperyandbed-coveringthrownoff，andhiswholebodyinafrightfulconditionofnervouscontraction。Fromhisopenmouthescapedinarticulatesounds，hisbreathingappearedgreatlyoppressed，andoneofhishands，tightlyclinched，layonthepitofhisstomach。Iwasterrifiedatthesight，andcalledhim。Hedidnotreply；again，once，twiceeven，stillnoreply。AtlastIconcludedtoshakehimgently；andatthistheEmperorawokewithaloudcry，saying，“Whatisit？Whatisit？“thensatupandopenedhiseyeswide；uponwhichItoldhimthat，seeinghimtormentedwithahorriblenightmare，Ihadtakenthelibertyofwakinghim。“Andyoudidwell，mydearConstant，“interruptedhisMajesty。“Ah，myfriend，Ihavehadafrightfuldream；abearwastearingopenmybreast，anddevouringmyheart！“ThereupontheEmperorrose，and，whileIputhisbedinorder，walkedabouttheroom。Hewasobligedtochangehisshirt，whichwaswetwithperspiration，andatlengthagainretired。

Thenextday，whenhewoke，hetoldmethatitwaslongbeforehecouldfalltosleepagain，sovividandterriblewastheimpressionmadeonhim。Helongretainedthememoryofthisdream，andoftenspokeofit，eachtimetryingtodrawfromitdifferentconclusions，accordingtocircumstances。

Astomyself，IavowIwasstruckwiththecoincidenceofthecomplimentofAlexanderatthetheaterandthisfrightfulnightmare，especiallyastheEmperorwasnotsubjecttodisturbancesofthiskind。IdonotknowwhetherhisMajestyrelatedhisdreamtotheEmperorofRussia。

Onthe6thofOctobertheirMajestiesattendedahunting-partywhichtheGrandDukeofWeimarpreparedforthemintheforestofEttersbourg。TheEmperorsetoutfromErfurtatnoon，withtheEmperorofRussiainthesamecoach。Theyarrivedintheforestatoneo\'clock，andfoundpreparedforthemahunting-pavilion，whichhadbeenerectedexpresslyforthisoccasion，andwasveryhandsomelydecorated。Thispavilionwasdividedintothreeparts，separatedbyopencolumns；thatinthemiddle，raisedhigherthantheothers，formedaprettyroom，arrangedandfurnishedforthetwoEmperors。Aroundthepavilionwereplacednumerousorchestras，whichplayedinspiritingairs，withwhichweremingledtheacclamationsofanimmensecrowd，whohadbeenattractedbyadesiretoseetheEmperor。

ThetwosovereignswerereceivedontheirdescentfromtheircarriagebytheGrandDukeofWeimarandhisson，thehereditaryprince，CharlesFrederic；whiletheKingofBavaria，KingofSaxony，KingofWurtemberg，PrinceWilliamofPrussia，thePrincesofMecklenburg，thePrincePrimate，andtheDukeofOldenburgawaitedthemattheentrancetothesaloon。

TheEmperorhadinhissuitethePrinceofNeuchatel；thePrinceofBenevento；thegrandmarshalofthepalace，DukedeFrioul；GeneralCaulaincourt，DukeofVicenza；theDukeofRovigo；GeneralLauriston，hisMajesty\'saide-de-camp；GeneralNansouty，firstequerry；thechamberlain，EugenedeMontesquiou；theCountdeBeausset，prefectofthepalace；andM。Cavaletti。

TheEmperorofRussiawasaccompaniedbytheGrandDukeConstantine；theCountTolstoi，grandmarshal；andCountOggeroski，aide-de-camptohisMajesty。

Thehuntlastednearlytwohours，duringwhichtimeaboutsixtystagsandroebuckswerekilled。Thespaceinwhichthesepooranimalshadtorunwasinclosedbynetting，inorderthatthemonarchsmightshootthematpleasure，withoutdisturbingthemselveswhileseatedinthewindowsofthepavilion。Ihaveneverseenanythingmoreabsurdthanhuntsofthissort，which，nevertheless，givethosewhoengageinthemareputationasfineshots。Whatskillisthereinkillingananimalwhichthegamekeepers，sotospeak，takebytheearsandplaceinfrontofyourgun。

TheEmperorofRussiawasnear-sighted，andthisinfirmityhaddeterredhimfromanamusementwhichhewouldhaveenjoyedverymuch；butthatday，however，hewishedtomaketheattempt，and，havingexpressedthis。

wish，theDukeofMontebellohandedhimagun，andM。deBeauternehadthehonorofgivingtheEmperorhisfirstlesson。AstagwasdrivensoastopasswithinabouteightstepsofAlexander，whobroughthimdownatthefirstshot。

AfterthehunttheirMajestiesrepairedtothepalaceofWeimar；andthereigningduchessreceivedthem，astheyalightedfromtheircarriages，accompaniedbyherwholecourt。TheEmperorsalutedtheduchessaffectionately，rememberingthathehadseenhertwoyearsbeforeunderverydifferentcircumstances，whichImentionedinitsplace。

TheDukeofWeimarhadrequestedfromthegrandmarshalFrenchcookstopreparetheEmperor\'sdinner，buttheEmperorpreferredbeingservedintheGermanstyle。

TheirMajestiesinvitedtodinewiththemtheDukeandDuchessofWeimar，theQueenofWestphalia，theKingofWurtemberg，theKingofSaxony，theGrandDukeConstantine，PrinceWilliamofPrussia，thePrincePrimate，thePrinceofNeuchatel，PrinceTalleyrand，theDukeofOldenburg，thehereditaryPrinceofWeimar，andthePrinceofMecklenburg-Schwerin。

Afterthisdinnertherewasaplay，followedbyaball，theplaybeingatthetowntheater，wheretheordinarycomediansofhisMajestypresentedthedeathofCaesar；andtheball，attheducalpalace。TheEmperorAlexanderopenedtheballwiththeQueenofWestphalia，tothegreatastonishmentofeveryone；foritwaswellknownthatthismonarchhadneverdancedsincehisaccessiontothethrone，conductwhichtheoldermenofthecourtthoughtverypraiseworthy，holdingtheopinionthatasovereignoccupiestoohighaplacetoshareinthetastesandtakepleasureinamusementscommontotherestofmankind。Exceptthis，however，therewasnothingintheballofWeimartoscandalizethem，astheydidnotdance，butpromenadedincouples，whilsttheorchestraplayedmarches。

ThemorningofthenextdaytheirMajestiesenteredcarriagestovisitMountNapoleon，nearJena，whereasplendidbreakfastwaspreparedforthemunderatentwhichtheDukeofWeimarhaderectedontheidenticalspotwheretheEmperor\'sbivouacstoodonthedayofthebattleofJena。

AfterbreakfastthetwoEmperorsascendedatemporarypavilionwhichhadbeenerectedonMountNapoleon；thispavilion，whichwasverylarge，hadbeendecoratedwithplansofthebattle。AdeputationfromthetownanduniversityofJenaarrived，andwerereceivedbytheirMajesties；andtheEmperorinquiredofthedeputiesthemostminuteparticularsrelatingtotheirtown，itsresources，andthemannersandcharacterofitsinhabitants；questionedthemontheapproximatedamageswhichthemilitaryhospital，whichhadbeensolongleftwiththem，hadcausedtheinhabitantsofJena；inquiredthenamesofthosewhohadsufferedmostfromfireandwar，andgaveordersthatagratuityshouldbedistributedamongthem，andthesmallproprietorsentirelyindemnified。HisMajestyinformedhimselfwithmuchinterestoftheconditionoftheCatholicworship，andpromisedtoendowthevicarageinperpetuity，grantingthreehundredthousandfrancsforimmediatenecessities，andpromisingtogivestillmore。

Afterhavingvisited，onhorseback，thepositionswhichthetwoarmieshadheldtheeveningbefore，andonthedayof，thebattleofJena，aswellastheplainofAspolda，onwhichthedukehadpreparedahuntwithguns，thetwoEmperorsreturnedtoErfurt，whichtheyreachedatfiveo\'clockintheevening，almostattheverymomentthegrandhereditarydukeofBadenandthePrincessStephaniearrived。

Duringtheentirevisitofthesovereignstothebattlefield，theEmperormostgraciouslymadeexplanationstotheyoungCzar，towhichhelistenedwiththegreatestinterest。HisMajestyseemedtotakepleasureinexplainingatlength，first，theplanwhichhehadformedandcarriedoutatJena，andafterwardsthevariousplansofhisothercampaigns，themaneuverswhichhehadexecuted，hisusualtactics，and，infine，hiswholeideasontheartofwar。TheEmperorthus，forseveralhours，carriedonthewholeconversationalone；andhisroyalaudiencepaidhimasmuchattentionasscholars，eagertolearn，paytotheinstructionsoftheirteacher。

WhenhisMajestyreturnedtohisapartment，IheardMarshalBerthiersaytohim，“Sire，areyounotafraidthatthesovereignsmaysomedayusetoadvantageagainstyouallthatyouhavejusttaughtthem？YourMajestyjustnowseemedtoforgetwhatyouformerlytoldus，thatitisnecessarytoactwithouralliesasiftheywereafterwardstobeourenemies。“——

“Berthier，“repliedtheEmperor，smiling，thatisagoodobservationonyourpart，andIthankyouforit；IreallybelieveIhavemadeyouthinkIwasanidiot。Youthink，then，“continuedhisMajesty，pinchingsharplyoneofthePrincedeNeuchatel\'sears，“thatIcommittedtheindiscretionofgivingthemwhipswithwhichtoreturnandflogus？Calmyourself，Ididnottellthemall。“

TheEmperor\'stableatErfurtwasintheformofahalf-moon；andattheupperend，andconsequentlyattheroundedpart，ofthistabletheirMajestieswereseated，andontherightandleftthesovereignsoftheConfederationaccordingtotheirrank。ThesidefacingtheirMajestieswasalwaysempty；andtherestoodM。deBeausset，theprefectofthepalace，whorelatesinhisMemoirsthatonedayheoverheardthefollowingconversation:

“OnthatdaythesubjectofconversationwastheGoldenBull，which，untiltheestablishmentoftheConfederationoftheRhine，hadservedasaconstitution，andhadregulatedthelawfortheelectionofemperors，thenumberandrankoftheelectors，etc。ThePrincePrimateenteredintosomedetailsregardingthisGoldenBull，whichhesaidwasmadein1409；whereupontheEmperorNapoleonpointedouttohimthatthedatewhichwasassignedtotheGoldenBullwasnotcorrect，andthatitwasproclaimedin1336，duringthereignoftheEmperorCharlesIV。\'Thatistrue，Sire，\'repliedthePrincePrimateIwasmistaken；buthowdoesithappenthatyourMajestyissowellacquaintedwiththesematters？\'——\'WhenIwasameresub-

lieutenantintheartillery，saidNapoleon，——atthisbeginning，therewasonthepartoftheguestsamarkedmovementofinterest，andhecontinued，smiling，——whenIhadthehonortobesimplysub-

lieutenantintheartilleryIremainedthreeyearsinthegarrisonatValence，and，asIcaredlittleforsociety，ledaveryretiredlife。ByfortunatechanceIhadlodgingswithakindandintelligentbookseller。Ireadandre-readhislibraryduringthethreeyearsIremainedinthegarrisonandhaveforgottennothing，evenmatterswhichhavehadnoconnectionwithmyposition。Nature，besides，hasgivenmeagoodmemoryforfigures，anditoftenhappenswithmyministersthatIcangivethemdetailsandthesumtotalofaccountstheypresentedlongsince。\'“

AfewdaysbeforehisdeparturefromErfurt，theEmperorbestowedthecrossoftheLegionofHonoronM。deBigi，commandantofarmsatthisplace；M。Vegel，burgomasterofJena；Messrs。WeilandandGoethe；M。

Starlk，seniorphysicianatJena。HegavetoGeneralCountTolstoi，ambassadorfromRussia，whohadbeenrecalledfromthispostbyhissovereigntotakeacommandinthearmy，thegranddecorationoftheLegionofHonor；toM。thedeanMeimung，whohadsaidmasstwiceatthepalace，aringofbrilliants，withthecipherNsurmountedbyacrown；

andahundrednapoleonstothetwopriestswhohadassistedhim；finally，tothegrandmarshalofthepalace，CountTolstoi，thebeautifulGobelintapestry，Savonneriecarpets，andSevresporcelain，whichhadbeenbroughtfromParistofurnishthepalaceofErfurt。Theminister\'sgrandofficers，andofficersofAlexander\'ssuite，receivedfromhisMajestymagnificentpresents；andtheEmperorAlexanderdidlikewiseinregardtothepersonsattachedtohisMajesty。HegavetheDukeofVicenzathegrandcordonofSaintAndrew，andabadgeofthesameordersetindiamondstothePrincesofBeneventoandNeuchatel。

CharmedbythetalentoftheFrenchcomedians，especiallythatofTalma，theEmperorAlexandersentveryhandsomepresentstoheraswellasallhercompanions；hesentcomplimentstotheactresses，andtothedirector，M。Dazincourt，whomhedidnotforgetinhisdistributionofgifts。

ThisinterviewatErfurt，whichwassobrilliantwithilluminations，splendor，andluxury，endedonthe14thofOctober；andallthegreatpersonageswhomithadattractedleftbetweenthe8thandthe14thofOctober。

ThedayofhisdeparturetheEmperorgaveanaudience，afterhistoilet，toBaronVincent，envoyextraordinaryofAustria，andsentbyhimalettertohissovereign。Ateleveno\'clocktheEmperorofRussiacametohisMajesty，whoreceivedhim，andreconductedhimtohisresidencewithgreatceremony；andsoonafterhisMajestyrepairedtotheRussianpalace，followedbyhiswholesuite。Aftermutualcomplimentstheyenteredthecarriagetogether，anddidnotparttilltheyreachedthespotontheroadfromWeimarwheretheyhadmetontheirarrival。Theretheyembracedeachotheraffectionatelyandseparated；andthe18thofOctober，athalf-pastnineintheevening，theEmperorwasatSaint-

Cloud，havingmadethewholetripincognito。

DuringtheseconddayofthebattleofDresden，attheendofwhichtheEmperorhadtheattackoffeverImentionedintheprecedingchapter，theKingofNaples，orratherMarshalMurat，performedprodigiesofvalor。

Muchhasbeensaidofthistrulyextraordinaryprince；butonlythosewhosawhimpersonallycouldformacorrectideaofhim，andeventheyneverknewhimperfectlyuntiltheyhadseenhimonafieldofbattle。Thereheseemedlikethosegreatactorswhoproduceacompleteillusionamidthefascinationsofthestage，butinwhomwenolongerfindtheherowhenweencountertheminprivatelife。WhileatParisIattendedarepresentationofthedeathof\'Hector\'byLucedeLancival，andIcouldneverafterwardsheartheversesrecitedinwhichtheauthordescribestheeffectproducedontheTrojanarmybytheappearanceofAchilleswithoutthinkingofPrinceMurat；anditmaybesaidwithoutexaggerationthathispresenceproducedexactlythiseffectthemomentheshowedhimselfinfrontoftheAustrianlines。Hehadanalmostgiganticfigure，whichalonewouldhavesufficedtomakehimremarkable，andinadditiontothissoughteverypossiblemeanstodrawattentiontohimself，asifhewishedtodazzlethosewho，mighthaveintendedtoattackhim。Hisregularandstronglymarkedfeatures，hishandsomeblueeyesrollingintheirorbits，enormousmustaches，andblackhairfallinginlongringletsoverthecollarofakurtkawithnarrowsleeves，strucktheattentionatfirstsight。Addtothistherichestandmostelegantcostumewhichonewouldwearevenatthetheater，——aPolishcoatrichlyembroidered，andencircledbyagildedbeltfromwhichhungthescabbardofalightsword，withastraightandpointedblade，withoutedgeandwithoutguard；largeamaranth-coloredpantaloonsembroideredingoldontheseams，andnankeenboots；alargehatembroideredingoldwithaborderofwhitefeathers，abovewhichfloatedfourlargeostrichplumeswithanexquisiteheronaigretteinthemidst；andfinallytheking\'shorse，alwaysselectedfromthestrongestandhandsomestthatcouldbefound，wascoveredwithanelegantlyembroideredsky-blueclothwhichextendedtotheground，andwasheldinplacebyaHungarianorTurkishsaddleoftherichestworkmanship，togetherwithabridleandstirrupsnotlessmagnificentthantherestoftheequipment。AllthesethingscombinedmadetheKingofNaplesabeingapart，anobjectofterrorandadmiration。Butwhat，sotospeak，idealizedhimwashistrulychivalrousbravery，oftencarriedtothepointofrecklessness，asifdangerhadnoexistenceforhim。Intruth，thisextremecouragewasbynomeansdispleasingtotheEmperor；andthoughheperhapsdidnotalwaysapproveofthemannerinwhichitwasdisplayed，hisMajestyrarelyfailedtoaccordithispraise，especiallywhenhethoughtnecessarytocontrastitwiththeincreasingprudenceshownbysomeofhisoldcompanionsinarms。

Onthe28ththeEmperorvisitedthebattlefield，whichpresentedafrightfulspectacle，andgaveordersthateverythingpossibleshouldbedonetoalleviatethesufferingsofthewounded，andalsooftheinhabitantsandpeasantswhohadbeenravagedandpillaged，andtheirfieldsandhousesburned，andthenascendedtheheightsfromwhichhecouldfollowthecourseoftheenemy\'sretreat。Almostallthehouseholdfollowedhiminthisexcursion。ApeasantwasbroughttohimfromNothlitz，asmallvillagewheretheEmperorAlexanderandtheKingofPrussiahadtheirheadquartersduringthetwoprecedingdays。Thispeasant，whenquestionedbytheDukeofVicenza，saidhehadseenagreatpersonagebroughtintoNothlitz，whohadbeenwoundedtheeveningbeforeonthestaffoftheallies。Hewasonhorseback，andbesidetheEmperorofRussia，atthemomenthewasstruck。TheEmperorofRussiaappearedtotakethedeepestinterestinhisfate。HehadbeencarriedtotheheadquartersofNothlitzonlancesoftheCossacksinterlaced，andtocoverhimtheycouldfindonlyacloakwetthroughwiththerain。OnhisarrivalatNothlitztheEmperorAlexander\'ssurgeoncametoperformtheamputation，andhadhimcarriedonanextendingchairtoDippoldiswalde，escortedbyseveralAustrian，Prussian，andRussiandetachments。

OnlearningtheseparticularstheEmperorwaspersuadedthatthePrincevonSchwarzenbergwasthepersoninquestion。“Hewasabraveman，“saidhe；“andIregrethim。“Thenafterasilentpause，“Itisthenhe，“

resumedhisMajesty，“whoisthevictimofthefatality！Ihavealwaysbeenoppressedbyafeelingthattheeventsoftheballwereasinisteromen，butitisveryevidentnowthatitwashewhomthepresageindicated。“