the court of the empress josephine
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TheProjectGutenbergEBookofTheCourtoftheEmpressJosephinebyImbertdeSaint-Amand
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Title:TheCourtoftheEmpressJosephineAuthor:ImbertdeSaint-AmandReleaseDate:February,2006[EBook#9831]
[ThisfilewasfirstpostedonOctober22,2003]
Edition:10
Language:English
***STARTOFTHEPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOK,THECOURTOFTHEEMPRESSJOSEPHINE***
E-textpreparedbyAnneSoulard,CharlesAldarondo,KerenVergon,ShawnWheeler,andtheProjectGutenbergOnlineDistributedProofreadingTeam
THECOURTOFTHEEMPRESSJOSEPHINEBY
IMBERTDESAINT-AMAND
TRANSLATEDBYTHOMASSERGEANTPERRY
ILLUSTRATED
1900
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER
I.THEBEGINNINGOFTHEEMPIRE
II.THEJOURNEYTOTHEBANKSOFTHERHINE
III.THEPOPE'SARRIVALATFONTAINEBLEAU
IV.THEPREPARATIONSFORTHECORONATION
V.THECORONATION
VI.THEDISTRIBUTIONOFFLAGS
VII.THEFESTIVITIES
VIII.THEETIQUETTEOFTHEIMPERIALPALACE
IX.THEHOUSEHOLDOFTHEEMPRESS
X.NAPOLEON'SGALLANTRIES
XI.THEPOPEATTHETUILERIES
XII.THEJOURNEYINITALY
XIII.THECORONATIONATMILAN
XIV.THEFESTIVITIESATGENOA
XV.DURINGTHECAMPAIGNOFAUSTERLITZ
XVI.THEMARRIAGEOFPRINCEEUGENE
XVII.PARISINTHEBEGINNINGOF1806
XVIII.THEMARRIAGEOFTHEPRINCEOFBADEN
XIX.THENEWQUEENOFHOLLAND
XX.THEEMPRESSATMAYENCE
XXI.THERETURNOFTHEEMPRESSTOPARIS
XXII.THEDEATHOFTHEYOUNGNAPOLEON
XXIII.THEENDOFTHEWAR
XXIV.THEEMPEROR'SRETURN
XXV.THECOURTATFONTAINEBLEAU
XXVI.THEENDOFTHEYEAR1807
I.THEBEGINNINGOFTHEEMPIRE.
"Two-thirdsofmylifeispassed,whyshouldIsodistressmyselfaboutwhatremains?ThemostbrilliantfortunedoesnotdeserveallthetroubleItake,thepettinessIdetectinmyself,orthehumiliationsandshameIendure;thirtyyearswilldestroythosegiantsofpowerwhichcanbeseenonlybyraisingthehead;weshalldisappear,Iwhoamsopetty,andthosewhomIregardsoeagerly,fromwhomIexpectedallmygreatness.Themostdesirableofallblessingsisrepose,seclusion,alittlespotwecancallourown."WhenLaBruyèreexpressedhimselfsobitterly,whenhespokeofthecourt"whichsatisfiesnoone,"but"preventsonefrombeingsatisfiedanywhereelse,"ofthecourt,"thatcountrywherethejoysarevisiblebutfalse,andthesorrowshidden,butreal,"hehadbeforehim
thebrilliantPalaceofVersailles,theunrivalledgloryoftheSunKing,amonarchywhichthoughtitselfimmovableandeternal.Whatwouldhesayinthiscenturywhendynastiesfaillikeautumnleaves,andittakesmuchlessthanthirtyyearstodestroythegiantsofpower;whentheexileofto-dayrepeatstotheexileofthemorrowthemottoofthechurchyard:Hodiemihi,erastibi?WhatwouldthisChristianphilosophersayatatimewhenroyalandimperialpalaceshavebeenlikecaravansariesthroughwhichsovereignshavepassedliketravellers,whentheirbriefresting-placeshavebeenconsumedbytheblazeofpetroleumandarenowbutaheapofashes?
Thestudyofanycourtissuretoteachwisdomandindifferencetohumanglories.InourFranceofthenineteenthcentury,fickleasithasbeen,inconstant,fertileinrevolutions,recantations,andchangesofeverysort,thislessonismoreimpressivethanithasbeenatanyperiodofourhistory.NeverhasProvidenceshownmoreclearlythenothingnessofthisworld'sgrandeurandmagnificence.NeverhasthesayingofEcclesiastesbeenmoreexactlyverified:"Vanityofvanities;allisvanity!"Wehavebeforeusthetaskofdescribingoneofthemostsumptuouscourtsthathaseverexisted,andofreviewingsplendorsallthemorebrilliantfortheirbrevity.TothiscourtofNapoleonandJosephine,tothismajesticcourt,resplendentwithglory,wealth,andfame,maywellbeappliedCorneille'slines:—"Allyourhappiness
Subjecttoinstability
Inamomentfallstotheground,
Andasithasthebrilliancyofglass
Italsohasitsfragility."
Weshallevokethememoryofthedeadtorevivethisvanishedcourt,andweshallconsult,oneafteranother,thepersonswhowereeye-witnessesoftheseshort-livedwonders.Aprefectofthepalace,M.deBausset,wrote:"WhenIrecallthememorabletimesofwhichIhavejustgivenafaintidea,Ifeel,aftersomanyyears,asifIhadbeentakingpartinthegorgeousscenesoftheArabianTalesoroftheThousandandOneNights.Themagicpictureofallthosesplendorsandglorieshasdisappeared,andwithitalltheprestigeofambitionandpower."OneoftheladiesofthepalaceoftheEmpressJosephine,MadamedeRémusat,hasexpressedthesamethought:"Iseemtoberecallingadream,
butadreamresemblinganOrientaltale,whenIdescribethelavishluxuryofthatperiod,thedisputesforprecedence,theclaimsofrank,thedemandsofeveryone."Yes,inallthattherewassomethingdreamlike,andtheactorsinthatfairyspectaclewhichiscalledtheEmpire,thatgreatshowpiece,withitsscenery,nowbrilliant,nowterrible,buteverchanging,musthavebeenevenmoreastonishedthanthespectators.Aix-la-ChapelleandthecourtofCharlemagne,thecastleofFontainebleauandthePope,NotreDameandthecoronation,theChampdeMarsandthedistributionofeagles,theCathedralofMilanandtheIronCrown,Genoathesuperbanditsnavalfestival,Austerlitzandthethreeemperors,—whatasetting!whataccessories!whatpersonages!Thepealoforgans,theintoningofpriests,theapplauseofthemultitudeandofthesoldiers,thegroansofthedying,thetrumpetcall,therollofthedrum,ballmusic,militarybands,thecannon'sroar,werethejoyfulandmournfulharmoniesheardwhiletheplaywenton.Whatweshallstudyamidthistumultandagitationisonewoman.WehavealreadystudiedherastheViscountessofBeauharnais,asCitizenessBonaparte,andasthewifeoftheFirstConsul.Weshallnowstudyherinhernewpart,thatofEmpress.
LetusgobacktoMay18,1804,tothePalaceofSaintCloud.TheEmperorhadjustbeenproclaimedbytheSenatebeforetheplébiscitewhichwastoratifythenewstateofthings.Thecurtainhasrisen,theplaybegins,andnodramaisfullerofcontrasts,ofincidents,ofmovement.Theleadingactor,Napoleon,wasalreadyasfamiliarwithhispartasifhehadplayeditsincehischildhood.Josephineisalsoathomeinhers.Asawomanoftheworld,shehadlearned,bypracticeinthedrawing-room,towinevengreatervictories.Forafashionablebeautythereisnogreatdifferencebetweenanarmchairandathrone.Theminoractorsarenotsoaccustomedtotheirnewposition.NothingismoreamusingthantheembarrassmentofthecourtierswhentheyhavetoanswertheEmperor'squestions.Theybeginwithablunder;then,incorrectingthemselves,theyfallintostillworseconfusion;tentimesaminutewasrepeated,Sire,General,YourMajesty,Citizen,FirstConsul.Constant,theEmperor'svaletdechambre,hasgivenusadescriptionofthis18thofMay,1804,adaydevotedtoreceptions,presentations,interviews,andcongratulations:"Everyone,"hesays,"wasfilledwithjoyinthePalaceofSaintCloud;everyoneimaginedthathehadrisenastep,likeGeneralBonaparte,who,fromFirstConsul,hadbecomeamonarch.Menwereembracingandcomplimentingoneanother;confidingtheirshareofhopesandplansforthefuture;therewasnoofficialsohumblethathewasnotfiredwithambition."Inaword,theante-chamber,barringthedifferenceofpersons,presentedanexactimitationofwhatwasgoingoninthedrawing-room.
Itseemedlikeafirstperformancewhichhadlongbeeneagerlyexpected,arousingthesameeagerexcitementamongtheplayersandthepublic.Thedaywhichhadstartedbrightgrewdark;foralongtimetherewerethreateningsofathunder-storm;butnonelookedonthisasanevilomen.
Allwereinclinedtocheeryviews.Thecourtiersdisplayedtheirzealwithalltheardor,thepassion,thefuriafrancese,whichisanationalcharacteristic,andappearsonthebattlefieldaswellasintheante-chamber.TheFrenchfightandflatterwithequalenthusiasm.
Amidallthesemanifestationsofdevotionanddelight,themembersoftheImperialfamilyalone,whoshouldhavebeenthemostsatisfied,andcertainlythemostastonishedbytheirgreatness,woreananxious,almostagrievedlook.Theyaloneappeareddiscontentedwiththeirmaster.Theirprideknewnobounds;theirirritabilitywasextreme.Nothingseemedgoodenough,forthem.Inthewayofhonorsprivileges,andwhenwerecalltheirfather'smodestatAjaccio,itishardtokeepfromsmilingatthevanityofthesenewPrincesoftheblood.OfNapoleon'sfourbrothers,twowereabsentandonbadtermswithhim:Lucien,onaccountofhismarriagewithMadameJouberton;Jerome,onaccountofhismarriagewithMissPaterson.Hismother,MadameLetitiaBonaparte,anablewoman,whocombinedgreatcouragewithuncommongoodsense,hadnotlostherheadoverthewonderfulgoodfortuneofthemodernCaesar.Havingapresentimentthatallthiscouldnotlast,sheeconomizedfrommotivesofprudence,notofavarice.WhilethecourtierswerecelebratingtheEmperor'snewtriumphs,shelingeredinRomewithhersonLucien,whomshehadfollowedinhisvoluntaryexile,havingpronouncedinhisfavorinhisquarrelwithNapoleon.AsforJosephandLouis,who,withtheirwives,hadbeenraisedtothedignityofGrandElectorandConstable,respectively,onemightthinkthattheywereoverburdenedwithwealthandhonors,andwouldbeperfectlysatisfied.Butnotatall!Theywereindignantthattheywerenotpersonallymentioned,intheplébiscite,bywhichtheirposteritywasappointedtosucceedtotheFrenchcrown.Thisplébisciteranthus:"TheFrenchpeopledesiretheInheritanceoftheImperialdignityinthedirect,natural,oradoptivelineofdescentfromNapoleonBonaparte,andinthedirect,natural,legitimatelineofdescentfromJosephBonaparteandfromLouisBonaparte,asisdeterminedbytheorganicsenatus-consultumofthetwenty-eighthFloréal,yearXII."FortheEmperor'sfamily,thesestipulationswerethecauseofincessantsquabblesandrecriminations.LucienandJeromeregardedtheirexclusionasanactofinjustice.JosephandLouisaskedindignantlywhytheirdescendantswerementionedwhenthey
themselveswereexcluded.TheywereveryjealousofJosephine,andofherson,EugenedeBeauharnais,andmuchannoyedbytheEmperor'sreservationoftherightofadoption,whichthreatenedthemandheldouthopesforEugene.LouisBonaparte,indignantwiththeslanderousstory,accordingtowhichhiswife,Hortense,hadbeenNapoleon'smistress,treatedherill,andconceivedadislikeforhisownson,whowasreportedtobethatoftheEmperor.AsforElisaBacciochi,CarolineMurat,andPaulineBorghese,theycouldnotendurethemortificationofbeingplacedbelowtheEmpress,theirsister-in-law,andthethoughtthattheyhadnotyetbeengiventhetitleofPrincessesoftheblood,whichhadbeengrantedtothewifeofJosephandthewifeofLouis,filledthemwithactualdespair.
MadamedeRémusat,whowaspresentatthefirstImperialdinneratSt.
Cloud,May18,1804,describesthiscuriousrepast.GeneralDuroc,GrandMarshalofthePalace,toldalltheguestsinsuccessionofthetitlesofPrinceandPrincesstobegiventoJosephandLouis,andtheirwives,butnottotheEmperor'ssisters,ortotheirhusbands.ThisfatalnewsprostratedElisa,Caroline,andPauline.Whentheysatdownattable,Napoleonwasgood-humoredandmerry,possiblyatheartenjoyingtheslightconstraintthatthisnovelformalityenforceduponhisguests.MadameMurat,whensheheardtheEmperorsayingfrequentlyPrincessLouis,couldnothidehermortificationorhertears.Everyonewasembarrassed,whileNapoleonsmiledmaliciously.
ThenextdaytheEmperorwenttoParistoholdagrandreceptionattheTuileries,forhewasnotamantopostponetheenjoymentofthesplendorwhichhissatisfiedambitioncoulddrawfromhisnewtitle.Inthispalace,wherehadruledtheCommitteeofPublicSafety,wheretheConventionhadsat,whenceRobespierrehaddepartedintriumphtopresideoverthefestivalinhonoroftheSupremeBeing,nothingwasheardbutthetitlesofEmperor,Empress,MyLord,Prince,Princess,ImperialHighness,MostSereneHighness.ItwasassertedthatBonapartehadcutuptheredcapstomaketheribbonsoftheLegionsofHonor.ThemostfanaticalRevolutionistshadbecomeconservativeassoonastheyhadanythingtopreserve.TheEmpirewasbutafewhoursold,andalreadythenewborncourtwasalivewiththesamerivalries,jealousies,andvanitiesthatfillthecourtsoftheoldestmonarchies.ItwaslikeVersailles,inthereignofLouisXIV.,intheGalleryofMirrors,orinthedrawing-roomoftheOeildeBoeuf.ItwouldhavetakenaDangeautorecord,hourbyhour,theminutepointsofetiquette.TheEmperorwalked,spoke,thought,acted,likeamonarchofanold
line.Tonothingdoesamansoreadilyadapthimselfastopower.Onewhohasbeeninvestedwiththehighestrankissuretoimaginehimselfeternal;tothinkthathehasalwayshelditandwillalwayskeepit.Indeed,howisitpossibletoescapeintoxicationbythefumesofperpetualincense?Howcanamantellthetruthtohimselfwhenthereisnooneabouthimcourageousenoughtotellittohim?Whenthepressismuzzled,andpublicpowerrestsonlyongeneralapproval,whenthereisnoslaveeventoremindthetriumphanthero,asintheancientovations,thatheisonlyaman,howisitpossibletoavoidbeinginfatuatedbyone'sgreatnessandnottoimagineone'sselftheabsolutemasterofone'sdestiny?ThenewCaesarmetwithnoresistance.HewastopublishscornfullyintheMoniteurtheprotestofLouisXVIII.againsthisaccession.HewastobeadoredbothbyfierceRevolutionistsandbygreatlords,byregicidesandbyRoyalistsandecclesiastics.Itseemedasifwithhimeverythingbegan,orratherstartedanew."Theoldworldwassubmerged,"saysChateaubriand;"whenthefloodofanarchywithdrew,Napoleonappearedatthebeginningofanewworld,likethosegiantsdescribedbyprofaneandsacredhistoryatthebeginningofsociety,appearingonearthaftertheDeluge."
TheformergeneraloftheRevolutionenjoyedhissituationasabsolutesovereign.Hestudiedthelawsofetiquetteascloselyashestudiedtheconditionofhistroops.Hesawthatthemenoftheoldrégimeweremoreconversantintheartofflattery,moreeagerthanthenewmen.AsMadamedeStaëlsays:"Wheneveragentlemanoftheoldcourtrecalledtheancientetiquette,suggestedanadditionalbow,acertainwayatknockingatthedoorofanante-chamber,aceremoniousmethodofpresentingadespatch,offoldingaletter,ofconcludingitwiththisorthatformula,hegreetedasifhehadhelpedonthehappinessofthehumanrace."Napoleonattached,orpretendedtoattach,greatimportancetothethousandnothingswhichupthelifeofcourts.Heestablishedinthepalacethesamedisciplineasinthecamps.Everythingbecameamatterofrule.
Courtiersstudiedformalitiesasofficersstudiedtheartofwar.
Regulationswereascloselyobservedinthedrawing-roomsasinthetents.
AttheendofafewmonthsNapoleonwastohavethemostbrilliant,themostrigidcourtofEurope.Attimesthewhirlofvanitiessurroundedhimfilledwithimpatiencethegreatcentralsun,withoutwhomhissatelliteswouldhavebeennothing.Atothertimes,however,hispridewasgratifiedbythethoughtthatitwashiswill,hisfancy,whichevokedfromnothingallthegrandeesoftheearth.Hewasnotpainedatseeingsucheagernessinbehalfoftriflesthathehad
Hewasnotpainedatseeingsucheagernessinbehalfoftriflesthathehadinvented.Helikedtofillhiscourtierswithrapturesorwithdespair,byasmileorafrown.Hethoughthissisters'ambitionchildish,butitamusedhim;andiftheyhadtocryalittleatfirst,hefinallygrantedthemwhattheywanted.
May19,afterthefamilydinner,MadameMuratwasmoreandmoredistressedatnotbeingaPrincess,whenshewasaBonapartebybirth,whileMadameJosephandMadameLouis,oneofwhomwasaClary,theotheraBeauharnais,borethattitle,andburstoutintocomplaintsandreproaches."Why,"sheaskedofherall-powerfulbrother,"whycondemnmeandmysisterstoobscurity,tocontempt,whilecoveringstrangerswithhonorsanddignities?"AtfirstthesewordsannoyedNapoleon."Infact,"heexclaimed,"judgingfromyourpretensions,onewouldsupposethatweinheritedthecrownfromthelateKingourfather."Attheendoftheinterview,MadameMurat,notsatisfiedwithcrying,faintedaway.Napoleonsoftenedatonce,andafewdayslaterthereappearedanotificationintheMoniteurthathenceforththeEmperor'ssistersshouldbecalledPrincessesandImperialHighnesses.
TheEmpress'sMaidofHonorwasMadamedeLaRochefoucauld;herLadyoftheBedchamberwasMadamedeLavalette.HerLadiesofthePalace,whosenumberwassoonraisedtotwelve,andlaterstillmoreaugmented,wereatfirstonlyfour:MadamedeTalhouët,MadamedeLuçay,MadamedeLauriston,andMadamedeRémusat.Theseladies,too,arousedthehottestjealousies,andsoontheygaverisetoasortofparodyofthequestionsofvanitythatagitatedtheEmperor'sfamily.ThewomenwhowereadmittedtotheEmpress'sintimacycouldneverconsolethemselvesfortheprivilegesaccordedtotheLadiesofthePalace.
Inessentialsallcourtsarealike.Onagreaterorsmallerscaletheyarerankwiththesamepettinesses,thesamechatteringgossip,thesametrivialsquabblesastheporter'slodge,ante-chambers,andservants'
quarters.Ifweexaminethesethingsfromthestandpointofaphilosopher,weshallfindbutlittledifferencebetweenastewardandachamberlain,betweenachambermaidandaladyofthepalace.Wemaygofurtherandsaythatassoonastheyhaveplacesandmoneyattheirdisposal,republicanshavecourtesies,asmuchasmonarchs,andeverywhereandalwaystherearetobefoundpeoplereadytobowlowifthereisanythingonthegroundthattheycanpickup.Revolutionsaltertheformsofgovernment,butnotthehumanheart;afterwards,asbefore,thereexistthesamepretensions,thesameprejudices,thesameflatteries.Theincensemaybeburnedbeforeatribune,adictator,oraCaesar,
flatteries.Theincensemaybeburnedbeforeatribune,adictator,oraCaesar,therearealwaysthesameflatteringgenuflections,thesamecringing.
ThenewEmpirebeganmostbrilliantly,buttherewasnolackofmorosecriticism.TheFaubourgSaintGermainwasforthemostparthostileandscornful.ItlookeduponthehighdignitariesoftheEmpireandontheEmperorhimselfasupstarts,andallthemenoftheoldrégimewhowentovertohimtheybrandedasrenegades.Thetitleof"Citizen"wassuppressedandthatof"Monsieur"restored,afterhavingbeenabandonedinconversationandwritingfortwelveyears.MiotdeMélitotellsusinhisMemoirsthatatfirstpublicopinionwasopposedtothischange;eventhosewhoatthebeginninghadshownthegreatestrepugnancetobeingaddressedasCitizen,dislikedconferringthetitleofMonsieuruponRevolutionistsandtherabble,andtheypretendedtoaddressasCitizenthosewhomtheysawfittoincludeinthisclass.Manyturnedthenewstateofaffairstoridicule.TheParisians,alwaysofamalicioushumor,madeperpetualpunsandepigramsinabundance.
TheFaubourgSaintGermain,inspiteofafewadhesionsfrompersonalmotives,preservedanironicalattitude.GeneraldeSégur,thenacaptainundertheordersoftheGrandMarshalofthePalace,observedthatin1804,withtheexceptionofseveralobscurenobles,eitherpoororruined,andothersalreadyattachedtoNapoleon'scivilandmilitaryfortune,manynegotiationsandvarioustemptationswererequiredtopersuadewell-knownpersonstoappearatthecourtasitwasatfirstconstituted.Hegoeson:"Asaspectatorandconfidantofthemeansemployed,Iwitnessedinthoseearlydaysmanyrefusals,andsomeIhadtoannouncemyself.Ievenheardmanybittercomplaintsonthissubject.IrememberthatinreplyImentionedtotheEmpressmyowncase,andtoldherwhatithadcostmetoenlistunderthetricolor,andthentoentertheFirstConsul'smilitaryhousehold.TheEmpressunderstoodmesowellthatshemadetomeasimilarconfidence,confessingherownstruggles,heralmostinvinciblerepugnance,attheendof1795,inspiteofherfeelingforBonaparte,beforeshecouldmakeuphermindtomarrythemanwhomatthattimesheherselfusedtocallGeneralVendémiaire."
AlthoughJosephinehadbecomeEmpress,sheremainedaLegitimist,andsawclearlytheweakpointsintheEmpire.AttheTuileries,inthechamberofMarieAntoinette,shefeltoutofplace;shewassurprisedtohaveforLadyofHonoraduchessofanoldfamily,andhersoleambitionwastobepardonedbytheRoyalistsforherelevation,tothehighestrank.
Napoleon,too,wasmuchconcernedabouttheBourbons,inwhomheforesawhissuccessors,"Oneofhiskeenestregrets,"wrotePrinceMetternich,"washisinabilitytoinvokelegitimacyasthefoundationofhispower.
Fewmenhavefeltmoredeeplythanhetheprecariousnessandfragilityofpowerwhenitlacksthisfoundation,itssusceptibilitytoattack."
AfterrecallingtheEmperor'sattempttoinduceLouisXVIII.toabandonhisclaimstothethrone,PrinceMetternichgoeson:"Inspeakingtomeofthismatter,Napoleonsaid:'Hisreplywasnoble,fullofnobletraditions.InthoseLegitimiststhereissomethingoutsideofmereintellectualforce.'"TheEmperor,who,atthebeginningofhiscareer,displayedsuchintenseRepublicanenthusiasm,wasbynatureessentiallyaloverofauthorityandofthemonarchy.Hewouldhavelikedtobeasovereignoftheoldstamp.Hispleasureinsurroundinghimselfwithmembersoftheoldaristocracyatteststhearistocraticinstinctsoftheso-calledcrownedapostleofdemocracy.ThefewRepublicanswhoremainedfaithfultotheprincipleswereindignantwiththesetendencies;itwaswithgriefthattheysawthereappearanceofthethrone;andthus,fromdifferentmotivestheunreconciledJacobinsandthemenofCoblentzwhohadnotjoinedthecourt,showedthesamefeelingofbitternessandofhostilitytotheEmpire.
ThetrialofGeneralMoreaumadeclearthegermsofoppositionwhichexistedinalatentcondition.ItisdifficulttoformanideaoftheenormousthrongthatblockedalltheapproachestothePalaceofJusticethedaythetrialopened,andcontinuedtocrowdthemduringthetwelvedaysthatthetriallasted,whichwasasinterestingtoRoyalistsastoRepublicans.ThemostfashionablepeopleofParismadeapointofbeingpresent.SentencewaspronouncedJune10.GeorgesCadoudalandnineteenoftheaccused,amongwhomwereM.ArmanddePolignac,andM.deRivière,werecondemnedtodeath.
TotheEmperor'sgreatsurprise,Moreauwassentencedtoonlytwoyearsofprison.Thispenaltywasremitted,andhewasallowedtobetakehimselftotheUnitedStates.Tofacilitatehisestablishinghimselfthere,theEmperorboughthishouseintherued'AnjouSaintHonoré,payingforiteighthundredthousandfrancs,muchmorethanitwasworth,andthenhegaveittoBernadotte,whodidnotscrupletoacceptit.ThesumwaspaidtoMoreauoutofthesecretfundofthepolicebeforeheleftforCadiz.
Josephine'surgentsolicitationssavedthelifeoftheDukeArmanddePolignac,
Josephine'surgentsolicitationssavedthelifeoftheDukeArmanddePolignac,whosedeath-sentencewascommutedtofouryears'imprisonmentbeforebeingtransported.MadameMuratsecuredamodificationofthesentenceoftheMarquisdeRivière;andthesetwoactsofleniency,towhichgreatpublicitywasgiven,wereofgreatserviceindiminishingtheirritationoftheRoyalists.AfterMoreau'strial,theopposition,havingbecomediscouraged,andconsciousofitsweakness,laiddownitsarms,atleastforatime.Napoleonwaseverywheremaster.
TheRepublicwasforgotten.Itsnamestillappearedonthecoins:"FrenchRepublic,Napoleon,Emperor";butitsurvivedasamereghost.
Nevertheless,theEmperorwasanxioustocelebratein1804theRepublicanfestivalofJuly14;buttheobjectofthisfestivalwassomodifiedthatitwouldhavebeenhardtoseeinittheanniversaryofthetakingoftheBastilleandofthefirstfederation.Inthecelebration,notasinglewordwassaidaboutthesetwoevents.TheofficialeulogyoftheRevolutionwasreplacedbyaformaldistributionofcrossesoftheLegionofHonor.
ThiswasthefirsttimethattheEmperorandEmpressappearedinpublicinfullpomp.ItwasalsothefirsttimethattheyavailedthemselvesoftheprivilegeofdrivingthroughthebroadroadofthegardenoftheTuileries.Accompaniedbyamagnificentprocession,theywentingreatsplendortotheInvalides,whichtheRevolutionhadturnedintoaTempleofMars,andtheEmpirehadturnedagaintoaCatholicChurch.AtthedoortheywerereceivedbytheGovernorandM.deSégur,GrandMasterofCeremonies,andattheentrancetothechurchbytheCardinalduBelloyattheheadofnumerouspriests.NapoleonandJosephinelistenedattentivelytothemass;then,afteraspeechwasutteredbytheGrandChancelloroftheLegionofHonor,M.deLacépède,theEmperorrecitedtheformoftheoath;attheendofwhichallthemembersoftheLegionshouted"Iswear."
Thissightarousedtheenthusiasmofthecrowd,andtheapplausewasloud.
Inthemiddleoftheceremony,NapoleoncalleduptohimCardinalCaprara,whohadtakenaveryimportantpartinthenegotiationsconcerningtheConcordat,andwassoontohelptopersuadethePopetocometoParisforthecoronation.TheEmperortookfromhisownnecktheribbonoftheLegionofHonor,andgaveittotheworthyandagedprelate.ThentheknightsoftheneworderpassedinlinebeforetheImperialthrone,whileamanofthepeople,wearingablouse,tookhisstationonthestepsofthethrone.Thisexcitedsome
wearingablouse,tookhisstationonthestepsofthethrone.Thisexcitedsomesurprise,andhewasaskedwhathewanted;hetookouthisappointmenttotheLegion.TheEmperoratoncecalledhimup,andgavehimthecrosswiththeusualkiss.
TheEmpress'sbeautymadeagreatimpression,aswelearnfromMadamedeRémusat,whogenerallyprejudicedagainsther,butonthisoccasionwasforcedtorecognizethatJosephine,byhertastefulandcarefuldressing,succeededinappearingyoungandcharmingamidthemanyyoungandprettywomenbywhomshewasforthefirsttimesurrounded."Shestoodthere,"
MadamedeRémusatgoeson,"inthefulllightofthesettingsun,wearingadressofpinktulle,adornedwithsilverstars,cutverylowafterthefashionofthetime,andcrownedbyagreatmanydiamondclusters;andthisfreshandbrilliantdress,hergracefulbearing,herdelightfulsmile,hergentleexpressionproducedsuchaneffectthatIheardanumberofpersonswhohadbeenpresentattheceremonysaythatsheeffacedallhersuite."ThreedayslatertheEmperorstartedforthecampatBoulogne.
Inspiteoftheenthusiasmofthepeopleandthearmy,onethingbecamecleartoeverythoughtfulobserver,andthatwasthatthenewrégime,lackingstrengthtoresistmisfortunes,musthaveperpetualsuccessinordertolive.Napoleonwascondemned,bytheformofhisgovernment,notmerelytosucceed,buttodazzle,toastonish,tosubjugate.HisEmpirerequiredextraordinarymagnificence,prodigiouseffects,Babylonianfestivities,giganticadventures,colossalvictories.HisImperialescutcheon,toescapecontempt,neededrichcoatsofgilding,anddemandedglorytomakeupforthelackofantiquity.InordertomakehimselfacceptabletotheEuropean,monarchs,hisnewbrothers,andtoremovethememoryofthevenerabletitlesoftheBourbons,thisformerofficerofthearmiesofLouisXVI.,theformersecond-lieutenantofartillery,whohadsuddenlybecomeaCaesar,aCharlemagne,couldmakethissuddenandstrangetransformationcomprehensibleonlythroughunprecedentedfameandsplendor.Hedesiredtohaveafeudal,majesticcourt,surroundedbyallthepompandceremonyoftheMiddleAges.Hesawhowhardwastheparthehadtoplay,andheknewverywellhowmuchanationneedsglorytomakeitforgetliberty.Henceaperpetualefforttomakeeverydayoutshinetheonebefore,andfirsttoequal,thentosurpass,thesplendorsoftheoldestandmostfamousdynasties.ThisinsatiablethirstforactionandforrenownwastobethesourceofNapoleon'sstrengthandalsoofhisweakness.Butonlyafewclear-sightedmenmadethesereflectionswhentheEmpirebegan.Themasses,withtheireasyoptimism,lookeduponthenewEmperorasaninfalliblyimpeccablebeing,and
optimism,lookeduponthenewEmperorasaninfalliblyimpeccablebeing,andthoughtthatsincehehadnotyetbeenbeaten,hewasinvincible.Josephineindulgedinnosuchillusions;sheknewthedefectsinherhusband'scharacter,anddreadedthefutureforhimaswellasforherself.Singularlyenoughforonesosurroundedbyflatteries,inherwholelifeherheadwasneverforamomentturnedbyprideorinfatuation.
II.
JOURNEYTOTHEBANKSOFTHERHINE
BeforehavinghimselfcrownedbythePope,aftertheexampleofCharlemagne,NapoleonwasanxioustogotomeditateatthetombofthegreatCarlovingianEmperor,ofwhomheregardedhimselfastheworthysuccessor.AjourneyonthebanksoftheRhine,atriumphaltourinthefamousGermancitieswhichtheFranceoftheRevolutionhadbeensoproudtoconquer,seemedtothenewsovereignafittingprologuetothepompofthecoronation.NapoleonwasdesirousofimpressingtheimaginationsofpeopleinhisnewEmpireandintheoldEmpireofGermany.Hewishedthetrumpetsoffametosoundinhishonoronbothbanksofthefamousanddisputedriver.
TheEmpress,whohadgonetoAix-la-Chapelletotakethewaters,arrivedthereafewdaysbeforeherhusband.Napoleonwrotetoher,August6,1804:—"MYDEAR:IhavebeenhereatCalaissincemidnight;IamthinkingofleavingthiseveningforDunkirk.IamsatisfiedwithwhatIsee,andIamtolerablywell.IhopethatyouwillgetasmuchgoodfromthewatersasIgetfromgoingaboutandfromseeingthecampsandthesea.EugenehasleftforBlois.Hortenseiswell.LouisisatPlombières.Iamveryanxioustoseeyou.Youarealwaysessentialtomyhappiness.Athousandkindmessages."
TheEmperorwroteagainfromOstend,August14,1804:—"MYDEAR:Ihavenotheardfromyouforseveraldays,thoughIshouldhavebeengladtohearthatthewatershavedoneyougoodandhowyoupassyourtime.Ihavebeenhereaweek.Dayafterto-morrowIshallbeatBoulogneforatolerablybrilliantfestival.Sendmewordbythemessengerwhatyoumeantodo,andwhenyoushallhavefinishedyourbaths.Iammuchsatisfiedwiththearmyandthefleet.EugeneisstillatBlois.IhearnomoreaboutHortensethanifshewereattheCongo.Iamwritingtoscoldher.Manykindwishesforall."
NapoleonreachedAix-la-ChapelleSeptember3.TheEmperorFrancishad,on
NapoleonreachedAix-la-ChapelleSeptember3.TheEmperorFrancishad,onthe10thofAugust,assumedtheImperialtitleaccordedtohishouse,ofEmperor-electofGermany,HereditaryEmperorofAustria,KingofBohemiaandHungary.HehadthengivenorderstoM.deCobentzeltogotoAix-la-ChapelletopresenthiscredentialstoNapoleon.NapoleonreceivedtheAustriandiplomatistverykindly,andwassoonsurroundedbyamultitudeofforeignambassadorswhocametopaytheirrespects.Here-establishedtheannualhonorslongbeforepaidtothememoryofCharlemagne,wentdownintothevault,andgavethepriestsoftheCathedralconvincingproofsofhismunificence.TheEmpresswasshownapieceofthetruecrosswhichtheCarlovingianEmperorhadlongwornonhisbreastasatalisman.Shewasofferedaholyrelic,almostthewholearmofthathero,butshedeclinedit,sayingthatshedidnotwishtodepriveAix-la-Chapelleofsopreciousamemorial,especiallywhenshehadthearmofamanasgreatasCharlemagnetosupporther.
FromAix-la-Chapelle,NapoleonandJosephinewenttoCologne,thentoCoblentz,thentoMayence,travellingseparately.TheEmperorleftCologneSeptember16atfourintheafternoon,andreachedBonnalittlebeforenightfall,tostartagainthenextmorning.Thetownpleasedherverymuch,andshewassorryshecouldnotremaintherelonger.ShestayedatafinehousewithagardenopeningonaterracethatlookedoutovertheRhine.Aftersuppershewalkedontheterrace.Thedelightofthepeopleassembledbelow,thepeacefulnessofthenight,andthebeautyoftheriverinthemoonlight,madetheeveningmostenjoyable.AtfourthenextmorningtheEmpressstartedoffagaininhertravellingcarriage,andattensheenteredCoblentz.TheEmperordidnotgetthereuntilsixintheevening,havingleftColognethesameday.AtBonnhegotonhorsebacktoexamineforhimselfeverythingthatdemandedcloseinspection.FromCoblentz,whereaballwasgiventhem,NapoleonandJosephinewenttoMayence,eachbyadifferentroute.TheEmperorfollowedthehighwayontheedgeoftheRhine;theEmpressascendedtheriverinayachtwhichthePrinceofNassauWeilburghadplacedatherdisposal.Itwasapicturesquevoyage.
Themorningmistsoonclearedaway.Josephine,whohadbreakfastservedondeck,admiredthemanycharmingscenesbetweenBoppardandBacharach,thefertilefields,thetownsperchedonthesteepbanks;inthedistance,themountainscoveredwithforests;thenthenarrowingriver,theboundedview,thecliffscrowdedtogether,wherenothingcanbeseenbuttheriver,thesky,andthecragscrownedbythemirroredtownsofmediaevalcastles.Thelightboat,asitglidedsmoothlyoverthestream,withitsgildedNeptuneatthebow,recalled
glidedsmoothlyoverthestream,withitsgildedNeptuneatthebow,recalledCleopatra'sbarge.Attimesthesilencewasprofound,thenthechurch-bellswouldbeheard,aswellasthecheersofthepeasantsontheriver-banks.Thepettiestvillageshadsentguardsofhonor,hadhoistedflags,andraisedtriumphalarches.Curiouslyenough,therightbank,whichdidnotbelongtoFrance,seemedtodisplayquiteasmuchzealandenthusiasmastheleftbank,theFrenchone;onbothsideswerethesameshoutsofwelcome,thesamedemonstrations,thesamesalutes.WhenshereachedSaintGoar,ontheleftbank,theEmpresssawtheauthoritiesofthetowncomingouttomeether,withmilitarymusic,inboatsdecoratedwithbranchesoftrees;andontheothersideoftheriver,ontheterraceofthecastleofHesseRheinfels,theHessiangarrisonwaspresentingarms,andtheirsalutesjoinedwiththoseoftheinhabitantsofSaintGoar,Furtheron,theyshoutedthroughaspeaking-trumpettohearthefamousechooftheLorelei,withitswonderfullydistinctandfrequentrepetitions.ThentheypassedthefantasticcastleofthePalatinate,builtinthemiddleofthestream,andinoldtimestherefugeoftheCountessesPalatine,wheretheirchildrenwerebornandkeptinsecurityduringtheirbabyhood.TheEmpresslandedatBingen,whereshespentthenight,startingagainthenextmorning.TowardsthreeintheafternoonshereachedMayence,wheretwelveyounggirlsbelongingtothebestfamiliesofthecitywereawaitingher.Almostsimultaneously,thecannonattheothergateannouncedtheEmperor'sarrival.
Onhisway,NapoleonhadnoticedonanislandintheRhine,attheveryextremityoftheFrenchEmpire,theconventofRolandswerth.Hewastoldthatthenunswholivedtherehadrefusedtoleaveitduringthelastwar,thatveryoftenthecannon-ballsofthecontendingarmieshadoftenfallenontheislandwithoutdamagingtheconventwherethoseholywomenwerepraying.TheEmperorbecameinterestedintheirfate,andmadeovertothemthefortyorfiftyacresofwhichthelittleislandconsisted.
OntheirarrivalatMayence,September21,NapoleonJosephineweremostwarmlygreeted.Intheeveningallthestreetsandpublicbuildingswereilluminated.ThePrinceArchchancelloroftheGermanicEmpire,whoowedtotheFrenchsovereignthepreservationofhiswealthandofhistitle,desiredtopayhisrespects.TheEmperorwassurroundedbyarealcourtofGermanPrinces.ThePrincessoftheHouseofHesse,theDukeandDuchessofBavaria,theElectorofBaden,whowasmorethanseventy-fiveyearsold,andhadcomewithhissonandgrandson,appearedasifvassalsofthenewCharlemagne,thesecondThéâtreFrançaishadbeensummonedfromParis,andplayedbeforethispublicofHighnesses.Everyonewasstruckbytheceleritywithwhichthiscrownedsoldierhadacquiredtheappearanceofasovereignbelongingtoanold
crownedsoldierhadacquiredtheappearanceofasovereignbelongingtoanoldline,whilehestillpreservedthelanguageandappearanceofasoldier.OnedayheaskedthehereditaryPrinceofBaden:"Whatdidyoudoyesterday?"TheyoungPrincerepliedwithsomeembarrassmentthathehadstrolledaboutthestreets."Youdidverywrong,"saidNapoleon."Whatyououghttohavedonewastovisitthefortificationsandinspectthemcarefully.Howcanyoutell?PerhapssomedayyouwillhavetobesiegeMayence.WhowouldhavetoldmewhenIwasasimpleartilleryofficerwalkingaboutToulonthatIshouldbedestinedtotakethatcity?"ItwasatMayencethatthetreasuresunjustlyextortedfromtheGermanPrinceswererestoredtothem.ItwasatMayencethatGutenberg'snameforthefirsttimereceivedformalhomage.
GeneraldeSégur,InhisMemoirs,narratesananecdoteaboutNapoleon'sstayinthisoldGermancity.TheEmperorhadgoneincognitoandwithoutescorttoanislandintheRhine,notfarfromthetown.Ashewaswalkinginthisalmostdesertedisland,henoticedawretchedhutinwhichapoorwomanwaslamentingthathersonhadbeendrafted."Consoleyourself,"
saidNapoleon,withoutlettingherknowwhohewas,andgivingheranassumedname:"CometoMayenceto-morrowandaskforme;IhavesomeinfluencewiththeministersandIwilltrytohelpyou."Thepoorwomanappearedpunctually.WithdelightandsurpriseshesawthatthestrangerwastheEmperoroftheFrench.Napoleondelightedtotellherthatherhousewhichhadbeendestroyedbythewarshouldberebuilt,thathewouldgiveheralittleherdandseveralacresofland,andthathersonshouldberestoredtoher.
AletterintheMoniteurthusdescribedthedepartureofNapoleonandJosephine:"Mayence,11Vendémiaire(October3).TheEmpressleftyesterdayforParis,bywayofSaverneandNancy.TheEmperorisjustleaving;hemeanstovisitFrankenthal,Kaiserslanten,andKreutznach;thenhewilltaketheroadtoTrèves.ThestayofTheirMajestieshasbeenforusasourceoflastingpleasureandadvantage.Themostimportantinterestsofourdepartmenthavebeenfavorablyregulated.Wehavenothingnowtowishforexceptanopportunitytoshowourgratitude,ourdevotion,andourfidelity,andthesincerityofthegoodwishesourcitizensexpressedbytheirunanimouscheers.TheElectors,thePrinces,andthemanydistinguishedstrangerswhohavegivenourcitytheappearanceofagreatcapital,arenowtakingtheirdeparture."
ThisjourneyonthebanksoftheRhinemadeadeepimpressioninFranceandthroughoutEurope.Itmustbeconfessedthatnoonehaseverequalledthe
throughoutEurope.ItmustbeconfessedthatnoonehaseverequalledtheEmperorintheartofkeepinghimselfpicturesquelybeforethepublic.
NapoleoninthecryptatAix-la-Chapelle,facetofacewiththeshadeofCharlemagneisasubjecttoinspireapainterorapoet!AtBrussels,inthechurchofSaintGudule,NapoleonevokedthememoryofCharlesV.;atAix-la-ChapelleintheCathedralvaulthequestionedtheshadeofCharlemagne.AndashemeditatedonthetomboftheCarlovingianhero,sonowdomonarchsontheirwaythroughParismeditateintheirturnoverhistombbeneaththegildeddomeoftheInvalides.Theygodownintothecrypt,lookattheporchupheldbytwelvegreatstatuesofwhitemarble,eachonecommemoratingavictory,atthemosaicpavementrepresentingahugecrownwithfillets,thesarcophagusofredgranitefromFinland,placedonafoundationofgreengranitefromtheVosges.Thentheyenterthesubterraneanchamber,theblackmarblesanctuary,whichcontains,amongnumerousrelics,theswordthatNapoleoncarriedatAusterlitz,thedecorationsheworeonhisuniform,thegoldcrownvotedhimbythecityofCherbourg,andfinallysixtyflagswoninhisvictories.ThechurchoftheInvalidesInspiresthesamethoughtsastheCathedralofAix-la-Chapelle.Inthetwotempleskingsandgreatmenmaymakethesamereflectionaboutglory,aboutdeath,aboutthehandfulofdustwhichisallthatisleftofheroes.
III.
THEPOPE'SARRIVALATFONTAINEBLEAU.
Thetimeforthecoronationwasdrawingnear.Napoleon,whohadalreadyreceivedtheofficialrecognitionofforeignpowers,wasanxioustohavehisImperialtitleconsecratedbyagreatreligiousceremony,thefameofwhichshouldresoundthroughoutthewholeCatholicworld.Thefirstdateproposedforthesolemnitywasthe26thMessidor,YearXII.(July14,1804),thenthatofthe18thBrumaire,YearXIII.(Nov.9,1804).Butthechoiceineachcasewasunfortunate.ItwashardtocombinethememoryofthetakingoftheBastillewiththecoronationofasovereign,andthe18thBrumairewouldhaverecalledtheregretsofRepublicansandtheservicesofLucienBonaparte,who,afterbeingthemainaidofhisbrother'sfortune,waslivingatRome,indisgraceandexile.Ontheotherhand,thePope'shesitation,foritwaswiththegreatestdifficultythathecouldmakeuphismindtogotoParis,hadfurtherpostponedthedate,whichwasatlastfixedforthebeginningofDecember.
Josephineawaitedwithimpatienceandfearaneventonwhich,shefelt,herfuturefatedepended.ThePope,thatmysteriousandholyperson,hadstarted.Washetoprovehersaviour?WasshetobearepudiatedwifeoracrownedEmpress?TheclergywereuntiringintheirlaudationsofNapoleon'sglory.Bishops,intheircharges,spokeofhimasGod'select.
Oneprelate,speakingoftheEmpire,hadsaid:"OneGodandonemonarch!
AstheGodoftheChristiansistheonlyonedeservingtobeadoredandobeyed,you,Napoleon,aretheonlymanworthytoruletheFrench!"
Anotherhadsaid:"Napoleon,whomGodcalledfromthedesertsofEgypt,likeanotherMoses,willbringpeacebetweenthewiseEmpireofFranceandthedivineEmpireofChrist.ThefingerofGodishere.LetuspraytheMostHightoprotectwithhispowerfulhandthemanhehaschosen.MaythenewAugustus
protectwithhispowerfulhandthemanhehaschosen.MaythenewAugustusliveandruleforever!SubmissionishisduebecauseheisorderedbyProvidence!"YetinspiteoftheseextravagantoutburstswhichcamefromeverypulpitinthewholeFrenchEmpire,thisrestorerofthealtars,thissaviourofreligionwasmarriedonlybycivilright!Fromtheecclesiasticpointofview,hewaslivinginconcubinage.HehadhadhisbrotherLouis'smarriagewithHortensedeBeauharnais,andhissisterCaroline'swithMuratblessedbyCardinalCaprara,butinspiteofJosephine'sentreaties,hehaddeniedherthispioussatisfaction.ItwasonthePopethattheEmpressputallherhope;shethoughtthathewouldtakepityonher,andbybringingherintoconformitywiththerulesofthechurch,wouldputanendtoaconditionofthingshumiliatingtoherasasovereign,andpainfultoherasaCatholic.
AtthesametimeJosephinewasanxiouslywonderingwhethershewastobecrowned.Herbrothers-in-lawbecamemorevenomousintheirintriguesagainsther,anddesirednotonlythatshebeexcludedfromanypartinthecoronation,butalsothatsheshouldbecondemnedtodivorceonthepretextofbarrenness.JosephBonapartewasnevertiredofsayingthatNapoleonoughttomarrysomeforeignPrincess,oratleastsomedaughterofanoldFrenchfamily,andheskilfullylaidstressonhisownunselfishnessinurgingaplanwhichwouldnecessarilyremovehimselfandhisdescendantsfromthelineofinheritance.TheEmperor'ssistersshowedthesamehostilitytowardsJosephine,whomtheyhated,althoughshewelldeservedtheirlove.SinceNapoleonmaintainedanabsolutesilenceabouthisintentionsconcerningthecoronation,theBonapartesalreadyimaginedthatshewasgoingtobedivorced,andhenceexhibitedanuntimelydelightwhichdispleasedtheEmperorandbroughthimclosertohiswife.Atlast,tiredwithfamilybickerings,hesuddenlyputanendtothemandfilledJosephinewithjoybytellingherthatshewastobecrownedatNotreDame.
ThereadershouldturntothecuriousaccountinMiotdeMélito'sMemoirsofthecouncilheldatSaintCloud,November17,1804,toarrangetheformalitiesofthecoronation.OfNapoleon'sfourbrothers,twowereindisgrace,LucienandJerome,andtheywerenottobepresentattheceremony.AsforJosephandLouis,itwasdecidedthattheyshouldappear,notasPrincesoftheblood,butonlyashighdignitariesoftheEmpire.
Joseph,itwillberemembered,wasGrandElector,andLouiswasConstable.
Thisdecisiononcetaken,JosephsaidinthecouncilofNovember17:"Sinceithasbeenrecognizedthat,withtheexceptionoftheHeadoftheState,noone
hasbeenrecognizedthat,withtheexceptionoftheHeadoftheState,nooneelse,whateverhisrank,canberegardedaspartakingthehonorsofsovereignty,andthatweespeciallyarenottreatedasPrinces,butonlyashighdignitaries,itwouldnotberightthatourwives,whohenceforthareonlywivesofhighdignitaries,shouldasPrincessescarrythetrainoftheEmpress'srobe,whichconsequentlymustbecarriedbyLadiesofHonororofthePalace."ThisremarkdispleasedtheEmperor,andmanymembersofthecouncilcitedmanyexamplestorefuteit,notablythatofMariade'Medici.Joseph,whohadforeseentheirarguments,displayedunexpectederudition:"Mariade'Medici,"hesaid,"wasaccompaniedonlybyQueenMargaret,thefirstwifeofHenriIV.,andbyMadame(CatherineofBourbon),theKing'ssister.Thetrainwascarriedbyaverydistantrelative.QueenMargarethad,indeed,offeredafineexampleofgenerositybybeingpresentatthecoronationofthewomanwhotookherplaceandwho,morefortunatethanherself,hadborneheirstoHenriIV.ButshewasnotaskedtocarrythetrainofMariade'Medici,andyetMariade'Medicihadarighttoeveryhonor,becauseshewasamother."ThisverytransparentallusiontoJosephine'sbarrennesssoexasperatedNapoleonthathearosesuddenlyfromhischairandaddressedhisbrotherwiththeintensestbitternessandviolence.AfterthemeetingJosephproposedtohisbrotherretiringtoGermany.Napoleonrelentedand,November27,hesaidtohisbrother:"Ihavegivenagreatdealofthoughttothedifferencethathasarisenbetweenyouandme,andIwillconfessthatduringthesixdaysthatthisquarrelhaslasted,Ihavenothadamoment'speace.Ihaveevenlostmysleepoverit,andyouaretheonlypersonwhohasthispoweroverme;Iknownothingthatdisturbsmetothisdegree.Thisinfluencecomesfrommyoldaffectionforyouandfrommyrecollectionofwhatyoudidformeinmyboyhood,andIammuchmoredependentthanyouthinkonfeelingsofthatsort….Takeyourpositioninanhereditarymonarchyandbethefirstofmysubjects.Thatisafineenoughposition,tobethesecondmaninFrance,perhapsinEurope….
Complywithmywishes;followmyideas;donotflatterthepatriotswhenIdrivethemaway;donotopposethenobleswhenIsummonthem;formyourhouseholdaccordingtotheprinciplesthathaveguidedme.Inaword,beaPrince,anddonotdisturbyourselfabouttheimportanceofthetitle."
Josephatlastyielded,andpromisedthathiswifeshouldconformwithoutamurmurtotheceremoniesestablishedforthecoronation.Onlythisconcessionwasmadetotheirsusceptibilities:thatintherulesthephrase,bearthecloakwassubstitutedforcarrythetrain,"for,"asMiotdeMélitosays,"Vanitywillclutch
atastraw."
AsforMadameBonaparte,Napoleon'smother,shepersistedinremainingatRomewithLucien.InspiteoffrequentmessagesfromParis,shewasnottogetthereuntilsomedaysafterthecoronation,afactwhichdidnotpreventherappearinginthegreatpicturecommemoratingtheevent,paintedbyDavid,whowassuccessivelyJacobinandImperialist,andbeginningwiththeapotheosisofMarat,celebratedthatofNapoleon.
PopePiusVII.,thensixty-twoyearsold,hadleftRomeNovember2,afterprayingforalongtimeatthealtarofSaintPeter's,Thepopulacehadfollowedhiscarriageforalongdistance,weepingwithterrorathisundertakingajourneytorevolutionaryFrance.AtFlorencehehadbeenreceivedbytheQueenofEtruria,thenawidowandherson'sRegent.AtLyonshebecamelessanxious;anumberoftheinhabitantscrowdedabouthim,andfellontheirknees,askingfortheblessingoftheVicarofChrist.Meanwhile,NapoleonwasputtingthelasttouchestotherepairsbehadcommencedatthePalaceofFontainebleau,toputitinasuitableconditiontoreceivetheSovereignPontiff.Inlessthantwentydaysthefurnishingofthepalacehadbeencompleted,andthecastlehad,asifbymagic,resumeditsold-timesplendor.
EveryonewonderedhowthefirstmeetingbetweenthePopeandtheEmperorwouldtakeplace.ManypointsofetiquettearosewhichNapoleonmanagedtoelude.PiusVII.wastoarrivethroughtheforestofFontainebleau,andtheEmperorwastogotomeethimthroughtheforestofNemours.Topreventallformality,Napoleonmadeanexcuseofahuntingparty.Allthehuntsmen,withtheircarriages,metintheforest.Napoleonwasonhorseback,inhuntingdress.WhenheknewthatthePopeandhissuiteweredueatthecrossofSaintHérene—atnoon,Sunday,November25,1804—heturnedhishorseinthatdirection,andassoonashereachedthehalf-moonatthetopofthehill,hesawthePope'scarriagearriving.
AccordingtotheaccountgivenintheMemoirsoftheDukeofRovigo,thecarriageofPiusVII.stopped,andthepontiffinhiswhiterobesgotoutbytheleft-handdoor.Theroadwasmuddy,andhewasaversetosteppingintoitwithhiswhitesilkslippers;buttherewasnothingtobedone.
Napoleongotoffhishorsetoreceivehim,andsprangcordiallyintohisarms.Thesetwofamousmen,who,althoughtheywereentirestrangers,hadalreadythoughtsooftenofeachother,andweretoexercisesuchgreatinfluenceover
thoughtsooftenofeachother,andweretoexercisesuchgreatinfluenceovereachother'sdestiny,nowmetwithdeepemotion.Astheywereembracing,oneoftheEmperor'scarriages,whichhadbeenorderedtodriveup,pushedonafewstepsasifbyanoversightofthecoachman;thefootmenheldbothdoorsopen;theEmperortookthatontheright;acourtofficialpointedtothatontheleftforthePope,sothatthetwosovereignsenteredthesamecarriagesimultaneouslybythetwodoors.TheEmperorsatdownnaturallyontheright-handside,andthisfirststepestablishedtheetiquetteforthewholetimeofthePope'sstay,withoutdiscussion.
AttheentranceofthePalaceofFontainebleau,theEmpress,thehighdignitariesoftheEmpire,thegenerals,wereformedinacircletoreceiveandsalutePiusVII.Hewaswelcomedwiththeutmostreverence.
Hisfine,nobleface,hisairofangelickindness,hissoft,yetsonorousvoice,producedadeepimpression.JosephinewasespeciallymovedbythepresenceoftheVicarofChrist.Afterrestingafewmomentsinhisprivateapartment,towhichhehadbeenconductedbyM.deTalleyrand,HighChamberlain,byGeneralDuroc,GrandMarshalofthePalace,andbyM.
deSégur,GrandMasterofCeremonies,thePopepaidavisittoNapoleon,who,afteraninterviewofabouthalfanhour,conductedhimbacktothehallthatwasatthattimecalledthatoftheHighOfficers.Thetwosovereignsdinedtogether,andthePopewentearlytobed,toresthimselfafterthefatiguesofhislongjourney.ThenexteveningsomesingershadbeensummonedtotheEmpress'sapartment,butPiusVII.withdrewjustastheconcertwasabouttobegin.
InthecourseofthedayJosephinehadhadaprivateinterviewwiththePope,andhadconfidedtohimthesecretwhichsodistressedher.ShewhowasreigningoverthegreatestofCatholicnations,theconsortofthesuccessoroftheveryChristianKings,thewifeofarulerabouttobecrownedbythePope,wasmarriedonlybycivilrite!SheentreatedPiusVII.touseallhisinfluencewithNapoleontoputanendtoasituationwhichwasacontinualtortureandreproachtoherasawifeandasaChristian.ThePopeappearedtouchedbytheconfidenceofhisdeardaughter,ashealwayscalledtheEmpress,andpromisedtodemand,and,ifnecessary,toinsist,uponthecelebrationoftheEmperor'sreligiousmarriage,asaconditionofthecoronation,andthispromisefilledJosephinewithjoy.
ThepresenceofthePopeandtheEmperor,thethrongofprelates,generals,courtiers,andbeautifulwomen,thecombinationofreligiousandImperialpomp
courtiers,andbeautifulwomen,thecombinationofreligiousandImperialpompgavetotheCastleoftheValois,afewdaysbeforedilapidatedandabandoned,newsplendorandmagnificence.NeverinthemostbrilliantdaysofthereignofFrancisI.,orHenriII.,orofLouisXIV.,hadthissumptuousresidenceappearedingreaterstate.Thiswonderfulpalaceisrenownedforitssuperbandpicturesquearchitecture,itsmajesticfaçades,itsfivecourts:thatoftheWhiteHorse,oftheFountain,oftheDungeon,ofthePrinces,ofHenriIV.TheFestivalHallisverybeautiful,withitsrichandabundantornamentation,itswalnutfloor,dividedintooctagonalpanelsrichlyoutlinedwithinlaidgoldandsilver,itsmonumentalmantelpiece,withitsfigures,emblems,andfantasticfrescoes,thebrilliantmasterpiecesofPrimaticcio,andofNicolod'Abati.
Alas!thissplendidFontainebleau,thegorgeouspalacewherePopeandEmperorwerethenlivingintriumph,waslatertobetobothanaccursedspot.ThePopewastoreturntoitaprisoner,maltreatedthoughold,thoughapriest,thoughtheVicarofChrist,andtheretheEmperorwastodrinkthecupofhumiliation,ofdespair,tothedregs.Itwastherethat,conquered,broken,betrayedbyfortune,hewastosignhisabdication.Itwastherethathewastoutterthoseheart-rendingwords:"Itisright;IreceivewhatIhavedeserved.Iwantednostatues,forIknewthattherewasnosafetyinreceivingthematanyotherhandsthanthoseofposterity.Amantokeepthemwhilehelives,needsconstantgoodfortune.
IthinkofFrance,whichitisterribletoleaveinthisstate,withoutfrontierswhenithadsuchwideones!—thatisthebitterestofthehumiliationsthatoverwhelmme.ToleaveFrancesosmallwhenIwishedtomakeitsogreat!"Itwastherethat,overcomebyimmeasurablegrief,theconquerorofsomanybattleswishedtoseekinsuicidearefugefromthetorturesofthought,andthathewastofailtofinddeath,hewhoonthebattlefieldhadsquanderedsomanylives.Omortals,ignorantofyourownfates,howhappyyouarenottohaveforeknowledgeofthem!
IV.
THEPREPARATIONSFORTHECORONATION.
TheEmpressleftFontainebleau,Thursday,November29,1804,incompanywithMadamedeLaRochefoucauld,MaidofHonor,andMadamed'Arberg,LadyofthePalace,andreachedParisthesameday,afewhoursbeforetheEmperorandthePope,wholeftFontainebleauinthesamecarriageandenteredtheTuileriesateightintheevening.AplatoonofMamelukesescortedtheImperialcarriage,anditwasasingularsighttoseetheMussulmanescortingtheVicarofChrist.ThePopewasinstalledattheTuileriesinthePavilionofFlora.TherewereattachedtohispersonM.
deViry,theEmperor'sChamberlain;M.deLuçay,PrefectofthePalace,andColonelDurosnel,Equerry.
AllPariswasexcitedbytheapproachofthegreatevent.Thehotelswerecrowded;thepopulationofthecapitalwasnearlydoubled,sovastwasthethrongofprovincialsandforeigners.Tradesmenwereworkingnightanddaytopreparethedressesanduniforms.Ineveryworkshoptherewasunparalleledactivity.Leroy,whopreviouslyhadbeenonlyamilliner,haddecidedforthisoccasiontoundertakedressmaking,andhadmadeMadameRaimbault,acelebrateddressmakerofthetime,hispartner.FromtheirshopcamethemagnificentrobestobewornbytheEmpressonCoronationDay.Herjewels,consistingofacrown,adiadem,andagirdle,weretheworkofthejewellerMargueritte.Thecrownwasformedofeightbranchesmeetingunderagoldglobesurmountedbyacross.Thebranchesweresetwithdiamonds,fourintheshapeofapalmleaf,fourintheshapeofamyrtleleaf.Aroundthecurvewasaribbon,inlaidwitheightenormousemeralds.Thefrontletwasbrightwithamethysts.Thediademwasformedoffourrowsofpearlsinterlacedwithdiamondleaves,withmanylargebrilliants,onealoneweighingonehundredandforty-ninegrains.Thegirdlewasagoldband,enrichedwiththirty-ninepink
gems.TheEmperor'ssceptrehadbeenmadebyOdiot;itwasofsolidsilver,enlacedbyagoldserpent,andsurmountedbyaglobeonwhichwasaminiaturefigureofCharlemagneseated.Thehandofjustice,thecrown,andtheswordcamefromtheworkshopsofBiennais.Thedressofthecourtierswastobeverymagnificent;itconsistedofaFrenchcoatofdifferentcolorsaccordingtothedutiesofthewearerundertheGrandMarshal,theHighChamberlain,andtheGrandEquerry,withsilverembroideryforall;acloakwornoveroneshoulder,ofvelvet,linedwithsatin:ascarf,alaceband,andthehatcaughtupinfront,andadornedwithafeather.Thewomenweretoappearinballdress,withatrain,withacollarofblond-lace,calledachérusque,whichwasfastenedonbothshouldersandrosehighbehindthehead,recallingthefashionsofthetimeofCatherinede'Medici.
Therewererehearsalsofthecoronationasifitwereaspectacularplay.
Everyone,fromtheprincipalactorstothemostinsignificantassistants,studiedhispartmostconscientiously;theMastersofCeremoniesweretoactasprompterstothosewhomightforget.TheImperialcarriagesandthoseofthePrincesandPrincessesonemorningwerealldrivenemptytotheneighborhoodofNotreDame,thatcoachman,postilions,andgroomsmightknowtheroutetheyweretotake,andwhentheyweretodrawup.Thecarriagesweresuperb,thehorsesmagnificent,theliveriessumptuous.
Neverinthemostextravagantdaysofthemonarchyhadsuchluxurybeenseen.
M.deBaussetsaysthataweekbeforethecoronationtheEmperorcommandedoftheartistIsabeysevendrawingsrepresentingthesevenprincipalceremoniestotakeplaceatNotreDame,which,however,couldnotberehearsedintheCathedralonaccountofthenumberofworkmenbusydayandnightindecoratingit.Toaskatonceforsevendrawingseachcontainingmorethanahundredpersonsinaction,wasaskingfortheimpossible.Isabeyskilfullyeludedthedifficulty.Heboughtatthetoyshopsallthelittledollshecouldfind,dressedthemupasPope,Emperor,Empress,Princes,highdignitaries,Chamberlains,Equerries,LadiesofHonor,LadiesofthePalace,ThesedollsthusarrayedhearrangedonaplaninreliefoftheInteriorofNotreDame,andcarryingittotheEmperor,said:"Sire,IbringYourMajestysomethingbetterthanthedrawings."Napoleonthoughttheideaingenious,andusedthedollsandtheplantomakeeveryofficialunderstandhisplaceandhisduty.
TheMoniteurofthe9thBrumaire,YearXIII,(November30,1804),publishedinadvanceallthedetailsoftheceremony,whichtheEmperorhadfixedwithasmuchcareasifithadbeentheplanofabattle.Adifficultyaroseonthisoccasion.ThePopehadwishedNapoleontoreceivetheholycommunioninpubliconthedayofthecoronation,andNapoleonhadgiventhematterthought.TheGrandMasterofCeremonies,M.deSégur,broughtupagainstthepropositionthenecessityofapreliminaryconfessionandthepossibilitythatabsolutionmightbedeniedhim.
"That'snotthedifficulty,"saidtheEmperor,"theHolyFatherknowshowtodistinguishbetweenthesinsofCaesarandthoseoftheman,"Thenheadded:"IknowthatIoughttogiveanexampleofrespectforreligionanditsministers;soyouseethatItreatthepriestswell,goregularlytomass,andlistentoitwithalldueseriousnessandsolemnity.Buteveryoneknowsme,andhowwoulditbeforme,andforothers,ifIshouldgotoofar?Wouldnotthatbesettinganexampleofhypocrisy,andcommittingasacrilege?"ThePopedidnotinsistuponit.ThisdreadofcommittingsacrilegeNapoleonreferredtoagainatSaintHelena,in1816:"Everythingwasdone,"hesaidthen,"topersuademetogoingreatpomptocommunionatNotreDame,afterthefashionofourkings;Iabsolutelyrefused;Ididnotbelieveenough,Isaid,togetanygoodfromit,andyetIbelievedtoomuchtoconsenttobeguiltyofsacrilege."
AnotherdifficultywhichgavethePopemuchanxiety,andwasnotsettledintheformalitiesofthecoronation,waswhethertheEmperorshouldreceivethecrownfromthehandsoftheSovereignPontiff.PiusVII.hadbroughtupthequestionbeforeleavingRome,andCardinalConsalvihadwrittenonthismatter,towhichtheVaticanattachedgreatimportance,asfollows:"AlltheFrenchEmperors,allthoseofGermany,whohavebeencrownedbythePopes,haveacceptedthecrownfromthem.TheHolyFather,beforeundertakingthisjourney,requirestoreceivefromParistheassurancethattherewillbenoinnovationmadeinthepresentcase,inthewayofadiminutionofthehonoranddignityoftheSovereignPontiff."AtRomeonlyvagueanddilatoryanswershadbeenreceived.InParistheEmperor,leavingthemattertobedecidedonthespurofthemoment,hadonlysaid:"Iwillarrangethatmyself."
ThepreparationsatNotreDamehadcometoanend.Theyhadbeenveryconsiderable.Severalhousesthathidthenorthfaçadehadbeendestroyed.
Beforethegreatentrance,stillscarredbytheravagesoftheRevolutionists,therehadbeensetupadecorationofpaintedwood,representingavastGothicporch
hadbeensetupadecorationofpaintedwood,representingavastGothicporchwiththreearchesupholdingthestatuesofthethirty-sixgoodcities,themayorsofwhichweretobepresentatthecoronation.TotherightandtheleftstoodimagesofClovisandCharlemagne,sceptreinhand.Above,betweentwogoldeneagles,appearedtheImperialcoat-of-arms.ThiswasintendedforthesoleentranceofthePopeandtheEmperor.ItwasconnectedwiththeArchbishop'spalacebylarge,covered,woodengalleries,adornedwithinbygobelintapestry.Thispalace,towhichPiusVII.andNapoleonweretogobeforetheyenteredtheCathedral,nolongerexists;itwasdestroyed,February14,1831,inaninsurrection.Itusedtostandjustbythesideofthechurch.Itwasbuiltin1161byMauricedeSully,rebuiltin1697bytheCardinalofNoailles,embellishedin1750bytheArchbishopdeBeaumont,andwasthemeeting-placeoftheConstituentAssemblyfromOctober19toNovember9,1789.TherethePopeandtheEmperorweretoalightontheirwayfromtheTuileriesandputontheirgrandcoronationrobesbeforeenteringtheCathedral.
ThewholechurchofNotreDamehadbeenhungwithcrimsonstuffsadornedwithgoldfringe,withthearmsoftheEmpireembroideredonthecorners.
Oneachsideofthenaveandaroundthechoirhadbeenbuiltthreerowsofgalleries,decoratedalikewithsilkandvelvetstuffsfringedwithgold,andflagshadbeenarrangedlikeatrophyabouteachpillar.Abovethetrophieswerewingedandgildedvictories,holdingcandelabrawithavastnumberofcandles.Therewere,besides,twenty-fourchandeliershangingfromtheroof.Thegallerieskeptoutthelight,especiallyattheseasonwhenthedayswereshort;consequentlyithadbeendecidedthattheCathedralshouldbeartificiallylitduringtheceremony,thusaugmentingthepompandbeautyofthespectacle.Thechoir,shutoffbyarailing,wasreservedfortheclergy.Totherightofthehighaltar,onaplatformwithelevensteps,hadbeenraisedthepontificalthrone,abovewhichwasagoldendomeadornedwiththearmsoftheCatholic,Apostolic,andRomanChurch.Infrontandoneachsideofthepontificalthronewerebencheswithbacksforthecardinalsandprelates.FortheEmperorandtheEmpresshadbeenpreparedwhatwascalledthegreatandthelittlethrone.Thelittlethronewasformedoftwoarmchairs,oneforNapoleon,theotherforJosephine.Thesetwochairsstoodonaplatformwithfoursteps,oppositethehighaltar.TheEmperorandEmpressweretooccupythemduringthefirstpartoftheceremony.Thegrandthronewasattheotherendofthechurch,withitsbackagainstthegreatdoor,whichwasthusclosed.Thisgreatthronestoodonalargesemicircularplatform,andwasreachedbytwenty-foursteps.Itstoodunderacanopyintheshapeofatriumphalarch,upheldbyeightcolumns,anditoverlookedthewholechurch.TheEmperorandtheEmpresswerenottoascend
overlookedthewholechurch.TheEmperorandtheEmpresswerenottoascendthisthronetillafterthecoronation.
ForthecoronationNapoleonhadgiventotheCathedralanumberofholyvesselsinsilver-gilt,enrichedwithdiamonds,andveryvaluablelacealbs,aprocessionalcross,chandeliers,andincense-burners.AtthesametimeherestoredtotheCathedralagreatnumberofrelicswithwhichthepietyofSaintLouishadendowedtheSainteChapelle.In1791theyhadbeendepositedinthetreasuryofSaintDenis,byorderofLouisXVI.,thencein1793theyhadbeentransferredtothecabinetofcuriositiesintheNationalLibrary,andhadbeenexposedundertheDirectory,intheHallofAntiquities.TheEmperorrestoredthemtotheworshipofthefaithful.
Thepreparationswerecompleted,andtheceremonypromisedtobemagnificent.MadameJunot,afterwardstheDuchessofAbrantès,breakfastedwiththeEmpressattheTuileries,December1,1804,thedaybeforethecoronation.Josephinewasmuchexcitedandradiantlyhappy.AtbreakfastshetoldhowamiablytheEmperorhadtalkedwithherthatmorningandhowhehadtriedonherheadthecrownwhichshewastoputonthenextdayatNotreDame.Asshesaidthatsheshedtearsofgratitude.ShespokethenofherpainwhenNapoleonhadrefusedherrequestforLucien'sreturn."Iwantedtopleadthisgreatday,"shesaid,"butBonapartespokesoharshlythatIhadtokeepsilent.IwantedtoshowLucienthatIcouldreturngoodforevil;ifyouhaveachance,lethimknowit."
IntheeveningtheSenatecametotheTuileriestoannouncetotheEmperortheresultoftheplébiscitewhichapprovedoftheEmpireandthematterofinheritance;3,521,660citizenshavingvotedfor,and2,579against.
NapoleonrepliedtothePresidentoftheSenatewiththeinfatuationthatspringsfromsuccessandtheconsciousnessofstrength:"IascendthethronetowhichIhavebeencalledbytheunanimousvoicesoftheSenate,thepeople,andthearmy,withmyheartfulloffeelingofthegreatdestiniesofthispeoplewhom,fromthemidstofcamps,Ifirstsalutedwiththenameofgreat.Sincemyyouthallmythoughtshavebeendevotedtoit,andImustsayhere,mypleasuresandmypainsnowarenothingbutthepleasuresandthepainsofmypeople.Mydescendantswilllongfillthisthrone.Theywillneverforgetthatcontemptoflawsandtheoverthrowofthesocialorderareonlytheresultsoftheweaknessandindecisionofrulers."
Thehourofdisasterwasapproaching,butithadnotyetstruck;themorrowwastoberadiant.Salvosofartillerywerefixedeveryhourfromsixintheeveningtillmidnight;ateachsalvo,thetowers,spires,andpublicbuildingswereilluminatedforafewminutesbyBengallights.
Imperialinsignia,amongotherstheswordofCharlemagne,werealreadyintheChurchofNotreDame.GeneraldeSégur,thenacaptainunderthecommandoftheGrandMarshalofthePalace,waschargedtowatchthatpreciousrelicduringthenight.Herecordsonethingaboutitwhichclearlyshowsthebellicosespiritofthemenofthetime.OneoftheofficersguardingtheImperialswordconceivedthemadideaofusingitagainstoneofhiscomrades,whodefendedhimselfwithhisownsabre,andconsoledhimselfforhisdefeatandforaslightwoundwiththethoughtthathewasbeatenbysogloriousaweapon.
Thatsamenight,theonebeforethecoronation,Josephine'swishesweregranted.HerunionwithNapoleonwasblessedbythechurch.AnaltarwasmysteriouslyraisedintheTuileries,andthere,inthepresenceofM.deTalleyrandandtheMarshalBerthier,whoweretheonlywitnesses,CardinalFeschcelebrated,intheprofoundestsecrecy,thereligiousmarriageoftheEmperorandEmpress.ThescruplesofPiusVII.werethusallayed.
Josephinecouldbecrownedthenextday.
V.
THECORONATION.
ItwasDecember2,1804.SinceearlymorningallParishadbeenalive.Itwasverycold;theskywascovered,butnoonethoughtoftheunpleasantweather.Allthestreetsthroughwhichtheprocessionwastopasshadbeencarefullysweptandsprinkledwithsand.Theinhabitantshaddecoratedthefrontsoftheirhousesaccordingtotheirtastesandmeans,withdraperies,tapestry,artificialflowers,andbranchesofevergreens.Twolinesofinfantryweredrawnupforaspaceofabouthalfaleague.LongbeforethehourofthedepartureofthePopeandtheEmperorfromtheTuileries,avastthronghadgatheredinthestreets,wascrowdingeverywindow,andassemblingoneveryroof.MarshalMurat,GovernorofParis,offeredatanearlyhourasumptuousbreakfasttothePrincesofGermanywhohadcometoParisforthecoronation—theElectorArchchancelloroftheGermanEmpire,thePrincesofNassau,ofHesse,andofBaden.AfterthebreakfasttheydrovetoNotreDameinfoursuperbcarriages,drawnbysixhorseseach,withanescortunderthecommandofoneofhisaides-de-camp,andhehimselfmountedhishorsetotakehisplaceattheheadofthetwentysquadronsofcavalrywhichweretogoinfrontoftheEmperor'scarriage.
AttheTuileriesNapoleonputonwhatwascalledtheundressattire;thishewastowearonhiswayfromthepalacetotheArchbishop's.Hewasnottoputonfulldress,thatistosay,theImperialrobesandcloak,untilhewastoenterthechurch.TheundressisthusdescribedbyConstant,theEmperor'svalet:silkstockingsembroideredwithgold;lowbootsofwhitevelvet,embroideredwithgoldontheseams;withdiamondbuttonsandbucklesonhisgarters;acoatofcrimsonvelvetfacedwithwhitevelvet:ashortcloakofcrimsonlinedwithwhitesatin,coveringtheleftshoulderandfastenedontheright-handsidebyadoubleclaspofdiamonds;ablackvelvetcap,surmountedbytwoaigrets,adiamondloop,andforbutton,themostcelebratedofthecrownjewels,theRegent.
TheEmpress'scostumewasnolessmagnificent.Sheworeadress,withatrain,
TheEmpress'scostumewasnolessmagnificent.Sheworeadress,withatrain,ofsilverbrocadecoveredwithgoldbees;hershoulderswerebare,butonherarmsweretightsleevesembroideredwithgold,theupperpartadorned,withdiamonds,andfastenedtothemwasalaceruffworkedwithgoldwhichrosebehindhalfupherhead.Thetight-fittingdresshadnowaist,afterthefashionofthetime,butsheworeagoldribbonasagirdle,setwiththirty-ninepinkgems.Herbracelets,ear-rings,andnecklacewereformedofpreciousstonesandantiquecameos.Herdiademconsistedoffourrowsofpearlsinterlacedwithclustersofdiamonds.TheEmpress,whosehairwascurled,afterthefashionofthereignofLouisXIV.,althoughforty-oneyearsold,looked,accordingtoMadamedeRémusat,nomorethantwenty-five.TheEmperorwasmuchstruckbyJosephine'sbeautyinthissumptuousattire;allthisluxuryimpressedhim.Herecalledthedaysofhischildhood,andturningtohisfavoritebrother,hesaid:"Joseph,iffathercouldseeus!"
Nineo'clocksounded,thehoursetforthedepartureofthePope,whowastoreachNotreDamebeforetheEmperor.TheSovereignPontiff,cladinwhite,wentdownthestaircaseofthePavilionofFloraandenteredhiscarriage,whichwasdrawnbyeighthorses;aboveitwasalargetiara.AtRomeitwasthecustomthatwhenthePopewentforthtoofficiateatoneofthegreatchurches,—forinstance,toSaintJohnLateran,—foroneofhischamberlainstostartamomentbeforehim,mountedonamule,andcarryingagreatprocessionalcross.PiusVII.askedthatthesamethingmightbedoneatParis;consequentlythepontificalprocessionwasheadedbyachamberlainwhosemuledidnotfailtoamusethevastcrowdthatlinedthequays;yetwhenthePopepassed,allkneltdownandreceivedhisblessingwithduerespect.Withcavalryinfrontandbehind,thePope'scarriageandtheeightcarriagesinwhichwerethecardinals,ItalianprelatesandofficerswhohadcomefromRomewithhim,droveslowlyalongthequaystotheArchbishop'sPalace.TherewereawaitinghimalltheFrenchcardinals,archbishops,andbishops,andhewasreceivedbytheCardinalduBelloy,theArchbishopofParis,asheenteredtoputonhispontificalrobes.ThepontificalprocessionenteredNotreDameinthefollowingorder;apriest,carryingtheapostoliccross;sevenacolytes,carryingthesevengoldencandlesticks;morethanahundredbishops,archbishopsorcardinals,incopeandmitre,marchingtwobytwo;andlastofalltheHolyFather,histiaraonhishead,underacanopybetweentwocardinalswhohelduptheendsofhisgoldencope.TheclergyintonedthehymnTuesPetrus,whichwasveryimpressive,andtheSovereignPontiff,afterkneelingforafewmomentsbeforethehighaltar,tookhisseatinthemiddleofthechoironthepontificalthrone,abovewhichwasa
domeadornedwiththecoat-of-armsofthechurch.
TheEmperorandtheEmpress,whoweretoleavetheTuileriesatten,didnotstarttillhalfpastten.Theygotintothemagnificentcoronationcarriagewhichexcitedtheheartyadmirationofthecrowd,alwaysfondofshow.Itwasdrawnbyeightsuperbhorses,splendidlyharnessed;uponitwasagoldencrownupheldbyfoureagleswithoutstretchedwings.Thefoursidesofthecoachwereofglass,setinslendercarveduprights,sothattherewasanunobstructedviewofNapoleonandJosephineonthebackseat,withJosephandLouisBonaparteoppositethem.SalvosofartilleryannouncedtheEmperor'sdeparturefromtheTuileries.Twentysquadronsofcavalry,withMarshalMuratattheirhead,ledtheprocession.Eighteencarriages,withsixhorseseach,followed,conveyingthehighdignitariesandthecourtiers.Bandsplayedtriumphalmarches,andallalongthewayavastcrowdsalutedthissovereign.TheprocessionstartingfromtheTuileriesbytheCarrouselwentalongtherueSaintHonoréasfarastheruedeLombards,crossedthePontauChange,andthenalongthequaytotherueduParvisNotreDameandtheArchbishop'sPalace.JustastheEmperorandtheEmpresswereenteringthepalacecourtyard,themist,whichhadbeenthickallthemorning,clearedaway,andthesuncameoutglisteningonthegildeddecorationsoftheImperialcoach.TheMoniteur,withitsofficialenthusiasm,spokeof"theorbofdayescaping,againsteveryexpectation,fromtherigidruleofastormyseasontolightupthefestalday."
AttheArchbishop'sPalace,Napoleonchangedhisdress,puttingonhiscoronationrobes.ThisdifferedentirelyfromthecostumehehadwornfromtheTuileriestothepalace,andconsistedofatight-fittinggownofwhitesatin,embroideredwithgoldoneveryseam,andofanImperialmantleofcrimsonvelvet,alloverwhichweregoldenbees;itwasborderedbyworkedbranchesofolive-tree,laurels,andoak,incirclesenclosingtheletterN,withacrownaboveeachone;thelining,theborder,andthecapewereofermine.Thiscloak,fastenedontherightshoulder,whileleavingthearmfree,reactedtojustabovetheknee,andweighednolessthaneightypounds,andthoughitwasheldbyfourpersons,PrinceJoseph,PrinceLouis,theArchchancellorCambacérès,theArchtreasurerLebrun,wasfortheEmperor,whowasashortman,asumptuous,butheavyload.Hecarriedit,however,withfittingmajesty.Onhisheadhehadputacrownofgoldenlaurel,thelaurelofCaesar;aroundhisneckheworethediamondnecklaceoftheLegionofHonor;onhisleftsidehecarriedaswordwithalargehandle—thescabbardwasofblueenameladornedwithgoldeaglesandbees.AtthesametimeJosephinecompletedherdressing,puttingonalongredvelvetcloak,sprinkledwithgoldbees,andlinedwithermine;itsskirtswere
redvelvetcloak,sprinkledwithgoldbees,andlinedwithermine;itsskirtswereupheldbyPrincessesJoseph,Louis,Elisa,Pauline,andCharlotte.
TheImperialprocessionproceededfromtheArchbishop'sPalacetoNotreDamethroughthewoodengallery,andenteredthechurch,notthroughthemiddleentrance,whichwasblockedbythegreatthrone,butthroughoneoftheside-doors.Theyadvancedinthefollowingorder,withanintervaloftenpacesbetweeneachgroup:theushers,fourabreast,theheraldsatarms,twoabreast;theChiefHeraldatArms;thepages,fourabreast;theaidesofthemastersofceremonies;themastersofceremonies;theGrandMasterofCeremonies,M.deSégur;MarshalSérurier,carryingonacushiontheEmpress'sring;MarshalMoncey,carryingthebasketwhichwastoreceivehercloak;MarshalMurat,carryinghercrownonacushion;theEmpress,withherFirstEquerryonherright,andherFirstChamberlainonherleft;sheworetheImperialcloak,whichwassupportedbythefivePrincesses,thecloakofeachoneofthesebeingsupportedbyanofficerofherhousehold;MadamedeLaRochefoucauld,MaidofHonor,andMadamedeLavalette,theEmpress'sLadyoftheBedchamber;MarshalKellermann,carryingthecrownofCharlemagne,adiademwithsixbranchesadornedwithvaluablecameos;MarshalPerignon,carryingCharlemagne'ssceptre,attheendofwhichwasaballrepresentingtheworld,withasmallfigureofthegreatCarlovingianEmperor;MarshalLefebvre,carryingCharlemagne'ssword;MarshalBernadotte,carryingNapoleon'snecklace;ColonelGeneralEugenedeBeauharnais,theEmperor'sring;MarshalBerthier,theImperialglobe;M.deTalleyrand,thebasketdestinedtoreceivetheEmperor'scloak.ThencametheEmperor,thecrownofgoldenlaurelonhishead,holdinginonehandhissilversceptre,toppedbyaneagle,andencircledbyagoldenserpent,andintheotherhishandofjustice.Hiscloakwassupportedbyhistwobrothers,Joseph,GrandElector,andLouis,Constable,aswellasbytheArchchancellorCambacérèsandtheArchtreasurerLebrun.ThenfollowedtheGrandEquerry,theColonelGeneraloftheGuard,andtheGrandMarshalofthePalace,thethreeabreast,theministers,fourabreast,andthehighofficersofthearmy.
AsNapoleonenteredthechurch,thetwentythousandspectatorsshouted,"LonglivetheEmperor!"AcardinalgaveholywatertoJosephine;theCardinal,theArchbishopofParis,presentedittoNapoleon;andthetwoprelates,aftercomplimentingtheEmperorandtheEmpress,conductedtheminaprocession,underacanopyheldbycanons,tothesmallerthroneinthemiddleofthechoir.Theretheyweretositduringthefirstpartoftheceremony,nearthehighaltar,
onaplatformwithfoursteps.AstheEmperorandtheEmpressenteredthechoir,thePopecamedownfromthepontificalchair,andintonedtheVeniCreator.TheEmperorhandedtotheArchchancellorhishandofjustice;totheArchtreasurer,hissceptre;toPrinceJoseph,hiscrown;toPrinceLouis,hissword;totheGrandChamberlain,hisImperialcloak;toColonelGeneralEugenedeBeauharnais,hisring.Thesixobjectsformedwhatwerecalled"theEmperor'sornaments."Theywereplacedonthealtarbytherepresentativedignitaries,andweretobehandedagaintotheEmperorbythePopeinthecourseoftheceremony.Thesamewastrueofthe"Empress'sornaments,"
herring,cloak,andcrown,which,wereplacedonthealtar;thering,byMarshalSérurier;thecloak,byMarshalMoncey;thecrown,byMarshalMurat.Charlemagne'sinsignia,hiscrown,sceptre,andsword,remainedduringthewholeceremonyinthehandsofMarshalsKellermann,Perignon,andLefebvre,whostoodattherightofthesmallthroneinthechoir.
AssoonastheornamentsoftheEmperorandEmpresshadbeenplacedonthealtar,thePopeaskedtheEmperorinLatinifhepromisedtouseeveryefforttohavelaw,justice,andpeaceruleinthechurchandamonghispeople;Napoleontouchedthegospelswithbothhands,asitwasheldouttohimbytheGrandAlmoner,andansweredProfiteor.ThenthePope,thebishops,archbishops,andcardinalskneltbeforethealtarandbeganthelitany.Whentheyreachedthethreeversesusedonlyatcoronations,theEmperorandEmpressalsoknelt.
Afterthelitany,theGrandAlmoner,anothercardinal,andtwobishopsadvancedtowardsthesmallthrone,andbowedlowbeforeNapoleonandJosephine,andconductedthemtothefootofthealtartoreceivesacredunction.TheEmperorandEmpresskneltonbluevelvetcushionsplacedonthefirststepofthealtar.ThePopeanointedNapoleonontheheadandhistwohands,utteringtheprayerofconsecration:"MightyandEternalGod,whodidstappointHazaeltobekingoverSyria,andJehutobekingoverIsrael,makingknownthywishesthroughtheprophetElijah;andwhodidstpourholyoilofkingsupontheheadofSaulandofDavid,throughtheprophetSamuel,senddownthroughmyhands,thetreasuresofthygraceandofthyblessingsuponthyservantNapoleon,whom,inspiteofourunworthiness,weconsecrateto-dayasEmperor,inthyname."
ThenthePopeanointedtheEmpressinthesameway,recitingthisprayer:"MaytheFatherofeternalglorybethyaid;andmaytheOmnipotentblessthee;mayhehearthyprayers,andgivetheealonglife,everconfirmingthisblessingandmaintainingitforeverwithallthypeople;mayheconfoundthyenemies;may
maintainingitforeverwithallthypeople;mayheconfoundthyenemies;maythesanctificationofChristandtheanointingofthisoileveraidthee,sothathewhoonearthhasgiventheehisblessingmaygivetheeinheaventhehappinessoftheangels,andthatthoumaystbeblessedandguardedforeternallifebyJesusChrist,ourSaviour,wholivesandreignsforeverandever."
TheEmperorandEmpresswerethenconductedtothesmallthrone,thatistosay,totheirtwochairs;beforeeachonewasapraying-stand.Thenhighmassbegan;itwassaidbythePope;themusichadbeencomposedbyPaesiello,theAbbéRose,andLesueur.Therewerethreehundredperformers,singers,andmusicians;amongthesoloistswerethegreatsingerLaïs,andtwofamousviolinists,KreutzerandBaillot.AttheGradualthemasswasinterruptedfortheblessingoftheornamentswhichtheEmperorandEmpressthenputon.
Napoleon,followedbytheArchchancellor,theArchtreasurer,theGrandChamberlain,theGrandEquerry,andtwochamberlains,andJosephine,accompaniedbyherLadyofHonor,herLadyoftheBedchamber,herFirstChamberlain,andherFirstEquerry,advancedtowardsthealtar,andascendedthestepsatthesametime;theSovereignPontiff,withhisbacktothealtar,wassittingonasortoffolding-chair.HeblessedtheImperialornaments,recitingaspecialprayerforeachone.HisHolinessthenhandedthemtotheEmperorinthefollowingorder:firstthering,whichNapoleonplacedonhisfinger;thenthesword,whichheputinitsscabbard;thecloak,whichhischamberlainsfastenedonhisshoulders,thenthehandofjusticeandthesceptrewhichhehandedtotheArchchancellorandtheArchtreasurer.
TheonlyornamentlefttobegiventotheEmperorwasthecrown.ItwillberememberedthattherehadbeenalongnegotiationatRometoascertainwhethertheEmperorwouldbecrownedbythePopeorwouldcrownhimself.
Thequestionwasleftuncertain,andNapoleonhadsaidthathewouldsettleithimselfatNotreDamewhenthetimecame.StillPiusVII.wasconvincedthathewasgoingtoplacethecrownonthesovereign'shead.Hehadjusthandedhimthering,thesword,thecloak,thehandofjustice,andthesceptre,andwaspreparingtodothesamethingwiththecrown.
ButtheEmperor,whohadascendedthelaststepofthealtar,andwasfollowingeverymotionofthePope,graspedfromhishandsthesignofsovereignpowerandproudlyplaceditonhisownhead.PiusVII.,outwittedandsurprised,madenoattemptatresistance.
Afterthuscrowninghimself,NapoleonproceededtocrowntheEmpress.ThiswasthemostsolemnmomentinJosephine'slife;themomentwhichdispelledallherincessantdreadofdivorce,thebrilliantverificationofherfondesthopes,thecompletionofhertriumph.Napoleonadvancedwithemotiontothiscompanionofhishappiestdays,tothewomanwhohadbroughthimhappiness;shewaskneelingbeforehim,sheddingtearsofjoyandgratitude,withherhandsclaspedandtrembling.Herecalledallthatheowedher:hishappiness,for,thankstoher,hehadbeenblessedwitharequitedlove;hisglory,foritwasshewho,in1796,hadsecuredforhimthecommandoftheArmyofItaly,theoriginofallhistriumphs.Hemusthavebeengladatthismomentthathehadnotfollowedhisbrother'smalicioussuggestionsandhadnotseparatedfromhisdearJosephine!TheaffectionoftheyoungGeneralBonaparterevivedintheheartofthesovereign.HethoughtJosephinemoregracious,moretouching,morelovablethanever,anditwaswithanoutburstofhappinessthatheplacedtheImperialdiademonhercharmingandcherishedhead.
TheEmperorandEmpress,oncecrowned,proceededtothegreatthrone,attheentranceofthechurch,bythegreatdoor,beingsolemnlyledtherebythePopeandtheCardinals.TheImperialprocessionthenformedagainintheorderinwhichithadcometoNotreDame,theEmpressgoingbeforetheEmperor.AtthismomentthePrincessesseemedtohesitateaboutcarryingtheskirtoftheEmpress'scloak;Napoleonnoticedthis,andsaidafewsevere,firmwordstohissisters,andallwassmoothed.Theprocessionreachedthefootofthegreatthrone;theEmperorascendedthetwenty-fourstepsandsatdowninfullmajesty,wearinghiscrownandImperialcloak,holdingthehandofjusticeandthesceptre.Athisright,onaseatlikehis,butonesteplower,theEmpressplacedherself.Anothersteplower,satthePrincessesonsimpleseats.AttheEmperor'sleft,twostepsbelowhim,werethePrincesandhighdignitaries.Oneachsideoftheplatformthemarshals,highofficers,andladiesofthecourttooktheirplaces.
Thesightwasmostimpressive.ThePopeinhisturnascendedthetwenty-foursteps,andthuscommandingthewholeCathedral,extendedhishandsovertheEmperorandtheEmpress,andutteredtheseLatinwords,theformulausedfortakingthethrone:"InhocsolioconfirmarevosDeus,etinregnoaeternosecumregnarefaciatChristus!"—"MayGodestablishyouonyourthrone,andmayChristcauseyoutoreignwithhiminhiseternalkingdom!"ThenhekissedtheEmperoronthecheek,andturningtowardstheassembledmultitude,said:"VivatImperatorinaeternum!"—"MaytheEmperorliveforever!"ThiswaswhathadbeensaidtencenturiesbeforeatSaintPeter'sinRomewhentherulerofthe
samepeople,Charlemagne,hadbeenproclaimedEmperoroftheWest.
ApplausebrokeforthandthreehundredmusiciansintonedtheVivatImperator,ahymncomposedbytheAbbéRose.ThepontificalprocessionandtheImperialprocessionreturnedtothechoir;theEmperorandEmpressresumedtheirplacesonthechairs,andthePopebegan,theTeDeum.
Afterthis,whichwassungbyfourchoirsandtwoorchestras,themass,whichhadbeeninterruptedbytheceremonywiththeornamentsandthetakingpossessionofthethrone,wenton.Attheoffertory,NapoleonandJosephine,followedbythetwoPrincesandthefivePrincesses,wenttolaytheirofferingsbeforethePope;theseconsistedofasilver-giltvase,alumpofgold,alumpofsilver,andacandleaboutwhichwereinlaidthirteenpiecesofmoney.AttheelevationPrinceJosephremovedtheEmperor'scrown,andMadamedeLaRochefoucauld,MaidofHonor,thatoftheEmpress.NapoleonandJosephinekneltbeforetheHost,andwhentheyrose,puttheircrownsonagain.
Whenmasswasover,theEmperortookthepoliticaloathprescribedbytheconstitution,whichhadarousedmuchoppositioninRome.Thepresidentsofthegreatbodiesofthestatebroughthimtheformula,andwithonehandheldoverthegospels,theEmperorsworetomaintain,theprinciplesoftheRevolution,topreservetheintegrityoftheterritory,andtorulewithaneyetotheinterest,happiness,andgloryoftheFrenchpeople.
TheFirstHerald-at-Armsthencalledforthinaloudvoice:"ThemostgloriousandmostaugustEmperorNapoleon,EmperoroftheFrench,iscrownedandenthroned:LonglivetheEmperor!"Thatwastheendoftheceremony.Salvosofartillerymingledwiththeapplause.
Thesolemnityhadbeenmostsuccessful,andNapoleoncouldsaywithtruthtohisbrotherJoseph:"Formeitisabattlewon;bymyartandthemeasuresItook,Ihavesucceededbeyondmyexpectations."HadhenotprophesiedaccuratelywhenhesaidtohissecretaryatthesigningoftheConcordat:"Bourrienne,youwillseewhatuseIshallmakeofthepriests!"Thegoldenchasubleshadmadeabrilliantspectaclebythesideoftheuniforms;thecrossesandthetiarabythesideoftheswordsandthesceptre.Napoleon,alwaysamasteroftheatricaleffect,hadknownhowtolendantiquitytohisnewbornglorybyborrowingfromthepastallitsmajestyandpomp,andbyskilfullydeckinghimselfwithwhatwasmostbrilliantinthechroniclesofremotecenturies.FromCharlemagnehetookhisinsignia;fromCaesarhisgoldenlaurel.Theheadofanationthathad
tookhisinsignia;fromCaesarhisgoldenlaurel.Theheadofanationthathadgrowngreatbythecrossandthesword,hedesiredtomakehiscoronationthefestivalofthechurchandofthearmy.
TheImperialandthepontificalprocessionsreturnedtotheArchbishop'sPalace,andhalfanhourlaterproceededtotheTuileries,throughtheNewMarket,thePlaceduChâtelet,therueSaintDenis,theboulevards,therueandthePlacedelaConcorde,thePontTournant,andthegrandroadwayofthecastle.Nighthadfallen;thehouseswereilluminated.Fivehundredtorchescasttheirlightonthetwoprocessions,andbytheirimposingandstrangebrilliancy,thecrowdgazedwithinterestonthenewCharlemagneandtheVicarofChrist.
NapoleonandJosephinere-enteredtheTuileriesathalfpastsix;thePopeataboutseven.TheEmperor,whowassomewhattiredbyallthisceremony,gladlyresumedhismodestuniformofColoneloftheChasseursoftheGuard.HedinedalonewithJosephine,askinghertokeeponherheadthebecomingdiademwhichsheworesogracefully.Thateveninghechattedpleasantlywiththeladies-in-waiting,andpraisedtherichdressestheyhadworninsuchsplendoratNotreDame;hesaidtothem,laughing:"It'sIwhodeservethecreditforyourcharmingappearance."Thentheylookedoutofthewindowsontheilluminatedgarden,thelargeflower-gardensurroundedwithporchescoveredwithlights,thelongalleyadornedwithshiningcolonnades,ontheterracesoforange-treesallaglow,withanumberofglassesofvariouscolorsoneverytree,andfinallyonthePlacedelaConcorde,oneblazingstar.Itwaslikeaseaofflame.
ItwasthepainterwhohadbeenamemberoftheConvention,themontagnard,theregicidewhohadinsultedLouisXVI.,whohadpaintedtheapotheosisofMarat,andwithamalicioushandhaddrawnthefeaturesofMarieAntoinetteonherwaytothescaffold;itwasthisartist,thisfiercedemagogue,theardentRevolutionist,whowascommissionedwithpaintingtheofficialrepresentationofthecoronation.Hecarriedhisgallantrysofarastochooseforhissubject,notthemomentwhenNapoleoncrownedhimself,butthatofthecoronationoftheEmpress;andwhenacriticaccusedhimofmakingJosephinetooyoung,hesaid:"Goandsaythattoher!"Whenthepicturewasfinished,theEmperorandthecourtwenttoseeitintheartist'sstudio.Napoleonwalkedupanddownforhalfanhour,bareheaded,beforethecanvas,whichisabouttwentyfeethigh,aboutthirtylong,andcontainsonehundredportraits.(ItisnowatVersaillesintheHalloftheGuards,atthetopofthemarblestaircase.)TheEmperorexamineditwiththeclosestattention,whileDavidandallwhowerepresentmaintainedarespectfulsilence.Thislongwaitingmadetheartistveryanxious.Atlast
Napoleonturnedtowardshimandsaid:"It'sgood,David,verygood.Youhavedivinedallmythought;youhavemademeaFrenchknight.IthankyoufortransmittingtoagestocometheproofofaffectionIwantedtogivetoherwhoshareswithmethepainsofgovernment."Thentakingtwostepstowardstheartist,heraisedhishatandsaid,inaloudvoice:"David,Isaluteyou."
SometimesatNotreDameinHolyWeek,ateveningservice,whentheCathedralislitupasatthecoronation,Irecallthevariousceremoniesofthischurch:theroyalbaptismsandmarriagestherecelebrated;thebannershungfromitsroof;theTeDeumsandDeProfundissooftensungthere;BossuetutteringthefuneralorationofthePrinceofCondé;theshamelessgoddessofReasonprofaningthesanctuary.Iclosemyeyesinmeditation,andseemtobepresentatthecoronation,toseePiusVII.
onhispontificalthrone,and,beforethealtar,NapoleoncrowningJosephinewithhisownhands,Iheartheechoofdistantlitanies,ofthetrumpets,oftheorgan,andoftheapplause.ThenIthinkofthenothingnessofallhumangloryandgrandeur.Ofalltheillustriouspersonswhohavekneltinthisoldbasilica,whatisleft?Scarcelyafewhandfulsofdust.Iopenmyeyes.Thedaysaresilent;thecrowdhasquietlywithdrawn.Thelightsareout,andattheendofthechurch,intheshadow,likeatimidstarinacloudyday,burnsasolitarylamp.
VI.
THEDISTRIBUTIONOFFLAGS.
Thecoronationwasthesignalforasuccessionoffestivities.Napoleonwasanxiousthatallclassesofsocietyshouldtakepartintherejoicings;thatcommerceshouldbebenefited;thatluxuryshoulddowonders;andthatParisshouldtakethepositionofthefirstcityintheworld,thecapitalofcapitals.Thedayafterthecoronationwastobethepopularholiday,andthedaywhentheflagsweredistributedwastobethefestivalofthearmy.Monday,December3,boothswereopenoneverysidefortheentertainmentofthecrowd.Adulationassumedeveryguise,eventhehumblest;andeveryformoflanguage,eventhatofthemarkets,wasemployedtoflatterthenewsovereign.Therewassung,"Thejoyousroundonthelotteryofthirteenthousandfowls,withanaccompanimentoffountainsofwine."ItwasadescriptionofthefooddistributedtothepoorpeopleofParis.Thissongwassungineverystreetandplace,astheÇairawassungin'93.
Thecomplimentofthemarketmenandoftheirladiesranthus:"IhavereasoneditoutwithmywifethatahouseathousandtimesaslargeasNotreDamewouldnotbeabletoholdallthosewhohavereasontoblessyou."Inthewayofincense,nothingwastoogrossforthesovereign.OnedistrictsaidofNapoleon:—"HereceivedforuswhenGodformedhim,
ThearmofRomulus,themindofNuma."
TheEmpresstoowaspraised:—"Spouseoftheherowhomtheuniverseregards,
TheGracesaccompanyyoutothetemple,
Everyoneseesinyourfacethebounty
Ofwhichyoudistributethegifts."
Inallusiontoherloveofflowersthisquatrainwascomposed:—"Josephiniana!thisisthenewflower
Whosebeautycatchesmyeye.
TojointhelaurelsofCaesar
Nothinglessisneededthananimmortalflower."
TheEmperorwassung,too,inmythologicallanguage,forhisflatterers
triedtoexhaustallsortsofadulation.OnCoronationDaythePrefectof
PolicehaddistributedapoementitledTheCrownofNapoleonbroughtfrom
OlympuscommandofJupiter:—
"MountingoneofthecoursersoftheproudBellona,
MercurybringsacrownfromOlympus;
ThekingofthegodssendsittotheherooftheFrench
Astherewardofhissuccess.
Yewhomheguidedahundredtimesinthefieldsofglory,
Phalanxofwarriors,childrenofvictory,
BravingtheimpotentfuryoftheEnglish,
SingNapoleon,singyourEmperor."
December3thepublicrejoicingsorganizedbythegovernmentextendedfromthePlacedelaConcordetotheArsenal.Heralds-at-armswalkedthroughthecity,distributingmedalsstrucktocommemoratethecoronation.ThesemedalsboreononesidetheheadoftheEmperor,hisbrowwearingthecrownoftheCaesars;ontheother,theimageofamagistrate,andofanancientwarrior,supportingonabuckleracrownedhero,wearinganImperialmantle.Beneathwastheinscription:"TheSenateandthePeople."
wastheinscription:"TheSenateandthePeople."
Assoonastheheralds-at-armshadpassedby,themerry-makingbegan,continuingtilllateinthenight.Therewasadistributionoffood,aswellassportsofallkinds,remindingoneofthetimesoftheRomanEmperors:panemetcircenses.OnthePlacedelaConcordehadbeenbuiltfourlargewoodenhallsforpublicballs.Thecoldwassevere;therewasahardfrost,butthisdidnotchecktheuniversalenjoyment.Ontheboulevardstherewereateverysteppuppetshows,wanderingsingers,ropedancers,greasedpoles,bandsofmusic.FromthePlacedelaConcordetotheendoftheboulevardSaintAntoinesparkledadoublerowofcoloredlightsarrayedlikegarlands.TheGardeMeubleandthePalaceoftheLegislativeBodywereablazewithlights.ThearchesofSaintDenisandofSaintMartinwereallcoveredwithlights;thecrowdwasenrapturedwiththefireworks,whichhadneverbeensofine.
ThepeopleofParishadbeeninvitedtoilluminatethefrontsoftheirhouses,andmovedeitherbyenthusiasmorself-interest,theyhadspentlargesumsforthispurpose.AmongthenotableilluminationswasthatoftheengineerChevalier,onthePontNeuf.Therewasatransparencyinwhich,amidencirclinglaurelsandmyrtles,wastobeseenanopticianturninghisglassuptotheskytowardsabrightstar,aroundwhichwasthisinscription:"Inhocsignosalus!"—"Inthissignissafety!"
December3wasthefirstdayofthecoronationfestivities.ThethirddaywasdevotedtowhattheMoniteurcalled,"arms,valor,fidelity."ThiswasthedaywhenNapoleonformallypresentedtothearmyandtotheNationalGuardoftheEmpiretheeagles,"whichtheywerealwaystofindonthefieldofhonor."ThisceremonytookplaceontheChampdeMars.ToquoteoncemorefromtheMoniteur:"Thisvastfield,crowdedwithdeputationsrepresentingFranceandthearmy,boretheaspectofabravefamilyassembledundertheeyesofitschief."ThemainfrontoftheMilitarySchoolhadbeendecoratedwithahugegallery,withseveraltentsashighastheapartmentsonthefirstfloor.Themiddleone,restingonfourcolumnswhichsupportedwingedvictories,coveredthethronesoftheEmperorandtheEmpress.ThePrinces,thehighdignitaries,theministers,themarshalsoftheEmpire,thehighofficersofthecrown,thecivilofficers,theladiesofthecourt,weretotaketheirplacesattherightofthethrone.Thegallery,inthemiddleofwhichwastheImperialtent,wasinfrontoftheMilitarySchool,andwasdividedintosixteenparts,eightoneachside,representingthesixteencohortsoftheLegionofHonor.Abroadstaircaseled
fromthisgallerytotheChampdeMars;thefirststepwasforthepresidentsofcantons,theprefects,sub-prefects,andthemembersofthemunicipalcouncils.Ontheothersteps,therestationedthemselvescolonelsofregimentsandpresidentsoftheelectoralcollegesofthedepartments,holdingflagssurmountedwitheagles.OneachsideofthestaircasewerecolossalfiguresofFrance,oneatwar,theotheratpeace.Twenty-fivethousandsoldiers,infaultlesstrim,hadbeenunderarmssincesixinthemorning.
Unfortunately,theweatherwasterrible;athawhadbegunanditwasrainingintorrents.TheChampdeMarswasaseaofmud.Thecourtierswho,onthe2dofDecember,hadsobelaudedthesun,representingitasasharerinthefestival,adocileslaveoftheEmperor,wereobligedtoacknowledgethatitwasraining.MadamedeRémusatmadeaverytrueremarkaboutthis;shesaidwithtruththatoneofthecommonest,thoughoneoftheabsurdest,flatteriesofeverytime,wasthatofpretendingthatasovereign'sneedoffineweatherwassuretobringit."AttheTuileries,"
shesaid,"InoticedtheopinionthattheEmperorneededonlytoappointarevieworahuntforacertainday,andthatdaywouldbepleasant.
Wheneverthathappened,agreatdealwassaidaboutit,whilesilencewaskeptaboutrainyorfoggyweather.ThisisexactlywhatusedtohappenunderLouisXIV.ForthehonorofsovereignsIshouldpreferthattheyacceptedthischildishflatterywithindifferenceordisgust,andthatnoonewouldthinkofofferingit.ItwasimpossibletodenythatitrainedduringthedistributionoftheeaglesattheChampdeMars;buthowmanypeopleImetthenextday,whoassuredmethattherainhadnotwetthem!"
Inspiteofthebadweather,anenormouscrowdlinedtheroadthroughwhichtheImperialprocessionwastopass.TheterracesoftheTuileries,thePlacedelaConcorde,thequaiswerethronged.NumberlessspectatorscoveredtheslopesoftheChampdeMars.TheeverobsequiousMoniteur,initsofficialaccountoftheceremony,said;"Ifthespectatorswereuncomfortable,therewasnotonewhowasnotconsoledbythefeelingthatheldhimthere,andbytheexpressionofhiswisheswhichtheapplausemadeveryclear."
AtnoontheEmperorandtheEmpress,followedbytheirsuite,lefttheTuileriesintheorderobservedatthecoronation,passeddownthebroadroad,overthePontTournant,throughthePlacedelaConcorde,totheChampdeMars.BeforetheircarriagerodetheChasseursoftheGuardandasquadronofMamelukes;
theircarriagerodetheChasseursoftheGuardandasquadronofMamelukes;behinditcamethemountedgrenadiersandthechosenLegion.OnreachingtheMilitarySchool,NapoleonandJosephinereceivedthecomplimentsoftheDiplomaticBody;thentheyputontheircoronationrobes,andtooktheirplaceinthegalleryinfrontofthebuilding.AssoonastheEmperorhadseatedhimselfonthethrone,cannonwerefired,drumsbeat,bandsplayed.Thedeputationsfromthearmy,whowereassembledintheChampdeMars,formedinclosecolumnsandcameforward.ThenNapoleonaroseandsaidinaloudvoice:"Soldiers!Theseareyourflags;theseeagleswillalwaysbeyourrallyingpoint;theywillbewhereveryourEmperormaythinknecessaryforthedefenceofhisthroneandofhispeople.Youwillsweartoofferyourlifeintheirdefence,andbyyourcouragetokeepthemalwaysonthepathtovictory.Youswearit?"
Officersandmenreplied:"Weswearit!"
Alas!theseflagsweretobealwaysonthepathofhonor,butnotalwaysonthepathofvictory,forvictoryisafemalegoddessandafickleone.
Againsthowmanyenemiestheseflagsweretobedefended,beneathscorchingsuns,underavalanchesoficeandsnow!Whatheroism,whatmiraclesofbravery,weretobewitnessedbythesestandardsonmanyabattlefield!Whatfatigue,whatsuffering,whatsacrifices,dangers,wounds,howmanygloriousdeaths,whatseasofblood,tocomeatlasttothemostlamentabledisastersIHadthefuturebeenseen,thosedrumswouldhavebeendrapedinblack.Butthearmyimagineditselfinvincible.
Thethoughtofdefeatwouldhavecalledforthasmileofpity.Proudofitself,ofitscommander,itshoutedwithjoyandprideasitpassedbeforethethrone.
Asingleincidentdisturbedthismartialceremony.Suddenlyanunknown
youngmanapproachedtheImperialgallery,andshouted:"Downwiththe
Emperor!Libertyordeath!"ThisardentRepublicanwasatoncearrested.
Hisvoicehadbeenlostinthemusicandclatterofarms.
Theraincontinued,andsoonsoakedthroughthecanvasandstuffsshelteringthethrone,TheEmpresswasobligedtoleave,withherdaughter,whohadrecentlygivenbirthtoachild.TheotherPrincessesfollowedthisexample,withtheexceptionofMadameMurat,who,althoughlightlyclad,remainedexposedtotheshowers.Shesaidthatshewaslearninghowtoenduretheinevitable
theshowers.Shesaidthatshewaslearninghowtoenduretheinevitablediscomfortsofthehighestrank.
Atfiveo'clockNapoleonandJosephinewereoncemoreattheTuilerieswhereastatedinnerwasgivenintheGalleryofDiana.InthemiddleofthisgallerythetableoftheEmperorandtheEmpresswasplacedbeneathamagnificentcanopy,onaplatform.TheEmpresssattherewiththeEmperorontherightandthePopeonherleft.Thehighofficersofthecrown,aswellasacolonel-generaloftheGuardandaprefectofthepalace,remainedstandingneartheImperialtable.
Pageswaitedonthetables.TheArchchancelloroftheGermanEmpiretookhisplaceatthatoftheEmperor.InthesamegalleryweresetothertablesfortheFrenchPrincesandforthehereditaryPrinceofBaden,fortheministers,fortheladiesandofficersoftheImperialhousehold.
Afterthedinnerwasaconcert,atwhichthePopeconsentedtobepresent.
WhenthatwasoverPiusVII.withdrew,andtheeveningendedwithaballetdancedbythedancersoftheoperainthegreathallcalledsincetheEmpiretheHalloftheMarshals.
VII.
THEFESTIVITIES.
Thewinterof1804-5wasverybrilliant.Napoleonwasanxioustogivethebeginningofhisreignanairofsplendor.Heallowedhisofficialsgeneroussalaries,butheinsistedontheirspendingalltheyreceivedinsumptuousliving,inentertainingfreely,andreceivingdistinguishedforeigners.Luxurybecamecompulsory,andtradeflourishedbeyondallexpectations.Parishadnever,eveninthegrandestdaysoftheoldmonarchy,knowngreatersocialanimation.Thismartialgeneration,accustomedtodesireashortbutmerrylife,awarethatthefestivitiesofdaywouldbeinterruptedbythebattlesofthenext,wereaseagerintheball-roomasonthebattlefield.Theyhastenedtoenjoytheirpresentprosperityasiftheyforesawthedisasterstocome.Frenchgallantry,whichhadbeenforgottenduringtheRevolution,resumeditssway.ThewomenwerelikethefairmistressesofcastlesintheMiddleAgeswhogavetheirheartstothebravestknights.Loveandglorybothbecamethefashion.TheformerLadyoftheBedchambertoMarieAntoinette,MadameCampan,whotaughtmostoftheyoungwomenofthecourtinherschoolatSaintGermain,hadformedagroupofbeauties,trainedinaristocraticmanners,attheheadofwhomwasherablest,mostintelligentpupil,HortensedeBeauharnais,whohadbeenmarriedtoPrinceLouisBonaparte.
TheGrandChamberlain,M.deTalleyrand,apoorbishopbutanexcellentspecimenofagrandlord,andtheGrandMasterofCeremonies,M.deSégur,whosesuccessasambassadorofLouisXVI.atthecourtofCatherinewasverygreat,setthetoneinthehouseholdsoftheEmperorandtheEmpress.
Napoleonsetanexampleofluxuryandelegance.Granddinners,concerts,officialentertainmentssucceededoneanotherwithstartlingrapidity.
Josephine,whowaswildlyfondofdress,wasgladofanexcusetoindulgeherextravaganttastes.TheEmperor'sthreesisterslivedlikerealprincesses,rivalling
extravaganttastes.TheEmperor'sthreesisterslivedlikerealprincesses,rivallingoneanotherinmagnificence.PrincesJosephandLouisdisplayedthepompoffuturekings.
Almostallthewomenofthecourtwereyoungandpretty.Itwouldhavebeenhardtoconferonanyone,totheexclusionoftherest,thepalmofbeauty.Therewerethreewhowereespeciallydistinguished:MadameMaret(latertheDuchessofBassano);MadameSavary(latertheDuchessofRovigo);andMadamedeCanisy(latertheDuchessofVicenza).ThelastnamedhadmarriedM.deCanisy,theEmperor'sequerry.Later,shegotadivorceandmarriedM.deCaulaincourt,DukeofVicenzaandGrandEquerry.
AtSaintHelenaNapoleonthusrecountedtheoriginofthisfamousbeauty:"MadamedeLoméne,theCardinal'sniece,beforebeingputtodeathintheRevolution,entrustedtoFatherPatraulthertwoyoungdaughters.Whentheterrorwasover,MadamedeBrienne,theiraunt,whohadweatheredthestormandstillpossessedalargefortune,demandedthemofFatherPatrault,whorefusedtogivethemupforalongtime,onthegroundthattheirmotherhadurgedhimtobringthemupaspeasants."AndNapoleonwenton:"IwasthenGeneraloftheArmyoftheInterior;andwasabletosecurethereturnofthetwochildren,thoughwithsomedifficulty,forPatraultresistedineverywayinhispower.TheywerethewomenwhomyouafterwardsknewasMadamedeMarnésia,andasthebeautifulMadamedeCanisy."
TheDuchessofAbrantès,inrecallingthebrilliantwinterof1804-5,says,inherMemoirs:"Oneespeciallyimpressivebeauty,particularlyintheball-room,wasMadamedeCanisy,Ihaveoftencomparedhertoamuse.
Itwouldbeimpossibleforasinglefacetopresentafullercombinationofcharmsthanhers:shepossessedregularfeatures,adelightfulexpression,anattractivesmile;herhairwassilkyandglossy.SeldomhaveIseenanythingmorecharmingthanMadamesdeCanisy,Maret,andSavaryinenteringaball-roomtogether,"
Therewasnolackofentertainmentsatwhichthesebeautiesshone.TheonegivenattheHoteldeVille,December16,1804,totheEmperorandtheEmpress,wassocostlythatitkeptthecityofParisformanyyearsindebt.Napoleon,Josephine,PrincesJosephandLouisdrovetoitinthecoronationcoach.Batteriesofartillery,stationedonthePontNeuf,announcedthemomentoftheirarrival,whiletablescoveredwithpoultry,andfountainsofwine,
attractedanenormouscrowdtotheplace;almosteveryonehadashareinthisdistributionoffood,thankstotheprecautionstakenbytheauthoritiesofdeliveringitonlytothosewhopresentedaticket.ThefrontoftheHoteldeVillewasilluminatedwithcoloredlanterns.WhentheEmpressenteredtheapartmentsreservedforher,shefoundthereacompleteandmagnificentgoldtoilet-service:itwasapresentfromtheCityCouncil.ThePresidentoftheCouncilthusaddressedher:"Madame:HowcouldtheParisians,whoaresocapableofdistinguishingwhatisgood,delicate,andnoble,letslipthisopportunityofpayingtheirhomagetotheprofoundtenderness,thetouchinggrace,thetruedignitythatcharacterizeYourMajesty?Thehappyinfluenceoftheserarequalitiesalreadymakesitselffeltinallclassesofsociety,andwhileyouraugustspouseelevatesFranceinglory,youinspireittoresumethefirstrankamongtheracesmostrenownedforurbanity."ThehallinwhichtheImperialbanquetwastobegivenwascalledtheHallofVictories.OnthedoorwastheinscriptionFastiNapoleoni,andatintervals,separatedbymilitarytrophiesandstandards,wereLatininscriptionsinhonorofNapoleon.Beforedinnerhewaspresentedwithatable-serviceofsilver-giltbythecityofParis.
Thenhetookhisseat,withtheEmpress,onaplatformbeneathacanopy,andthemealbegan.Duringdinner,aband,hiddenbehindgreenfoliage,playedasymphonyofHaydn's,andthenwassungacantatafullofflatteryfortheEmperorandtheEmpress.
Afterthedinnerthereweremagnificentfireworks.Asthefirstrocketsrose,asecondcantatawassung.Oneofthepiecesoffireworksrepresentedaman-of-warwitheightyguns:itsdecks,masts,sails,andriggingwererepresentedbyglowinglights.Another,whichtheEmperorhimselfsetoff,representedMountSaintBernardsendingforthavolcaniceruptionfromsnow-coveredrocks.InthecentreappearedtheimageofNapoleonattheheadofhisarmy,ridingupthesteepslopeofthemountain.
Thisentertainment,whichclosedwithaballatwhichsevenhundredpersonswerepresent,wasarealapotheosis.MadamedeRémusat,speakingoftheextravagantadulationdevisedforthisoccasion,says:"AgreatdealhasbeensaidaboutthefulsomeflatteriesofLouisXIV.duringhisreign;IamsurethataltogethertheywouldnotamounttoatenthpartofthosethatBonapartereceived.IrememberthatatanotherfestivitygivenbythecitytotheEmperorafewyearslater,sinceallinscriptionhadbeenexhausted,therewereplacedabovethethroneonwhichhewastosit,thesewordsfromScripture,ingoldletters:
Egosumquisum,—andnoonewasshocked."
TheSenateandtheLegislativeBodyalsogavegrandentertainmentsinhonorofthecoronation.ThatoftheLegislativeBodywasparticularlybrilliant.Thisassembly,whichrivalledtheSenateinobsequiousness,haddecidedthatamarblestatueshouldberaisedtotheEmperorintheroomwhereitsat,inhonorofthedrawingupofthecivilcode.Thedaywhenthisstatuewastobeinauguratedwaschosenforthefestivity.TheEmpress,followedbyamagnificentsuite,reachedthePalaceoftheLegislativeBodyataboutsevenintheevening.Assheentered,musiciansintonedGlück'sfamouschorus,whichusedtobesungonformaloccasionsinthereignofLouisXVI.,inhonorofMarieAntoinette:—"Whatcharms!Whatmajesty!"
Unanimousapplauseemphasizedtheallusions.ThenonthePresident'sinvitation,MarshalsMuratandMassénaraisedtheveilsthatcoveredthestatue,andalleyesbeheldthefigureofNapoleon,wearingonhisbrowalaurelwreath,inwhichweremingledoakandoliveleaves.Later,atthetimeofhisabdicationatFontainebleau,Napoleonexpressedaregretthathehadpermittedhisstatuetobemadeduringhislifetime.
ThenM.deVaublancascendedthetribune,andmadeaspeechfullofextravagantpraise;itendedthus:"Youlive,allofyou,threatenedbytheperilsofthetimes;youlive,andyouoweyourlifetohimwhosestatueyoubehold.Youreturnunfortunateexiles;youbreatheoncemorethedeliciousairofyourowncountry;youembraceyourfathers,yourchildren,yourwives,yourfriends;allthisyouowetohimwhosestatueyoubehold.Thereisnolongeranyquestionofhisglory;Isaynothingaboutit;Iinvokehumanityononeside,gratitudeontheother;Iaskyoutowhomyouareindebtedforthisgreat,extraordinary,unexpectedgoodfortune.Youallanswerwithme,Itistothegreatmanwhosestatueyoubehold."Throughoutthewholespeech,aperfectmasterpieceofofficialcomposition,adulationcameinlikeachorus.ThePresidentinhisturnutteredasimilareulogy:"Veryfewatthetime,"saysConstant,whodescribesthisoccasion,"foundthispraiseextravagant;possiblytheiropinionshavechangedsincethen."
Afterthespeeches,dinnerwasservedtothreehundredguests,followedbyamagnificentball.Though,inthemiddleofthewinter,therewasagreatshowofshrubsandflowers.TheHallsofLucretiaandoftheReunion,inwhichtherewasdancing,werelikeonelargebedofroses,laurels,lilacs,jonquils,lilies,andjasmine.
jasmine.
PerhapsthefinestofalltheentertainmentswasthatgiventotheEmperorandEmpressbythemarshalsoftheEmpireintheOperaHouse.Itcosteach,marshaltenthousandfrancs.TheOperaHouseatthattimewasintheruedeRichelieu,whereithadbeensince1794.(ItwastheonetorndownduringtheRestoration,onaccountofthemurderoftheDukeofBerry,whowaskilledonthethreshold.)Bymeansofafloorplacedlevelwiththestageovertheorchestraandthepit,therewasmadeamagnificentball-room.Twenty-fourchandeliershungfromtheceiling,andcandelabraweresetoneachsideofeverybox.Thedecorationsconsistedofsilvergauze,andwreathsofflowers.Theuniformsofthemenandthedressesofthewomenwerealmostequallymagnificent.Theeyesofthespectatorsweredazzledbydressestrimmedwithpreciousstones.Neverhadtherebeenseensuchprofusionoflight,flowers,perfumes,anddiamonds.Inthismagicalsetting,fashionablebeauties,withtheirdressesworkedwithsilverandgoldfoil,theirturbansofEasternstuffs,theirjewelsandancientcameos,appearedlikesultanas.Itwasamostsumptuousandfairy-likeshow.
Themarshalsarrivedateightintheevening,theEmpressatten,theEmperorateleven;asheenteredtheball-room,theapplausewassoviolentthatitwasfearedthatthecandleswouldbeputout.Amilitarymarchwasplayed,andthentherewasaconcert,closingwiththeAbbéRose'sVivatImperator,whichhadmadesuchanimpressionontheCoronationDay.Aftertheconcert,PrinceLouisBonaparte,MarshalMurat,EugenedeBeauharnais,andMarshalBerthieropenedtheballwiththePrincesses.TheEmperorwalkedtwicearoundthehall,asifhewerereviewingtroops.ThenhesatdownbythesideoftheEmpressonaraisedplatform,andwithdrewbeforetheendoftheball.
BesidesalltheseentertainmentstherewerethegrandleveesandconcertsattheTuileries.TheHalloftheMarshalswasanimpressivesightonthoseevenings,filled,asitwas,withyoungandprettywomen,ingorgeousdresses,andwithmenresplendentwithstars,epaulettes,featheredhats,andsword-beltssetwithdiamonds.AftertheconcertthecompanywouldgototheGalleryofDiana,wherethesupper-tableswereset:thatoftheEmpress,thoseofthePrincesses,oftheLadyofHonor,oftheLadyoftheBedchamber,oftheLadlesofthePalace."Allthesetables,"saystheDuchessofAbrantès,"wereoccupiedbywomenwithrosesontheirheads,andsmilesontheirlips,andoftenwithtearsintheireyes;forvanity,everywheretriumphant,holdsitscourtespeciallyatcourt.There,favoriseverything,disgraceiseverything.AchancewordorglanceoftheEmperororEmpressisablowandaseriousone.What,then,mustbetheresultofaninvitationsentorwithheld?"
ofaninvitationsentorwithheld?"
DuringtheconcerttheEmpressmadeupthesupper-table;thatistosay,chosethewomenwhoweretositathertable,commissioningherchamberlaintonotifythoseshehadselected.ThePrincessesdidthesame,andtheofficersoftheirhouseholdslikewiseinformedthewomenwhomtheyhadchosen.TherewerebuttwelveplacesattheEmpress'stable;eightortenatthoseofthePrincesses.Whenthechamberlainscametobringthesemostwelcomeinvitations,thereflutteredthroughtheeighthundredorthousandwomenpresentattheconcertsandgrandleveesananxiousemotionwhichamusedobservers.TheaspectoftheGalleryofDianawasmostimpressive.OntheEmpress'stableshoneagoldenserviceamidglassandSèvresware.Duringthesupperthemenstrolledupanddownthegallery,butassoonastheEmperorappeared,aweandfearappearedoneveryface.
ItseemedasifthetimesofLouisXIV.hadreturned,ofwhichLaBruyèresaid:"NothingsodisfigurescertaincourtiersasthepresenceoftheirPrince;Icansometimesscarcelyrecognizethem,soalteredaretheirfeatures,sodegradedtheirfaces.Theproudandhaughtyonesarethemostdisturbed,fortheychangethemost;andtheuprightandmodestmancomesoutbest;hehasnothingtochange."TheDuchessofAbrantès,recallingtheintimidationcausedbyNapoleon'sapproach,wrote:"EventhosewhonowadaystalkabouttheCorsicanwithagreatshowofscorn,thoseveryones(Ihaveseenthem,andIamnottheonlyone,)werethemosttimidbeforetheveryshadowofhishat."Thewomentrembledevenmore.TheydreadedthequestionstheEmperormightputtothem,and,accordingtoMadamedeRémusat,therewasnotonewhowouldnotgladlyhavebeenanywhereelse.DuringtheFirstEmpire,everything,eventhefestivities,woreamilitaryair.Thesovereignalwayshadtheairofacommandinggeneral.Disciplineprevailed,ataballaswellasinacamp,andtheyoungmentookpartinthosepleasuresonlytoreturnwithrenewedzealandcouragetothebattlefield.
VIII.
THEETIQUETTEOFTHEIMPERIALPALACE.
Bythebeginningof1805thecourtwasdefinitelyformed.Afterlaboriousstudiesonthepartofaspecialcommission,andlongdiscussionsinwhichNapoleontookasinterestedapartashedidinthepreparationofthecivilcode,allthewheelsofetiquettehadbeenarranged,andthemachineryworkedwithperfectregularity.TheEmperorattachedgreatimportancetothesubject,frombothapoliticalandasocialpointofview.Inhiseyes,etiquettehadthegreatadvantageofdrawingbetweenhimandthosewhohadrecentlybeenhissuperiors,adistinctlineofseparation.Helookeduponitasausefultoolofgovernment,asanaccompanimentofgloryabsolutelyessentialforasovereign,especiallyforoneofrecentorigin.Hewasveryproudofhiscourt,ofthewealthitdisplayed,andofthevastresultsheobtainedatacomparativelysmallexpense,andatSaintHelenahelikedtorecallitsagreeablememory.
"TheEmperor'scourt,"wereadintheMemorial,"wasineveryrespectmuchmoremagnificentthananythingthathadbeenseenuptothattime,andcostinfinitelyless.Thesuppressionofabuses,orderandregularityintheaccounts,madethegreatdifference.Hishunting,withtheexceptionofafewuselessorabsurdparticulars,suchastheuseoffalcons,wasassplendidandascrowdedasthatofLouisXIV.,anditcostonlyfourhundredthousandfrancsayear,whiletheKing'scostsevenmillions.Itwasthesamewaywiththetable;Duroc'sorderandseveritywroughtwonders.Underthekings,thepalaceswerenotpermanentlyfurnished;thesamefurniturewastransportedfromonepalacetoanother;therewerenoaccommodationsforthepeopleofthecourt;everyonehadtoprovideforhimself.Underhim,however,therewasnooneinattendance,who,intheroomallottedhim,wasnotascomfortableasathome,orevenmorecomfortable,sofaraswhatwasessentialandproperwasconcerned."
Thecourtmovedassmoothlyasawell-drilledregiment.Napoleonwouldhaveshownnomercytotheslightestdisregardoftheruleshehadhimselfdrawnup
shownnomercytotheslightestdisregardoftheruleshehadhimselfdrawnupafterlongmeditation.Thecourtierswereexpectedtobeasfamiliarwiththecodeofetiquetteasweretheofficerswiththemanualofarms.TheEmperornoticedtheminutestdetails,busiedhimselfwitheverything,saweverything.Therehadbeenmuchmorelatitudeatcourtundertheoldmonarchy,andthoseoftheoldrégimewhoenteredtheEmperor'scourtweresoonweariedbytheinflexibleseverityofitsdiscipline.Thecourt,moreover,wasverysplendid.TheFaubourgSaintGermainbroughttoititspolitenessandconversationalcharm.Forhispart,NapoleonspeedilyassumedthemannersofaEuropeansovereign,whilepreservinghismartialcharacter.HewasatthesametimeEmperorandcommander-in-chief.Yetthemilitaryelementdidnotcontrolhiscourt;thecivilelementwasmorepowerfultherethaninotherEuropeancourts,theRussian,forexample.Napoleonwouldneverhavesufferedinhispresencethefaintestsignofthefamiliarityofthecamp;everyonewhocrossedthethresholdoftheTuilerieswascompelledtopreservethemanners,thebearing,thelanguageofacourtier.
TheleveesandcoucheesofthesovereignwererestoredasinthetimeoftheBourbons;thoughunderthemonarchytheywererealthings,andamereimitationundertheEmpire.Thesemomentswerenotdevotedtothepettydetailsoftoilette,butrathertoreceiving,morningandevening,thosemembersofthecivilandmilitaryhouseholdwhohadtoreceivehisdirectordersorenjoyedtherightof"payingtheircourtattheseprivilegedhours."AtSaintHelena,NapoleonboastedthatattheTuilerieshehadsuppressedinthematterofetiquette"allthatwasrealandcommonplace,andhadsubstitutedwhatwasmerelynominalanddecorative.""Aking,"hesaid,"isnotanaturalproduct;heisaresultofcivilization.Hedoesnotexistnakedly,butonlywhendressed."
Letustrytoretracethelinesofetiquetteastheyexistedin1805,atthesametimeindicatingtheprincipalmembersoftheEmperor'shouseholdandthenatureoftheirduties.Thereweremanyseparateduties,eachunderthecontrolofahighofficeroftheCrown,withtheirprovincescarefullydefinedandsedulouslydistinguishedfromoneanother.ThereweresixhighofficersoftheCrown;theGrandAlmoner(CardinalFesch);theGrandMarshalofthePalace(GeneralDuroc);theGrandEquerry(GeneraldeCaulaincourt);theGrandChamberlain(M.deTalleyrand);theGrandMasterofCeremonies(M.deSégur).
Thecolonels-generalwere:MarshalDavout,commandingthefootgrenadiers;MarshalSoult,commandingthechasseurs-à-pieds;MarshalBessières,commandingthecavalry;MarshalMortier,commandingtheartilleryandsailors.
commandingthecavalry;MarshalMortier,commandingtheartilleryandsailors.Thesecolonels-generaloftheImperialGuardformedpartoftheEmperor'shousehold,andenjoyedtheprerogativesasthehighofficersoftheCrown.
TheGrandAlmonerwasthebishopofthecourt,whereverthatmightbe.HegavetheEmperorandhiscourtadispensationfromfasting.Heaccompaniedhimtochurchceremoniesandgavehimhisprayer-book.Atgranddinnershesaidgrace.HesetfreetheprisonerswhomtheEmperorpardonedoncertainholydays.
TheGrandMarshalofthepalacehadchargeofthemilitarycommandintheImperialresidences;oftheirmaintenance,decoration,andfurnishing;oftheassignmentofrooms,thesupplyoffood,theheating,lights,silver,andlivery.HecommandedthedetachmentsoftheImperialGuardondutyintheImperialpalaces.Hegaveorderstobeatthereveilléandthetattoo,toopenandshutthepalacegates.WhentheEmperorwaswiththearmy,ortravelling,hehadtofindhimquarters.In1805theGrandMarshal'sbudgetamountedto2,338,167francs.In1806itreachedthesumof2,770,841francs.Therewerefourtablesinthepalace,—thatoftheofficersandladies-in-waiting,thatoftheofficersoftheguardandthepages,thatoftheladieswhoreadtotheEmpressandintroducedvisitors.
TheGrandMarshalhadunderhisorderstheprefectsofthepalace:M.deLuçay,M.deBausset,andM.deSaintDidier.Theyhadchargeoftheprovisions,lighting,heating,thesilver,andtheliveries.Theyinspectedthekitchens,pantries,cellars,andlinen-closettoseethateverythingwasinorder.Therewasalwaysoneprefectofthepalaceondutyforaweekatatime.HealsocarriedwordtotheEmperorandtheEmpresswhenamealwasready,conductedthemtothetable,andbacktotheirroomsafterwards.
TheGrandMarshalhadalsounderhisordersthegovernorofthepalacesandthemarshals;theselastwerechargedwithchoosingapartmentsfortheEmperorandtheEmpress,andquartersfortheirsuiteintheImperialresidencesandonjourneys.Theyhadforassistantsthequartermastersofthepalace.
TheMasteroftheHoundshadchargeofallthecoursingandhuntinginthewoodsandforestsbelongingtotheCrown.
TheGrandEquerrylookedafterthestables,thepages,thecouriers,andtheEmperor'sarms;healsohadthesupervisionofthehorsesatSaintCloud.HewalkedjustbeforetheEmperorwhenhecameforthfromhisroomstoride,gave
walkedjustbeforetheEmperorwhenhecameforthfromhisroomstoride,gavehimhiswhip,heldhisreinsandtheleftstirrup.Hewasresponsibleforthegoodconditionofthecarriages,theintelligenceandskillofthehuntsmen,coachman,andthepostilions,thesafetyandthetrainingofthehorses.Inaprocession,oronajourney,hewasinthecarriagejustbeforetheEmperor's.HeaccompaniedtheEmperortothearmy,ifthesovereign'shorsewaskilledordisabled,itwashisdutytopicktheEmperorupandtoofferhimhisownhorse.
TheGrandEquerryhadfourequerriesunderhisorders:ColonelsDurosnel,Defrance,Lefebvre,Vatier,andtwoequerriesinordinary,M.deCanisyandM.deVilloutrey.AnequerryondutyalwaysaccompaniedtheEmperor,whetherhewasdrivingorriding.IftheEmperordrove,theequerryondutyrodebytheright-handdoorofthecarriage,unlessthecolonel-generalondutyhappenedtobeonhorseback,inwhichcasetheequerryrodeontheotherside.TheequerryondutywalkedbeforetheEmperorwhenheleftorreturnedtohisapartment;heneverleftthewaiting-roomduringtheday,andsleptinthepalace.
Thepages,whosegovernorwasGeneralGardane,werealsoundertheordersoftheGrandEquerry.Theywereappointedwhenbetweenfourteenandsixteen,andheldthepositionuntiltheywereeighteen.Atgranddinnersandintheapartmentsofhonor,theywaitedontheEmperorandEmpress,andonthePrincesandPrincesses.WhentheEmperorrodeout,onefollowedonhorseback;ifhedrove,thepagegotupbehindthecarriage.Whenthesovereignwentforthinhisstate-coach,asmanypagesaspossibleclamberedupbehinditandupontheboxbythesideofthecoachman.Atreceptions,andondayswhenmasswassaid,therewereeightpagesonduty.TheystoodinarowwhentheEmperorreturnedtohisapartment,andwalkedbeforehimwhenheleftit.IftheEmperorhadnotreturnedtothepalacebynightfall,thepageswouldwaitattheentrance-doortowalkbeforehim,carryinglights.Thepages,too,servedasmessengers,andwhentheycarriedlettersoftheEmperor,thedoorswerethrownwideopenbeforethem.
Theimpressionproducedbythepages,whentheywerefirstondutyattheTuileriesin1804,isthusdescribedbyacontemporary:"Theyhavebeenmuchnoticed,especiallyintheevening,bytheladies.Thefactis,theyareallgood-lookingboys,particularlytheoldest;theyhavegoodfiguresandwearanewandbecominguniform,andsincetheyareintheserviceofaseveremaster,andofamostkindandindulgentmistress,theyhavetobeveryattentiveandconsiderate.Theirfulldressdiffersfromliveryonlybythelaceoftheircoatwhichimitatesembroidery,bytheknotontheirleftshoulder,andbythelacefrillabovetheirwaistcoat,Besides,infulldresstheywear,likefootmen,agreencoatwithallthe
waistcoat,Besides,infulldresstheywear,likefootmen,agreencoatwithalltheseamslacedwithgold,goldshoe-buckles,ahatwithawhitefeather,buttheyhavenosword.Perhapsthisiswell,fortheywouldbeplayingwithit.
TheyhaveallbeenchosenamongthesonsofgeneralsofdivisionsandofhighdignitariesoftheEmpire."
AtSaintHelenaNapoleonsaid,speakingofthepagesandtheImperialstables:"TheEmperor'sstablescosthimthreemillionfrancs;thehorsescostthreethousandfrancsapieceperyear.Apage,fromsixtoeightthousandfrancs;thislastwasperhapstheheaviestexpenseofthepalace;buttherewaseveryreasontobesatisfiedwiththeeducationtheyreceived,andwiththecaretakenwiththem.AllthefirstfamiliesoftheEmpiresoughttogettheplacesfortheirsons;andtheywereright."
TheGrandChamberlainhadchargeofallthehonorsofthepalace,theregularaudiences,theoathstakenintheEmperor'sstudy,theadmissions,theleveesandcouchees,thefestivities,receptions,theatricalperformances,themusic,theboxesoftheEmperorandEmpressatthedifferenttheatres,theEmperor'swardrobe,hislibrary;healsolookedaftertheushersandvaletsdechambre.
TheGrandChamberlainhadunderhisorders(thisrefersto1805),aFirst
Chamberlain,M.deRémusat,andthirteenchamberlains:MM.d'Arberg,A.de
Talleyrand,deLaturbie,deBrigode,deViry,deThiard,Garnierde
Lariboisière,d'Hédouville,deCroy,deMercy-Argenteau,deZuidwyck,de
Tournon,deBondy.IntheImperialAlmanackof1805,thesemenarenot
namedwiththeirtitles,eventhedeisinallcasesomittedorjoined
withthename,thus:M.Rémusat,M.Darberg,A.Talleyrand,Laturbie,
Tournon,Dethiard,Deviry,Hédouville,etc.,etc.
Thechamberlainondutywascalledthechamberlainoftheday.Atthepalacetherewerealwaystwochamberlainsoftheday,oneforthegrandapartment,theotherfortheEmperor'sapartmentofhonor.Theywererelievedeveryweek.Theprincipaldutiesofthechamberlainsweretohavechargeofintroductionstothe
principaldutiesofthechamberlainsweretohavechargeofintroductionstotheEmperor,togiveorderstotheushersandvaletsdechambre,toseethattheordersaboutthereceptionswerecarriedout,andtoattenduponthesovereign'sleveesandcouchees.
EitherachamberlainoroneoftheEmperor'saides-de-campservedasMasteroftheWardrobe.Hehadchargeoftheclothes,thelinen,thelace,thebootsandshoes,andoftheribbonsoftheLegionofHonor.IfheassistedattheEmperor'stoilet,hehadtohandhimhiscoat,fastenhisribbonorcollar,givehimhissword,hat,andgloves,intheGrandChamberlain'sabsence.
TheGrandMasterofCeremoniesdeterminedquestionsofrankandprecedence,drewupandenforcedtherulesforpublic,formalceremonies,forthereceptionofsovereignsandhereditaryprinces,and,foreignambassadorsandministers.
Thecolonels-generaloftheImperialGuardandtheEmperor'saidesalsomadepartofthehousehold.
AtceremonieswhentheEmperorwasinhisstate-coach,thereweretwocolonels-generaloftheGuardattheleftdoor.Whenherode,allfourfollowedclosebehind.TheGrandEquerry,orhissubstitute,hadaplaceamongthem.
Thecolonel-generalondutyreceiveddirectlytheEmperor'sordersrelativetothedifferentrequirementsoftheImperialGuard,andtransmittedthemdirectlytotheothercolonels-general.Hewasquarteredinthepalace,inpreferencetoanyotherofficeroftheCrown,andasnearaspossibletotheEmperor'sapartment,whetherattheresidenceorwhentravelling.InthefieldhesleptintheEmperor'stent.
Napoleonhadtwelveaides-de-camp.Theoneondutywascalledtheaide-de-campoftheday,Healwayshadahorsesaddledoracarriageharnessedreadyinthestable,tocarryanymessagestheEmperormightgive.AssoonastheEmperorhadgonetobed,theaide-de-campondutywasespeciallyentrustedwithguardinghim,andhesleptinanadjoiningroom.InthefieldtheEmperor'saidesservedaschamberlains.
ThereweretwodistinctelementsintheEmperor'shousehold:themilitary,andthearistocratic.Somemenowedtheirpositionentirelytotheirmerit;othersentirelytotheirbirth;thesewerebothpatriotsof1792
andémigrés,butitmustbeconfessedtheImperialAlmanackshowsthatthearistocraticelementwasthemoreprominent.Napoleon,thoughcertainwriters
aristocraticelementwasthemoreprominent.Napoleon,thoughcertainwriterspersistinrepresentinghimasthecrownedchampionofdemocracyandtheemperorofthelowerclasses,hadamorearistocraticcourtthanLouisXVIII.Hewasmoreimpressedbygreatmannersthanweretheoldkings.Evenafterhehadbeenbetrayed,abandoned,denied,insultedbythearistocracy,hehadaweaknessforit.In1816hesaid:"Thedemocracymaybecomefurious;ithasaheart;itcanbemoved.Thearistocracyalwaysremainscoldandneverpardons."Yetevenafterthis,heblamedhimselffornothavingdoneenoughfortheFrenchnobility."Iseeclearly,"hewenton,"thatIdideithertoomuchortoolittlefortheFaubourgSaintGermain.Ididenoughtomaketheoppositiondissatisfied,andnotenoughtowinittomyside.Ioughttohavesecuredtheémigréswhentheyreturned.Thearistocracywouldhavesoonadoredme;andIneededit;itisthetrue,theonlysupportofamonarchy,itsmoderator,itslever,itsresistingpoint;withoutit,thestateislikeashipwithoutarudder,aballooninmid-air.Now,thestrength,thecharmofthearistocracyliesinitsantiquity,theonlythingIcouldnotcreate."ItmustbeconfessedthatfromanoldRepublicangeneral,forthemanwhohadsentAugereautoexecutethecoupd'étatofthe18thFructidor,andwhothe13thVendémiaire,fromthestepsoftheChurchofSaintRochhadcrushedtheParisconservatives,thiswasaveryaristocraticwayoftalking,remindingoneoftheoldrégime.In1816Napoleonsaidagain:"Oldandcorruptnationscannotbegovernedlikethevirtuouspeoplesofantiquity.
Foronemannowadayswhowouldsacrificeeverythingforthepublicwelfare,therearethousandswhotakenothoughtofanythingexcepttheirowninterests,pleasures,andvanity.Nowtopretendtoregenerateapeopleoff-handwouldbemadness.Theworkman'sgeniusisshownbyhisknowinghowtomakeuseofthematerialsunderhishand,andthatisthesecretoftherestorationofalltheformsofthemonarchy,ofthereturnoftitles,crosses,andribbons."
TheoldRepublicansof1796,whousedtodenouncekings,"drunkwithbloodandpride,"wouldnothavereadilyrecognizedtheiroldgeneralunderthegoldencanopiesoftheTuileries,wherehedinedinstate.Histablestoodonaplatform,beneathacanopy,andthereweretwochairs,oneforhimself,theotherfortheEmpress.Asheenteredthebanquet-hall,hewasprecededbyaswarmofpages,masters-of-ceremonies,andprefectsofthepalace;hewasfollowedbythecolonel-generalonduty,theGrandChamberlain,theGrandEquerry,andtheGrandAlmoner.TheGrandAlmoneradvancedtothetableandblessedthedinner.Ageneralofdivision,theGrandEquerryCaulaincourt,offeredachairtoBonaparte.Anothergeneralofdivision,Duroc,theGrandMarshalofthePalace,handedhimhisnapkinandpouredouthiswine.Notmerelyhighdignitaries,but
handedhimhisnapkinandpouredouthiswine.Notmerelyhighdignitaries,butthePrincesoftheEmpirethemselves,deemeditanhonortowaituponhimasservants.IfaPrinceoftheImperialfamilyhappenedtobeintheEmperor'sroom,anyarticleofdressthatheaskedforwasgivenbythechamberlain-in-waitingtothePrince,andbythePrincetotheEmperor.ThetimeoftheSunKingseemedtohavereturned.
TheImperialapartmentattheTuileriesconsistedoftwodistinctparts,thegrandstateapartmentsandtheEmperor'sprivateapartment.Thestateapartmentcontainedthefollowingrooms:1,aconcerthall(theHalloftheMarshals);2,afirstdrawing-room(underNapoleonIII.calledtheDrawing-roomoftheFirstConsul);3,aseconddrawing-room(thatofApollo);4,athroneroom;5,adrawing-roomoftheEmperor(afterwardscalledthatofLouisXIV.);6,agallery(ofDiana).Theprivateapartmentwasitselfcomposedoftheapartmentofhonor,containingahalloftheguardsandafirstandseconddrawing-room,andaninteriorapartmentcontainingabedroom,astudy,anoffice,andtopographicbureau.Theushershadchargeoftheapartmentofhonor;thevaletsdechambreoftheother.Arigidetiquettedeterminedtherightofentranceintothedifferentroomscomposingthestateapartment,accordingtoacarefullystudiedsystem.ThepageswereauthorizedtoentertheHalloftheMarshals;membersofthehouseholdoftheEmperorandEmpresscouldenterthefirstandseconddrawing-rooms;thePrincesandPrincessesoftheImperialfamily,thehighofficersoftheCrown,thepresidentsofthegreatbodiesofthestate,hadadmissiontothethroneroom.Menandwomenhadtobowtothethronewhenevertheypassedit.TheEmperorandtheEmpressalonehadtherightofenteringtheEmperor'sdrawing-room.NooneelsecouldgoinexceptbytheEmperor'ssummons.
Anabsurdimportancewasattachedtothesetrivialities,totheseemptynothings,totherightofenteringthisroomorthat,ofwalkingbeforethisorthatperson,ofhandingtheEmperorthisorthatarticleofdress.
"Anhonest,reasonableman,"saidMadamedeRémusat,"isoftenovercomewithshameatthepleasuresandpainsofacourtier'slife,andyetitishardtoescapefromthem.Aribbon,aslightdifferenceofdress,therightofwaythroughadoor,theentranceintosuchandsuchadrawing-room,aretheoccasion,contemptibleinappearance,ofahostofevernewemotions.Vainisthestruggletoacquireindifferencetothem….Invain,dothemindandthereasonrevoltagainstsuchanemploymentofhumanfaculties;howeverdissatisfiedoneiswithone'sself,itisnecessarytohumiliateone'sselfbeforeeveryoneandtodesertthecourt,orelsetoconsenttotakeseriouslyallthe
everyoneandtodesertthecourt,orelsetoconsenttotakeseriouslyallthenonsensethatfillstheairandbreathesthere."
Vanityofhumanevents!Whathasbecomeofthesedrawing-roomsoftheTuileries,whichitwassuchanhonortoenter,whichweretrodwithsuchrespectfulawe?Lookatthelamentableruinsofthisill-fatedpalace.
Theremaystillbeseen,blackenedwithpetroleumandstainedbytherain,someofthosedrawing-rooms,oncesobrilliant,oncethrongedwithaneagerandshowycrowd.Whataninstructivespectacle!Whenisonemoreurgentlyremindedoftheemptinessofhumangloryandgreatness?Thisnothingnessfillsthesoulwithmelancholywhenonethinksthatsoonthesecrumblingfragmentswillberazedandthatsoononecansaywiththepoet:Theruinsthemselveshaveperished,Etiamperiereruinae![Footnote:Theruinshavesincebeenremoved.—TR.]
IX.
HOUSEHOLDOPTHEEMPRESS.
WehavejuststudiedthecivilandthemilitaryhouseholdoftheEmperorin1805;letusnowstudytheEmpress'shouseholdatthesameperiod.
TheEmpress'sFirstAlmonerwasabishop,agreatlord,FerdinanddeRohan.HerMaidofHonorwasarelativeofherfirsthusband,theDuchessdeLaRochefoucauld,calledintheImperialAlmanackof1805simplyMadameChastulédeLaRochefoucauld.Shewasshortanddeformed,butdistinguished,forherintelligence,tact,andwit,voidofambition,withnotasteforintrigue,whoonlyreluctantlyacceptedthepositionofMaidofHonor,andoftenwantedtohandinherresignation.TheLadyoftheBedchamberwasMadamedeLavalette,aBeauharnais,anableandaffectionatewoman,whoimmortalizedherself,intheearlydaysoftheRestoration,bysavingherhusband'slifebyherheroism.
TothefourLadiesofthePalaceatthebeginningoftheEmpire,MadamedeLuçay,MadamedeRémusat,MadamedeTalhouët,MadamedeLauriston,wereaddedthirteenotherladies:MadameDuchâtel,MadamedeSéran,MadamedeColbert,MadameSavary,MadameOctavedeSégur,MadamedeTurenne,MadamedeMontalivet,MadamedeBouillé,MadamedeVaux,MadamedeMarescot.
TheMaidofHonorwasfortheEmpresswhattheGrandChamberlainwasfortheEmperor.TheLadyoftheBedchamber'sdutiescorrespondedtothoseoftheKeeperoftheWardrobe.TheLadiesofthePalacewere,sotospeak,femalechamberlains.
"Wewereall,"saidtheDuchessofAbrantès,"atthattimeradiantwithasortofglorywhichwomenseekaseagerlyasmendotheirs,thatofeleganceandbeauty.AmongtheyoungwomencomposingthecourtoftheEmpressandthat
beauty.AmongtheyoungwomencomposingthecourtoftheEmpressandthatofthePrincessesitwouldhavebeenhardtofindasingleill-favoredwoman,andtherewereverymanywhosebeautymade,withnoexaggeration,thegreatestornamentofthefestivitiesheldeverydayinthatfairy-liketime."
AlltheLadiesofthePalacewereyoung,andalmostallwereremarkablefortheirbeauty.AmongthemostconspicuouswasMadameNey,anieceofMadameCampan;MadameLannes,whosefacerecalledthemostcharmingpicturesofRaphael,andaboveall,thewifeofanalreadyagedCouncillorofState,MadameDuchâtel(whosesonwasMinisteroftheInteriorinthereignofLouisPhilippe,andwhosegrandsonwasAmbassadoroftheRepublicatVienna).TheDuchessofAbrantèsthusdescribesthisfamousbeauty:"ThereisonewomanintheImperialcourtwhomadeherappearanceinsocietyshortlybeforethecoronation,whoseportraitisdrawninallthecontemporarymemoirs,especiallyinthosewrittenbyawoman,andthatisMadameDuchâtel.MadameDuchâtelwouldnotserveasamodelforasculptor,becauseherfeatureslacktheregularitywhichhisartrequires.
Theindefinablecharmofherface,acharmwhichwordsareunabletoconvey,layindarkblueeyes,withlong,silken,lashes,inadelicate,gracious,refinedsmile,which,disclosedteethofivorywhiteness,and,moreover,beautifullighthair,smallhandsandfeet,ageneralelegancewhichmatchedareallyremarkablemind.Allthesethingsformedacombinationwhichfirstattractedandthenattachedeveryonetoher."
Josephine'sFirstChamberlain,in1805,wastheGeneralofDivision
Nansouty;thechamberlainwhointroducedtheambassadorswasM.de
Beaumont;therewerefourordinarychamberlains,MM.d'Aubusson-
Lafeuillade,deGalard-Béarn.deCoutomer;deGavre;aFirstEquerry,
SenatordeHarville;twoequerries,ColonelFowlerandGeneralBonardyde
SaintSulpice;aprivatesecretary,M.Deschamps.TheCouncilofthe
Empress'shouseholdwascomposedoftheMaidofHonor,theLadyofthe
Bedchamber,theFirstChamberlain,andtheFirstEquerry.Theprivate
secretarywasalsothesecretaryoftheCouncil.TheChiefStewardofthe
secretarywasalsothesecretaryoftheCouncil.TheChiefStewardofthe
householdwasalsoamember.
TheLadyoftheBedchamberhadunderherordersafirstwomanofthebedchamber,MadameAubert,whohadwholechargeofthewardrobe.MadameSaint-HilaireheldthisplaceunderJosephine,asMadameCampanhaddoneunderMarieAntoinette.MadameSaint-Hilaire'sdutiesconsistedinsupervisingthechamberwork,inreceivingtheEmpress'sordersaboutthehoursofherrising,andofhermorningandeveningtoilet.ThefirstwomanoftheBedchamberhadwhatwerecalledthehonorsoftheservicewhentheMaidofHonorandtheLadyoftheBedchamberwereabsent.TheEmpresshadalsoushersandwomenwhodischargedthesameduties,sixordinarychambermaids,areader,thebeautifulMadameGazani;fourordinaryvaletsdechambre,andtwofootmen,trustedmenalwaysintheante-chamber.Theushers,whoremainedwithoutthedrawing-roomwheretheEmpresswas,neveropenedboththedoorstotheirfullwidthexceptforthePrincesandPrincessesoftheImperialfamily;andtheycouldnotleavetheirpostsexcepttoasktheMaidofHonorthenamesofthosewhowerewaitingtobepresented.ThereweretwopagesintheEmpress'sservice;theoldercarriedthetrainofherdresswhensheleftherapartments,andgotinoroutofacarriage;theotherwalkedbeforeher.
TheEmpress'sapartmentconsistedofanapartmentofhonorandaninnerapartment.Thefirstconsistedofanante-chamber,thefirstdrawing-room,theseconddrawing-room,thedining-room,themusic-room,theother,ofthebedroom,thelibrary,dressing-room,boudoir,bath-room.TheentrancetotheEmpress'sapartmentwascontrolledbyetiquettelikethattotheEmperor's.
Josephineplayedherpartassovereignaseasilyasifshehadbeenbornonthestepsofthethrone."Oneofhercharms,"saystheDuchessofAbrantès,"wasnotmerelyhergracefulfigure,butthewaysheheldherhead,andthegraciousdignitywithwhichshewalkedandturned.Ihavehadthehonorofbeingpresentedtomanyrealprincesses,astheyarecalled,intheFaubourgSaintGermain,andIcantrulysaythatIhaveneverseenonemoreimposingthanJosephine.Shecombinedeleganceandmajesty.Neverdidanyqueensograceathronewithouthavingbeentrainedtoit."
Josephinehadallthequalitiesthatareattractiveinasovereign:affability,gentleness,kindliness,generosity.Shehadawayofconvincingeveryoneofherpersonalinterest.Shehadanexcellentmemory,andsurprisedthosewithwhom
personalinterest.Shehadanexcellentmemory,andsurprisedthosewithwhomshetalkedbytheexactnesswithwhichsherecalledthepast,eventodetailstheyhadthemselvesnearlyforgotten.Thesoundofhergentle,penetrating,andsympatheticvoiceaddedtothecourtesyandcharmofherwords.Everyonelistenedtoherwithpleasure;shespokewithgraceandlistenedcourteously.Shewantednoonetogoawayfromherannoyed.Shealwaysappearedtobedoingakindness,andthusinspiredaffectionandgratitude.Hercourtiersandhersuitewereherfriends.MadamedeRémusat,whowasnevertoofavorable,wasforcedtorecognizethecharmwhichJosephineexercisedoverthecourtbyhertact,intelligence,anddignity."TheEmpress,"shesays,"isenchantedtobesurroundedbyalargesuite,anditgratifieshervanity.
HersuccessinattachingMadamedeLaRochefoucauldtoherperson,herpleasureincountingMM.d'Aubusson,deLafeuilladeamongherchamberlains,Madamed'Arbry,MadamedeSégur,andthewivesofthemarshalsamongtheladiesofthepalace,turnedherheadalittle,buteventhisfemininejoydidnotlessenherusualgraciousness;shealwayssucceededinmaintainingherrank,evenwhenmostdeferentialtothosemenandwomenwholentitanewlustrebytheirbrilliantnames."Shewasverykind,extremelysoft-hearted,andalwaysoverwhelminghercompanionswithattentionsandregards.MademoiselleAvrillon,herreader,says:"Idonotbelievethatthereeverlivedawomanwithabettercharacter,orwithalesschangeabledisposition."Sheneverdaredtoutterawordofblameorreproach."Ifoneofherladies,"saidConstant,theEmperor'svaletdechambre,"evergavehercausefordissatisfaction,theonlypunishmentsheinflictedwastomaintainabsolutesilenceforone,two,threedays,aweek,moreorless,accordingtotheseriousnessofthecase.Well!thispunishment,apparentlysoslight,wasformostofthemverysevere.TheEmpressknewsowellhowtomakeherselfbeloved!"
Heronlyfaultwasextravagance.Shehadanunboundedloveofluxuryanddress.Thejewel-casewhichhadbelongedtoMarieAntoinettewastoosmallforJosephine.Onedaywhenshewantedtoshowsomeladiesallherjewels,agreattablehadtobearrangedtoholdthecases,and,sincethatwasnotenough,muchmoreofthefurniturewascoveredbythem.Josephinehadthefaultthataccompaniesthisquality,forgenerouspersonsarecommonlylavish.Herextravagantexpenditurescamefromherkindliness.Shehadnotthehearttodismissatradesmanwithoutbuyingsomethingofhim,anditneverenteredherheadtotrytobeathimdown.Oftensheboughtforvastsumsthingsshedidnotwant,simplytoobligethedealers.Therewasnolimittoherliberality.Shewouldhavelikedtoownallthetreasuresoftheearthinordertogivethemallaway.Shesoughtforopportunitiesforalms-giving.Manyoftheémigréslived
away.Shesoughtforopportunitiesforalms-giving.Manyoftheémigréslivedentirelyonherbounty.Shewasalwaysinactivecorrespondencewiththesistersofcharity.ShewastheProvidenceofthepoor,anddidgoodwithdelicacy,tact,anddiscretion.
Givingisnotall;theartliesinknowinghowtogive.Sheseemedtobethedebtorofthosetowhomshemadegifts.Naturally,withthisdisposition,shegotintodebt.ButNapoleonwastheretohelpher;andsincehewaseconomicalbynature,hegrewangryandscoldedhisextravagantwife,andendedbypaying.
Infact,NapoleoncouldrefuseJosephinenothing,andshewasreallytheonlywomanwhohadanyinfluenceoverhim.Ifheopposedher,shehadaninfallibleresourceinhertears.Sheknewthoroughlyherhusband'scharacter.Sheknewhowtospeaktothatmindandheart.Shebusiedherselfwithseekingwhatcouldplease,withdivininghiswishes,withanticipatinghisslightestdesires.Ifhewastheleastailingorannoyedshewasliterallyathisfeet,andthenhecouldnotlivewithouther.HefeltthatwhenmisfortunecameJosephinealonewouldbeabletoconsolehim.Shehadbroughthimhappinesswithhergentleness,hertenderness,herdevotion;shehadwelldeservedtoreceivethecrownfromhishands.
X.
NAPOLEON'SGALLANTRIES.
Josephineappearedtohaveeverywish,satisfied;hergoodfortuneexceededherwildestdreams;neverhadamorewonderfulromanceactuallyhappened,andyettheEmpressoftheFrench,theQueenofItaly,wasnothappy.Acruelpassionwhichbringsnopleasures,butonlycruelsufferings,disturbedherhappinessandtormentedherheart.Thispassion,jealousy,whichhadtorturedNapoleonintheearlydaysofhisweddedlife,nowJosephineinherturnhadtoendurewithallitskeenanguish.
Shefeltthatforher,awomanofforty-one,toholdfasttheaffectionsofamanofthirty-five,coveredwithgloryandfullofcharm,wasadifficulttask;butthisreflection,farfromconsolingher,onlydisturbedherthemore,andshemadedesperateeffortstotriumphinanalmosthopelesscontest.AswassaidbyMademoiselleAvrillon,herreader,sheseemednottounderstandthatifthehighestrankisasafeguardforawoman,becausefewmenareboldenoughtopursueher,thesameisnottrueofasovereignwhoseglorydazzlestheinexperienceoftheyoung,andwhoseslightestattentionarousescoquetryandflattersvanity.
Josephinehadnotamoment'speace.Inthehopeofpleasingher,manywomenofthecourt,whowere,sotospeak,onthewatchfortheEmperor'sattentions,hastenedtotortureherwiththeirinterestedrevelations.Forseveralyearsnowherbeautyhadbeenfading.Napoleon,ontheotherhand,hadneverbeenbetterlooking.Hishealth,whichformerlyhadbeendelicate,hadmuchimproved.Hehadgrownstouter,andthiswasverybecoming.HisheadwaslikethatofaCaesar.Fullofself-confidence,fortunate,flatteredoneveryside,attheheightofpower,heimaginedthatinlove,asinwar,hehadbuttoappeartosay,veni,vidi,vici,"Icame,Isaw,Iconquered."Manyofthebeautiesofthetimedidtheirbesttoconfirmhiminthisgoodopinionofhimself,andasMadamedeRémusatsays
ofhim,heinhiscourtwasnotunliketheGrandTurkinhisharem.
"TheEmperor,"wereadinConstant'sMemoirs,"usedtosaythatagoodmanwastobeknownbythewayhetreatedhiswife,hischildren,andhisservants.Headdedthatimmoralitywasthemostdangerousviceasovereigncouldhave,becauseitestablishedaprecedentforhissubjects.Whathemeantbyimmorality,wasgivingscandalouspublicitytorelationswhichshouldhavebeenkeptsecret;theserelationshewasbynomeansdisposedtorefusewhentheypresentedthemselvesbeforehim."Thefaithfulvaletdechambregoesoninanattempttodefendhismaster:"Othersperhapswouldhavesuccumbedoftener.HeavenforbidthatIshouldundertaketoapologizeforhim;Iwillevenacknowledgethathedidnotalwayspractisewhathepreached,butitwasnonethelessagooddealforasovereigntohidehisdistractionsfromthepublic,topreventscandal,and,whatisworseimitation;andfromhiswife,tosaveherpain."
Napoleonwasbynomeanssoindifferenttowomenasheprofessedtobe.Hewasaversetobeingruledbythem,buthewasfarfrombeinginsensibletotheircharms.Oppositionexasperatedhim;allhiscapricesfoundmanyobsequiousalliesreadytofurtherhissuit,andmorethanonewomanmadeadeep,ifbrief,impressionuponhim.Hisdisdainofwomanhas,wearesure,beenmuchexaggerated.AtSaintHelenahedeclaimedagainstwomen,buthisremarksweremereparadoxes,notmeanttobetakenseriously.
CountLasCases,intheMemorial,reportstheseremarksoftheEmperortotheladieswhoshared,hiscaptivity."WeOccidentals,"hesaid,withasmilefullofmalice,"havespoiledwomenbytreatingthemtoowell.Wehavemadethemistakeofraisingthemalmosttoanequalitywithourselves.TheOrientalsshowedmoreintelligenceandjustice:theydeclaredtheyweremen'sproperty;and,infact,naturehasmadethemourslaves,anditisonlybyourwhimsicalnessthattheypresumetobeoursovereigns;theyabusetheiradvantagestomisleadandcontrolus.Foronewhoinspiresustoourgoodthereareahundredwhomakeusdostupidthings."Thenhewentontopraisepolygamyinaveryunchivalrousandunsentimentalway,sayingironically:"Whatcauseofcomplaintdoyouhave,afterall?Havewenotacknowledgedthatyouhaveasoul?Youknowthattherearephilosopherswhohaveweighedit.Doyouclaimequality?
Butthatisabsurd;womenareourproperty,wearenottheirs;forshegivesuschildren,mengivethemnone.Sosheishisproperty,asafruit-treeisa
children,mengivethemnone.Sosheishisproperty,asafruit-treeisagardener'sproperty.Nothingbutalackofjudgment,ofcommonsense,andadefectiveeducation,canmakeawomanthinkthatsheisherhusband'sequal.Andthereisnothingdegradinginthedifference;eachsexhasitsqualitiesanditsduties:yourqualitiesarebeauty,grace,charm;yourdutiesaredependenceandsubmission."
Napoleonwasoftenmaliciouswithwomen;oftenheteasedthem;butathearthehonoredfaithfulwivesandgoodmothers.HisideaswerefarmoremoralthanthoseofthemenoftheDirectory,andhiscourtwasfarpurerthanthatofthekingsofFrance.WewilladdthatJosephinewastheonlywomanheeverlovedforalongtimeandseriously.Theothersappealedtohissenses,nottohisheart.
Fortunatelyforherself,Josephinehadashallowcharacter;herimpressionswerekeen,butevanescent.Thepleasuresofsovereigntyoutweighedthegriefs.Shefeltthatthecrownwasheavyattimes,butitadornedherandkeptheryoung;andinspiteofthejealousyitgaveriseto,thecourtsatisfiedhervanityandbroughthersufficientconsolation.
Tothesatisfactionofherprideshefoundanotherpurerandmorelastingemotion,whichshevaluedmore,intheopportunityofdoinggood.Shehad,besides,passedthroughsomanyvicissitudesinherlifethatnothingcouldsurpriseher,andhersoul,accustomedtosuffering,waspreparedforthemostviolentemotions,themostterribleanguish.Sheweptreadily,buthertearsweresoondried;therainbowfollowedcloseuponthestorm,andJosephinewouldsmilethroughhertears.
XI.
THEPOPEATTHETUILERIES.
WhileNapoleon,proudinthepossessionofhisnewempire,wasexhibitingattheTuilerieshisvastpowerandgrandeur,thesamepalacewasinhabitedbyaholyoldman,whosehumilitypresentedamarkedcontrastwiththeconqueror'shaughtyspirit.PiusVII.,whowasquarteredinthePavilionofFlora,ledthelifeofananchorite,withallthemodestyandpietyofanoldmonk,fastingeverydayasinhisconvent,andedifyingeventheimpiousbythenimbusthatshonearoundhispaleandmysticface.
ItwasimpossibletoapproachthisworthyVicarofChristwithoutafilialfeelingoftenderness.ThecrimesoftheFrenchRevolution—themassacreortheexecutionofthepriests,theprofanationofthealtars,thepersecutionsandblasphemies—hadimprintedthestampofmelancholyonhisface.Itwaseasytoseethathelamentedthebarbaritiesofthetimes,andthathislifehadbeenfullofanguish.HeembodiedallthesufferingsoftheChurch.Withhisasceticair,hisdeep-seteye,hiscomplexionaspallidasivory,hiswhiterobestingedwithred,theSovereignPontiffhadinhiswholepersonsomethingstrangeandimposing.HeoccupiedtheapartmentonthefirstfloorofthePavilionofFlora,whereMadameElisabethhadlivedfromOctober,1789,toAugust10,1792.TheAbbéProyart,theauthorofthelettertotheprisoneroftheTemple,cametoofferthePopeacopyofthissamelifeofMadameLouiseofFrance,whichhehadlongsinceofferedtothesisterofLouisXVI.
"Iamlivinghere,"saidPiusVII.,"intheapartmentsofanothersaint."
Whatsingularvicissitudes!ThesameplaceoccupiedinturnbyMadame
Elisabeth,themembersoftheCommitteeofPublicSafety,andbytheVicar
ofChrist!
ofChrist!
ThePopehadbeenveryanxiousbeforehestartedforParis.HisfearsweresogreatthatjustashewasleavingRome,withapresentimentofthecaptivitythatawaitedhim,hehadlefthisabdicationinthehandsofCardinalConsalvi,incaseheshouldsufferanyviolenceduringhisjourney.ItwasonlywithtremblingandprayerthathehadsetfootonthevolcanicsoilofFrance,which,fromadistance,seemedalivewithimpietyandterror.Theunfailingrespectwithwhichhehadbeentreatedhadcomfortedhimsomewhat.Wheneverhevisitedachurch,theParisiansfollowedhimwithmingledcuriosity,sympathy,andveneration:theyknelttohimashepassedthem,andreceivedwithalldecorumhisapostolicbenediction.Everydayalargecrowdgatheredunderhiswindows.HehadfoundhisroomsarrangedandfurnishedlikethoseheoccupiedattheVatican,andhehadbeenverygratefulforthis,whichhecalledareallyfilialattention.
GeneraldeSégur,atthattimecaptainandaideoftheGrandMarshalofthePalace,wasentrustedwithguardingthePope'sperson.HesaysinhisMemoirs:"ThesameattentionandrespectwasshowntothePopeastotheEmperorhimself.HisroomshadbeensoarrangedandfurnishedastorecallRomesofaraspossible,andtosuithistastes.AsforNapoleon,weallnoticedhisevergentleandgratefulgaiety,andhisfilialandaffectionatedeferencetohisguest.WhentheHolyFathergavehisblessingfromhiswindow,andmoreespeciallyathisaudiencesinthegalleryoftheLouvre,whichwerealwayscrowded,precautionsweretakenagainstanyoutbreakoftheindiscretionorlevitytowhichtheFrenchareprone.WesawtheatheistLalandehimselffallatthePontiff'sfeetandkisshisslipper.InthepublicbuildingswhichthePopehonoredwithhispresencehewasreceivedasasovereign.Noonedaredtobetraymorecuriositythanpiety;anditoftenhappenedtometoseethisrealsaint,thesuccessoroftheApostles,whosevenerablefaceborethestampoftheserenestgentleness,sofrugal,simple,andaustereforhimselfalone,andsokindlyindulgenttoothers,deeplymovedbytheintenseandholyimpressionhemade."
EverydaythelonggalleryoftheLouvrewasfilledwithtworowsofmenandwomenwhohadcometoaskhisblessing.PrecededbythegovernoroftheLouvre,andfollowedbytheItaliancardinalsandnoblesofhishousehold,PiusVII.advancedslowlybetweenthetwolinesofthefaithful,oftenstoppingtoplacehishandonsomechild'shead,tosaysomekindwordstoitsmother,andtoofferhisringtobekissed.Oneday,whenhewassurroundedbyacrowdofprostrateandrespectfulpeople,hesawamanwhosewornfaceboretracesofirreligiouspassion,whowasmovingawayasiftoescapetheapostolicbenediction.TheHolyFatherapproachedhim,andsaidgently,"Donotrun
benediction.TheHolyFatherapproachedhim,andsaidgently,"Donotrunaway;anoldman'sblessinghasneverdoneanyoneanyharm."ThisremarkspreadthroughParisandmadeamostfavorableimpression.PiusVII.wasnotonlyrespected,but,ifwemayusetheworldlyphrase,hebecamethefashion.Dealersinrosariesandchapletsmademuchmoneyallthatwinter.InJanuaryaloneashopkeeperintherueSaintDeniswhosoldthosearticlesissaidtohaveclearedfortythousandfrancs.AllwhoapproachedthePopehadchapletsblessedforthemselves,theirrelatives,andfriendsinParisandtheprovinces."TheprolongedstayoftheHolyFather,"saysBourrienne,"wasnotwithoutinfluenceinthereturntoreligiousideas,sogreatwastherespectinspiredbythePope'sgentleappearanceandkindlymanners.When,thetimecameforhimtobepersecuted,itwouldhavebeendesirablethatPiusVII.hadnevercometoParis,foritwasimpossibletolookuponhimotherwisethanasamanwhoseholygentlenesswasamatterofnotoriety."
AtSaintHelena,NapoleonspokethusofthisvenerablePope:"Hewasreallyalamb,athoroughlygoodanduprightman,whomIgreatlyesteemandlove,andwho,Iamsure,doesnotwhollyhateme."
IthasbeenassertedthatthePopemadesuchanimpressioninParisthattheEmperorfeltfortheaugustoldmanasortofsecretjealousy.Butevengranting,whatisbynomeanscertain,thathesufferedfromthis,hehadatleastskilltoconcealit.AlwaysthePopewasoverwhelmedwithflatteringattentions.ThePresidentoftheLegislativeBody,M.deFontanes,saidtohimNovember30,1804:"Everythingelsehaschanged;religionaloneknowsnochange.Itseesthefamiliesofkings,andthoseofsubjects,perish;butrestingontheruinsofthrones,iteveradmiresthesuccessivemanifestationsoftheeternaldesignsandobeysthemwithconfidence.Neverhastheuniversebeheldamoreimposingsight,neverhaveitspeoplereceivedmoreimportantlessons.ThisisnolongerthetimeofrivalrybetweenthepriesthoodandtheEmpire.TheyhavejoinedhandstorepelthefataldoctrineswhichthreatenedEuropewithtotaloverthrow.Maytheyyieldforevertothedoubleinfluenceofpoliticsandreligioncombined!Doubtlessthiswishwillnotbedisappointed;neverinFrancehastherebeensogreatageniustocontrolitspolicy,andneverhasthepontificalthronepresentedtotheChristianworldamoreworthyandmoretouchingmodel."TheMoniteur,initsreportofthecoronation,spokewiththesameofficialenthusiasm"ofthemostvenerableapostolicvirtuesandofthemostastoundingpoliticalgeniuscrownedbythehighestdestinies."David,theartist,onceamemberoftheConventionandaregicide,thenanImperialist,paintedtheportraitofPiusVII.,
andtheMoniteurinthenumberofMarch30,1805,thuspraisedthepictureandthesitter."AlargecrowdgatheredinthegalleryoftheSenate,toseetheportraitofHisHolinessbyM.David,memberoftheInstituteandfirstpaintertotheEmperor.Thisportraitisineverywayworthyofthemaster'sreputation.Ifthefirstessentialinaportraitisanexactlikeness,thisonepossessesittoaveryhighdegree.Thehead,whichisadmirablypainted,expressestheindulgentandwisecharacter,thegentlenessandreasonableness,thataresoconspicuousinthemodel;theeyesanexpression,affectionateandpaternal;theexpressionofthemouthismoststriking;onefeelsthatitcanutteronlywordsofpeace,consolation,andtruth."
JosephinehadforPiusVII.afeelingofvenerationfullofgratitude.ShewasmostgratefultohimforhavingpersuadedNapoleon,tohavethereligiousmarriageforwhichshehadlongyearned.She,whohadpreservedherfaith,inthemidstofanirreligioussociety,washappytoinhabitthesamepalace,toliveunderthesameroof,withtheVicarofChrist,andfirmlyhopedtherebytosecuregoodfortuneforherselfandherhusband.Forhispart,PiusVII.appreciatedJosephine'sgoodqualities,especiallyhercharity:hetreatedherasanindulgentfathertreatshischild.
ThesecondsonofLouisBonaparteandHortensedeBeauharnaiswasbaptizedbythePopehimselfatSaintCloud,March27,1805.Theceremonywasmostimpressive.EightImperialcarriagesconveyedthitherPiusVII.andhissuite.Thegalleryofthepalacehadbeenturnedintoachapel.InoneoftheEmpress'sdrawing-roomshadbeenplaced,onaplatform,beneathacanopy,abedwithoutposts.Onthefootofthebedhadbeenspreadalargecloaklinedwithermine,tocoverthechild.Inthesameroomweretwotablesonwhichwereplacedwhatwerecalledthechild'shonors;thatistosay,thecandle,thechrisom-cap,andthesalt-cellar,andthehonorsofthegodfatherandgodmother,—thebasin,theewer,andthenapkin.Thetowelwasplacedonasquareofgoldenbrocade,andalltheotherthings,exceptthecandle,onagoldtray.PrecededbytheGrandMasterofCeremonies,andfollowedbyacolonel-generaloftheGuard,bytheGrandAlmoner,theGrandChamberlain,andtheMasteroftheHounds,theEmperor,whowasgodfather,andthegodmother,MadameBonaparte,hismother,wenttotheroomwheretheceremonywastobeperformed.ThechildwasuncoveredbyMadamedeVilleneuve,MaidofHonortoPrincessLouisBonaparte,andbyMadamedeBoubers,whowasservingasgoverness.Thefirstoneliftedupthebabyandhandedhimtothegodfather,whogavehimtoMadamedeBouberstocarrytothefont.TheGrandMasterofCeremonieshandedthesalt-cellarto
MadamedeBouillé,thechrisom-captoMadamedeMontalivet,thecandletoMadameLannes,thetoweltoMadamedeSérant,theewertoMadameSavary,thebasintoMadamedeTalhouët.Then,theywenttothegallery,whichhadbeenturnedintoachapel.MesdamesBernadotte,Bessières,Davout,andMortierheldthecornersoftheEmpress'scloak.ThegodmotherwasattheEmperor'sleft.Afterthebaptismthechildwascarriedbacktohisroomwiththesameprocession.
ThateveningAthaliewasgiven,withchoruses,atthecourttheatre.Thecompanyontheirwaythitherpassedthroughtheorangehouse,whichwasaglowwithcoloredlanterns.
AlldaytheparkofSaintCloudhadbeenopentothepublic;thefountainshadbeenplaying;showsofallsortsamusedthecrowd;theroadtoPariswascrowdedwithcarriagesandfoot-passengers.Intheeveningtherewerefireworks:thepalaceandgardenswereilluminated;therewerebandsplaying,andrusticballs.
ThePope,whohadreachedParisNovember28,1804,leftApril4,1805,justwhentheEmperorwasstartingforItaly,theretobecrownedatMilan.PiusVII.hadreceivedsomemagnificentpresentsfromtheEmperor:agoldaltarwithchandeliers,andthesacredvesselsofrichworkmanship,asuperbtiara,somegobelintapestries,carpetsfromtheSavonnerie,andastatueofNapoleoninSèvresware.TheEmpresshadgivenhimavaluablevasedecoratedbythebestartists.TheMoniteurthusannouncedthePope'sdeparture:"To-day,April4,athalf-pasttwelve,HisHolinessleftPariswiththeprelatesandothersofhissuite.Acrowdofbothsexesandallagesassembledonthewayhewastopassthrough,andreceivedtheSovereignPontiff'sblessing;oncemorehewastheobjectofexpressionsofthedeepestveneration,andplainlymanifestedtheemotionswhichtheseexpressionscalledforth."
YetPiusVII.wasnotwhollysatisfiedwithhisjourney.Hehadreceivedmuchhomage,buthehadnotsecuredanyrealpoliticalconcessionsofanyimportance.Hehadbeenunabletosettletheimportantmatteroftheorganicstatutes,andnothinghadbeendoneabouttherestorationofthelegationonwhichhewassowarmlyset.Besides,hewasmuchannoyedthathehadnothimselfcrownedNapoleon,asthePopes,hispredecessors,hadcrownedemperorsandkings.He,wholaterwastobeaprisoneratFontainebleau,wentawaydistressedaboutthepresent,anxiousforthefuture,andwonderingwhetherhishostmightnotsay,withVoltaire,"ItisallverywelltokissthePopes'feet,butitisbettertohave
withVoltaire,"ItisallverywelltokissthePopes'feet,butitisbettertohavetheirhandstiedfirst."
XII.
THEJOURNEYINITALY.
ThePopehadleftParistoreturntoRomeApril4,1805.AtalmostthesametimetheEmperorandEmpresshadstartedfromFontainebleautogotoMilan,whereNapoleonwastobecrownedKingofItaly.ThecodeofetiquettethatprevailedattheTuilerieswasobservedonjourneys.ThehouseinwhichtheEmperorlodgedatanystopping-placewastheplacewhereallwhoaccompaniedhimweretomeet.Agreatplacardonwhichwerewrittenallthenames,andwheretheyweretobequartered,waspastedonthefrontdoor.InthevillageswhereNapoleonspentbutonenighthereceivedthelocalauthorities,eitherbeforeorafterdinner.Inthetownswherehespentmorethanoneday,afterhehadeatenhisbreakfastandheldhisreceptions,herodeouttovisitthefortificationsandmonuments.Theeveningsweregenerallytakenupbytheentertainmentsofferedhim.
TheEmperorandEmpressreachedTroyesApril2.Aletterdatedthe3dwasprintedintheMoniteur.Itsaid:"EverywherethepresenceoftheEmperorhasevokedtheliveliestapplause;thepeopleseemastonishedtoseehimwearingsuchamodestuniform,andconspicuous,inthemidstofhiscourt,bytheplainnessofhisdress.ThepeopleofthisdepartmentexhibitthisjoyallthemorebecauseitisherethatwasbroughtupthemanwhowasdestinedtoraiseFrancetothehighestgloryandprosperity.
ItisatBriennethattheEmperorreceivedhisearliestinstruction.HisMajesty,beinganxioustorevisittheplacesthatrecalltheseagreeablememories,startedattwoo'clockto-dayforBrienne."
OnthestepsofthecastleinthistownNapoleonfoundMadamedeBrienneandMadamedeLoménie,whohadbeentheguardiansofhischildhood.Hetreatedthemwiththegreatestrespect,andtookpleasureinrecallinghappyandtouchingmemoriesofthepast.Herecalledmanyanecdotes,andtoldtheminhisusual
memoriesofthepast.Herecalledmanyanecdotes,andtoldtheminhisusualvivid,picturesqueway.Heacceptedtheirinvitationtodinner,playedcardswiththem,andhavingfoundouttheirusualtimeofgoingtobed,askedtobeshownatthathourtotheroomwhichhadbeenpreparedforhimathisrequest.Atdawnthenextmorninghewentalone,withoutescort,toseesomeofhisoldwalksintheneighborhood.Herememberedahutwhereheandhiscompanionsusedtolunch,andrecognizingthewoodinwhichitwas,herodethroughtheshadypaththatledtoit.
Itbelongedtoawomanwhoinoldtimesusedtoservenuts,cheese,andbrownbreadtotheschoolboyofBrienne,thefutureEmperor.Hewasdelightedtoseeheroncemore,andaskedherforthesamerepastwhichhadformerlybeenhisdelight.Atfirstthepoorwomandidnotrecognizethestranger;butgraduallyherefreshedhermemorybyrecallingmanyincidentsofthepast.Thensheunderstoodthatshewasinthepresenceoftheall-powerfulEmperor,andflungherselfathisfeet.Napoleonliftedher,andleftherapurseofgold,promisingashelefttoprovideforheroldage.
TheEmperorandEmpressarrivedatLyonsApril10.Aquarterofaleaguefromthecity,ontheBoucleroad,stoodatriumphalarch,onthetopofwhich,asinthereignofAugustus,wasperchedaneaglesupportingtheconqueror'sbust.Onthetwosidedoorsweretwobas-reliefs,onerepresentingtheunionoftheEmpireandLiberty;theother,Wisdom,inthefigureofMinervadistributingcrossesofhonortosoldiers,artists,andscholars.Onthesetwobas-reliefswerestatuesoftheRhoneandtheSeine.Atthetopofthearchwasaflatteringinscriptioninverse.
April12,theEmpressheldareception.TheBulletinofLyonsthusdescribedit:"Theassemblywasmostbrilliant.Asoursovereignhasexhibitedinhisaudiencesprofundity,affability,exactandvariedlearning,andtruegreatness,sohisaugustwifehasshonewithgrace,courtesy,andgentleness.ThuswewitnessarevivalofthatoldFrenchurbanityandpolitenessofmannerswhichhavealwaysdistinguishedourcourt,andhavemadeitanexampleandanobjectofadmirationforallforeigncourts."
ThecityofferedNapoleonandJosephineanentertainmentattheGrandTheatre.Theback-scenerepresentedtheEmperor,seated,cladinalongtriumphalrobe.Twoallegoricfigures,representing,one,France,theother,Italy,withtheirfeetrestingonclouds,heldintheirhandsarollbearingthisinscription:Sublimi
feriamsideravertice,"Ishallstrikethestarswithmyloftyhead";withtheother,theyeachofferedacrowntoNapoleon.ThusdidflatteryrenewtheapotheosesoftheCaesarsofancientRome.
TherewassungacantataentitledOssian'sDream.TheyoungmenoftheNationalGuardofLyonsandtheleadingladiesofthecitywaltzedbeforethethrone.Twoyounggirlsheldeachabasketintowhichthedancersthrewflowersastheypassedby;outoftheseflowersthegirlswovetwocrownswhich,afterthedance,theypresentedtotheEmperorandEmpress.
April29,NapoleonandJosephinewerepresentatagrandperformanceattheGrandTheatreinTurin.TheystayedatthecastleofStupinizi,justoutsideofthecity,wheretheybadefarewelltoPiusVII.,whohadcelebratedtheEasterfestivalatLyons,andwasonhiswaytoRome.
TheEmperorandtheEmpressreachedAlessandriaMay2,atteninthemorning,amidtheroarofcannonandtheringingofchurch-bells.NapoleonspentthedayinrevisitingthebattlefieldofMarengo,wherehegavetheEmpressamimicrepresentationofthebattlehehadwonfiveyearsbefore.
FromathronehewatchedthemanoeuvresexecutedunderthecommandofMurat,Lannes,andBessières.HehadhadthecoatandhatheworeonthedayofthebattlebroughtfromParis.Thecoatwassomewhatmoth-eaten,andtheoddhatwouldhaveseemedverymuchoutofdateifithadnotrecalledsuchpreciousmemories.ButNapoleonlikedtorecallthateventfuldaywhenhehadmanagedtograspvictorywhenapparentlybeaten.
Afterthemanoeuvreshesolemnlylaidthecorner-stoneofamonumenttothememoryofDesaixandtheotherbravemenwhofellatMarengo.
AtAlessandria,thenextday,hehadaninterviewwithhisbrotherJerome,whichinfactwasareconciliation.In1808,afterthebreakingofthePeaceofAmiens,JeromeBonaparte,whothen,ayoungmanoftwenty,wasinthenavalservice,happenedtobeforcedbyanEnglishcruisertolandintheUnitedStates.TherehehadfalleninlovewiththeyoungandcharmingdaughterofarichmerchantofBaltimore,MissElisabethPaterson,andhemarriedher.Napoleonwasunwillingtorecognizethismarriage.Nosoonerhadheascendedthethronethanheatonceexhibitedallthefeelingandprejudicesofamonarchwhobelongedtoadynastyofthemostvenerableantiquity.Hereallybelievedthathisbrotherscouldmarryonlyprincesses,andthatanyothermarriagewasanunpardonable
couldmarryonlyprincesses,andthatanyothermarriagewasanunpardonablemésalliance.
If,possibly,NapoleonwasabletocondemnLucien'swifeforherpastconduct,nosuchcriticismcouldapplytothewifeofJerome,whowasayoungwomanofconspicuousmorality,intelligence,andamiability.Butshewasthedaughterofaship-owner,amerchant,andthuswasnotapropermatch,hethought,forthebrotherofthepowerfulmonarchwhowasalreadydreamingofrestoringthevassalkingdomsandthewholevastimperialedificeofCharlemagne.He,theEmperoroftheFrench,theKingofItaly,didnotliketorememberthathehadweddedasimplesubject,andthathehadbeenveryproudofhismarriage.HecouldnotpardonhisbrotherJeromeformakingalove-match.Hewouldnotevenlistentohisdefenceofhisyoungwife,soontobeamother,andwhodeservedonlyrespectandpity,andwho,humiliated,abandoned,andbrokenhearted,wasabouttobetreatedasaconcubine,anddrivenawayforever.AmbitionhaddestroyedNapoleon'snaturalkindliness.Yet,ifhehadseenJerome'swife,adevotedandinterestingwoman,warmlyattachedtoherhusband,andalivetoherduties,probablyhewouldhavetakenpityonher.Possiblyhewashimselfawareofthis,forheforbadetheunhappyyoungwomantoenteranypartoftheEmpire,andcompelledthisinnocentvictimofpoliticalconsiderationstotakerefugeinEngland,asifshewereacriminal.
February22,1805,Napoleonhadcompelledhismother,MadameLetitia,toplaceinthehandsofanotary,Raguideau,aprotestagainstJerome'smarriage,onthepretextthathe,havingbeenbornNovember15,1784,wasnotyettwentyatthedateofhismarriage,andaccordingtothelawofSeptember20,1792,amarriagecontractedbyanyoneundertwentywithouttheconsentofhisfatherandmotherwasnullandvoid.TheMoniteurofthe13thVentôse,YearXIII.(March4,1805),hadcontainedthefollowinglines:"11thVentôse.Byanactdatedto-day,allthecivilofficersoftheEmpireareforbiddentoreceiveontheirregistersacopyofthecertificateofanallegedmarriagecontractedbyM.JeromeBonaparteinaforeigncountry,whenunderage,andwithouthismother'sconsent,andwithoutpreviouspublicationintheplacewhereheisdomiciled."AfewdayslaterthisappearedintheMoniteur:"M.JeromeBonapartehasarrivedatLisboninanAmericanship;inthepassengerlistwerethenamesofMr.andMissPaterson,M.JeromeatoncetookportforMadrid,Mr.andMissPatersonhavere-embarked.TheyaresupposedtobereturningtoAmerica."
Jerome,inobediencetotheEmperor'sorders,startedfromPortugalforItaly,postingdayandnightatfullspeed,throughBadajoz,Madrid,Perpignan,andGrenoble,HesaysinhisMemoirs:"AmidthemountainsofEstremadura,his
Grenoble,HesaysinhisMemoirs:"AmidthemountainsofEstremadura,hismodestcarriageencounteredthealmostroyaltrainoftheFrenchAmbassadortoPortugal.ItwasJunotwhomhehadleftasimpleaide-de-campoftheFirstConsul,andsawagainoneofthefirstpersonagesoftheEmpire.MadameJunot,anoldfriendfromchildhoodofJerome,waswithherhusband.Thisinterviewwasamostinterestingone,partlyfromthedesertedspotwheretheymet,andpartlyfromthegreateventsthathadoccurredsincetheirseparation."
JunotandhiswifefoundJeromemuchimproved.Hehadbecomemoreserious;acertaingravityhadtakentheplaceofhisyouthfulbubblinghighspirits.Hespokewithemotion,respect,andaffectionofhisyoungwifewhosepatheticsituationwasmadeevenmoredisturbingbythestateofherhealth.Heproposedtothrowhimselfathisbrother'sfeet,andbyprayersandsupplicationstowringfromhimtheconsenthedesired."Noonecandoubt,"hesaysinhisMemoirs,"thathisheartwastornbythekeenestagitations,tosaynothingoftheanxietyabouthiswife;themortificationattwoyearsofinactivity,duringwhichhiscomrades,friends,andrelativeshadworked,fought,andbecomegreat;theregretfortheloftypositionhehadlost;thehopeofregainingit;hisfearofhisbrother'swrathwhichhehadventuredtoarouse,andwhichmadekingstrembleontheirthrones."
Napoleonwastobeinflexible;herefusedtoadmitthathisbrotherscouldbeanythingbutmembersofthedynasty,futuresovereigns.ItwasthenthataccordingtoMiotdeMélito,hesaid:"WhatIhaveaccomplishedsofarisnothing.TherewillbenopeaceinEuropeuntilitisunderasinglehead,anEmperor,whoshallhavehisofficersforkingsanddividethekingdomsamonghislieutenants;whoshallmakeoneKingofItaly,anotherKingofBavaria,oneLandemannofSwitzerland,anotherStadtholderofHolland,andallwithhighpositionsintheImperialhousehold,withtitlesasGrandCupbearer,GrandMasterofthePantry,GrandEquerry,GrandMasteroftheHounds,etc.ItwillbesaidthatthisplanisonlyanimitationofthatonwhichtheGermanEmpireisestablished,andthattheseideasarenotnew;butnothingisabsolutelynew;politicalinstitutionsonlyrevolveinacircle,andwhathashappenednecessarilyrecurs."Amanwithsuchaspirationsandsoneartorealizingthem,couldnotenduretheideaofbeingthebrother-in-lawofasimpleship-owner.
JeromearrivedatTurin,April24,1805.NapoleonwasthenatAlessandria.
Elevendayspassedbeforethebrothersmet.TheEmperorhadannouncedhisdecision.HewasabsolutelydeterminednottomeetJeromeuntilhehadmadeperfectsubmission.Theunhappyyouthstillventuredtohopeagainsthope,but
perfectsubmission.Theunhappyyouthstillventuredtohopeagainsthope,butsoonhehadtorecognizehismistake.Thenhisheartandsoulweretornbyahotconflict:ononesidewerehisloveforhiswife,familyfeeling,thethoughtofthechildthatwassoontobeborn,hisrespectformarriageandforhisvows;ontheother,ambition,loveofpower,thevisionsofthekingdomsthathemightrule;ononeside,thesmilesandtearsofthewomanheloved;ontheother,theinfluenceandgloryofthegeniuswhofilledtheearthwithhisfame,andalwaysexercisedapowerfulfascination.Jerome,whowaslesssentimentalandlessproudthanLucien,atlastyieldedtohisterriblebrother,andcondemnedhimselfoutofambitionnevertoseeagainthewomanwhomhelovedandcherished.May6thhewenttoAlessandria,havingfirstsentaletterofsubmissiontotheEmperor.Napoleonbeforereceivinghim,repliedtoitintheseterms:—"Alessandria,May6,1805.MYBROTHER:YourletterofthismorninginformsmeofyourarrivalatAlessandria.Thereisnofaultwhichcannotbeeffacedinmyeyesbyrepentance.YourmarriagewithMissPatersonisnullintheeyesofbothreligionandlaw.WritetoMissPatersontoreturntoAmerica.Iwillgrantherapensionofsixtythousandfrancsforlife,onconditionthatsheshallneverbearmyname,arightwhichdoesnotbelongtoherinthenon-existenceofthemarriage.Youmusttellherthatyoucouldnotandcannotchangethenatureofthings.Whenyourmarriageisthusannulledbyyourownwill,Iwillrestoretoyoumyfriendship,andresumethefeelingsIhavehadforyousinceyourinfancy,hopingthatyouwillshowyourselfworthyofthembytheeffortsyouwillmaketowinmygratitudeandtoacquiredistinctioninthearmy."
AfewdayslaterNapoleonwrotetotheMinisteroftheNavy:"M.Décrès,M.Jeromehasarrived.Hehasconfessedhiserrorsanddisavowsthispersonashiswife.Hepromisestodowonders.MeanwhileIhavesenthimtoGenoaforsometime."
AfterhisreconciliationwithJerome,NapoleonwenttoPavia,wherethemagistratespresentedtohimthehomageofhisnewcapital,andheenteredthatcity,withtheEmpress,May8,amidtheroarofcannonandtheringingofbells.
XIII.
THECORONATIONATMILAN.
Bydescent,byhisphysical,moral,andintellectualnature,byhisimaginationandgenius,NapoleonwasmuchmoreanItalianthanaFrenchman.HisfatherandmotherwereItalians,hisancestorswereItalian,andItalianwashismother-tongue.HisfamilyandChristiannameswereItalian.HismotherspokeFrenchwiththestrongestItalianaccent.
HehadlovedCorsicabeforehelovedFrance.Asachild,hehadfeltthegreatestenthusiasmforPaoli,theCorsicanpatriot,andhadthenlookedupontheFrenchasforeignersandoppressors.HisfacenotonlyresembledthatofanItalian,butthatofanancientRoman.Byasingularcoincidence,hehadtheheadofaCaesar.Italywasnotonlythehomeofhisfamily,itwastherethathelaidthefoundationsofhisglory.Thatunrivalledcountry,asoneofourpoetscallsit,hadbroughthimgoodfortune.Therehewrotethefamousbulletinsofhisfirstvictories;therehebegantoimpressthepopularimagination;anditwasthroughItalythathesubjugatedFrance.Therehefeltathome.Thepeopleofthatpeninsulagreetedhimasafellow-countryman.Helikedtospeaktheirlanguagetothem,charmedbyitsharmonyandsincerity.HisSoutherngeniusrejoicedinitsbrightskieswhichlenteverythingsuchlustre,andwellsuitedtheconqueror'sthoughts.HeperhapspreferredMilantoParisasaplacetolivein.
HisformalentranceintothecapitalofhiskingdomofItalyhadbeenskilfullyarranged.CardinalCaprara,theArchbishopofthatcity,hadgreatinfluencethere,andhewasnevertiredofspeakingtohisflockabouttheservicesNapoleonhadrenderedtotheCatholicreligion.TheGrandMasterofCeremonies,M.deSégur,whoreachedMilanafewdaysbeforetheEmperor,charmedthebestsocietyofLombardybyhispleasantwitanddelightfulmanners,andinducedthemostillustriousfamiliestosolicitthehonoroffiguringamongtheladiesandofficersinwaitingatthepalaceoftheKingandQueenofItaly,asNapoleonandJosephinewerecalledatMilan.
Italy,asNapoleonandJosephinewerecalledatMilan.
ThefirstvisitwhichtheKingandQueenmadeinthiscapitalwastothefamousCathedral.Theretheyfellontheirknees,andtheMilaneseweremuchtouchedbythespectacle.TheItalianJournal,initsofficialaccountofNapoleon'sentranceintoMilan,utteredthesedithyrambics:"Itisimpossibletoimagineamorebrilliantdaythanthatwhichyesterdayadornedourcapital,whenBonaparte,theherooftheage,ouradoredmonarch,enteredwithinourwalls.Thisdaywillbeforevermemorableinthechroniclesofourhistory.Milansawenteringitsgates,bearingtheproudnameofKing,thesameherowhohadalreadybeenproclaimedconqueror,liberator,peace-maker,andlegislator,andwhoto-day,underhisaugustEmpire,assuresthatgreatnesstowhichhisvictoriesandhisgeniuspermitustoaspire.TheEmperorenteredbythegatenamedafterhismostglorioustriumph,theMarengoGate."
OnreachingMilan,NapoleonexchangedthedecorationsoftheLegionofHonorfortheoldestordersofchivalryinEurope.HereceivedfromtheMinisterofPrussiatheBlackandtheRedEagle;fromtheSpanishAmbassador,theGoldenFleece;fromtheMinistersofBavariaandPortugal,theOrdersofSaintHubertandChristrespectively;andhegavethemthebroadribbonoftheLegionofHonor.WhenhehadreceivedbesidesforeigndecorationsfortheprincipalmenoftheEmpire,hegrantedanequalnumberofhisown.May12,wearingthebroadribbonoftheBlackEagle,hewentwiththeEmpresstothetheatreofLaScalaandsawtheoperaofCastorandPollux.Thetheatre,whichwasbrilliantlylit,wascrowdedwiththefairladiesofMilan,resplendentinfulldressandjewels.Theeleganceandsplendorofthesedeservedlyfamousbeauties,thebrilliantdiversityoftheuniforms,thesumptuousnessoftheImperialbox,andonthestagethemagnificenceofthedressesandthescenery,theskillofthesingers,allcombinedtomaketheperformancemostmemorable.Thatday,aftermass,Napoleonhadriddenout,andhadinspectedthetroopswhoparadedonthePlaceoftheCathedral.
TheEmpress'sgraceandaffabilityarousedgeneraladmiration.AtthereceptionoftheupperclergyofItaly,May25,shewasthuscomplimentedbytheArchbishopofBergamo:"Madame,Ifcharityweretodescendfromheaventorelievethewoesofhumanity,itwouldseeknootherasylumthantheheartofaQueen,adoredbyhersubjects.Thefeelingsoflove,gratitude,andrespectwhichanimateallyoursubjectsarethesamethatleadtoyourfeetallthebishopsofthekingdomofItaly.Happytofindinyouraugustspousesublimity,glory,andgenius,andinyouallthecharmofkindness,nothingisleftforthembuttopray
genius,andinyouallthecharmofkindness,nothingisleftforthembuttoprayforthehappinessofyourreign,andtoofferthankstoheavenforhavingunitedinthesoulsoftheirsovereignseverythingwhichcanmakesupremepowerlovedandrespected."Thisspeechwillsufficetoshowtowhatpitchtheofficialflatteriesweretuned.
ThecoronationtookplaceMay26,intheMilan.Cathedral,whichisthelargestchurchinItaly,withthesingleexceptionofSaintPeter'sinRome.Theweatherwasmagnificent.FromearlymorninganumberlessthrongcrowdedthePlaceoftheCathedral,thecourtyardsofthepalace,andtheadjacentstreets.JustasinParisatthecoronation,awoodengalleryhadbeenbuilt,connectingtheArchbishop'sPalacewithNotreDame,sohereatMilan,asimilargalleryledfromthepalacetotheCathedral.Theinteriorofthechurchwasdecoratedwithcrimsonsilkstuffs.AsatNotreDame,alargethronehadbeenbuiltattheentrancetothenave,approachedbytwenty-fivesteps.Fourgildedstatues,representingvictories,upheldlikecaryatidesthecanopyabovethethrone.Thefourfiguresheldinonehandpalms;intheother,thegreenvelvetmantlefallingfromtheroyalcrownabovethecanopy.TheCathedralwasbrilliantlylitbyfortychandeliershangingfromtheroof,andasmanycandelabrafastenedonthecolumns.
Josephine,whohadbeencrownedasEmpressinParis,wasnottobecrownedatMilan,althoughsheborethetitleofQueenofItaly.Shewatchedtheceremonyfromagallery.Athalf-pastelevenshewenttotheCathedral,precededbyhersister-in-law,thePrincessBacciocchi,andwasconductedbeneathacanopytohergallery,amidloudapplause.AtnoontheEmperorandKinglefthispalace,andreachedtheCathedralthroughthewoodengallery.Onhisarrivalthereincensewasburned,andhewaswelcomedbyanaddressfromCardinalCaprara,ArchbishopofMilan,attheheadofallhisclergy.Precededbytheushers,theheralds-at-arms,thepages,theGrandMasterandthemastersofceremonies,bythesevenladiescarryingofferings,andbythehonorsofCharlemagne,oftheEmpire,andofItaly,heappearedinmostimpressivepomp.Onhisheadheworethecrown;hecarriedinhishandsthesceptre,andthehandofjusticeofthekingdom;onhisbackheworetheroyalcloak,theskirtsofwhichwerecarriedbythetwoFirstEquerriesofFranceandItaly.AsheenteredtheCathedralamarchoftriumphwasplayed.Hetookhisseatonthesmallthroneinthechoir,havingonhisrightthehonorsofItaly,onhisleft,thoseofFrance.TheArchbishopofBologna,whoheldaplaceatthecoronationoftheKingverylikethatofthePopeatthecrowningoftheEmperor,carriedtothealtartheironcrownoftheoldLombardkings,andbeganthemass.Afterthegradual,he
blessedtheroyalornamentsinthefollowingorder:thesword,thecloak,thering,thecrown.NapoleonreceivedfromtheArchbishop'shandsthesword,thecloak,andthering,buthetookhimselftheironcrownfromthealtar,andproudlyplacingitonhishead,exclaimed,inavoicethatthrilledallpresent:"Diomeladiede,guaiachilatocca!"—"Godhasgivenittome;woetohimwhotouchesit!"Then,havingreplacedtheironcrownonthealtar,hetookthecrownofItalyandplaceditonhishead,amidunanimousapplause.
Precededbythesameofficialswhohadconductedhimtothechair,hewalkeddownthenaveandtookhisplaceonthegreatthroneattheotherendbytheentrance.Thefirstherald-at-armsshouted,"Napoleon,EmperoroftheFrenchandKingofItaly,iscrownedandenthroned.LonglivetheEmperorandKing."
Thesameday,athalf-pastfourintheafternoon,theKingandtheQueendroveinastatecarriage,withabrilliantescort,tothechurchofSaintAmbrose,oneofthemostreveredsanctuariesofItaly,andtheretheyheardaTeDeumofthanksgiving.
MademoiselleAvrillon,Josephine'sreader,tellsusthatNapoleon,whenhehadreturnedtothepalace,wasfullofthewildestgaiety.Herubbedhishands,andinhisgoodhumorsaidtothereader:"Well!Didyouseetheceremony?DidyouhearwhatIsaidwhenIplacedthecrownonmyhead?"
Thenherepeated,almostinthesametonethathehadusedintheCathedral:"Godhasgivenittome!Woetohimthattouchesit!""Itoldhim,"saysMademoiselleAvrillon,"thatnothingthathadhappenedhadescapedme.Hewasverykindtome,andIoftennoticedthatwhentherewasnothingtoannoytheEmperor,hetalkedcheerfullyandfreelywithus,asifwewerehisequals;butwheneverhespoketousheusedtoaskquestions,andinordertoavoiddispleasinghim,itwasnecessarytoanswerhimwithoutshowingtoomuchembarrassment.Sometimeshegaveusapatonthecheek,orpinchedourears;thesewerefavorsnotaccordedeveryone,andwecouldjudgeofhisgoodhumorbythewaytheyhurtus….OftenhetreatedtheEmpressinthesameway,withlittlepatspreferablyontheshoulders;itwasnousehersaying:'Come,stop,Bonaparte!'hewentonaslongashepleased."
TheEmperorgreatlyenjoyedhisstayinMilan,andbreathedwithrapturetheincenseburnedinabundancebeforehim.TheItalianJournalinitsaccountofthecoronationreachedlyricheights:"ThemostbrilliantdayhaslitupMilan;it
hashadnoequalinthepast,anditoffersthehappiestauguriesforthefuture….Oldmenthemselves,accustomedastheyaretopraisethepast,haveexhibitedtheliveliestenthusiasm.Itwasinvainthatnightstruggledtodrawitsveiloverourcity,ithadtoyieldbeforethegeneralandmagnificentilluminationwhichbroughtoutinlinesoffiretheshapeandadmirableformoftheDuomo.Mostofthepalacesandprivatehouseswerecoveredwithdevicesandinscriptions.Thefirstoneofthedaysconsecratedtotheliveliestnationalrejoicingwasendedbyavastexhibitionoffireworks,whichweresetoffonthespotwheresomanyhaveperishedatthestake."
Thenextdaygameswerecelebrated,inthemanneroftheancients,inacircusrivallingtheRomanamphitheatresinsize.ThiswastheoccasionofadithyrambicoutburstinsertedintheMoniteur:"TheItalianshavejustofferedNapoleonthesamespectaclethattheirancestorsofferedMarcusAureliusandTrajan;butthepresenceofNapoleonhascalledforthmorejoyandadmiration,becauseithasarousedgreateradmirationandhigherhopes.TheywerebutthepreserversofItaliangreatness;heisitscreatoranditsfather.Inthepompofthegames,amidthetumultuousapplause,theimmensemassofpeopleweretobeseenturningtheireyestowardshimalone,asiftheyweresayingtohim:'ThesefestivitiesarebutfeebleexpressionsofthegratitudethatallItalyvowstoyouforallthegoodyouhavedoneher;andsinceyoudeigntoacceptit,sinceyouliketositamongusasourPrinceandourfather,thesefestivitiesbecomeanaugurytousofstillgreaterbenefit.ThedaywillperhapscomewhenItaly,restoredtothisnewlife,maybeabletoadornitscircuswiththemonumentsofitsownbraverywhichwillalsobethemonumentsofyourglory;andItaly,beingneverdoomedtoperish,whatevergreatdeedsmaybewroughtbyItaliansinthecourseofcenturieswillbeduetotheherowhohasrecalledthemtolife.'"Aftertheracestherewasaballoonascension.ThecourageouswifeoftheaeronautGarnerinaccompaniedhimandthrewdownflowerstoNapoleonandJosephine."Thus,"theMoniteurgoeson,"inasingleday,atoneshow,theItalianshavecombinedtheproudestpompoftheancientsandtheboldestinventionofmodernscience,togetherwiththepresenceofaherowhoexcelsbothancientsandmoderns."
The29thofMaywasdevotedtopopularfestivities.Alltheafternoonthepublicgardenswerecrowdedwithmusicians,singers,mountebanks,andpedlars.IntheeveningtheviadellaRiconoscenza,asfarastheEastGate,waslitbylampstands,andattheendofalongrowtherewasaneagleoffireholdingonhisbreastanironcrown.
NothingwasneglectedtotouchthenationalprideofItaly.AnarticleintheMoniteur,speakingofapoemofVincenzoMonti's,said:"Whatinterestthepoethasaroused,inrecallingtheglorioustitlesofancientItaly,thedisastersanddegradationwhichfollowedthisperiodofglory,inevokingtheshadesofthoseremotedays,andafterthem,theshadeofDantewho,bythewisdomofhismaxims,issuperiortothepoetsofothernations;ofDante,themostenthusiasticadmireroftheformergloryoftheItalians,theseverestcensorofthecorruptionintowhichItalyhadfalleninhistime;ofDante,whosesoleambitionwastopreparethenewbirthofItaly!Andhowdidheprepareit?BypreachinguniontotheinhabitantsofthedifferentcountriesofItaly,andtothepublicauthoritiestheconsecrationofpowermodifiedbythelaws."
June3NapoleonandJosephinewenttovisitanindustrialandartisticexhibitionattheBrera.TheretheysawCanova'sHebe,andhiscolossalstatueofClementXIII."Thedesireofseeingandapproachingthesovereign,"saystheMoniteur,"hadmadethecrowdlarger.Anoctogenarianwhohadinvainstruggledtogettoastaircasebeforehim,washustledandknockeddownonthestepsbytheeagermultitude.TheEmpress,whowasfollowing,rantohisaid.TheEmperorturnedback,questionedtheoldman,whowasmoredisturbedbyhisjoythanbyhisfall,askedhimhisnameandamemorandum,andpromisedtolookoutforhim.Thissceneproducedadeepimpression,andTheirMajestieswereledbackamiduniversalapplauseandthanksgivings."
AtMilan,Josephine,whohadbecomeQueenofItaly,inhabited,withtheEmperor,themagnificentMonzaPalace.But,perhaps,inallthesplendorofthehighestpointofhergoodfortune,sheregrettedtheSerbelloniPalace,where,nineyearsbefore,sheexercisedsobeneficentaninfluenceonherhusband'sdestiny,andhadprotectedhimwithheraffection,aswithatalisman.DoubtlesstheEmpressandQueenwouldhavereturnedgladlytothetimewhenshewascalledsimplyCitizenessBonaparte.Then,insteadoftheimperialandroyaldiadem,shepossessedyouth,whichisbetterthananycrown,andherhusbandgavehersomethingpreferabletoanythrone—hislove!Therethegeneralsusedtowearlessshowyuniforms,moremoderatesalaries,buttheyweremoreenthusiastic,andunselfish.
ThenBonaparte'sglorywaslessfamous,butpurer.WhenshesawMilanagain,aftermanyyears'absence,Josephinerecalledallthehappinessandallthemiserythathadoccurredmeanwhile,allthegrandeurandthetragedythathadfilledthisperiodsobrief,butsocrowdedwithmarvellousevents.
Thereweremanyhappymemories,butalsomanyshadows!Thislookbackwardwasnotwithoutmelancholy.Whenshesawtheapproachoftheautumnofheramazingcareer,Josephinecouldnotthinkwithoutsecretsadnessofthesplendorofitssummer.Whileherhusbandproudlyenjoyedhissatisfiedambition,shedreamedandponderedseriously.Shedesiredoncemoretoseetheplaceswhichrecalledthepleasantestmemoriesofherfirstjourney:thelakeofComo,withtheVillaJuliaandPliny'shouse;theLagoMaggioreandBorromeanIslands;thepalacesoftheIsolaBellaandtheIsolaMadre;alltheenchantingspotswhichrecalledthegraciousmemoriesofyouthandlove.
June7NapoleonappointedEugenedeBeauharnaisViceroyoftheKingdomofItaly,andthreedayslaterleftMilanwithJosephine.InalltheprincipalcitiesoftheEmpirehiscoronationhadbeencelebratedbypublicrejoicings.MurathadgivenaballathiscastleofNeuilly,aboutwhichtheJournaldesDébatshadsaid:"AtthesamemomentwhentheartsofingeniousItalyweredisplayingalltheirmarvelsundertheeyesofTheirMajesties,Frenchgallantryandgaietywererenderingsimilarhomagetothehappyreignwhichhadrecalledthemfromalongexile."
Aix-la-ChapelleinauguratedthestatueofthegreatCarlovingianEmperoramidsalvosofartilleryandtheapplauseoftheGermanicpopulace,whosalutedatthesametimethenamesofCharlemagneandofNapoleon.
XIV.
THEFESTIVITIESATGENOA.
TheItalianjourneyclosedasbrilliantlyasitbegan.AfterleavingMilan,NapoleonapproachedthefrontiersofAustria,againstwhichhewastofightbeforetheendoftheyear,visitingthecelebratedquadrilateral,consistingofthefourfortifiedtowns:Mantua,Peschiera,Verona,andLegnago.HewaspresentatamimicrepresentationofthebattleofCastiglione,inwhichtwenty-fivethousandmentookpartonthefielduponwhichthatbattlehadbeenfought;thenhewenttoBologna,wherethecharmsofhisconversationwerehighlyappreciatedbythelearnedprofessorsofitsuniversity.WhilehewasthereadeputationfromLuccavisitedhim,askinghimtotakethatlittlecountryunderhisprotection.HegaveitforPrinceandPrincess,hisbrother-in-law,FelixBacciocchi,andhissisterElisa,towhomhehadalreadyentrustedtheDuchyofPiombino.Luccawasthuselevatedtoahereditaryprincipality,adependentoftheFrenchEmpire,whichshouldreverttotheFrenchcrownincasethemalelineoftheBacciocchishouldbecomeextinct.ItwasasortofrevivaloftheoldGermanicfiefs.EvidentlythememoryofCharlemagnecontinuallyfilledNapoleon'sthoughts.ElisathenceforthborethetitleofPrincessofLuccaandofPiombino.Shewasawelleducatedandablewoman,ofmarkedintelligenceandstrongwill.M.deTalleyrandusedtocallher"theSemiramisofLucca."AfterBologna,NapoleonvisitedModena,Parma,andPiacenza.Thecitieshepassedthroughrivalledoneanotherinflattery.Theyvotedhimmedals,statues,andevenatemple,which,however,thedemi-goddeclined.
June30NapoleonandJosephinearrivedatGenoa,wheretheyweretostaytillJuly7,amidunprecedentedfestivitiescelebratingtheincorporationoftheoldRepublicwiththeFrenchEmpire.Itwasasingularsight,thisenthusiasticreceptionofaCorsicanbytheGenoese.WhileatMilan,theEmperorhadreceivedM.Durazzo,thelastDogeofGenoa,whohadcometobeghimtopermittheillustriousRepublic,famousforitshistoricalsplendor,toexchangeitsindependenceforthehonorofbecomingaplainFrenchdepartment.Theoffer
independenceforthehonorofbecomingaplainFrenchdepartment.Theofferwasaccepted.ThehomeofAndreaDoria,thecityofmarblepalaces,thatmunicipalityoncecalled"thesuperb"hadbeggedasafavortobestrickenfromthelistofindependentstates.Itcontenteditselfwithbeingtheprincipaltowninthetwenty-seventhmilitarydivision,anditsdoge,dispossessedbyhisowndesire,wenttoswellthenumberoftheSenatorsoftheEmpire.Napoleontookformalpossessionofhispeacefulconquest,andsleptinthepalace,andinthebedofCharlesV.
Thenightfestivity,givenintheharbor,July2,was,inthewayofpicturesqueness,oneofthemostoriginalandmostbeautifuleverseen.
Theskywasclear,theseacalm,thecrowdofspectatorsenormous.
NapoleonandJosephine,goingdownfromtheterraceinthegardenofthePalazzoDoria,enteredalargeroundtemple,magnificentlydecorated,whichwasatoncesetinmotionasifbymagic,andtransportedbymanyoarstothemiddleoftheharbor.Fourrafts,coveredwithshrubbery,resemblingfloatingislands,thendrewuptothetemple.Thesovereignswerethus,inopensea,enclosedinavastgardenwithtrees,flowers,statues,andfountains.AboutthisgardenofArmida,thusradiantuponthewaves,wereamultitudeofboats,undersailorpropelledbyoars,movingabout,andtheirlightsresembledtheswarmsoffirefliesthatinsummerflutterabovethefieldsofLombardy.Themildtemperaturefavoredthisjoyousfestival.Thewholecity,allthebuildings,everyvessel,wereablazewithathousandlights,andtheglassyseareflectednumberlessflames.Thedarknessofnightgavethesignalfortheilluminations.
Magnificentfireworksweresetofffromthemole,thejetty,andtheshipsliningtheentranceoftheharbor.Musicmingledwiththejoyouscriesofthemultitude.ThetempleinwhichwereNapoleonandJosephinewasrowedbacktotheterraceofthePalazzoDoriaamidtheapplauseofthecrowdliningtheshore.
ThenextdaytheEmperorandEmpresswereataballgivenintheoldDucalPalace."ThepresenceofTheirMajestiesinthissuperbbuilding,"saystheMoniteur,"thekindnesswithwhichtheydeignedtospeaktoeveryone,gavethisfestivityatouchingcharacter.Allwhosawandheardoursovereigns,rejoicedintheirnewdestinies.Theconcertwasfollowedbyaball,andTheirMajestiesstayedthroughtheseveraldances,leavingaboutmidnight.Theirpathwaslitbynumberlesscandles.Ontheirwaytheymetamultitude,delighted
evenatthathour,tobeabletodiscernsomeofourmonarch'sfeatures."
InspiteofallthesesplendidceremoniesJosephine,thoughidolized,wasnothappy."Ingeneral,"MademoiselleAvrillonsayswithjustice,"thepublichasaveryfaintknowledgeoftherealfeelingsofthoseinthehigheststation.Beingoftenonshow,theyareobligedtoassumeafictitiouscharacter,justastheydressthemselvesforgreatceremonies.
IhaveseentheEmpress'ssufferings,whomnothingcouldconsoleforherseparationfromherchildren,whomshelovedaboveeverything.Ambitionswerelesstoherthanmaternallove,herstrongestfeeling.ThethoughtofleavinghersoninItaly,thefearofneverseeinghimagain,orthecertaintyofseeinghimseldom,madehershedtears."Onedaywhenshewasinmoredistressthanusual,Napoleonsaidtoher:"Youarecrying,Josephine;that'sabsurd;youarecryingbecauseyouaregoingtobeseparatedfromyourson.Iftheabsenceofyourchildrengivesyousomuchpain,judgewhatImustsuffer.Theaffectionyoushowthemmakesmefeelmostacutelymyunhappinessinhavingnone."ThesewordssoundedinJosephine'searslikeafuneralknell.Shesawthespectreofdivorcerisingbeforeher,andturnedpale.FromGenoatheywenttoTurin.
Napoleonheardthereofthecoalitionpreparingagainsthim,andleftsuddenlyforFrancewithJosephine.Non-commissionedofficersoftheGrenadiersandtheChasseursoftheGuardservedasescort,buttheywereunabletokeepupwiththecarriages,sotheEmperorthankedthemfortheirzealandpushedonwithoutthem.Hedidnotstoponcefortwenty-fourhours.Josephine,whonevertormentedherhusbandbycomplaining,didnotsayawordaboutthefatiguesofthisquickjourney.Afteranabsenceofahundreddays,theyreachedFontainebleau,July11.Nooneexpectedthemandnopreparationshadbeenmadefortheirreception.TheirdeparturefromTurinhadbeensorecent,anditresembledaflight.TheEmperordidnotwishtoberecognizedontheway,andburstintoFontainebleaulikeabombshell.Thepalaceporterwasanoldservant,namedGuillot,whohadbeenNapoleon'scookinEgypt."Well,"theEmperorsaidtohim,"youmustgobacktoyouroldbusinessandcookussomesupper."Fortunatelytheporterhadinhissideboardsomemutton-chopsandeggs.Hesettowork,andNapoleonatethisimprovisedmealwithgreatrelish.Josephineborrowedsomelinenfromoneofheroldchambermaids.
TheEmperoraskedforafullaccountofeverythingthathadhappenedinParisduringhisabsence,andbegantodrawuptheplanswhichweretobe
accomplishedatAusterlitzbeforetheendoftheyear.July18,atoneintheafternoon,hearrivedatSaintCloud,accompaniedbytheEmpress,amidtheroarofthecannonattheInvalides.Thateveningtheywentintothecity,calledonNapoleon'smother,andwenttotheopera,wherethePrétenduswasgiven;theaudiencegreetedthemmostwarmly.AfterallthesplendoroftheItalianfestivitiesthetimehadcomeformilitarypreparationsandwarlikethoughts.
XV.
DURINGTHECAMPAIGNOFAUSTERLITZ.
AusterlitzwastobefortheEmpirewhatMarengohadbeenfortheConsulate:aconsolidation.Inspiteofthepompsofthedoublecoronation,NapoleondidnotfeelfirmlyestablishedonhisImperialandRoyalthrone.Opinionsvariedwithregardtothestabilityofthenewregime.TheLiberalsmissedtheRepublic,andtheRoyaliststheBourbons.
IfthearmyandthepeopleshowedconfidenceintheEmperor'sstar,theParisianmiddleclasswasalwayscool,andbusinessmenobservedwithanxietythehostilityofEngland,Austria,Russia,andpossiblyPrussia.
Pariswasgloomy;businesswasdull;theabsenceofthecourtdepressedtheshopkeepers;thetheatreswereempty;inshort,thewinterwasinfinitelylessgaythantheonebefore.Therewasgeneraluneasiness;wivesfearedfortheirhusbands;mothersfortheirsons.Everyonehadbecomeusedtothepeacewhichhadlastedfiveyears,andtherenewalofwarinspiredthegreatestanxiety.
AsforNapoleon,hefelttheneedofsomegreatstrokethatshouldastonishandfascinatetheworld.Heunderstoodthattomaintainhisfamehewascondemnedtoworkmiracles.September23,1805,hehadexposedtotheSenatethehostileconductofAustria,andhadannouncedhisspeedydeparturetocarryaidtotheElectorofBavaria,theallyofFrance,whomtheAustrianshadjustdrivenfromMunich.Fivedayslaterhehadstarted,confidentofsuccess,andcertainthathewouldfindhispeopleathisfeetonhisreturn.TheEmpressaccompaniedhimasfarasStrassburg,andestablishedherselftheretobenearthesceneofwarandtoreceiveearliernewsthanwaspossibleatParis.
Napoleon'sletterstoJosephineduringtheAusterlitzcampaignhavebeenpreserved;unfortunately,wehavenotherstohim.TheEmperorwritesvery
differentlyfromGeneralBonaparte.Hislettersarenottheardent,passionate,romanticepistlesrecallingthefervidstyleandthoughtoftheNouvelleHéloïse.Theyaresubstantialletters,conciseandinteresting,suchasagoodhusbandmightwriteaftertenyearsofmarriage,butnotatallalover'sletters.Josephine,whowasquiteobservant,musthavenoticedthedifference,butshehadenoughtactandprudencetoavoidcomplaint.1805wasnot1796;NapoleonstilllovedJosephine,butfromhabit,gratitude,andasenseofduty,notwithmadpassion.Hepaidhermuchattention,heldherinhighregard,feltsympathywithher,deference,andfriendship,butscarcelylove.BeneaththevaultedroofofNotreDameNapoleonhadgiventoJosephinetheImperialdiadem,buthehadnotgivenherthetruecrown,—love.
October1theEmperortookcommandofhisarmy,whichhadassembledwithwonderfulpromptnessontheRhine.ThenextdayhewrotetotheEmpressfromMarenheims:"Iamstillverywell,andleavingforStrassburg,whereIshallarrivethisevening.Theadvancehasbegun.ThearmiesofWürtembergandofBadenarejoiningmine.Ihaveagoodpositionandloveyou."October4hewrotetoher:"IamatLudwigsberg,andleaveto-night.
Thereisnonews.AlltheBavarianshavejoinedme.Iamwell.Ihopeinafewdaystohavesomethinginterestingtotellyou.KeepwellandbelievethatIloveyou.Thereisaveryfinecourthere,aprettybride,andthepeoplearepleasant,eventheElector'swife,whoseemsverygood,althoughsheisadaughteroftheKingofEngland."
October5NapoleonsentanotherlettertoJosephinefromLudwigsberg:"Ihaveatoncetocontinuemymarch.Youwillbefiveorsixdayswithoutnewsofme;don'tbeanxious;itisonaccountoftheoperationsweundertake.AreyouaswellasIcouldhope?YesterdayIwasattheweddingofthesonoftheElectorofWürtembergwithanieceoftheKingofPrussia.Iwanttogiveherapresentoffromthirty-sixtofortythousandfrancs.Haveitmadeandsenditbyoneofmychamberlainstothebridewhenthechamberlainsarecomingtome.Dothisatonce.Goodby;Iloveandkissyou."
ThesefiveorsixdaysofsilenceweretakenupbytheopeningofhostilitiesontheroadfromStuttgarttoUlm,thecrossingoftheDanube,andtheoccupationofAugsburg.FromthiscityNapoleonwrotetoJosephineOctober10:"IspentlastnightwiththeformerElectorofTrèves,whohascomfortablequarters.Ihavebeenonthemoveforaweek.Thecampaignopenswithnoteworthysuccesses.Iamverywellthoughitrainsnearlyeveryday.Thingshavemoved
successes.Iamverywellthoughitrainsnearlyeveryday.Thingshavemovedveryquickly.IhavesenttoFrancefourthousandprisoners,eightflags,andhavecapturedfourteencannon.Goodby,mydear;Ikissyou."TwodayslatertheFrencharmyenteredMunichintriumph,theAustrianshavingbeendrivenoutofBavaria.TheEmperorwrotetotheEmpress,October12:"MyarmyhasenteredMunich.TheenemyispartlyontheothersideoftheInn;theotherarmyofsixtythousandmenIhaveblockadedontheIllerbetweenUlmandMemmingen.Theenemyislost,hascompletelylostitshead,andeverythingpromisestheluckiest,shortest,andmostbrilliantcampaigneverknown.IleaveinanhourforBurgauontheIller.Iamwell:theweatherisfrightful.ItrainssothatIhavetochangemyclothestwiceaday.Iloveyou."
ThefirstsuccessesofthecampaigncausedgreatexcitementinParis,asisshownbythelettersofMadamedeRémusat,nogreatloverofmilitaryglory,toherhusband,whohadaccompaniedtheEmpresstoStrassburg;everydaythisladywouldjotdownwhathadhappened,andherinterestingcorrespondencebringstheperiodvividlybeforeus.October12,shewrote,theabsenceoftheEmpressleavinghertimeheavyonherhands:"HowgloomyandillweareinthisodiousParis!PleasetellM.deTalleyrandthatitisreallysomethingpitiable.Notevenawordofgossip!Inshort,weareasboredaswearevirtuous.Idon'tknowwhichisthecauseandwhichtheeffect,butIdoknowthatIamhorriblybored.Thesolitudeofthisgreatcityisreallyremarkable;thetheatresareempty;Ihardlyevergotothem."
Intwodaystherewasacompletechange.Pariswokeupasiftoajoyoustrumpet-call,andMadamedeRémusatwasfullofhappiness:"Mydear,whatgoodnews!"shewroteOctober14,"…ThismorningthecannonannouncedthevictorytothecityofParis;itproducedagreateffect.Everyonewasinquiringaboutitinthestreet,andcongratulatinghimself;inshort,IsendtheEmpressword,theParisianswereFrench.Ihavealreadywrittentwentynotes,andreceivedallthevisitsofcongratulation….
Butwhatagreatvictory!HowproudIamofbeingaFrenchwoman!Icouldn'tsleepforjoy.Perhapsbythistimeyouhaveheardofothers,andwhenwearerejoicingoverthefirstvictory,youhaveforgottenitwithanother.MayHeavencontinuetoprotectthisnoblearmyanditsgloriousleader!"ThisenthusiasticletterendswiththesesomewhatharshcriticisingoftheParisians:"Thisvictorywasnecessary,forthesesadParisianshadbeguntocomplain.TheemptinessofParis,itsquiet,thelackofmoneywhichcontinuestomakeitselffelt,gavetothemalevolentagoodopportunitytoexcitedissatisfaction,andtheydidtheirbesttospreadit.Iwaswonderingthisverymorningwhyinanationsodevoidof
spreadit.Iwaswonderingthisverymorningwhyinanationsodevoidofnationalfeelingthereshouldbeinthearmysuchunityofactionandthought.Itseemstomethathonorhasagooddealtodowiththisdifference,andthatittakestheplaceofpublicspiritinmanywhoinordinarytimesaretoohappy,toorich,andtoocarelesstocareforanythingbeyondtheirownbelongings."
Napoleonwentfromonevictorytoanother,October18,justbeforethecapitulationofUlm,hewrotetoJosephinefromElchingen:"IhavebeenmoretiredthanIshouldhavebeen;foraweekgettingwetthrougheveryday,andcoldfeet,havedonemealittleharm,butstayinginto-dayhasrestedme.IhavecarriedoutmyplanandhavedestroyedtheAustrianarmybysimplemarches.Ihavetakensixtythousandprisoners,onehundredandtwentycannon,morethanninetyflags,andmorethanthirtygenerals.IamgoingtoattacktheRussians;theyarelost.Iamsatisfiedwithmyarmy.
Ihavelostonlyfifteenhundredmen,andtwo-thirdsofthesearebutslightlywounded.Goodby.Remembermetoeveryone.PrinceCharlesiscomingtocoverVienna.IthinkMassénaoughttobeatViennaatthistime.AssoonasIameasyaboutItalyIshallmakeEugenefight.MylovetoHortense."
ThecapitulationofUlmwasarrangedbyNapoleonwithPrinceLichtenstein,Major-GeneraloftheAustrianarmy.Aheavyrainfellwithoutcessation,andtheprisonerswereamazedtoseetheEmperor,whohadnottakenoffhisbootsforaweek,wetthrough,coveredwithmud,andmoretiredthanthehumblestdrummer.Whensomeonespokeofit,hesaidtoPrinceLichtenstein:"YourEmperorwantedtoremindmethatIwasasoldier.IhopehewillacknowledgethatthethroneandtheImperialpurplehavenotmademeforgetmyoldtrade."October21,thedayafterthecapitulation,NapoleonwrotetoJosephine:"Iamverywell,mydear.IleaveatonceforAugsburg.Ihavemadeanarmyofthirty-threethousandmensurrender.Ihavetakenfromsixtytoseventythousandprisoners,morethanninetyflags,andmorethantwohundredcannon.Inthemilitaryannalsthereisnosuchdefeat.Keepwell.Iamalittleworried.Forthreedaystheweatherhasbeenpleasant.ThefirstcolumnofprisonersstartsforFranceto-day.Eachcolumncontainssixthousandmen."Neverhadwarbeenfoughtwithsuchart.Anarmyofeighty-fivethousandmenhadbeendestroyedalmostwithoutfiringagun;itsadversarieshadlostonlythreethousandmen.AfterthisgreatvictoryNapoleon'ssoldierssaid,"TheEmperorbeattheenemywithourlegs,notwithourbayonets."
Thesechroniclesofwarhaveasadsideevenwhentheycommemoratethemost
Thesechroniclesofwarhaveasadsideevenwhentheycommemoratethemostbrilliantvictories.Evenwhilehecountsthetrophiesthehistoriancannotavoidmelancholyreflections.WhatcapitulationsawaitedFrancesixty-fiveyearsafterthiscapitulationofUlm!Butinthisintoxicationofvictory,peoplehaveeyesonlyfortheirsuccess.Weretheyreasonable,theywouldthenreflectonthecalamitiesofwar.Hortense,whowasaskindashermother,Josephine,hadthiswisdomandpity.Shesaid,"WhenIreadtheseaccountsIamsurprisedtofindmyselfreadytoweepevenwhenIamhappyatthevictories."AtthetimeMadamedeRémusatwrotetoherhusband:"Poorcreaturesthatweare,howrestlessweareonthissandhill,andtoooftenonlytohastenourend!Agoodsubjectforthephilosopheristhisglory,withwhichweadornoureagernessinkillingoneanother."Thetriumphalmusicshouldnotdrownthesobsandcriesofthemothers;weshouldthinkofthedeadandwounded.Butnationsarelikeindividuals:theyneverreflect.
Napoleonpushedonthewarwithrealdelight.Hefeltaboutwarasagoodworkmanfeelsabouthiswork,asagreatartistabouthisart.Towaritwasthatheowedhispowerandglory.Withoutit,hesaid,hewouldhavebeennothing;byit,hewaseverything.Hencehefeltforitnotmerelylove,butgratitude;lovingitbothbyinstinctandcalculation.HepreferredthebivouactotheTuileries.Justasthesnipe-shooterprefersamarshtoadrawing-room,hewasmoreathomeunderatentthaninapalace.Tomenwholikethebattle-field,waristhemostintenseofpleasures.Theyloveitasthegamesterlovesplay,witharealfrenzy.
Theydefeattheenemy,notmerelywithoutfeeling,butwithafiercejoy,asifitweretheirprey.TheyfeelthesameemotionsastheRomansinacircus,ortheSpaniardsatabull-fight.Therattleofdrums,theblareoftrumpets,shoutsofsoldiers,arewhattheyhear;theirearsaredeaftothecriesofthewoundedanddying.Thevaryingchancesofthecombat,theuncertaintiesoffearandhopeproduceinthememotionsthattheyprefertoallothers,howeverpoeticandcharming.Itiswithasortofintoxicationthattheyinhalethesmellofgunpowder,perhapseventhatofblood.Ahotlycontestedvictoryismoreagreeabletothemthanonetooeasilygained.Fortuneis,intheireyes,adifficultmistress,whosefavorsseemthedearer,thehardertheyareofattainment.Whatasatisfactionforaproudmantobeabsolutecommanderofanarmywhich,beforethefight,shoutsliketheancientgladiators:Ave,Caesar,morituritesalutant!"Hail,Caesar,thoseabouttodiesaluteyou!"anarmyinwhichevendyingmenshoutapplause,withtheirlastbreath,totheirsovereign,theiridol!Andyethowpettyisallthisglory!Bossuetwasrightwhenhesaid:"Whatcouldyoufindon
earthstronganddignifiedenoughtobearthenameofpower?Openyoureyes,piercethedusk.Allthepowerintheworldcanbuttakeaman'slife:isitthensuchagreatthingtoshortenbyafewmomentsalifewhichisalreadyhasteningtoitsend?"
Josephinedidnotintheleastshareherhusband'swarliketastes.Gentle,kindly,affectionate,fullofpityforhumanwoes,shewouldhavelikedtoreconcileallparties,allnations,—tohaveuniversalpeace.Thiswoman,whohadallthegracesandcharmsofhersex,neverinspiredNapoleonwithambitiousorhaughtythoughts.Whilethewarlasted,shewasanxious,unhappy;waitinganxiouslywithbatedbreathfornews,scarcelyliving.
Napoleon,wrotetoherfromAugsburg,October28:"Thelasttwonightshaverestedmecompletely,andIleaveforMunichtomorrow;IamsummoningtomeM.deTalleyrandandM.Maret;Ishallseethemforashorttime,andthenleavefortheInn,whereImeantoattackAustriainitshereditarystates.Ishouldhavebeengladtoseeyou,butdon'texpectmetosummonyouunlessthereshouldbeanarmistice,orweshouldgointowinterquarters.Goodby,mydear;athousandkisses.Remembermetoalltheladies."FromMunichtheEmperorwrotethefollowingletter,datedOctober27;"IhavereceivedyourletterfromLamarois.Iamsorrytoseethatyouhavebeenover-anxious.Ihaveheardmanydetailsofyouraffectionforme,butyoushouldhavemorestrength,andconfidence.
Besides,IhadtoldyouIshouldnotwriteforsixdays.TomorrowIexpecttheElector.AtnoonIstarttostrengthenmymovementontheInn.
Myhealthisveryfair.Youmustn'tthinkofcrossingtheRhineinlessthantwoorthreeweeks.Youmustbecheerful,andamuseyourselfinthehopeofourmeetingbeforetheendofthemonth(Brumaire).IamadvancingontheRussianarmy.InafewdaysIshallhavecrossedtheInn.Goodby,mydear;muchlovetoHortense,toEugene,andtothetwoNapoleons.Keeptheweddingpresentforsometimeyet.YesterdayIgaveaconcerttotheladiesofthiscourt.Theleaderisaworthyman.IhaveshotpheasantswiththeElector;youseeIamnotwornout.M.deTalleyrandhascome."
Again,fromHaag,November3,1805:"Iamadvancingrapidly;theweatherisverycold;thesnowisafootdeep.Thisisnotpleasant.Fortunately,wehaveanabundanceofwood;wearecontinuallyintheforests.Iamfairlywell.Everythinggoesonsatisfactorily;theenemyhasmorecauseforanxietythanI.Iameagertohearfromyou,andtoknowthatyourmindiseasy.Goodby,my
ameagertohearfromyou,andtoknowthatyourmindiseasy.Goodby,mydear;Iamgoingtobed."
Napoleoncontinuedhisoperationswithstartlingrapidity.HewrotetoJosephineNovember5:"IamatLinz.Theweatherisfine.Wearewithintwenty-eightleaguesofVienna.TheRussiansareretreatingwithoutmakingastand.ThehouseofAustriaismuchembarrassed;allthebelongingsofthecourthavebeenremovedfromVienna.Youwillprobablyhavesomenewsinfiveorsixdays.Iamveryanxioustoseeyou.Myhealthisgood."TheEmperorofAustria,compelledtoleaveVienna,hadsoughtrefugeatBrunn,wherehejoinedtheCzarandthesecondRussianarmy;andNapoleonenteredthecapitalwhencetheEmperorFrancishadfled.HewrotetoJosephineNovember15:"IhavebeenfortwodaysinVienna,alittletired.Ihavenotyetseenthecitybydaylight,buthaveonlypassedthroughitbynight.TomorrowIreceivetheauthorities.AlmostallmytroopsarebeyondtheDanubeinpursuitoftheRussians.Goodby,dearJosephine;assoonaspossibleIshallarrangeforyoutocome.Isendmuchlove."ThenextdayhewroteagaintotheEmpressfromVienna:"IamwritingtoM.deNarvilletoarrangeforyoutogotoBaden,thencetoStuttgart,andthencetoMunich.AtStuttgartyouwillgivethepresenttothePrincessPaul.Fifteenortwentythousandfrancswillbeenoughforit;therestwillbeenoughforapresenttothedaughteroftheElectorofBavariaatMunich.AllthatyouheardfromMadamedeSérentisdefinitelyarranged.
Bringpresentsfortheladiesandofficersinwaitingonyou.Bepleasant,butreceivealltheirhomages;theyoweyoueverything,andyouowethemnothing,exceptinthewayofpoliteness.TheElectressofWürtembergisadaughteroftheKingofEngland;youshouldtreatherwell,andespeciallywithoutaffectation.Ishallbegladtoseeyouassoonasbusinesswillpermit.Iamleavingforthefront.Theweatherisadmirable;thereismuchsnow,buteverythingisingoodcondition.Goodby,mydearone."Onthereceiptofthisletter,Josephine,whowasmostanxioustoseeherhusband,hastenedawayfromStrassburgtogotoMunichthroughBadenandWürtemberg.AtthesametimeNapoleonsetofftomeettheAustrianandRussianarmies,commandedbytheirrespectiveEmperors,inMoravia.
WehaveintheMemoirsofGeneraldeSégur,aneye-witness,aninterestingaccountoftheeveofAusterlitz.LateintheafternoonNapoleonenteredahut,andtookhisplaceattableinthebestofspirits,alongwithMurat,Caulaincourt,Junot,Ségur,Rapp,andafewotherguests.Theythoughtthathewouldtalkaboutthenextday'sbattle.Notatall:hediscussedliteraturewithJunot,whowas
familiarwithallthenewtragedies;hehadagooddealtosayaboutRaynouard'sTemplars,aboutRacine,Corneille,andthefateoftheancientdrama.Then,byasingulartransition,hebegantotalkabouthisEgyptiancampaign."IfIhadcapturedAcre,"hesaid,"Ishouldhaveputmyarmyintolongtrousers,andhavemadeitmysacredbattalion,myImmortals,andhavefinishedmywaragainsttheTurkswithArabians,Greeks,andArmenians.InsteadoffightinghereinMoravia,IshouldbewinningabattleofIssus,andbemakingmyselfEmperoroftheWest,returningtoParisthroughConstantinople."
AfterdinnerNapoleonwishedtomakeafinalreconnoissanceoftheenemy'spositionbytheirbivouacfires;hemountedhishorseandrodeoutbetweenthelines.Onemomenthecamenearpayingdearforhisimprudence;hewenttoofarforwardandsuddenlyfellonapostofCossacks,andhaditnotbeenforthedevotionofthechasseurswhoescortedhim,hewouldhavebeenkilledorcaptured,andhewasscarcelyabletoescapeatfullgallop.AftercrossingthestreamwhichcoveredthefrontoftheFrencharmy,hedismountedandreturnedtohisbivouac,fromonewatch-firetoanother,onfoot.Onhiswayhestumbledoverthestumpofatreeandfelltotheground.Thenagrenadiertooksomestraw,rolledituptosomethinglikeatorch,andlitit;othersoldiersdidthesamething;thecampwasilluminated,andthefaceofthegreatconquerorwasplainlytobeseen.
ThenextdaywasDecember2,theanniversaryofhiscoronation."Emperor,"
shoutedanoldsoldier,"Ipromiseyouinthenameofthegrenadiersofthearmythatyouwillhavetofightonlywithyoureyes,andthattomorrowweshallbringyoutheflagsandartilleryoftheRussianarmytocelebratetheanniversaryofyourcoronation."Everyoneshoutedapplause.
Napoleoninvaintriedtostopthem."Silence,"hecommanded,"untiltomorrow!thinkofnothingbutsharpeningyourbayonets!"Shoutsof"LonglivetheEmperor!"wererepeated.Alongalineoftwoleaguesblazedthousandsoffiresandflames.TheRussianswonderedwhatwasthecauseofthisunusualbrilliancy,andthoughttheFrenchwereretreating.Napoleonwasatfirstannoyedbythisrapturousdemonstration,butatlasthewastouchedbyit,andpassingthroughanumberofbivouacs,allbrightlylit,heexpressedhisgratitudetohissoldiers,sayingitwasthehappiesteveningofhislife.Thenhewenttohistent,snatchedalittlesleep,andwhenheroseinthemorning,said,"Now,gentlemen,wearebeginningagreatday."
Amomentlater,thecommandersofthedifferentarmycorps,Murat,Lannes,Bernadotte,Soult,Davout,camegallopingupthelittlemoundwhichthesoldierscalledtheEmperor'shill,toreceivehisfinalorders.Itwasasolemn,impressivemoment."IfIweretolive,"saysGeneraldeSégur,"aslongastheworldshalllast,Ishallneverforgetthatscene….Timeshavechangedquicklysincethen.Heavens!howgreateverythingwasthen,howbravethemen,howgloriousthetime,howimposingtheappearanceoffate!"Neverwasthereamorebrillianttriumph."Ihavefoughtthirtybattleslikethat,"saidtheconqueror,"butIhaveneverseensodecisiveavictory,oronewherethechancesweresounevenlybalanced."Andthenfullofadmirationforhissoldiers,heexclaimed;"Iamsatisfiedwithyou;youhavecoveredyoureagleswithundyingglory."
FromamilitarypointofviewAusterlitzwasNapoleon'sgreatesttriumph.
War,whichhelovedwithallitsrisksandemotions,thenshowedhimitsmosttemptingside.Hewasalwaystemptingfate,andfatehadalwaysfavoredhim.Thehourhadnotyetstruckwhenhewastoaskmoreoffortunethanitcouldgive.AsSainte-Beuvetrulysays,itwasnottillintheicyplainofEylau,fromthecemeterycoveredwithblood-stainedsnow,thatreceivingthefirstwarningofProvidence,hehadasortofterriblevisionofwhatthefutureheldinstoreforhim.ThenhehadbeforehiseyesasortofrehearsalofthehorrorsawaitinghiminRussia,andatthesightofsomanycorpses,andtheawfulscene,hesaidwithdeepmelancholy,"Thissightisonetofillkingswithloveofpeaceandhorrorofwar."ButatAusterlitzitwasverydifferent.TheshrieksoftheRussianssinkingthroughtheholestornintheicebycannon-ballsweredrownedintheshoutsofthevictors.Thebrightsunlightofthatdayoftriumphdispelled,alltracesofgloomintheconqueror'sheart.
December3.NapoleonwrotethustoJosephineabouthisvictory:"IdespatchedLebruntoyoufromthebattle-field.IhavebeatentheRussianandAustrianarmiescommandedbythetwoEmperors.Iamalittletired.Ihavebivouackedforaweekintheopenair,andthenightshavebeencool.
To-nightIamgoingtosleepinthecastleofPrinceKaunitz,whereIshallgettwoorthreehours'rest.TheRussianarmyisnotmerelydefeated,butdestroyed.Muchlove."December3,hehadaninterviewinhisbivouacwiththeEmperorofAustria;andasiftoapologizeforthewretchedquartersinwhichhereceivedhim,hesaid,"ThisisthepalacewhichYourMajestyhascompelledmetoinhabitthesethreemonths."TheEmperorofAustriareplied,"Youmakesuchgooduseofit,thatyoucertainlycan'tblamemeonthataccount."Andthenthe
gooduseofit,thatyoucertainlycan'tblamemeonthataccount."AndthenthetwoEmperorsembraced.
ThedayNapoleonwrotetoJosephine:"Ihavemadeatruce.TheRussianswithdraw.ThebattleofAusterlitzisthegreatestIhavewon:forty-fiveflags,morethanonehundredandfiftycannon,thestandardsoftheRussianguards,twentygenerals,morethantwentythousandkilled,—ahorridsight!TheEmperorAlexanderisindespair,andisleavingforRussia.YesterdayIsawtheEmperorofGermanyinmybivouac;wetalkedfortwohours,andagreedonaspeedypeace.Theweatherisnotyetverybad.Nowthatthecontinentisatpeace,wemayhopeforiteverywhere;theEnglishwillbeunabletofaceus.Ishallseewithpleasurethetimethatwillrestoremetoyou.Fortwodaysalittletroublewiththeeyeshasbeenprevalentinthearmy.Ihavenotyetbeenattacked.Goodby,mydear.Iamfairlywell,andveryanxioustoseeyou."December3,therewasanotherletter,alsofromAusterlitz:"Ihaveconcludedanarmistice,andpeacewillbemadewithinaweek.IamanxioustohearthatyouhavereachedMunichingoodhealth.TheRussiansaregoingbackaftersufferingimmenselosses:morethantwentythousandkilledandthirtythousandcaptured;theyhavelostthree-quartersoftheirarmy.Buxhövden,theircommander-in-chief,iskilled.Ihavethreethousandwoundedandsevenoreighthundredkilled.Ihavealittletroublewithmyeyes:anepidemic;itamountstonothing.Goodby;Iamanxioustoseeyouoncemore.To-nightIsleepinVienna."
CambacérèssaidthatthenewsofthevictoryofAusterlitzfilledthepopulacewiththewildestjoy,whichexpresseditselfinthemostextravagantflattery.TheEmperorwastreatedlikeagod,andnaturallyasovereignsoflattereddidnotcontrolhisloveofwar.ItwasonlyonhisdeathbedthatLouisXIV.said,"Ihavebeenoverfondofwar!"HesaidnothingofthesortwhenthegatesofSaintMartinandofSaintDeniswerebuiltinhishonor,whenhisstatuewasputupinthePlacedesVictoires,whenLebrunpaintedtheproudfrescoesinthegalleryatVersailles.LikeLouisXIV.,Napoleonreproachedhimselfwithexcessiveloveofwar;butitwasnotafterAusterlitz,butafterWaterloo.Nomanisworthyofadoration;itbelongstoGodalone.Woetotheprinceswhoarefedonflattery!Extravagantlaudationbringsitspunishment;eveninthisworldpridehasitsfall.
Theenthusiasmwasuniversal;thevictoriousFrenchcouldnotcontainthemselvesforjoy,andwhollylosttheirheads.ThusevenMadamedeRémusat,who,afterthedefeat,hadshownherselfsosevere,onemightalmostsaysocruel,towardsNapoleon,wrotethustoherhusband,December18,1805,afterthenewsofAusterlitz:"Youcannotimaginehowexcitedeveryoneis.Praiseof
thenewsofAusterlitz:"Youcannotimaginehowexcitedeveryoneis.PraiseoftheEmperorisoneveryone'slips;themostrecalcitrantareobligedtolaydowntheirarms,andtosaywiththeEmperorofRussia,'Heisthemanofdestiny!'DaybeforeyesterdayIwenttothetheatrewithPrincessLouistohearthedifferentbulletinsread.
Thecrowdwasenormousbecausethecannoninthemorninghadannouncedthearrivalofnews;everythingwaslistenedto,andthenapplaudedwithcriessuchasIhadneverimagined.Iweptcopiouslyallthetime.IwassomovedthatIbelieveiftheEmperorhadbeenpresent,Ishouldhaveflungmyarmsabouthisneck,tobegforpardonafterwardsathisfeet.
AfterthisIsuppedout:everyonepliedmewithquestions.Iknewthewholebulletinbyheart,andkeptrepeatingit;andwasgladtobeabletotellthenewstosomanypeople,torepeatthosesimpleimpressivewords,withafeelingofowningthem,whichyoucanunderstandbetterthanIcandefine.Imissedyoumuchinallmyjoy,whichIshouldhavegladlysharedwithyou;butinyourabsenceItriedtocommunicatemyadmirationtoourson.InsteadofmakinghimfinishthelifeofAlexander,whichhehasbeenreadingfortwodays,itoccurredtometohavehimreadaloudtheMoniteur,andhewassomuchpleasedthathesaidhethoughtitallmuchgreaterthanAlexander."
Alas!thoughtfulpeopleshouldneverforgethowmuchgreaterisvirtuethansuccess.Inthislowworldnoonetakesaloftyenoughviewofthings.Notafterdefeat,butaftervictory,isthetimetospeakofwarseriouslyandsadly.IfNapoleoninthehouroftriumphhadnotbeenflatteredtoexcess,ifatthepropermomentthelessonsofhistory,philosophy,andreligionhadbeenenforceduponhim,hewouldnothaverushedblindlyintothegulfthatfinallyswallowedhim.Nothingislesshumane,lessChristian,thantheextravagantpraiselavishedontheconquerorsoftheearth.Laymenandpriestsareequallytoblame,fortheflatterersofconquerorsbearperhapsaheavierresponsibilitythantheconquerorsthemselves.Intheancienttriumphs,atleasttherewasaslavechargedwithremindingtheherothathewasbutaman;inmoderntimes,thereisnothingofthesort;theherocanimaginehimselfmorethanmortal.Whydoesnottheclergy,insteadofintoningaTeDeum,takethepartofthatslave?Isitwelltoforgetthatthosenationswhoaremostmodestinsuccessarebravestandmostresignedinmisfortune?Thosewhoseheadsareturnedbyprosperitycannotendurereverses.Forsociety,asforindividuals,nothingismorebanefulthanoutburstsofjoyandpride.Thevasteramonarch'spower,thegreaterhisneedto
meditateontheficklenessoffate;butthelessonsofwisdomareneverrecalledtilltheyareuseless;theyarewhisperedintohisearsonlywhentheycanbutaddastingtodefeat.
XVI.
THEMARRIAGEOFPRINCEEUGENE.
BothbeforeandafterthebattleofAusterlitzagreatpartofGermanywasatNapoleon'sfeet.TheElectorsofBaden,Würtemberg,andBavariathelasttwoofwhomweretobecomekingsbytheconsentofthenewCharlemagne,testifiedanenthusiasticadmirationforhim,andwerealltoprofitbyhisvictory.ThepettyprinceswhowereabouttoentertheConfederationoftheRhinewerehishumblevassals,andpaidobsequiouscourttohisMinisterofForeignAffairs,M.deTalleyrand.ThearchivesofourMinistryofForeignAffairswouldhavetobeconsultedforanexactunderstandingoftheirservilityandflattery.Moreover,thepopulaceitselfsharedthefeelingsoftheirprinces.TheBavariansregardedNapoleonastheirliberator.FrenchmannersandideasweremorethaneverprevalentonthebanksoftheRhine,andGermanicpatriotismpardonedFrancethepossessionoftheleftbankofthisriver.IfNapoleonhadnotabusedfortune,whatgrandandpacificthingsmighthenothaveaccomplishedinconcertwithGermany,andwhatprogressmightnothavebeenmadefortheharmonyofnations,forcivilizationandhumanity!
WequotealetterwrittenbeforethebattleofAusterlitz,November26,1805,bytheElectorofBavariatoM.deTalleyrand,theninVienna:"Youarethemostamiableofmen,mydearTalleyrand.YourtwoletterswhichIreceivedlasteveninghavegivenmethegreatestpleasure.HowgratefulIamthatyoushouldhavethoughtofmeandofMunichwhenyouareinthemostbeautifulcityinGermany,andhearingeverydaythefamousCrescentini!Idoasmuchforyou,YourExcellency,butthemeritisnotthesame.EveryeveningIexpressmyregretthatyouarenothere.M.deCanisyhasannouncedthearrivaloftheEmperorinaweek.Sixdayshavepassed,andIamhopingtoseehiminthreedaysattheoutside,andtheEmpress,Saturdaynext.Mywifearriveddaybeforeyesterday,veryanxious,asisherchastespouse,topayourcourttoTheirImperialMajesties,andtoofferthemallthehonorsofMunich.LaymebeforethefeetoftheherotowhomIowemypresentandfutureexistence,andspeakto
thefeetoftheherotowhomIowemypresentandfutureexistence,andspeaktohimoftenofmyrespect,ofmyenthusiasmforhisvirtues,andofmyheartiestandincessantgratitude.Ihopethatthecoalitionwillsoongrowtiredofwar;inanyevent,thelessonstheEmperorhasgivenitthelasttwomonthsareofanaturetoinspiredisgustwithit."
November10,1805,NapoleonhadwrittentoJosephinetoleaveStrassburgforMunich,stoppingatCarlsruheandStuttgart.Inthisletterhehadsaid:
"Bepleasant,butreceivealltheirhomages;theyoweyoueverything,andyouowethemnothing,exceptinthewayofpoliteness."Hewasnotmistaken.ThistripoftheEmpress'sthroughGermanywastobeoneseriesoffestivitiesandovations.BeforesheleftStrassburgshereceivedavisitfromtheElectorofBaden,whosegrandson,thehereditaryprince,was,thenextyear,tomarryMademoiselleStéphaniedeBeauharnais,inspiteoftheoppositionofhismother,theMargravine.M.Massias,chargéd'affairesofFranceatBaden,wrotetoM.deTalleyrand,November13:"MyLord,HisMostSereneHighnesstheElector,hasreturnedwithhisfamilyfromStrassburg,wherehewasmostkindlyreceivedbyHerMajestytheEmpressandQueen.HeinvitedhertohonorCarlsruhewithherpresence,andtoacceptquartersinhiscastlewhensheshouldgotojoinHisMajestytheEmperorandKing.HerMajestytheEmpressseemedpleasedwiththeinvitationandpromisedtoacceptitifcircumstancesshouldpermit.
Beforehisdeparture,theElectorsentthePrinceElectoraltotheMargravinehismother,tobeghertocometoStrassburgtopayherrespectstoHerMajestytheEmpress.SherepliedthatwhentheEmpressofAustriawasatFrankfortandtheQueenofPrussiaatDarmstadt,shehadnotleftCarlsruhetovisitthem,andthatiftheEmpressoftheFrenchshouldpassthroughthattown,sheshouldgladlypayheralltherespectandhonordueherrankandcharacter."
CharlesFrederick,ElectorofBaden,wasthenseventy-sevenyearsold.Hehadlosthisson,andhisheirwashisgrandson,CharlesFrederickLouis,PrinceElectoral,thentwentyyearsold.ThemotherofthisyoungPrince,theMargravineofBaden,entertainednofriendlyfeelingstowardsFrance;andhewasthebrother-in-lawoftheEmperorofRussia,whohadmarriedhissister,andwasatwarwithNapoleon.Hisothersister,FredericaCaroline,hadmarriedtheElectorofBavaria,andhewasbetrothedtothestep-daughterofthisElectress,theyoungPrincessAugusta.Theyweresaidtobemuchattachedtoeachother,buttheirplansofhappinessweredestinedtobesacrificedtoNapoleon's
buttheirplansofhappinessweredestinedtobesacrificedtoNapoleon'simperiouswill,forheproposedtoarrangethematchesoftheGermanPrincesashedidthoseofhisownbrothers.TheElectoralPrinceofBadenandtheoldElector,hisgrandfather,farfromcomplaining,onlyshowedtotheEmperormostunboundeddevotion.
WemayjudgeoftheirattitudeandtheirrespectbythisdespatchofM.
Massias,chargéd'affairesatCarlsruhe,addressedtoTalleyrand,underdateofNovember23,1805:"MyLordM.deCanisyreachedherefromheadquartersatfouro'clockthismorning,andaskedmetoinformHisMostSereneHighnesstheElectorthathehadbeensentbyHerMajestytheEmpress,whomeanttocometoCarlsruhewithintwoorthreedays.Ipromisedtodothisassoonaspossible,andtoldhimthatgreatpreparationshadbeenmadetoreceiveHerMajestyinasuitablemanner.
TheElector,towhomIcommunicatedthisnewsatseveninthemorning,expressedthegreatestsatisfaction,andhehassentmewordthatinordertocarryouthisdesiretogiveHerMajestyaproperreception,hewishesmetosendamessagetoStrassburgtofindout,1,theexactdaywhenshewillarrive;2,thenumberofpersonsinhersuite,andhowmanyhorsesshewillneed;3,whethershedesirestoeataloneorwiththeprincipalpersonsofherownandtheElectoralcourt;4,toasktohaveatoncesentanofficialofthecourttoarrangethequartersandtheceremoniesaccordingtotheEmpress'swishes.AtKehl,HerMajestywillfindacarriageandeighthorsesfromtheElector'sstables.SimilarrelayswillbeplacedasfarasthefrontiersofWürtemberg.HerMajestywillbeescortedbytheElectoralcavalry.SheherselfwilldeterminetheetiquettetobeobservedatthecourtofCarlsruheduringherentirestay.
"HisMostSereneHighness,thePrinceElectoral,willgoasfarasRastadttomeetHerMajesty.TheMargraveLouiswillmeetheroutsideofCarlsruheattheheadofhisbody-guard.BellswillberungwhereverHerMajestypasses.Thecitywillbebrilliantlyilluminated."
November28,atsixintheevening,theEmpressformallyenteredCarlsruhe,whichwasamidageneralillumination.AttheMühburgergatestoodanarchoftriumphunderwhichshepassed.Infrontofthearchwasthisinscription:ProImperatriceJosephina;ontheother,Votivaluminaardent.Attheentranceofthecastlegatestoodalittletemplebearingthisinscription:Salve.Inthemiddleofthegardenwasalargertemple,inwhichwastobeseenonapedestalthe
Emperor'sbust,crownedwithlaurelsandsurroundedwithpalms.Theinscriptionran:Maximistriumphissacrum,—"Consecratedtothegreatesttriumphs."Ontwopyramidswastobereadthismotto:"Loveleadstoglory."November29,therewasagrandreceptionandconcertinherhonoratthecourt,Atnineo'clockinthemorningofthe30th,sheleftCarlsruheforStuttgart,afteranaffectionatefarewelltotheElectoralfamily.
AtseventhateveningshemadeasimilarformalentranceintothecapitalofWürtemberg,passingunderanarchoftriumphbearinghernamesurmountedbyanImperialcrown.SoldierslinedthewayfromthegatetotheElector'scastle.ThemainstreetwasdecoratedwithEgyptianaltars,andwasbrilliantlyilluminated,aswasthecastlealso.TheElector,hiswife,adaughteroftheKingofEngland,andallthecourtreceivedtheEmpressatthecastledoorandescortedhertoherrooms,whereshesupped.Thenextdayshesatonaplatformatastatedinnerinthewhitehall.AfterwardsthecompanywenttotheOperaHouse,whereAchilleswasgiven.Aftertheyhadreturnedtothecastlethereweresomefinefireworks.ThesefestivitiescontinueduntilDecember2,whenRomeoandJulietwasgivenforthefirsttime,andthe3d,atseveninthemorning,Josephine,afterbiddingthefamilyfarewell,pushedontowardsMunich,whilethetroopspresentedarmsandcannonwerefired.
TheEmpresswasnottostopbetweenStuttgartandMunich,butonherwayshesawmanyplacesthathadjustbecomefamousinthewar.Asshedrewnearthemshelookedattheplainwhere,afewdaysbefore,theenemy'sarmyhadmarchedoutbeforeNapoleonandlaiddownitsarms.FromAugsburgtoMunich,everythingmadeherjourneymostbrilliant;archesoftriumph,bandsofmusicsonumerousthatoftentheirnotesmingledwithoneanother,wreathsofleaves,successiveguardsofhonorwhojoinedher,composedoftheRoyalGuardofItaly,atnearlyeverypartingstation.AsaletterintheMoniteursays,"Enthusiasmsucceededtofear,thewhirloffestivitiestothelamentationofbattle;allthathadbeensaidoftheEmpress'sbenevolenceseemedstilltomakepartofhersuite,anditwasasiftheAngelofPeacehadcometovisitthesecountries."
TheEmpressreachedMunichDecember5,eightdaysafterleavingStrassburg.Asaluteofahundredgunswelcomedher.Inalmosteverystreetevenhousesweredraped,windowsadornedwithtransparentandcomplimentaryfigures;theilluminationsofprivatehousesrivalledinexpenseandsplendorthoseofthepublicbuildings.StatecarriagesweresentouttothecitygatesfortheEmpress
andhersuite,butJosephinedidnotgetintoanyofthem;shekeptonhertravellingdress.Thisdidnotmarthebrilliancyoftheentrance,whichwasconspicuousforuniversaljoy.December7,shewenttothetheatre,whereMozart'sDonJuanwasgiven,andshewasgreetedwithsoundoftrumpetsandtheapplauseoftheaudience.
TheEmpresshadscarcelyreachedMunichbeforepeoplebegantotalkaboutanearlymarriagebetweenherson,EugenedeBeauharnais,andthePrincessAugusta,thedaughteroftheElector,butitwasstillmerelyafaintrumor.TheFrenchminister,M.Otto,wroteDecember16,1805,thefollowingdespatchonthesubjecttoM.deTalleyrand:"MyLord,—ImmediatelyafterthearrivalofHerMajestytheEmpress,therumorspreadthatHisMostSereneHighnessPrinceEugenewaslikewiseonhiswaytoMunich,theretoconcludeamarriagewithPrincessAugustaofBavaria.Therumorhastakensuchshapeinthelastfewdaysthataforeignlady,whohasbeenmostkindlyreceivedbytheElectoralfamily,venturedtoasktheElectorifshemightcongratulatehimonsodesirableamarriage.ThisPrincerepliedthatheknewnothingaboutit;thathisdaughterwaspromisedtothePrinceofBaden;thatthetwoyoungpeoplehadthestrongestattachmentforeachother;andthatonlydaybeforeyesterdaytheElectresshadreceivedfromBadenamostaffectionateletteronthesubject;andthathelovedhisdaughtertoomuchtowishtoopposeherinclinations.Thisisthefirsttimethatmentionhasbeenmadeatcourtofamatterwhichthepublicsupposedsettledquitedifferently.TheElectresswaspresentatthisconversation,andcorroboratedeverythingthatwassaidconcerningherbrother'sattachmenttothePrincess.Thisanecdote,whichcomestomestraightfromthecastle,provesthattheBadenmarriageisnotbroken,ashasbeensaidatCarlsruhe,unlesstheElectorwishedtoconcealthetruthfromtheladywhoquestionedhimonthissubject.InquisitivepeoplehavetriedtomakeoutthetruestateofthingsbywatchingtheconductofHerMajestytheEmpressandthepersonsofhersuite.Therelationsofthetwocourtsareconfinedtopolitenessoneachside,tosocialattentions,inwhichHerMajestyexhibitsallhernaturalamiability,whichwinseveryheart.Beyondthat,thereprevailsthegreatestreserve."
MaximilianJoseph,ElectorofBavaria,wasbornin1756,andwasthenfiftyyearsold.Hehadlosthisfirstwife,whohadbornehimonedaughter,thePrincessAugustaLouisa,whowasbornin1788.Hissecondwife,Caroline,aPrincessofBaden,sisterofthehereditaryPrinceofBaden,towhomthePrincessAugustawasbetrothed,wasthenthirtyyearsold.Thoughnothandsome,shewasnotdevoidofcharm,herfigurewasgood,hermannerswereamiableanddignified.TheyoungPrincessAugustawastheornamentoftheMunichcourt.
dignified.TheyoungPrincessAugustawastheornamentoftheMunichcourt.Shehadallthefreshness,brilliancy,andcharmofayoungGermangirlofeighteen.AsfortheElector,hewasanattractive,sympatheticman,whocombinedfrankjovialitywithtact,wit,anddelicacy.Hewastall;hisfacewasnobleandregular.HelikedtheFrench,andtheylikedhim;itwasinFrancethathehadspentmanyyearsofhisyouth.AsayoungerprinceofthehouseofDeuxPontshebecameElectoronlybytheextinctionofthebranchofhisfamilythatreignedinBavaria,Inhisearlylifehehadnofortune.InthereignofLouisXVI.heservedintheFrencharmies,commandingtheregimentofAlsace.AtthecourtofVersailles,asinthegarrisonatStrassburg,hehadleftbehindhimareputationofgoodmannersandchivalrousgallantry.Hissoldiers,whoadoredhim,calledhimPrinceMax.AtthattimehemighthavemarriedadaughterofthePrinceofCondé,buthisfatherandhisuncleobjectedtothismatch,because,sincehewasnotrich,hewoulddoubtlesshavebeencompelledtomakesomeofhisdaughterscanonesses,andcertainchapterswouldhavebeenunwillingtoreceivethemonaccountoftheirillegitimatedescentfromLouisXIV.
andMadamedeMontespan.HewasfondofrecallingthelastyearsoftheoldrégimeinFrance,andspokemostaffectionatelyofthatcountry,inwhichhehadbeenveryhappy.Hewasworshippedbyhisfamily,hisservants,andhissubjects.Therewasneverakinder,moreamiableprince.
OftenhewouldstrollunaccompaniedthroughthestreetsofMunich,goingtothemarkets,bargainovergrain,entertheshops,talkingtoeveryone,especiallytothechildren,whomheurgedtogototheirschools.Hewasatoncefamiliarandfullofdignity,andhewasasmuchrespectedasloved.ThereweremanypointsofresemblancebetweenhischaracterandthatoftheEmpressJosephine,andtheyhadaverystrongsympathyforeachother.
TheEmpresswasailingduringagoodpartofherstayinMunich,andwhetherforthisreasonorbecauseNapoleon,whowasalwaysmovingfromplacetoplace,didnotgethislettersregularly,hewasforsometimewithoutnewsfromhiswife.HewrotetoherfromBrunn,December10,1805:"ItisalongtimesinceIhaveheardfromyou.HavethegrandfestivitiesofBaden,Stuttgart,andMunichmadeyouforgetthepoorsoldierwholivescoveredwithmud,rain,andblood?IamgoingtoleavesoonforVienna.
Theyaretryingtomakepeace.TheRussianshaveleftandarefleeingfarfromhere,goingbacktoRussiabadlybeatenandsorelyhumiliated.Iamanxioustobewithyouoncemore.Goodby,mydear;myeyesarewellagain."
NapoleonwroteagainDecember19,renewinghiscomplaint:"GreatEmpress,notaletterfromyousinceIleftStrassburg.YouhavepassedthroughBaden,Stuttgart,Munich,withoutwritingusaword.Thatisnotverykindorveryaffectionate!IamstillatBrunn.TheRussiansaregone;wehaveatruce.InafewdaysIshallseewhatistobecomeofme.Deignfromthegiddyheightofyourgrandeurtointerestyourselfalittleinyourslaves."
FromSchönbrunnhewrotetoJosephine,December20,1805(29thFrimaire,YearXIV.):"Ihaveyourletterofthe25th[Frimaire].Iamsorrytohearthatyouarenotwell;thatisnotagoodpreparationforajourneyofahundredleaguesatthistimeofyear.Idon'tknowwhatIshalldo;thatdependsonwhathappens.Ihavenowillofmyown;Iamwaitingtoseehowmatterssettlethemselves.StayatMunich,amuseyourself;thatisnothard,amidsomanypleasantpeople,insuchacharmingcountry.Iamtolerablybusy.InafewdaysIshallhavemadeupmymind.Goodby,mydear."
December26,peacewassignedatPressburgbetweenFranceandAustria.ThetreatygavetotheKingdomofItaly,Istria,Dalmatia,andFriuli;totheElectorofWürtemberg,thetitleofKingandtheSuabianterritory;totheElectorofBaden,theBreisgau,Ortenau,andthetownofConstanz;totheElectorofBavaria,thetitleofKing,theVorarlburg,andtheTyrol.ButNapoleonhaddeterminedthattheseindemnificationsshouldbepaidforbythreemarriages,—thatofhisstep-son,PrinceEugene,withthedaughteroftheKingofBavaria;thatofarelativeofhiswife,MademoiselleStéphaniedeBeauharnais,withthehereditaryPrinceofBaden;thatofhisbrotherJeromewiththedaughteroftheKingofWürtemberg.
Napoleon,accompaniedbyMurat,enteredMunichbeneathanarchoftriumph,December31,1805,ataquartertotwointhemorning.Thisentranceinthenight,litupbytorches,wasveryimpressive.Thenextday,January1,1806,aherald-at-arms,escortedbynumeroushorsemen,passedthroughthedifferentquartersofthecity,andreadthefollowingproclamation,afteraflourishofdrumsandtrumpets,whileanimmensecrowdgatheringineverystreetandcrosswayloudlyapplauded:"BythegraceofGod,thedignityofthesovereignofBavariahavingrecovereditsold-timesplendor,andthisStatehavingresumedtherankitformerlyheldforthehappinessofitssubjectsandthegloryofthecountry,beitknownthatHisMostSereneHighnessthepowerfulPrinceandLordMaximilianJosephis,bythesepresents,solemnlyproclaimedKingofBavariaandofallthecountriesonitdependent.LongliveandhappilyMaximilianJoseph,ourverygraciousKing!Longlive,andhappily,Caroline,
MaximilianJoseph,ourverygraciousKing!Longlive,andhappily,Caroline,ourverygraciousQueen!"Thateveningthewholecitywasfullofjoy,andthenextdaywascelebratedasanationalfestivity.
Napoleon,havingrecapturedthetwenty-ninecannonandthetwenty-oneBavarianflagsthathadfallenintothehandsoftheAustriansbythechancesofwarandtheoccupationofthecountry,haddecidedtorestoretohisfaithfulalliesthetrophieswhichtheyhadvaliantlydefendedandwhoselosstheymourned.InthemorningofJanuary2,allcitizensoldierywasunderarms,liningthestreetsthroughwhichwastopasstheprocessionandtheirpreciousburden.Thecannonwereplacedoncartsadornedwithfestoonsandgarlands,eachcartwasdrawnbytwohorsesbelongingtothecitizens;thehouseswerealsodecoratedwithdifferentcoloredribbons.Alltheyoungpeopleinthecityaccompaniedthesecarts.
ThestudentsoftheRoyalCollegeofCadetscarriedtheflags.Whentheprocessionreachedthegrandsquare,alargechorus,accompaniedbyalargeband,sangasongofthanksgivingandvictory.Thepopulaceandthesoldiersmingledtheircheerswiththissong.TheprocessionthenmadeitswaytotheChurchofOurLady,whereaTeDeumwassungwithgreatsolemnity.
January4,NapoleonwrotetoPrinceEugene:"MyCousin,—Withintwelvehoursatthemost,afterthereceiptofthisletter,youwillstartwithallspeedforMunich.Trytogethereassoonaspossible,sothatyoumaybesuretoseeme.Leaveyourcommandinthehandsofthegeneralofdivisionwhomyoujudgetobemostcapableandupright.Youneednotbringalargesuite.Startatonce,andincognito,andsoavoidbothdangersanddelays.Sendmeamessengertogivemetwenty-fourhours'noticeofyourarrival."TheEmperorhaddecreedthemarriageofhisstep-sonwithPrincessAugustaofBavaria,buthehadtogothroughcertainformalitiestoovercometheobjectionsoftheQueenofBavaria,whowantedherbrother,thehereditaryPrinceofBaden,tomarrytheyoungPrincess.Herfamilyprideandherinmostfeelingsrevoltedagainsttheadmissionintoherfamilyofayoungmanwhomshelookedonasanupstart.Shesoughtforpretextsanddevicestodelay,ifnottoprevent,thisalliance.NoonewouldhavedaredtosayatMunichthattheEmperor'sstep-sonwasnotgreatenoughtomarryaking'sdaughter,butshefoundfictitiousexcuses:itwassaidthattheyoungPrincesswasailing,andatanothertimethatshewassufferingfromasprain.Napoleon,whosometimesplayedthediplomatist,feignedtobelieveintheseallegedailments,andsaidthathewouldsendhisownsurgeontohealher.HewouldgladlyhavereturnedspeedilytoParis,wherehedeemedthathis
presencewasnecessary,buthisChamberlain,M.deThiard,whomhispreviousnegotiationshadmadefamiliarwiththesecretsoftheBavariancourt,advisedhimtostayinMunichuntilthemarriagewasabsolutelysettled."Verywell,"saidtheEmperor;"butdoyouknowthatwhileIamhere,yourFaubourgSaintGermainismakingarunonmybank,andthatmystayinMunichcostsmefifteenhundredthousandfrancsaday?"M.deThiardinsisted,anddaredtoshowNapoleontheQueenofBavaria'sever-presentrecollectionoftheDukeofEnghien,whichwasthesecretcauseofheraversiontotheprojectedalliance.Butthisoppositioncouldholdoutforonlyafewhours;noonethendaredtobravetheImperialwrath.TheQueen,fearingthatNapoleon'ssurgeonwoulddiscoverthatthePrincess'sallegedsufferingswereonlyanexcuse,yieldedtothewishesoftheheroofAusterlitz.Themarriagewasannouncedevenbeforethecouplehadmet.
Everythingwasdoneinmilitaryfashion.Orderswereissuedthattheyshouldlove,andtheyloved.
ThereisthistobesaidinbehalfofNapoleon;thatinthewholematterhemadenouseofharshwordsorroughmanners.Heappearedinanattractive,notinathreateninglight,andbydintofappearingsmittenwiththeQueenofBavaria,evenarousedJosephine'sjealousy.
PrinceEugenearrived,ascommanded,January10.Hehadthegoodfortunetoplease;butevenifhehadnotpleaseditwouldhavemadenodifference.AssoonashereachedMunich,aftertravellingdayandnight,theEmperortookpossessionofhimandneverlefthim.TheEmpresswasstillinbedwhenherson'sarrivalwasannounced.Shewasmuchmoved,andbegantocryatthethoughtthathisfirstvisitwasnottoher.Amomentlater,whileshewasstillagitated,shesawtheEmperorburstintoherroom,holdingtheyoungPrincebythehand,andpushinghimforwardasheexclaimed:"Here,Madame,isyourgreatboobyofasonwhomI'mbringingtoyou."Josephineburstintotears,andpressedhersontoherheart.
EugenedeBeauharnais,aFrenchPrince,andViceroyofItaly,wasthentwenty-fouryearsold.MademoiselleAvrillon,readertotheEmpress,thusdrawshisportrait:"PrinceEugene'sface,althoughinnowayremarkable,wasratherwellthanillfavored;hewasofmediumheight,wellproportioned,andstoutlymade.Heexcelledinallsortsofcorporealexercises,andwasanaccomplisheddancer.Kind,frank,simpleinhismanners,withouthaughtinessorreserve,hewascourteoustoeveryone;andalthoughhewasnotdevoidofdeepfeelings,his
courteoustoeveryone;andalthoughhewasnotdevoidofdeepfeelings,hismoststrikingtraitwaspersistentgoodspirits.Hewasveryfondofmusic,andsangverywell,especiallyItaliansongs,whichallhisfamilypreferred.Ashewasyoung,henaturallypaidmanywomenattention,asIhaveoftenseen,buthealwaystreatedthemwithgreatrespect."Napoleonwasveryfondofhim,andlookeduponhimashispupil,ashisownchild.HewasdelightedwiththewayEugenedischargedhisdutiesasViceroy,andwhenhereceivedhisdespatchesheexclaimedinthepresenceofseveralmarshals,"IknewverywelltowhomIhadentrustedmyswordinItaly."HeoftengratifiedJosephinebysaying,"Eugenemayserveasamodeltoalltheyoungmenofhisage."
TheyoungPrinceshowedgreattactandintelligenceinhisfirstmeetingswithhisfuturewife.Hesoughteverymeansofpleasingher,paidherassiduouscourt,asiftheirmarriagewasstillundetermined.HewasabletoovercomethePrincess'sprejudices,forshehadgivenherconsentonlyatthelastmoment,asavictimsacrificedforreasonsofstate.Herfather,theKing,dreadingtheexcitementofaninterview,hadwrittentoheraletter,inwhichhesetoutalltheadvantagesofthematchdesiredbytheEmperor,vauntedthegoodqualitiesoftheyounganddashingViceroyofItaly,antoprovethatitwasabrilliantmatch,revealedtoherwhatwasthenunknown,thatatPressburgtheAustrianMinisterhadofferedtoNapoleonforhisstep-sonthehandofoneoftheirArchduchesses."Consider,dearAugusta,thatarefusalwouldmaketheEmperorasmuchtheenemyashehasbeenhithertothefriendofourhouse."Andheendedhisletterwithalastappealtohisdaughter'spatrioticdevotion.TheyoungPrincessrepliedbywriting:"Iplacemyfateinyourhands;howevercruelitmaybe,itwillbesoftenedbytheknowledgethatIamsacrificedformyfather,myfamily,andmycountry.
Onherkneesyourdaughterpraysforyourblessing;itwillaidmetobearmysadlotwithresignation."Thegirl'sunhappinesssoongavewaytojoy.
TheEmpresshadspokentohermostwarmlyofEugene'squalities,hisbravery,loyalty,andgallantry,andthePrincessfoundoutthatJosephinewasright.Sheforgothercousin,thePrinceofBaden,fellinstantaneouslyinlovewithEugene,andthismarriageforreasonsofstateturnedouttobealovematch.ItwascelebratedwithgreatpompintheRoyalChapel,January14,fourdaysafterthebridegroom'sarrivalatMunich.TheEmperoradoptedPrinceEugene,andgaveinthemarriagecontractthenameofNapoleonEugeneofFrance.Thisadoptionwroughtagreatchangeintheircorrespondence;previouslytheEmperorwhenhewrotetotheViceroyaddressedhimas,"MyCousin";henceforthhealwayswrote,"MySon."MadameMurat,whowasthenatMunich,waspainedtosee
wrote,"MySon."MadameMurat,whowasthenatMunich,waspainedtoseethatthenewVice-Queen,aswifeoftheEmperor'sadoptedson,tookprecedenceofheratallceremonies,andshefeignedanillnesstoavoidwhatseemedtoheranaffront.
OnherweddingdaythePrincesscharmedeveryonebyhergrace.Shewastall,wellshaped,withthefigureofanymph,andafaceinwhichsweetnesswasblendedwithdignity.Moreover,shewasverywelleducated,waspiousandmodest,andthepossessorofallthefamilyvirtues.Inshort,shewasamodelwifeandmother.ShewrotetotheEmperoraletterofthanksthattouchedhim.Heansweredit,January27:"MyDaughter,—Yourletterisasamiableasyouareyourself.Myfeelingsforyouwillonlygrowfromdaytoday;thisIknowfrommypleasureinrecallingyourfinequalities,andfromtheneedIfeelforyourfrequentassurancethatyouaresatisfiedwitheveryoneandhappywithyourhusband.AmidallIhavetodo,nothingwillbedearertomethanthechancetoassuremychildren'shappiness.Besure,Augusta,thatIloveyoulikeafather,andthatIcountonadaughter'saffectionforme.Travelslowly,andbecarefulinthenewclimatewhenyougetthere,andtakeplentyofrest."
January21,PrinceEugeneleftMunichwithhisyoungwifeforMilan.ThenextdayM.Otto,theFrenchMinister,wrotetoM.deTalleyrand:"HisImperialHighnessPrinceEugeneleftyesterdaymorningwithhisyoungwife.TheKingescortedthemtotheircarriagewitheveryindicationofaffection.ItwasnoticedthatintakingleaveofthePrinceheembracedhimseveraltimes.TheseparationcostthePrincesssometears.Theirdeparturewasannouncedbyfiringahundredguns.ThebestwishesofallgoodBavariansaccompaniedthepair.ThestayoftheFrenchcourtatMunichhasleftthedeepestandmostlastingimpression.TheEmperor'sgreatnessandpowerwereknown,buttheeffectofhisextremekindnessandmagnificencehadtobeseenatacloserviewtobeappreciated.IfeelabletoassureHisMajestythattheBavariannationwillalwaysbehisfaithfulanddevotedallies.SomanyhappymemoriesareattachedtothisperiodofourhistorythatHisMajestycanflatterhimselfthathehasaccomplishedthemostdifficultofallconquests,—thatoftheloveofthepeoplewhohavewitnessedhissuccesses."
WhiletheViceroyandVice-QueenofItalywereproceedingtowardsMilan,theEmperorandtheEmpresswereontheirwaytoFrance,stoppingatStuttgartandCarlsruhe,wheretheywerewarmlygreeted.January20,1806,theyfoundanarchoftriumphbuiltonaRomanmodelatEntzberg,inBaden.Itborethis
inscription:ImperatoriNapoleonitriumphatoriaugusto.Thebas-reliefrepresentedthecaptureofUlmandthedeliveryofthekeysofVienna.ColumnsandobeliskshadbeenerectedatCarlsruhewiththeseinscriptions:Hostiumvictori.—Patriamservavit.—Pacemrestituit.InfrontofthecastlehadbeenbuiltatempleofPeace.AttheFrenchfrontierstoodanarchoftriumphwiththisinscription:HeroireduciGalliaeplaudunt,—"Gaulapplaudsthereturninghero."Thebas-reliefsrepresentedthebattleofAusterlitzandtheinterviewbetweenthetwoEmperors.InthenightofJanuary26,NapoleonandJosephinewerebackattheTuileries.PrinceEugene'smarriageputahappyendingtothecampaignjustfinished.Tocreateakingandtogivetohisstep-sonthehandofthisking'sdaughterwasastrokeofimaginationonNapoleon'spartthatdidhonortohisomnipotence.TheaccountsofthetriumphalfestivitiesinMunich,Stuttgart,andCarlsruhefollowedcloseuponthebulletinsannouncingthevictoriesoftheGrandArmy,andproducedagreatimpressioninbothGermanyandFrance.
XVII.
PARISINTHEBEGINNINGOF1806.
Napoleonarrangedhisreturnwiththeutmostskill.HisprolongedstayatMunichkeptalivetheimpatienceoftheParisiansforhisreturn,andmeanwhiletherewasaconstantstreamofflatteryandenthusiasm.January1,1806,hadjustputanendtotheRepublicancalendar,whichhadexistedforthirteenyears,threemonths,andafewdays.TheYearXIV.founditselfsuddenlyinterruptedbythereturntotheGregoriancalendar.ThusvanishedthelasttraceoftheRepublic.Thesamedaythenewyearwasinauguratedwithapatrioticceremony.TheTribunecarriedwithgreatsolemnitytotheSenatetheforty-fourRussianandAustrianflagswhichtheheroofAusterlitzhadentrustedtoitscare.Allthehousesinthestreetsthroughwhichtheprocessionwastopassweredecorated.InfrontofmanyofthemweretobeseentheEmperor'sbustcrownedwithlaurels.
TheeverlyricalMoniteursaid:"Atthesightofthesenoblespoils,thesestartlingproofsoftheheroismoftheFrencharmy,allheartsseemedtomeetinacommonfeelingofadmirationandgratitudewhichwasbutfaintlyexpressedbytheshoutsissuingfromthecrowdandfromeverywindow,of'LonglivetheEmperor!''HurrahfortheGrandArmy!''Victory,victory!''LonglivetheEmperor!'ItwasinthiswaythatthepeopleofParis,ofallclasses,ofbothsexes,ofallages,manifestedinthemostvividandunanimouswaytheirdevotionandgratitudetoHisMajestyandhisvictoriousarmies."
OneTribune,M.Joubert,exclaimed:"IsnotNapoleonthemanofhistory,themanofallages?Maywenotsaythatthereissomethingsupernaturalinhim,sinceitistruethatGoddisposesofthefateofempires,andthatNapoleontheGreatgladlysubmitseverythingtoProvidenceandascribeseverythingtoreligion?"IntheirofficialenthusiasmtheTribunes,asaccomplishedcourtiers,madeonemotionafteranother.OneproposedthattheEmperoronhisreturnshouldreceivetriumphalhonors,likethoseofancientRome,andthecityof
shouldreceivetriumphalhonors,likethoseofancientRome,andthecityofParisshouldgotomeethim.
AnothersuggestedthattheswordwhichheworeatthebattleofAusterlitzshouldbesolemnlyconsecratedandplacedinsomepublicmonument.Anotherexpressedadesirethatononeoftheprincipalplacesinthecityacolumnshouldbesetup,bearingtheEmperor'sstatue,withthisinscription:"ToNapoleontheGreat,thegratefulcountry."TheSenate,withsimilarzeal,hastenedtocarryouttheplanbyadecree.
TheParisians,whoalwaysworshipsuccessofmonarches,generals,orartists,thenfeltthewildestadmirationforthevictoriousNapoleon.TheMoniteurwasfullofdithyrambiceulogies,inproseandverse.Flatteryappearedasithadneverappearedbefore.Bishopsbecameconspicuousfortheirardentpraise;somephrasesfromtheirchargesmaybequoted.ThustheBishopofVersaillessaid:"Godsays:'Nooneshallresisthim,whomIhaveclothedwithaspecialmissiontore-establishmyworship,toleadmychosenpeople;noonewillresisthimbecauseIamwithhim,andheiswithme.Demcumeo.'"
TheBishopofBayonne;"Beholdourenemiesonesmoredefeated.Letincredulitybesilentandtheatheistconfounded.OurannalswillbethestoryofthewondersofProvidence…Widows,ceasetobemoanthelossofalovedhusband;youarenotleftalone;youbelongtothecountry.
Orphans,youhavefoundanotherfather;Napoleonhasadoptedyou."
TheBishopofRennes:"Didnotthosekingsknow,ordidtheyforgetintheirdelirium,thattheFrenchnationisnowthefirstnationintheworld?Didtheynotknowthatthemanwhogovernsitisthemostastoundingmanintheworld,andthegreatestwarriorhistoryhaseverknown?"
TheBishopofCoutances:"TheAlmightywishesNapoleontoattainthisnewgloryandhenceimpressesuponhimasortofdivinecharacter.HewisheshimtoattainitonthedayandatthesamehourthattheSovereignPontiff,oneyearago,pouredonhisbrowtheholyoil."
TheBishopofMontpellier:"Lettheearthbeshaken,andthemountainscastintothebosomoftheseas;ourGodblessestheviews,thewisdom,thetalents,andthecourageofouraugustmonarch."
TheEmperor,individingtheflagswhichhehadcapturedfromRussiaandAustria,hadgivenfifty-fourtotheSenate,eighttotheTribunes,eighttothecityofParis,andfiftytothechurchofNotreDame,whichhewishedtoadornwithhistrophiesastheMarshalofLuxembourghaddoneinthereignofLouisXIV.ThedaywhenthesefiftyflagsweregiventotheCathedraltheCardinalArchbishopofFrancesaid,"OPosterity,whenyoureadourhistoryyouwillimaginethatyouarereadinganewthefallofthewallsofJericho,andlisteningtothemiraculousdeedsofJoshua,David,andJudasMaccabaeus.BenedictusDominusquifacitmirabiliasolus….GodofMarengo,youdeclareyourselftheGodofAusterlitz;andtheGermaneagle,theRussianeagle,abandonedbyyou,becamethepreyoftheFrencheagle,whichyouneverceasetoprotect."Asingularpieceofflatterythis,tocalltheCreatoroftheuniverse—ofwhichthisearthisnotamillionthpart—theGodofavillage,becausenearthisvillageamanhaswroughtthedeathofmanyothermen!
ParisseemedtohaverecovereditsardorofthefirstdaysoftheRevolutioninordertosalutethetriumphanthero.Thedayofhisarrival,January27,1806,themanagersofthebank,anxiousthathispresenceshouldbethesignalforpublicprosperity,orderedtheresumptionofspeciepayments.TheOperacelebratedhisreturnandthatoftheEmpressbyagrandperformancewhichtookplaceFebruary4.ThebillsannouncedthePrétendusandadivertisement,ThepublicknewthatthisdivertisementwastobeasortofapotheosisinhonoroftheImperialglories.Thehousewascrowded,andthepassagesthemselveswerecrammedbytheenthusiasticcrowd.DuringthesecondactofthePrétendustherewasgreatexcitementoverthearrivalofNapoleonandJosephine.Applauseresoundedfromeveryside.Ladiesdistributedlaurelbranches,whichallthespectatorswaved,shouting,"LonglivetheEmperor!"MusiciansplayedthechorusoftheCaravan.Meanwhile,thesceneryofthePrétendusdisappeared,andapplausebeganoverthemagnificentdecorationsthattookitsplace.ItwasasemicircularenclosurewithtrophiesformingacolonnadeshowingthecourseoftheSeinefromthePontNeuftothewesternlimitofParis,showingtheLouvre,whichNapoleonhadpromisedtocomplete,thePontdesArts,thePalaisdelaMonnaie,theTuileries,andinthemistydistancetheChampsElyséesoverlookingthisfineview.Theinterioroftheenclosurewasadornedwithgarlandsandcrowdedwithpeople,awaitingthereturnoftheGrandArmy.Thisappearedwithamilitarymarch:thesappersinfrontwiththeiraxesandwhiteaprons;thegrenadiersoftheGuardwiththeirhighfurcaps;theartillerymenwiththeirblackcaps;thedragoonswiththeirdoublearmor;theMamelukeswiththeirscimetars.ThencametheBavarians,worthycomradesofNapoleon's
soldiers.Thepeopleapplaudedtheirdefenders.Pupilsofthemilitaryschoolssprangintotherankstowelcometheirfathers,whileoldmenembracedtheirchildren.Ageneralchoruswasheard.ThenawarriorcametothefrontofthestageandcelebratedinahymnthemarvelsofthecampaignofAusterlitz.Thiswasfollowedbyaballetofforeignnations,inwhichjoinedFrenchpeasantsandgirlsinthedressoftheirprovinces,fromCauxandAlsace,Provence,Béarn,Auvergne,andtheAlps.Afterthedancescamesongs,—thewordsbyEsménard,authoroftheNavigation,themusicbyStobelt.Themarches,evolutions,andballetwerearrangedbyGardel.Theprincipalstanzasweresungbythemostdistinguishedartists,Lainez,Laïs,MadameArmand,MadameBranchu.Whenitwasallover,theEmperorandtheEmpresswithdrewamidapplause,andtherewassungtheVivatofAbbéRosewhichhadmadesuchasuccessatNotreDameonCoronationDay,andwasaswarmlyapplaudedattheOperaasithadbeenintheCathedral.
XVIII.
THEMARRIAGEOFTHEPRINCEOFBADEN.
Ifanythingiscapableofprovingtheadmiration,terror,andfascinationthattheheroofAusterlitzexercisedoverEurope,andespeciallyoverGermany,in1806,itiscertainlythemarriageofthehereditaryPrinceofBadenwithMademoiselleStéphaniedeBeauharnais.Itwasacurioussight!
APrincebelongingtooneoftheoldestandmostillustriousfamiliesintheworld,whosethreesistershadmarried,one,theEmperorofRussia;another,theKingofSweden;thethird,theKingofBavaria;aPrincewhomighthavealliedhimselfwiththeoldestreigninghouseshadcometoregardasanhonoramarriagewith,theplaindaughterofaFrenchsenator,—agirlnotunitedbyanytiesofbloodwithNapoleon,butonlybyadoption;thatistosay,byawhim.OnemighthavesupposedthattheEmpireofthenewCharlemagnewascenturiesold,andtheGermanPrincesbowedbeforeitlikedevotedvassalsbeforetheirsuzerain.Whatavastpowerhehadattained,andhoweasilyhecouldhavekeptit,ifhehadlimitedhisambition,andputboundstohispower,andhadnotaskedofdocileGermanymorethanitcouldgivehim!
ThemarriageofMademoiselleStéphaniedeBeauharnaiswiththehereditaryPrinceofBadenwasatfirstwarmlyopposedbytheMargravine,thisPrince'smother.M.Massias,Frenchchargéd'affairesatBaden,hadwrittenonthismattertoM.deTalleyrand,MinisterofForeignAffairs,January6,1806:"MyLord,—ForsomedaystherehasbeenarumorquietlycirculatingamongtheprincipalpersonsofthecourtofCarlsruhethattheobjectofM.deThiard'slastjourneywastoarrangethemarriageoftheElectoralPrinceofBadenwiththedaughterofSenatorBeauharnais.LasteveningarrivedamessengerfromtheElectressofBavariafortheMargravine,themotherofthisPrince.Ihavelearnedbychancethecontentsofthismissivetohismother.ShesayssubstantiallythatshehashadatalkofmorethananhourwiththeEmperorNapoleon;thatHisMajestypromisedthatthemarriageoftheElectoralPrinceofBadenwith
MajestypromisedthatthemarriageoftheElectoralPrinceofBadenwithMademoiselleBeauharnaisshouldnevertakeplacewithouttheconsentoftheMargravine;andincaseofherrefusalofthisconsent,hewouldonlyreservetohimselftherightofbeingconsultedonthechoiceofthewifetobegiventothisyoungPrince….TheElectoralPrincecalledonhismotheraftershehadreceivedthisdespatch,andwaswithheralonefortwohours;hecameawayingreatdejection.Whenhegottohisgrandfather's,heexclaimed,involuntarily,'Thatwomanislost;shewantstoruinherself!'"
Thechargéd'affairesendedhisletterwiththissketchoftheMargravine:"IhaveknowntheMargravineforsixyears,andIthinkIcansaythatifshejudgesthematchinquestionopposedtotheprideinspiredbythefirstideasofhereducation,nopersuasioncanmoveher.Shepossessestoaverymarkeddegreetheconfidentobstinacyoffeebleandtimidspirits.
Shedoesnotdaretodismissanincompetentfootman;andwhenshehasoncemadeuphermind,whichisonlypossibleinmattersaboutwhichheropinionsarerigidlyformed,neitherforcenorpersuasioncanmodifyher.
Thatismyreadingofhercharacter,andIthinkitthetrueone."
ThemoretheMargravineopposedthismatchwhichtheEmperorhadsuggested,themoretheyoungPrinceofBadenandhisgrandfather,theElector,desiredit.M.MassiaswroteagaintoM.deTalleyrand,January9,1806:"HisMostSereneHighness,thePrinceElectoralofBaden,istoleavetomorrowforUlmandAugsburg,toinvite,inhisgrandfather'sname,HisMajestytheEmperorandKingtohonorCarlsruhewithhispresence,andtostayatthecastleonhiswaybacktoFrance.But,hetellsmehimself,themainobjectofhisjourneyistoconvinceHisMajestythatthemarriageofwhichIhadthehonortospeaktoYourExcellencyinmylastletter,isfarfromopposinghisdesires;andhehopestodissipatewithoutdifficultythedoubtswhichithasbeensoughttoraiseregardingthisinthemindofHisMajesty,forwhomhealwaysmanifestedaprofounddevotionandasincereattachment."
WhatwastheoriginofthisyounggirlwhosehandwasthussoughtbythehereditaryPrinceofBaden?TheMarquisofBeauharnais,thefatheroftheViscountofBeauharnais,thefirsthusbandoftheEmpressJosephine,hadabrother,CountClaudedeBeauharnais,whowasacommodore,andmarriedMademoiselleFannyMouchard.CountessFanny,afriendofDoratandCubières,tookmuchinterestinliteratureandwrotemanynovels.Shewasa
Cubières,tookmuchinterestinliteratureandwrotemanynovels.Shewasablue-stocking,anditwasaboutherthatLebrunwrotethemaliciousepigram:—"Eglé,fairandapoetess,hasthentwoslightfaults:
Shemakesherfaceanddoesnotmakeherverses."
ByhermarriagewithCountClaudedeBeauharnais,theCountessFanny(bornin1738,diedin1813)hadoneson,namedClaudeafterhisfather,whomarriedthedaughteroftheCountofLezay-Marnésia.Theyhadadaughter,StéphaniedeBeauharnais,bornAugust28,1789,whowasadoptedbyNapoleon,marriedthehereditaryPrinceofBaden,becamethegrandduchessofthiscountry,anddiedin1860,muchlovedbyherfamilyandthepeopleofBaden.Herfather,ClaudedeBeauharnais,wasasenatorintheEmpire,apeerofFranceattheRestoration,anddiedin1819.
DuringthechildhoodofMademoiselleStéphaniedeBeauharnaisnoonewouldhavepredictedtheloftydestinythatawaitedher.Herfather,havinglosthiswife,entrustedhertoapiousoldaunt,wholivedatMontauban,andtheresheremainedinobscurityuntilitoccurredtoheruncle,M.deLezay-Marnésia,totakehertoParis,andpresenthertothewifeoftheFirstConsul.Josephine,hercousinonceremoved,thoughtherprettyandbright,becameveryfondofher,andsenthertofinishhereducationatMadameCampan'sboarding-schoolatSaintGermain.MadameCampanwrotetoMadameLouisaboutheryoungpupilasfollows:"IamcertainlysurprisedatthewayMademoiselleStéphaniehasturnedoutsinceshereturnedfromSaintLeu.Shemaybecomeaverycharmingwoman,butnotifshestaysatSaintCloud.Royalpalaceshaveneverbeengoodschools;pleasures,thetasteforexcitementandflattery,corruptnotmerelythosewhoareyoung,buteventhosewhogotherealreadymatured,unlesstheyareprotectedbythehighestprinciples.Ifyouhavethepower,dotrytoletmekeepStéphanieuntilshemarries;youwilltherebyrenderheragreatservice,andtome,too;fortheresultwillcondemnmeintheeyesoftheEmperor,whowillsay,withasharpglance,'That'sverybad';andwillnothavetimetoascertaintherealreason.Icanassureyouthatinayearshewillbeverycharming,ifIcanonlykeepmyhandonher."
IntheletterMadameCampanthusdescribesherpupil'scharacter:"Itisacuriouscompoundofeaseatlearning,self-love,emulation,idleness,amiability,clear-mindedness,levity,haughtiness,andpiety.Thereareagoodmanyqualitiestodisposeof,andonthisproperarrangementdependsherhappinessorunhappiness,andmysuccessorfailure."InpersonalappearanceMademoiselledeBeauharnaiswasverycharming;shehadagoodfigure,anexpressive
deBeauharnaiswasverycharming;shehadagoodfigure,anexpressivecountenance,abrilliantcomplexion,brightblueeyes,lighthair,andanagreeablevoice.Moreover,hermannersweregood,shehadkeenmotherwit,muchgaietyandenthusiasm,andwas,inshort,averyattractiveyoungperson.
TheEmperorhadasortofinfatuationforher,andtreatedherwithexceptionalkindnessthatdidnotfailtoexcitecomment.Althoughherfatherwasstillliving,hedecidedtoadopther,andthiswasthoughtasingularthingtodo.TheyoungStéphaniebecameanImperialHighnessandtookprecedenceoftheEmperor'ssisters,whileherfatherwasmerelyoneoftheherdofsenators.InthedecreeofMarch3,1806,itwassaid:"OurintentionbeingthatourdaughterthePrincessStéphanieNapoleon,shallenjoyalltheprerogativesduetoherrank;atreceptions,festivities,andattablesheshallsitatourside,andinourabsencesheshalltakeherplaceattherightofHerMajestytheEmpress."JosephinepossiblythoughtthatheryoungrelativewasalittletoowelltreatedbytheEmperor,andthathisfeelingsforherwerenotwhollypaternal.EviltonguesassertedthatNapoleonwasinlovewithhisadopteddaughter,butinspiteofthosemaliciousinsinuations,noseriouschargecanbebroughtagainstherinnocence.Herbetrothed,thePrinceofBaden,wasmadlyinlovewithher,andshowedbyhisconductthatitwashewhowasmakingafinemarriage.MademoiselledeBeauharnaisfromthemomentthatsheassumedthenameofNapoleonimaginedthatnothingwastoogoodforher.
Itwasonlybycondescensionthatshemarriedthesonofanelector,forshewasnevertiredofsaying,toheradoptedfather'sgreatdelight,thatanemperor'sdaughtercouldmarryeitherakingoraking'sson.
ThemarriagewascelebratedwithgreatpompinthechapelofthePalaceoftheTuileries,April8,1806,ateightintheevening.ThewitnessesforthebridegroomweretheCrownPrinceofBavaria,BarondeGueusau,andM.
deDalberg;thoseofthebridewereM.deTalleyrand,M.deChampagny,andM.deSégur.Theprocessionwentfromthegrandapartmentstothechapelinthefollowingorder:theEmpress,precededbytheofficersofthePrincesses,accompaniedbythePrinceofBaden,thePrincesses,andtheCrownPrinceofBavaria,andfollowedbytheladiesofherhouseholdandofthoseofthePrincesses;theEmperor,conductingthebride,andprecededbytheofficersofthePrinces,hisownofficers,theGrandDignitariesoftheEmpire,theMinisters,theHighOfficersoftheCrown,andfollowedbythecolonel-generaloftheguardonduty.AtthechapeldoortheclergyreceivedNapoleonandJosephine
beneathacanopy,andtheytooktheirplacesontwosmallthronesinfrontofthealtar,whilethePrinceofBadenandthebridetooktheirplacesontwostoolsatthefootofitssteps.TheceremonybeganwiththeblessingofthirteenpiecesofgoldwhichtheCardinalCaprara,Legatealatere,gavetothePrinceofBaden,whopresentedthemtohisbride.TheCardinalgavethemthenuptialblessing.MeanwhileMonsignorCharier-Lavoche,BishopofVersailles,theEmperor'sFirstAlmoner,andMonsignordeBroglie,BishopofAcqui,hisAlmonerinOrdinary,wereholdingacanopyofsilverbrocadeovertheheadofthekneelingPrinceandPrincess.Thesetwoprelatesworeacamailandrochet.CardinalCapraraandhisassistant,MonsignordeRohan,theEmpress'sAlmoner,worethegoldencape.
Duringtheceremony,whichlastedaboutanhour,thefrontoftheTuileriesandthegardenwereilluminated.Atnineo'clocktherewerefireworksonthePlacedelaConcorde,whichtheEmperorandEmpresswatchedfromthebalconyoftheHalloftheMarshals.Astheyappearedonthebalconywiththeyoungpeople,theyweregreetedwithwarmapplausefromthedensecrowdinthegarden.TheEmpress,whowascladinadressembroideredwithgold,woreonherhead,besidestheImperialcrown,amillionfrancs'worthofpearls.PrincessStéphaniewascharminginherwhitetulledress,withsilverstars,trimmedwithorangeflowers,andherdiamondfrontlet.AfterthefireworkscameaconcertandballetintheHalloftheMarshals.Butlittleattentionwaspaidtotheconcert,althoughsilenceprevailed;theballet,whichwasrenderedbythebestdancersfromtheOpera,wasverysuccessful.ThenthecompanywenttotheGalleryofDiana,wheretableshadbeensetfortwohundredladies,andamagnificentsupperwasserved.Thegraceanddistinctionofthebridearousedgeneraladmiration.Herfather,SenatorBeauharnais,keptsilenceandweptforjoy.
Neverhadthecourtbeenmoredazzlingwithitsglitteringuniforms,gorgeousdresses,andsumptuouspomp.TheEmperorinhisgaladress,theEmpressinherImperialsplendor,thePrincessesvyinginluxury,thenewQueenofNaplesstaggeringunderherloadofpreciousstones,thePrincessLouiscoveredwithturquoisessetindiamonds.PrincessCarolineMuratdeckedwithathousandrubies,PrincessPaulinewithalltheBorghesediamondsbesidesherown,theambassadors,granddignitaries,marshals,generals,withtheircoatscoveredwithgoldanddecorations,thechamberlainsinred,themasterofceremoniesinviolet,themastersofthehoundsingreen,theequerriesinblue,alltheladiesindresseswithlongtrains;thetwofashionablewomen,MadameMaretandMadameSavary,whoeachspentfiftythousandfrancsayearindress;MadamedeCanisy,tall,black-haired,bright-eyed,withheraquilinenoseandher
deCanisy,tall,black-haired,bright-eyed,withheraquilinenoseandherimpressiveair;MadameLannes,withhergentlefacelikeoneofRaphael'sMadonnas;MadameDuchâtel,fair,withblueeyes;andthatproudduchessoftheFaubourgSaintGermain,aladyofthepalaceinspiteofherself,theDuchessofChevreuse,who,ifnotthemostbeautifulwomanthere,hadperhapsthegrandestair.Itwasamostanimatedfestivity,withitsflowers,lights,andsplendor.TheHalloftheMarshalswasradiantwithitsmilitaryportraits,itschandeliers,andairoftriumph….NowconsidertheruinsofthispalaceofCaesar,thisOlympusofJupiter,thissanctuaryofglory,majesty,anddominion.Seeandreflect!Nothingisleftofallthatpompandgrandeur!Theproudestbuildingshavevanished!
Suchistheendofhumansplendor!
XIX.
THENEWQUEENOFHOLLAND.
Atthebeginningof1804,Napoleonregardedhimselftheabsolutemasteroffortune.HistwofoldtitleofEmperoroftheFrenchandKingofItalynolongersufficedhim;heyearnedforthatofEmperoroftheWest.Hecreatedkings,granddukes,sovereignprinces.HemadehisbrotherJosephKingoftheTwoSicilies;hisbrother-in-lawMuratGrandDukeofBergandCleves;hissisterPaulinePrincessofGuastalla;heconferredtheprincipalityofMassauponhissisterElisa,whowasalreadyinpossessionoftheDuchyofLucca;hisMinisterofForeignAffairs,Talleyrand,becamePrinceofBenevento;hisMajor-General,Berthier,PrinceofNeufchâtel;andhisbrotherJoseph'sbrother-in-law,Bernadotte,PrinceofPonteCorvo.Healsoelevatedmembersofhiswife'sfamilyaswellasofhisowntohighpositions.Josephine'ssonwasViceroyandson-in-lawofaking.
Josephine'sdaughterwasabouttobecomeaqueen.
France,which,fourteenyearsbefore,hadwantedtoconverteverymonarchyintoarepublic,wasnowendeavoringtoturntheoldestrepublicsintomonarchies.TheillustriousrepublicsofGenoaandVenicehadbecomeanintegralpart,theoneoftheFrenchEmpire,theotheroftheKingdomofItaly.TheBatavianRepublicwasabouttobetransformedintotheKingdomofHolland.WhenitbecameknowninParisthatthisnewkingdomwastobecreatedbytheEmperor'swill,peoplewonderedwhowastofillthethrone;somewerebettingonLouisBonaparte;othersonhisbrotherJerome;stillothersonMurat.TheEmperor,however,hadsettledthequestion,andwithoutevenconsultinghim,haddecidedthatLouiswastobeKingofHolland.
Thisnewmonarch,whowasbornSeptember2,1778,wasthentwenty-sevenyearsold.FouryearsbeforehehadmarriedJosephine'sdaughter,Hortensede
Beauharnais,butthemarriagehadbeenanunhappyone.Ashehimselfwrote,hismarriagewascelebratedinsadness.Theauthorofaveryremarkablestudy,HollandandKingLouis,M.AlbertRéville,sayswithgreattruth:"LikeHortense,Louishadliterarytastes;buttheretheresemblanceceases.ItwasnotthattherewasnothingromanticinHortense'scharacter;shewasamongthefirsttobecomeinterestedintheMiddleAges,theGothicrevival,theimitationofthetroubadours;butherromanticismwaswhollydifferentfromthatofherhusband.Heridealwas,perhaps,ayoungandhandsomesoldier,pensivewhenawayfromtheladyofhisthoughts,butnotwheninhercompany."M.Révillegoeson:"Suchacharactercouldnotunderstandthesensitiveness,theshrinking,morbidmelancholyofthehusbandthrustuponher.Hergaiety,herdevotiontopleasure,thefrivolityofhertalk,couldonlypainmoreandmoreamanofagloomytemperament,whotookthegreatestcareofhishealth,whofrettedhimselfoverthemosttrivialdetails,andwhosedistrustamountedtoinjustice."
Hortensewasexpansive,merry,ardent,enthusiastic,younginheartandmind,athoroughlyopennature.Herhusband,ontheotherhand,wasofamorose,sombre,melancholy,reservednature.InspiteofhersuperiorintelligenceHortensehadasortofchildlikeair;butLouis,thoughyounginyears,hadthecharacterandappearanceofanoldman.AsmuchasHortenselovedliberty,hersuspicioushusbandwishedtoholdfirmlythereinsofconjugalauthority.Hewasprematurelyafflictedwithvariousinfirmities,almostalwaysmorbidlynervousandimpressionable,disposedtotakeadarkviewofeverything,andborenoresemblancetothetypeofherowhichHortensehadimagined.Moreover,theunhappyhusbandenduredahiddenanguishwhichhehadtoconcealfromeveryoneandwhichtorturedhisheart;heimaginedthathisrivalwithhiswifewashisownbrother,Napoleon.Thierssaysindiscussingthisdelicatesubject:"Louis,ill,puffed-upwithpride,assumingvirtueandreallyupright,pretendedthathewassacrificedtotheinfamousnecessityofcovering,byhismarriage,theweaknessofHortensedeBeauharnaisforNapoleon,—anodiouscalumny,inventedbytheémigrés,spreadabroadinathousandpamphlets,aboutwhichLouisdidwrongtobetraysuchanxietythatheseemedtobelieveithimself."
Inaword,thereexistedbetweenhusbandandwifearealincompatibilityoftemper,andtheconstraintoftheirpositiononlyaddedtothemutualrepulsionwhichtheyfeltforeachotherinprivate,thoughtheydidnotdareconfessitthroughfearofNapoleon'sreproaches.TheyweremarriedJanuary4,1802,andhadasonbornthenextOctober,whomtheirenemiesassertedwasthesonoftheEmperor,andthegreatertheinterestandaffectiontheEmperorshowedtothischild,themorefreelywerecalumniescirculated.LouisBonaparteimaginedhis
child,themorefreelywerecalumniescirculated.LouisBonaparteimaginedhishonortainted,andsufferedtortures.
AsforHortense,shewasunhappy,butshehadconsolations.Hermother'slove,thesocietyofheroldschoolmates,herinterestinart,worldlysuccesses,thedistractionsofParislife,madeherforgetsomeofherdomestictroubles.ThethoughtofleavingthatcongenialspottolivealonewithherhusbandinthecolddampnessofHollandfilledherwithgloom.Shedidnotcareforathrone,forshefeltthataroyalpalacewouldbeforhernothingbutaprison.
Louis,too,seemeddevoidofambitionforthecrownthatwasheldbeforehim.Annoyedatnotbeingconsultedinthenegotiationsonwhichdependedhiscalltothethrone,hemaintainedapassiveattitude.Butashewasaccustomedtocomplywitheverywishofabrotherwhohadtakenchargeofhiseducation,andtherebyacquiredspecialauthorityoverhim,heinvariablyobeyedhisorders.TheBataviandeputation,ofwhichthemostimportantmemberwasAdmiralVerhuel,hadjustarrivedinParis,andwithittheEmperorwassettlingthefateofHolland.BaronDucasse,inaninterestingpaperIntheRevueHistoriqueforFebruary,1880,hasrecountedalltheunfortunateLouisBonaparte'sattemptstoescapehavingroyaltyforceduponhim.Hegaveasapretext,forhisreluctance,therightsoftheoldStadtholder.TheBataviandeputationinreplyannouncedtohimthedeathofthatofficial,"ThehereditaryPrince,"theysaid,"hasreceivedincompensationFulda;henceyoucanhavenoreasonableobjection.Wecome,inaccordancewiththevotesofnine-tenthsofthenation,tobegofyoutoallyyourfatewithours,andtopreventourfallingintootherhands."Napoleonusedevenplainerlanguage.Hedeclaredtohisbrotherwithoutbeatingthebushthathehadacceptedforhim,andthat,evenifhehadnotconsultedhim,asubjectcouldnotrefuseobedience.
Afewdayslater,Talleyrand,theMinisterofForeignAffairs,wenttoSaintCloudandreadtoLouisandHortensethetreatywithHolland,andtheconstitutionofthatcountry.ItwasofnousefortheKingtosaythathecouldnotjudgesuchimportantdocumentsfromasimplereading,hewasnotgrantedamoment'sreflection.Invainhepleadedhishealth,whichcouldnotfailtosufferfromthedampclimateofHolland.Napoleonwasinflexible,andsaid,"ItisbettertodieonathronethantoliveaFrenchPrince."Therewasnothingforhimtodobuttogivehisconsent.
ThenewKing'sproclamationwasdeliveredatthePalaceoftheTuileriesintheThroneRoom,June5,1806.Earlyinthesameday,theEmperorhadformallyreceivedMahibEffendi,AmbassadoroftheSultanSelim.TheOriental
receivedMahibEffendi,AmbassadoroftheSultanSelim.TheOrientaldiplomatisthadgreetedhimas"thefirstandgreatestofChristianmonarchs,thebrightstarofgloryofthewesternnations,theonewhoheldinafirmhandtheswordofvalorandthesceptreofjustice."Napoleonhadreplied:"WhatevergoodorbadfortunemaybefalltheOttomanswillbefortunateorunfortunateforFrance.Report,Ibegofyou,mywordstotheSultanSelim.Bidhimnevertoforgetthatmyenemies,whoarealsohis,wouldliketogetathim.Hehasnothingtofearfromme;unitedwithme,heneednotfearthepowerofanyofhisenemies."Whentheaudiencewasover,theAmbassadormadethreedeepbowsandwithdrew,butstoppedinthenextroom,wherethepresentsoftheGrandPorteweresetoutonatable;theyconsistedofanaigretofdiamonds,andacostlyboxsetwithgemsandadornedwiththemonogramoftheSultan.MahibEffendi,afterofferingthepresentstotheEmperor,showedhimthosesenttotheEmpress.Theywereapearlnecklace,perfumes,andOrientalstuffs.Napoleonexaminedthem,andthenwenttothewindowtoseesomesuperblyharnessedArabianhorses,presentedtohiminthenameoftheSultan.
TheproclamationoftheKingofHollandwasreadafewmomentslater.
AdmiralVerhueltookthefloorandbegantospeakofthehappinessassuredtohiscountrywhenitshouldhavemadefastthetiesthatboundittothe"immenseandimmortalEmpire."TheEmperorsaidtotheDutchrepresentatives:"Francehasbeensogenerousastorenouncealltherightsoveryouwhichweregivenitbytheeventsofthewar,butIcannotconfidethefortressesthatguardmynorthernfrontierstoanyunfaithfulorevenuncertainhands.RepresentativesoftheBatavianpeople,Igranttheprayeryoupresenttome,andproclaimPrinceLouisKingofHolland."
Thenturningtohisbrother,hesaid:"You,Prince,reignoverthispeople;theirfathersacquiredtheirindependenceonlybytheconstantaidofFrance.SincethenHollandwastheallyofEngland;itwasconquered;andstillowesitsexistencetous.Shewillowetousthekingswhoprotectitslaws,itsliberties,itsreligion!ButdonoteverceasetobeaFrenchman.ThedignityofConstableoftheEmpirewilleverbelongtoyouandtoyourdescendants;itwilldefineforyouyourdutiestowardsmeandtheimportanceIattachtotheguardofthefortressesprotectingthenorthofmystates,whichIconfidetoyou.Prince,maintainamongyourtroopsthatspiritwhichIhaveseeninthemonthefieldofbattle.
Encourageinyournewsubjectsthefeelingsofunionandlovewhichtheyought
EncourageinyournewsubjectsthefeelingsofunionandlovewhichtheyoughtalwaystohaveforFrance.Betheterrorofevil-doersandthefatheroftheupright;thatisthecharacterofagreatking."
Thevassalageofthenewmonarchwasthusdefinitelyestablished;heremainedConstableoftheEmpire;hewasorderedtobeFrenchandnotDutch.HisfirstdutiesweretotheEmperor,hisbrotherandsuzerain.Herespectfullyapproachedthethrone,andsaidwithevidentemotion:"Sire,IhavemadeitmyhighestambitiontosacrificemylifetoYourMajesty'sservice.Ihavemademyhappinessconsistinadmiringallthosequalitieswhichmakeyousodeartothosewho,likeme,havesooftenwitnessedthepowerandtheeffectsofyourgenius;Imaythenbepermittedtoexpressmyregretsinleaving,butmylifeandmywishesbelongtoyou.IshallgotoreignoverHolland,sincethatnationdesiresitandYourMajestycommandsit.Ishallbeproudtoreignoverit;but,howevergloriousmaybethecareerthusopenedtome,theassuranceofYourMajesty'sconstantprotection,theloveandpatriotismofmynewsubjects,canaloneinspiremewiththehopeofhealingthewoundsofthemanywarsandeventsthathavecrowdedintoafewyears."Aftertheroyalspeechtheusherthrewopenthedoor,andasinthetimeofLouisXIV.,attheacceptationoftheSpanishaccession,thenewKingwasannouncedtotheassembledcrowd.
AsM.AlbertRévillesays,nooneinFranceregrettedtheBatavianRepublicwhenitwasstrickenfromtherollofhistorybythewillofadespot;or,rather,theParisians,intheiroccasionallyexaggeratedinfatuation,fanciedthattheDutchwouldbeoverjoyedtohaveaFrenchcourt.
Thenextday,afterbreakfast,theEmperorwasplayingwiththenewKing'soldestson,thelittleNapoleon,whowasonlythreeyearsandahalfold,butwasverybrightforhisage,andalreadyknewbyheartLaFontaine'sfables.TheEmperormadehimrecitethefableaboutthefrogswhowantedaking,andlistenedtoit,laughingloudly.HepinchedtheQueen'sear,andaskedher,"Whatdoyousaytothat,Hortense?"Theallusionstothepoorkingandtohispoorpeoplewereonlytooclear.Themelancholymonarch,orrather,thecrownedmonarch,wastobe,accordingtotheEmperor'splan,ameretoolinthehandsofhispowerfulbrother.HewascondemnedtodischargethefunctionsofreceiverofduesandofrecruitingofficerintheEmperor'sservice.Hehadapresentimentofthisdegradedposition,andtookhisdeparturewithmuchanxiety.
ForHortense,leavingwassadder.Noexileeverturnedtowardsforeignpartswithheaviersorrow.Herdiademwasacrownofthorns.Hermother'sgriefaugmentedherown.Withoutherchildren,Josephine,naturallyunambitious,
augmentedherown.Withoutherchildren,Josephine,naturallyunambitious,foundnoconsolationinthethoughtthathersonwasaViceroy,herdaughteraQueen.BeforesheleftParisHortense,interrorbeforethethoughtthattheEmperorwouldnolongerbeneartodefendher,toldherallherdomesticunhappiness,andsaidthatifherhusbandtreatedhertooill,shewouldabandonherthroneforaconvent.
Neverthelessshehadtoobey.June15,1806,LouisstartedfromSaintLeutogotohiskingdom.Hewasaccompaniedbyhiswifeandhistwosons,theelder,CharlesNapoleon,whodiedinHollandthe5thofthenextMay,andtheother,LouisNapoleon,whodiedatForte,in1831,intheinsurrectionoftheStatesoftheChurchagainstthePope.Histhirdson,laterNapoleonIII.,wasbornin1808.ThenewKingenteredTheHagueJune23,1806.HecountermandedabodyofFrenchtroopswhichtheEmperorhaddesignedforhisescortathisentranceintothecapital,beingunwillingtoappearbeforehissubjectsasasovereignimposeduponthembyactualforce."Youmaybesure,"hesaidtothem,"thatfromthemomentIsetfootonthesoilofthiskingdom,IbecameaDutchman."ThesamedayGeneralDupontChaumont,FrenchMinisteratTheHague,wrotetoPrinceTalleyrand:"To-day,June23,HisMajestymadehisformalentranceintohiscapital.HewenttotheAssemblywherehereceivedtheoathoftherepresentativesofthepeopleandmadeaspeechwhichwasmuchapplauded.
TheFrenchcampobtainedpermissionfromtheGovernorofthePalacetosurpriseTheirMajestiesbyfireworksandmilitarymusic.Thesefestivitiesnaturallyputastoptoallbusiness,exceptforHisMajesty,whofindstimetoexamineanddecidethemosturgentmatters,theeasewithwhichheworksgreatlysurprisinganationunaccustomedtosuchactivity.AlreadytheKingandQueenarespokenofmostenthusiasticallybythosewhohavehadthehonortobepresentedtoTheirMajesties.Thesatisfactionwillbegeneral,whenmanyshallhavehadtheopportunitytoapproachthethrone."
Inspiteoftheoptimismsofthisdespatch,thenewKingwastohaveanunhappyreign.Hisloyalanduprightintentionsweretobeshatteredagainsttheinflexiblewillofhisformidablebrother.Louiswasajustmanandsincerelydevotedtohispeople.Hewascalled,andisstillcalled,"thegoodKingLouis":buttheEmperor,whoironicallyreproachedhimwithtryingtowintheaffectionofshopkeepers,wastowritetohimin1807:"Amonarchwhoiscalledagoodking,isakingthat'sruined."
AsforQueenHortense,moreandmoretormentedbyherhusband'ssuspicions,withherhealthimpairedbythemoistclimate,andherever-growingmelancholy,
withherhealthimpairedbythemoistclimate,andherever-growingmelancholy,shewastofeellikeacondemnedexileinherkingdom.
Nowomanevergaveacompletelietotheexpression,"Ashappyasaqueen."
XX.
THEEMPRESSATMAYENCE.
Inspiteofallthehonorsthatencompassedher,theEmpresswasevermoreandmoreunhappy.ThedepartureofherdaughterHortenseleftavoidinherlifethatnothingcouldfill.ShewrotetothenewQueenfromSaintCloud,July15,1806:"SinceyouleftIhavebeenill,sad,andunhappy;Ihaveevenbeenfeverishandhavehadtokeepmybed.Iamnowwellagain,butmysorrowremains.HowcoulditbeotherwisewhenIamseparatedfromadaughterlikeyou,loving,gentle,andamiable,whowasthecharmofmylife?…Howisyourhusband?Aremygrandchildrenwell?Heavens,howsaditmakesmenottoseethem!andhowisyourhealth,dearHortense?Ifyouareeverill,letmeknow,andIwillhastentoyouatonce….Goodby,mydearHortense,thinkoftenofyourmother,andbesurethatneverwasadaughtermorelovedthanyouare.Manykindmessagestoyourhusband;kissthechildrenforme.Itwouldbeverykindofyoutosendmesomeofyoursongs."
Josephinewasabouttohaveanothercauseforgrief.Anewwarwasimminent,buttheEmpresshidheruneasinessinordernottodistanceHortense."Allyourletters,"shewrotetoher,"arecharming,andyouarekindtowritesooften.IhaveheardfromEugeneandhiswife;theyareevidentlyveryhappy,andsoamI,forIamgoingwiththeEmperor,andamalreadypacking.Iassureyou,thatevenifthiswarbreaksout,Ihavenofear;thenearerIamtotheEmperor,thelessIshallcare,andIfeelthatIshoulddieifIstayedhere.AnotherjoytomeisourmeetingatMayence.TheEmperorhasbiddenmetellyouthathehasjustgiventotheKingofHollandanarmyofeightythousandmen,andhiscommandwillextendtoMayence.Hethinksthatyoucancomethenandstaywithme.Isnotthatanagreeablebitofnewsforamotherwholovesyousodearly?
EverydayweshallhavenewsoftheEmperorandyourhusband;wewillbehappytogether.TheGrandDukeofBergspoketomeaboutyouandthechildren;kissthemformetillIcankissthemformyself,aswellasmydaughter;
children;kissthemformetillIcankissthemformyself,aswellasmydaughter;thiswillbesoon,Ihope.MybestregardstotheKing."
NapoleonwasabouttobeginagiganticwaragainstPrussiaandRussia.Inspiteofhisconfidenceinhisstar,hewasnotwithoutsomeapprehensions,andheleftreluctantly.AcloudseemedtohangoverSaintCloud."Whyareyousogloomy?"theEmperoraskedMadamedeRémusat,whosehusband,theFirstChamberlain,hadjustbeensenttoMayencetopreparetheEmperor'squarters."Iamgloomy,"shereplied,"becausemyhusbandhasleftme."AndasNapoleonsneeredatherconjugaldevotion,sheadded:"Sire,Itakenopartinheroicjoys,andformypart,Ihadplacedmygloryinhappiness."ThentheEmperorburstoutlaughingandsaid:"Happiness?Ohyes,happinesshasagreatdealtodowiththiscentury!"
TheEmpresshopedtoaccompanyherhusbandasfarasMayence,andremainthereduringthewar,withherdaughter.Atthelastmomentshecamenearmissingeventhis.Napoleonwantedtogooffalone,butsheweptsomuch,besoughthimsoearnestly,thathetookpityonherandgaveherleavetoenterhiscarriage;shehadbutasinglechambermaidwithher.Herhouseholdwastojoinhersomedayslater.
NapoleonandJosephineleftSaintCloudinthenightofSeptember24,1806.AfterstoppingforsomehoursatMetz,theyreachedMayencethe28th.TheEmperorstartedagain,October2,atnineintheevening,fortheheadofthearmy.Atthismomenthehadanaccessofaffectionandarevivalofhisoldtendernessforthewomanwholongsincehadinspiredhimwithmuchlove.Seeingthatshewasweepingbitterly,he,too,shedtears,andwasevenattackedbyconvulsions.Theymadehimsitdownandgavehimafewdropsoforange-flowerwater.Inafewmomentshecontrolledhisemotion,gaveJosephineafarewellkiss,andsaid:"Thecarriagesareready,aretheynot?Tellthosegentlemenandletusbeoff."
TheEmpressremainedatMayence.NapoleonwrotetoherOctober5,1806:"ThereisnoreasonwhythePrincessofBadenshouldnotgotoMayence.Idon'tknowwhyyouaresodistressed;itiswrongofyoutogrievesomuch.Hortenseisinclinedtopedantry;sheisliberalwithadvice.Shewrotetome,andIansweredher.Sheshouldbehappyandgay.Courageandgaiety,thatistherecipe."ItisplainthattheEmperor'sgloomhadbeenofbriefduration.Whenhewasoncemoreatwar,inhiselement,hehadquicklyresumedhiscustomaryeagerness.HewrotetohiswifefromBamberg,October7:"Ileavethisevening
eagerness.HewrotetohiswifefromBamberg,October7:"IleavethiseveningforKronach.Thewholearmyisinmotion.Allgoesonwell;myhealthisperfect.Ihavenotyetreceivedanylettersfromyou,butIhaveheardfromEugeneandHortense.Stephanieoughttobewithyou.Herhusband[thePrinceofBaden]wishestotakepartinthewar;heiswithme.Goodby.Athousandkissesandgoodhealth!"Again,October18:"TodayIamatGera.EverythinggoesonaswellasIcouldhope.WithGod'said,thepoorKingofPrussiawillbeinalamentablestate,Ithink.Iampersonallysorryforhim,becauseheisagoodman.TheQueenisatErfurtwiththeKing.Ifshewantstoseeabattle,shewillhavethatcruelpleasure.Iamwonderfullywell,andhavegainedfleshsinceIleft;andyetIgotwentyortwenty-fiveleagueseveryday,onhorsebackorinacarriage,—ineverypossibleway.Igotobedateightandgetupatmidnight,sometimes,Ithink,beforeyouhavegonetobed.Everyours."
InthesecampaignsNapoleonwasnotyetsurroundedbythecomfortswhichlatermadewarlessfatiguingforhim,perhapstooeasy.Heenduredallthetoilandprivationofaprivatesoldier.Infiveminuteshistable,hiscoffee,hisbedwereprepared.Ofteninlesstimethanthatthebodiesofmenandhorseshadtoberemovedtomakeroomforhistent.Hislongestmeallastednomorethaneightortenminutes.TheEmperorwouldthencallforhorsesandleaveincompanywithBerthier,oneortworiders,andRoustan,hisfaithfulMameluke.Atnight,whenlyingonhislittleironbed,hetookbutlittlerest.Hardlyhadhefallenasleepwhenhewouldcallhisvaletdechambrewhosleptinthesametent:"Constant!""Sire."
"Seewhataide-de-campisonduty.""Sire,itisso-and-so.""Tellhimtocomeandspeaktome."Theaide-de-campwouldarrive:"Youmustgotosuchacorps,commandedbyMarshalso-and-so;youwilltellhimtoplacesucharegimentinsuchaposition;youwillascertainthepositionoftheenemy,thenyouwillreporttome."TheEmperorseemedtofallasleepagain,butinafewmomentshewascallingagain:"Constant!""Sire.""SummonthePrinceofNeufchâtel."TheMajor-Generalwouldappearinagreathurry,andNapoleonwoulddictatesomeorderstohim.Thatisthewayhisnightswerepassed.
ThenightbeforethebattleofJenawasanexception,andtheEmperorsleptsoundly,"Yet,"saysGeneraldeSégur,"ourpositionwassoperilousthatsomeofussaidtheenemycouldhavethrownabulletacrossallourlineswiththehand.Thiswassotruethatthefirstcannon-ballfiredthenextdaypassedoverourheadsandkilledacookathiscanteenfarbehindus."Ataboutfiveo'clockNapoleonaskedofMarshalSoult:"Shallwebeatthem?""Yes,iftheyarethere."answeredtheMarshal;"Iamonlyafraidtheyhaveleft."Atthatmoment,the
answeredtheMarshal;"Iamonlyafraidtheyhaveleft."Atthatmoment,thefirstmusketryfirewasheard,"Theretheyare!"saidtheEmperor,joyfully;"theretheyare!thebusinessisbeginning."Thenhewenttoaddresstheinfantry,encouragingthemtocrushthefamousPrussiancavalry."Thiscavalry,"hesaid,"mustbedestroyedhere,beforeoursquares,aswecrushedtheRussianinfantryatAusterlitz."Thevictorywasoverwhelming.NapoleonthusrecounteditinalettertotheEmpress,datedJena,October15,atthreeinthemorning:"Mydear,IhavedonesomegoodmanoeuvringagainstthePrussians.
YesterdayIgainedagreatvictory.Theywereonehundredandfiftythousandmen;Ihavemadetwentythousandprisoners,capturedonehundredcannonandflags.IwasfacingtheKingofPrussiaandverynearhim;IjustmissedcapturinghimandtheQueen.Ihavebeenbivouackingfortwodays.Iamwonderfullywell.Goodby,mydear,keepwellandloveme.IfHortenseisatMayence,giveherakissaswellasNapoleonandthelittleone."AndagainfromWeimar,October16:"M.Talleyrandwillhaveshownyouthebulletinandyouwillhaveseenoursuccess.EverythinghasturnedoutasIplanned,andneverwasanarmymorethoroughlybeatenanddestroyed.IwillonlyaddthatIamwell;thatfatigue,watching,andthebivouachavemademestouter.Goodby,mydear,muchlovetoHortenseandthegreatNapoleon."
HortensehadjoinedhermotheratMayencewithhertwosons,meetingthereherrelative,PrincessStéphanieofBaden,thePrincessofNassauandherdaughters,manygenerals'wives,whohaddesiredtobenearthesceneofwartogetearlynews.Withwhatimpatiencetidingswereawaited!WithwhatcuriosityandrespectwerereadanddiscussedthetwoorthreewordsscrawledbythehandoftheEmperororofhislieutenants!Alookouthadbeenplacedaleagueawayonthehigh-road,whoannouncedthecomingofamessengerbyblowingonahorn.AtthesametimethefilesofprisonerswereseenpassingontheirwaytoFrance.Josephine,everkindandpitiful,triedtosoftentheirlotandgaveaidandcomforttoofficersandsoldiers.
MeanwhileNapoleoncontinuedhistriumphalmarch.FromWittenberghewrotetohiswife,October23:"Ihavereceivedanumberoflettersfromyou.Iwritebutaword:everythinggoesonwell.TomorrowIshallbeatPotsdam,the25thatBerlin.Iamperfectlywell;fatigueagreeswithme.
IamgladtohearofyouincompanytogetherwithHortenseandStéphanie.
Theweatherhassofarbeenverypleasant.MuchlovetoStéphanieandtoeveryone,includingM.Napoleon.Goodby,mydear.Everyours."
one,includingM.Napoleon.Goodby,mydear.Everyours."
AtPotsdamtheEmperorvisitedthecelebratedpalaceofSansSouciandfoundtheroomofFredericktheGreatasithadbeeninhislifetime,andguardedbyoneofhisoldservants.HethenwenttotheProtestantchurchwhichcontainedthehero'stomb."Thedoorofthemonumentwasopen,"saysGeneraldeSégur."Napoleonpausedattheentrance,inagraveandrespectfulattitude.Hegazedintotheshadowenclosingthehero'sashes,andstoodthusfornearlytenminutes,motionless,silent,asifburiedindeepthought.Therewerefiveorsixofuswithhim:Duroc,Caulaincourt,anaide-de-camp,andI.Wegazedatthissolemnandextraordinaryscene,imaginingthetwogreatmenfacetoface,identifyingourselveswiththethoughtsweascribedtoourEmperorbeforethatothergeniuswhoseglorysurvivedtheoverthrowofhiswork,whowasasgreatinextremeadversityasinsuccess."Theeighteenthbulletinsaidofthistomb:"Thegreatman'sremainsareenclosedinawoodencoffincoveredwithcopper,andareplacedinavault,withnoornaments,trophies,orotherdistinctionrecallinghisgreatactions."TheEmperorpresentedtotheInvalidesinParisFrederick'ssword,hisribbonoftheBlackEagle,hisgeneral'ssash,aswellastheflagscarriedbyhisguardintheSevenYears'War.
TheoldveteransofthearmyofHanoverreceivedwithreligiousrespecteverythingwhichhadbelongedtooneofthefirstcaptainswhosememoryisrecordedinhistory.WhenhesawthatthePrussiancourthadnotthoughtofmakingthoserelicssafefrominvasion,theheroofJena,whoonthisoccasionabusedhisvictory,exclaimedashepointedtothefamoussword:"Ipreferthattotwentymillions."InhisletterstoJosephine,NapoleonmadenomentionofhisimpressionsinthehouseofFrederick.Hesimplywrote,October24:"IhavebeenatPotsdamsinceyesterday,andshallspendto-dayhere.Icontinuetobesatisfiedwitheverything.Myhealthisgood;theweatherisfine.IfindSansSouciveryagreeable.Goodby,mydear.MuchlovetoHortenseandM.Napoleon."
October27,1806,theEmperormadehisformalentranceintoBerlin,surroundedbyhisguardandfollowedbythecuirassiersofthedivisionsofHautpoulandNansouty.HeproceededintriumphfromtheCharlottenburgergatetotheKing'sPalace,ofwhichhewastotakepossession.Thepopulacecrowdedthestreets,bututterednocriesofhateorflatteryfortheconqueror."Prussiawashappy,"saysThiers,"atnotbeingdivided,andatretainingitsdignityinitsdisasters.Theenemy'sentrancewasnotfirsttheoverthrowofonepartyandthetriumphofanother;itcontainednounworthyfaction,indulginginodiousjoyand
another;itcontainednounworthyfaction,indulginginodiousjoyandapplaudingthepresenceofforeignsoldiers!WeFrenchmen,unhappierinourdefeats,haveknownthisabominablejoy;forwehaveseeneverythinginthiscentury:theextremesofvictoryandofdefeat,ofgrandeurandofabasement,ofthepurestdevotionandoftheblackesttreachery!"Alas!
WhatFrenchmancouldhaveforetoldin1806thedisastersof1814and1815?
Thearmydeemeditselfinvincibleandwaswildwithjoyfulpride.Davout,whosementheEmperorhadjustcongratulated,wrotetohimingreatenthusiasm:"Sire,weareyourtenthlegion.EverywhereandatalltimesthethirdcorpswillbeforyouwhatthatlegionwasforCaesar."Neverdidsoldiershavegreaterenthusiasmormoreconfidenceintheirleader.
OnemighthavesaidthatJosephine,amidallthesetriumphs,hadapresentimentofthefuture.Victoriescouldnotdispelhersadness.HerhusbandwrotetoherNovember1:"Talleyrandhascome,andtellsmethatyoudonothingbutcry.Butwhatdoyouwant?Youhaveyourdaughters,yourgrandchildren,andgoodnews;certainlyyouhavethematerialsforhappinessandcontent.Theweatherhereissuperb;notadropofrainhasfalleninthewholecampaign,Iamingoodhealth,andeverythingisprogressingfavorably.Goodby.IhavereceivedaletterfromM.Napoleon;Idon'tthinkitisfromhimbutfromHortense.Lovetoall."
Napoleonwasnotmodestinhistriumph.HepursuedwithsarcasmsthenobilityofPrussiaandQueenLouisewhohadwarmlycounselledwar.Thisfairsovereign,themotherofthelateEmperorWilliam,wasthenthirtyyearsold;shewasthedaughterofaDukeofMecklenburg-StrelitzandofaPrincessofHesse-Darmstadt.ShewasamostthoroughGerman,hatedFrance,andespeciallytheFrenchRevolution.Shewasafearlesshorsewoman,andhadbeenseenfacinggreatdangersatthebattleofJena.Whensherodebeforehertroopsinherhelmetofpolishedsteel,shadedbyaplume,inherglitteringgoldencuirass,hertunicofsilverstuff,herredbootswithgoldspurs,sheresembledTasso'sheroines.Thesoldiersburstintocriesofenthusiasm,astheysawtheirwarlikeQueen;beforeherwerebowedtheflagsshehadembroideredwithherownhands,andtheold,torn,andbattle-stainedstandardsofFredericktheGreat.Afterthebattleshewasobligedtotakeflight,atfullgallop,toavoidbeingcapturedbytheFrenchhussars.
InhisbulletinstheEmperorhadmadetheseriousblunderofspeakingofQueenLouiseinamannerwantinginproperrespectforawoman,andespeciallyforawomaninmisfortune.Josephine,whowasfulloftact,wasmuchpainedbythis
womaninmisfortune.Josephine,whowasfulloftact,wasmuchpainedbythislackofgenerosity,andreproachedherhusbandforit.
Napoleonsoughttoexcusehimself,writing,November6:"IhavereceivedyourletterinwhichyouseempainedbytheevilIsayofwomen.ItistruethatIhate,morethananything,intriguingwomen.Iamusedtokindly,gentle,conciliatingwomen;thosearetheonesIlove.Iftheyhavespoiledme,itisnotmyfault,butyours.NowIwillshowyouthatIhavebeenverygoodforonewhohasshownherselfsensibleandkind,MadameHatzfeld.WhenIshowedherherhusband'sletter,burstingintotears,shesaidtomewith,greatemotion,andsimplicity:'Itiscertainlyhishand-writing!'Asshereadit,heraccenttouchedmyheartandgavemerealdistress,Isaidtoher:'Well,Madame,throwthatletterintothefire,Ishallnotbestrongenoughtopunishyourhusband,'Sheburnedtheletterandseemedtobeveryhappy,Herhusbandhaseversincebeenverycalm;twohoursmore,andhewouldhavebeenaruinedman.YouseethenthatIlovekind,simple,gentlewomen;butit'sbecausetheyarelikeyou.Goodby,mydear,Iamwell."
ThekingdomofPrussiawasconquered,butthewarwasnotover,AfterfightingthePrussianshehadtofighttheRussians;thewarinPolandwasbeginning.NapoleonwrotetotheKingofPrussia:"YourMajestyhasannouncedtomethatyouhavethrownyourselfintothearmsoftheRussians.Thefuturewilldecidewhetherthisisthebestandwisestchoice.Youhavetakenthedice-boxandthrownthedice;thedicewilldecideit."AtParis,inspiteofthesplendorsoftheImperialglory,thereexistedavagueuneasiness.PeacehadbeenexpectedafterJena,andsomeapprehensionwasfeltabouttherenewalofthestruggleinthenorthernsteppes.MadamedeRémusatwrote,November9,toherhusband,whowasatMayencewiththeEmpress,"ThereissomethingintheEmperor'scareerwhichconfoundsordinarycalculations,and,sotospeak,goesbeyondthem.Itismostimpressive,and,Imightsay,alarming,andyetheseemssofarabovecustomaryconditionsthatthereisnoneedoffearaboutthepointstowhichheexposeshimself,andstillless,drawthelineatwhichheshallstop.ButIshuddertothinkhowfarheisfromusatthismoment.MayGodbewithhim,Iameverpraying,andpreservehim!
WhilethisgreatpartoftheFrenchnationwhichisunderhisorders,ismarchingtogreatvictories,wearevegetatinghereincompletedulness.
Thereisverylittlesociety,andnohousesareopen."
Josephinewasveryanxioustojoinherhusbandwhohelditbeforeherasa
Josephinewasveryanxioustojoinherhusbandwhohelditbeforeherasapossibility,butneverpermittedit.Hehadwrittentoher,November16:"Iamgladtoseethatmyviewspleaseyou.YouwerewrongtothinkIwasflattering;Ispokeofyouasyouseemtome.IamsorrytothinkthatyouareboredatMayence.Ifthejourneywasnotsolongyoumightcomehere,fortheenemyhasleft,andisbeyondtheVistula;thatistosay,onehundredandtwentyleaguesfromhere.Iwillawaityourdecision.IshallbegladtoseeM.Napoleon.Goodby,mydear.Everyours."AndNovember22:"Besatisfiedandhappyinmyfriendship,inallIfeelforyou.InafewdaysIshalldecidetosummonyouortosendyoutoParis.Goodby.
Youmaygonow,ifyouwish,toDarmstadtandFrankfort;thatwillamuseyou.MuchlovetoHortense."Aftersigningthedecreeestablishingthecontinentalblockade,NapoleonhadleftBerlinNovember25.ThenextdayheagainheldbeforeJosephinetheprospectofaspeedymeeting."IamatCustrin,"hesaidinhisletter,"tomakesomereconnoissances;Ishallseeyouintwodaysifyouaretocome.Youcanholdyourselfinreadiness.IshallbegladtohavetheQueenofHollandcometoo.TheGrandDuchessofBadenmustwritetoherhusbandaboutcoming.Itistwoo'clockinthemorning;Ihavejustgotup.Thatisthewayatwar.Muchlovetoyouandeveryone."AletterfromMeseritz,March27,wasstillmoreexplicit:"IamgoingtomakeatripthroughPoland;thisisthemostimportantcityhere.IshallbeatPosenthisevening,afterwhichIsummonyoutoBerlin,thatyoumayarrivetherethesameday.Myhealthisgood,theweatherratherbad;ithasbeenrainingforthreedays.Mattersareinagoodcondition.TheRussiansareinflight."Josephine,whohadtrembledwithjoyatthethoughtofseeingherhusband,fellintogreatgloomwhenshesawthatshehadbeendeceivedbyavainhope.Thetorturesof,alas!toowell-foundedjealousyweretobeaddedtohersufferings!
NapoleonreachedPosenNovember28,andwrotethenextdaytohiswife:"IamatPosen,thecapitalofGreatPoland,Thecoldisbeginning;Iamwell.IamgoingtomakeatripinPoland.MytroopsareatthegatesofWarsaw.Goodby,mydear,muchlove.Ikissyouwithallmyheart.To-dayistheanniversaryofAusterlitz.Ihavebeenataballgivenbythecity.
Itisraining.Iamwell.Iloveyouandlongforyou.MytroopsareatWarsaw.Ithasnotyetbeencold.AllthePolishwomenareFrenchwomen,butthereisonlyonewomanforme.Doyouknowher?Ishoulddrawherportraitforyou;butIshouldhavetoflatterittoomuchforyoutorecognizeit;nevertheless,totellthetruth,myheartwouldhaveonlygoodthingstotellyou.Ifindthenightslongin
truth,myheartwouldhaveonlygoodthingstotellyou.Ifindthenightslonginmysolitude.Everyours."PerhapsNapoleonwouldnothavebeensoamiabletoJosephinehaditnotbeenthathewasgoingtobeveryunfaithfultoherinPoland,andinamovementofpitywantedtoconsoleherinadvance.Fromtherehesenther,December3,twoletters,oneatnoon,theotheratsixintheevening.Thisisthefirst:"IhaveyourletterofNovember26.Inoticetwothings:yousay,don'treadyourletters;thatisunjust.Iamsorryforyourbadopinion.Youtellmeyouarenotjealous.Ihavelongobservedthatpeoplewhoareangryalwayssaythattheyarenotangry,thatpeoplewhoareafraidsaytheyarenotafraid;soyouareconvictedofjealousy;Iamdelighted!Besides,youaremistaken,andinthedesertsoffairPolandonethinksbutlittleaboutprettywomen.YesterdayIwasataballofthenobilityoftheprovince;ratherprettywomen,ratherrich,ratherilldressed,althoughintheParisfashion."PerhapsNapoleonsaidthattoreassuretheEmpress;IimaginethatthePolishwomen,withalltheireleganceandgrace,werescarcelysoill-dressedashepretended.
Thisisthesecondletter,datedDecember3,6P.M.:"IhaveyourletterofNovember27,andIseethatyourlittleheadismuchexcited.Iremembertheline:'Awoman'swishisadevouringflame,'andImustcalmyou.IwrotetoyouthatIwasinPoland,thatwhenweshouldhavegotintowinter-quartersyoumightcome;soyoumustwaitafewdays.Thegreateronebecomes,thelesswillonemusthave;onedependsoneventsandcircumstances.YoumaygotoFrankfortorDarmstadt,Ihopetosummonyouinafewdays,buteventsmustdecide.Thewarmthofyourletterconvincesmethatyouprettywomentakenoaccountofobstacles;whatyouwantmustbe;butImustsaythatIamthegreatestslavethatlives;mymasterhasnoheart,andthismasteristhenatureofthings."Napoleonshouldhavesaid:Providence.Manproposes,butGoddisposes.
NapoleonagainspokealittleofhavingJosephinecome.HewrotetoherDecember10:"Anofficerhasbroughtmearugfromyou;itisalittleshortandnarrow,butIamnolessgratefultoyouforit.Iamfairlywell.Theweatherisverychangeable.Everythingisingoodcondition.Iloveyouandamveryanxioustoseeyou.Goodby,mydear:Ishallwritetoyoutocomewithmorepleasurethanyouwillcome."
December12hespokeoncemoreofthisprojectedjourneywhichbecameevermoreandmoreremote,likeamirageinthedesert:"Myhealthisgood,theweatherverymild;thebadseasonhasnotbegun,buttheroadsarebadinacountrywheretherearenohighways.SoHortensewillcomewithNapoleon;Iamdelighted.Iamimpatienttohavethingssettlethemselvessothatyoucan
amdelighted.Iamimpatienttohavethingssettlethemselvessothatyoucancome.IhavemadepeacewithSaxony.TheElectorisKingandbelongstotheconfederation.Goodby,mydearestJosephine.Yoursever.AkisstoHortense,toNapoleon,andtoStéphanie.Paër,thefamousmusician,hiswife,whomyousawatMilantwelveyearsago,andBrizzi,arehere;theygivemesomemusiceveryevening."NapoleonleftPoseninthemiddleofDecember.Theeveningbeforehisdeparturehewrotealettertohiswifewhichshowedtheunlikelihoodofherjoininghim,asshehopedtodo;"IamleavingforWarsaw,andshallbebackinafortnight.Ihopethentohaveyouhere.Still,ifthatistoolongIshouldbegladtohaveyoureturntoPariswhereyouareneeded.YouknowthatIhavetodependonevents."TheunhappyJosephinealreadyhadaforebodingofhisdevotiontoagreatPolishlady.
NapoleonreachedWarsawDecember18,1806.Hewastostaytheretillthe23d,returnthereJanuary2,1807,andnottogoawaytillthe31stofthatmonth.Hewasgreetedtherewithenthusiasm.HehadsaidtohissoldiersinhisproclamationonenteringPoland:"TheFrencheagleissoaringabovetheVistula.ThebraveandunfortunatePole,whenheseesyou,imaginesthatheseesthelegionsofSobieskireturningfromtheirmemorableexpedition."NooneunderstoodbetterthantheEmperorhowtoimpresstheimaginationofapeople.AtsightofhimtheinhabitantsofWarsawwerethrilledwithpatrioticjoy.Itseemedtothemthattheirgrandnationwasrisingfromthetomb.ThePolishwomen,withtheirlively,poetic,ardentnature,regardedNapoleonasasortofMessiah.Intheintoxicationoftheirecstaticadmiration,themostbeautifulofthem—andPolandisthecountryofbeauty—turnedtowardshim,likesirens,theirmostseductivesmiles.Thiscoquetrytheyregardedasapatrioticduty.Josephinehadgoodgroundsforjealousy.
NapoleonwasinthefieldduringthelastdaysofDecember.Waratthattimewasparticularlyfatiguing.Thedampness,worsethananycold,saddenedtheeyesandweariedthebody.Thetemperaturewasforeverchangingbetweenfrostandthaw.Fightingtookplaceinthemostunfavorableconditions.ButtheEmperor,pitilessforhimselfandeveryoneelse,utterednocomplaint.HewrotefromGolimintotheEmpress,December29,atfiveinthemorning:"Iwritebutaword,fromawretchedbarn.IhavebeatentheRussians,capturedthirtycannon,theirbaggage,andsixthousandprisoners;buttheweatherisfrightful;itpours,andwearekneedeepinmud."AndfromPultusk,December31:"Ihavelaughedagooddealoveryourlasttwoletters.YouhaveformedaveryinaccuratenotionofthebeautifulPolishwomen.TwoorthreedaysIhavehadgreatpleasureinhearingPaërandtwowomenwhohavegivenmesomevery
greatpleasureinhearingPaërandtwowomenwhohavegivenmesomeverygoodmusic.Ireceivedyourletterinawretchedbarn,withmud,wind,andstrawformyonlybed."Inspiteofwhatherhusbandsaid,JosephinewasrightaboutthecharmofthePolishladies,andNapoleon,onhisreturntoWarsaw,January2,1807,wastobecomeseriouslyinterestedinoneofthem.
SoontherewasnoquestionofsendingfortheEmpress,whowouldonlyhavebeenintheway.Napoleonwrotetoher,January3:"Ihavereceivedyourletter.Yourregrettouchesme,butwemustsubmittoevents.ItistoolongajourneyfromMayencetoWarsaw;wemustwaittilleventspermitmygoingtoBerlinbeforeIcanwriteforyoutocome.Meanwhile,theenemyiswithdrawing,defeated,butIhaveagoodmanythingstosettlehere.IshouldadviseyourreturningtoParis,whereyouareneeded.Sendbackthoseladieswhohaveanythingtodothere;youwillbebetterforgettingridofpeoplewhotireyou.Iamwell;theweatherisbad.Iloveyoumuch."TheEmperor,utterlytakenupbyhisloveforthePolishlady,wasanxiousthatJosephine,insteadofcomingtohim,shouldatoncereturnpromptlytoFrance."Mydear,"hewrotetoher,January7,"Iamtouchedbyallyousay,butthecoldseason,thebad,unsaferoadspreventmygivingmyconsenttoyourfacingsomanyfatigues.ReturntoParisforthewinter.GototheTuileries,holdyourreceptions,andliveasyoudowhenIamthere:thatismywish.PerhapsIshalljoinyoutherewithoutdelay;butyoumustgiveuptheplanoftravellingthreehundredleaguesatthisseason,throughhostilecountries,intherearofthearmy.Besurethatitismorepainfultomethantoyoutopostponeforafewweeksthepleasureofseeingyou;butthisiscommandedbyeventsandthestateofaffairs.Goodby,mydear,behappyandbrave."Thenextdayhewroteagainonthesamesubject:"Ihaveyoursofthe27th,withthoseofHortenseandM.Napoleonenclosed.IhaveaskedyoutogobacktoParis;theseasonistoobad,theroadstooinsecureanddetestable,thedistancetoogreatformetoallowyoutocomesofartomewhenmyaffairsdetainme.Itwouldtakeyouatleastamonthtogethere.You.wouldbesickwhenyougothere,andthen,perhaps,youwouldhavetostartback;itwouldbemadness.YoursojournatMayenceistoodull.Pariscallsforyou;gothere;thatismydesire.Iammoredisappointedthanyou;butwemustbowtocircumstances."InaletterofJanuary11,hesays;"Iseeveryfewpeoplehere."ButhesawthePolishlady,andthatwasenough.
Josephine,whosuspectedarival,wasindespair.Herhusbandwrotetoconsoleher,January16:"IhavereceivedyoursofJanuary5.Allthatyousayofyourdisappointmentsaddensme.Whythesetearsandlamentations?
Haveyounotmorecourage?Ishallsoonseeyou;donotdoubtmyfeelings,and
Haveyounotmorecourage?Ishallsoonseeyou;donotdoubtmyfeelings,andifyouwishtobestilldearertome,showcharacterandstrengthofsoul.Iamhumiliatedtothinkthatmywifecandoubtmydestinies.Goodby,mydear,Iloveyouandlongtoseeyou,andwanttohearthatyouarecontentedandhappy."Inanotherletter,January18,NapoleontriedtocheerupJosephine,whowasevenmoreanxiousanduneasy:"Ifearyouareunhappyaboutourseparationwhichmustlastsomeweeksyet,andaboutreturningtoParis.Ibegofyoutohavemorecourage.Ihearthatyouarealwayscrying.Fie,thatisverybad!YourletterofJanuary7givesmemuchpain.Beworthyofmeandshowmorecharacter.MakeaproperappearanceatParis,andaboveall,becontented.Iamverywell,andIloveyoumuch;butifyouarealwaysintears,Ishallthinkyouhavenocourageandnocharacter.Idonotlovecowards;anEmpressoughttohavesomespirit."
Napoleon'swillwasnottobealtered.JosephinewasforcedtoleaveherdaughterandtoreturntoParis.HerhusbandwrotetoherfromWarsaw:"IhaveyourletterofJanuary15.Itisimpossibleformetoletwomenundertakesuchajourney:badroads,unsafe,andasloughofmud.GobacktoParis;behappyandcontentedthere;perhapsIshallbetheresoon.Ilaughatwhatyousay,thatyoumarriedtobewithyourhusband.Ihadthoughtinmyignorancethatthewifewascreatedforthehusband,thehusbandforthecountry,thefamily,andglory.Forgivemyignorance.Goodby,mydear,believethatIregretthatIcannothaveyoucome.Saytoyourself,'ItisaproofhowdearIamtohim.'"AllthesefinewordscouldnotconsoleJosephine,whoknewfromexperiencethatNapoleon,likemanyunfaithfulhusbands,hadasmooth,tonguewhenheneededforgiveness.
InvainshehadwaitedfourmonthsatMayenceforpermissiontorejoinherhusband.Sheatlast,foundherselfobligedtoleavethistownwhereshehadnootherpleasurethanthesightofherdaughterandhergrandchildren,fromwhomshepartedwithpain.January27shewasatStrassburg,andthe31st.atParis.
XXI.
THERETURNOFTHEEMPRESSTOPARIS.
TheEmpressJosephinewasmuchlovedinFrance,andespeciallyinParis,wherehergentleness,amiability,andgreatkindlinesshadwonforherallsympathies,eventhoseofpeoplewhowerehostiletotheEmperor.Herreturntothecapitalwasgreetedwithpleasure,andherpresenceawakeneditfromitspreviousgloom.TheMoniteurthusdescribesherpassagethroughthechieftownofthedepartmentoftheLowerRhine."Strassburg,January23,1807.HerMajestytheEmpressandQueenarrivedwithinourwallsyesterday,the27th,onherwayfromMayencetoParis.HerMajestyhavingconsentedtonotifytheCounsellorofState,PrefectShée,thatshewouldacceptamodestentertainment,thisnewsspreadlivelyjoythroughoutthiscity.ThisproofoftheEmpress'skindness,accompaniedbythegraciousmemoryshewishedtotestifyforthepeopleofStrassburg,madethepreparationsforthisimpromptueventeasy,andinspiteofthebrieftimebetweentheannouncementandthearrivalofHerMajesty,anumerousandbrilliantcompanywassoonassembledatthePrefecture.Thehallwaselegantlydecorated;theemblemsandmottoesrecalledtheobjectofthefestivity.Afterasquaredanceandawaltz.HerMajestypassedthroughthecompany,addressingakindwordtoeveryladypresent."Thenextday,January28,atseveninthemorning,theEmpressstarted,amidcriesof"LongliveJosephine!"ShereachedtheTuileriesJanuary31,ateightintheevening.Thenextday,atnoon,gunswerefiredattheInvalides,toannounceherreturn.Thegreatbodiesofthestatesolicitedthehonorofofferinghertheirhomages.Shewasalittletiredbyherjourney,andwasunabletoreceivethemtillFebruary5.
Atthisreceptionshewastheobjectofalmostasmuchflatteryaswasthe
Emperor.Wequoteafewofthephrases:—
M.Monge,PresidentoftheSenate:"Madame,theSenatelaysatthefeetofYourImperialandRoyalMajestythetributeofitsprofoundrespectandthehomageoftheadministrationwithwhichitisanimatedforallyourvirtues….Itcongratulatesitselfonseeingagain,inthecapital,theaugustspousetowhomouradoredrulerhasgivenallhisconfidenceandwhodeservesitinsomanyways."
M.deFontanes,PresidentoftheLegislativeBody:"Halfofourwishesaregranted.ThepresenceofYourMajestywillmakeusattendlessimpatientlyanotherreturnthattheFrenchdesirewithyou.…Parisconsolesitselffornotseeinghimwhogivessuchglorytothethrone,byfindinginyouherwhohasalwayslenttoSovereigntysomuchcharm,somuchgentlenessandkindness."
M.Fabre,PresidentoftheTribunal:"Madame,yourreturnhasarousedthekeenestjoy.Thememoryofthatdelicatekindnesswhichknewhowtotempersomanywoes;ofthatactivebeneficencewhichrepairedsomanymisfortunes,isimprintedoneveryheart.Everyonesays:'Providenceingivingtousthehero,whosevastdesignsarecrownedwiththemostconstantandpromptsuccess,desiredtocompletehiskindness,byplacingnearhimhertowhomeverystrickenheartturns,whoisthemostagreeableobjectofgratitude,andwho,moreover,throughoutFranceiscalledthefriendofmisfortune.'"
M.Lejean,FirstVicar-GeneraloftheChapterofNotreDame(speakingintheplaceoftheCardinalArchbishopofParis,whowasill):"Madame,HisEminencetheArchbishop,ourworthyprelate,hascommandedmetoconveytoYourImperialandRoyalMajestyhisregretsatnotbeingablehimselftopresenttoyouthechapterandclergyofParis.'Go,'thatvenerableoldmansaidtome,'andassurethebenevolentEmpressfrommethatIthoroughlysharethejoywhicheveryonefeelsatherreturn.TellherthatneveramomentpassesthatIdonotaddresstoHeaventhemostferventprayersforthehappinessofFranceandofourinvincibleEmperor,andforthesuccessofhisarms.TheLordhasdeignedtograntmyprayers;inaveryshorttimeastoundingprodigieshavebeenwroughtbyNapoleon,andIoffermythanks.'ThechapterandtheclergyofParisprayforYourMajestytobesurethattheirfeelingsforyoursacredpersonandforthatofyouraugusthusbandarelikethoseofHisEminence."
ThePrefectoftheSeine:"YouarefarfromtheEmperor,Madame,butParis,too,isfarfromhim.Well,tomitigatethisseparation,equallypainfulforParisandforYourMajesty,ParisandYourMajestywilltalktooneanothermuchabout
theEmperor.YouwilltakepleasureinhearingthathissubjectsofthegoodcityofParisareeverfaithfultohim;thattheyarepreparedforeveryactofdevotionwhichmaybedemandedbyhisglory,thehonoroftheEmpire,andtheresolutionhehasformedofnotlayingdownhisarmsuntilhehasassuredthepeaceofnations.Youwilltakepleasureinseeingusfollowinthought,eventothemostdistantclimes,hisevervictoriouseagles.Inshort,Madame,ateveryexploitoftheGrandArmy,youwillbegladtoheartheloudapplausewhichwehaveoftenwishedcouldreachyou,eveninthecampsofthefounderoftheEmpire,andthentouchedbythesincerityofourprayers,youwilldeigntolistentothem,andsometimeseventobetheirinterpreter."
Inspiteoftheseofficialflatteries,andmoreorlessinterestedcompliments,theEmpresswasfarfromhappy.Possiblysheimaginedthatsoon,eveninherlifetime,thesamehomagewouldbeaddressedbythesamepersons,inthesamepalace,toanotherwoman.Besidesthis,however,shehadmanycausesfordistress.Shesufferedfromtheabsenceofherchildren,fromherdaughter'sdomesticunhappiness,fromtheEmperor'sremoteness,hisinfidelitiesinPoland,fromthedangersthreateninghiminthisrelentlessanddistantwar.ShewrotetoherdaughterFebruary3:"Igothere,dearHortense,theeveningofthe31st,asIexpected.Myjourneywaspleasant,ifIcancallitsowhenitseparatedmefurtherfromtheEmperor.Ihavereceivedfivelettersfromhimsincemydeparture.Ineedtohearfromyounowthatyouarenolongerwithmetoconsoleme.Tellmehowyouare;writetomeaboutyourhusbandandchildren.AlthoughIseemorepeopleherethanatMayence,Iamquiteaslonely,andyouwillseemtobewithmeifyouwrite.Goodby,mydear,Iloveyoutenderly."Josephineyearnedallthemoreeagerlyforhappinessasamother,becauseaswifeshesufferedcruelly,andthetormentsofjealousywereaddedtohergriefattheEmperor'sabsence.
TooneofthelastlettershiswifehadwrittenfromMayenceNapoleonansweredinanundatedletterwhichshereceivedinParis:"Mydear,yourletterofJanuary20,haspainedmemuch;itistoosad.Thatistheresultofexcessivepiety!Youtellmethatyourhappinessmakesyourglory.Thatisungenerous;yououghttosay,thehappinessofothersmakesmyglory.Itisnotlikeamother;yououghttosay,thehappinessofmychildrenismyglory.Itisnotlikeawife;yououghttosay,myhusband'shappinessmakesmyglory.Now,sincethenation,yourhusband,yourchildrencannotbehappywithoutalittleglory,youshouldnotdespiseit.Josephine,youhaveagoodheart,butaweakhead;yourfeelingsaremostadmirable;youreasonlesswell.Butthatisenoughsquabbling;Iwantyoutobemerry,contentwithyourlot,andtoobey,notgrumblingandcrying,but
tobemerry,contentwithyourlot,andtoobey,notgrumblingandcrying,butcheerfullyandhappily.Goodby,mydear.
I'moffto-night,toinspectmyoutposts."ItmustbeconfessedthattobeasmerryastheEmperordemanded,Josephinewouldhaveneededaveryexceptionalcharacter.HerhusbandwasattheotherendofEurope,neverinterruptingtheintenseemotionsandgreatrisksofacolossalstruggleexceptforbriefdistractions,which,however,couldnotbeagreeable,sosuspiciousandjealousasshewas.
Constant,theEmperor'svaletdechambre,hasrecountedinhisMemoirs,thepassionwithwhichabeautifulPolishladyinspiredhismaster,earlyin1807.NapoleonspentthewholemonthofJanuaryatWarsawinagreatpalace.ThePolishnobilitygavehimmagnificentballs,andatoneofthemhenoticedayoungwomanoftwenty-two,MadameV.,whohadrecentlymarriedanoldnobleman,amostworthymanofsternprinciplesandseverenature.Bythesideofheragedhusband,thisyoungwoman,whosesadnessandmelancholyonlyaddedtoherbeauty,waslikeavictiminwaitingforaconsoler.Shewasacharmingperson,withlighthair,blueeyes,abrilliantcomplexion,agracefulfigure,anddignifiedcarriage.TheEmperorwentuptoher,addressedher,andwassoondelightedbyherconversation.Heimaginedthatshewasunhappilymarriedandheatonceconceivedawarmloveforher,intenserandfarmoreseriousthananyhehadeverfeltforoneofhisfavorites.Thenextdayhewasnoticeablyrestless.Hewouldgetupandwalkabout,thensitdownonlytogetonhisfeetagain."Ithought,"Constantgoeson,"thatIshouldnevergethimdressedthatday.Immediatelyafterbreakfasthedespatchedagreatpersonage,whosenameIshallnotgive,topayavisittoMadameV.,andcarryhisregardsandentreaties.Sheproudlyrefusedtolistentohispropositions,possiblyonaccountoftheirsuddenness,or,itmaybe,bynaturalcoquetry.Theherohadpleasedher;thethoughtofhavingaloverresplendentwithpowerandgloryfascinatedher,butshehadnoideaofyieldingwithoutastruggle.Thegrandpersonagereturnedingreatsurpriseandcompassionatthefailureofhisnegotiation."
Constantsaysthathefoundhismasterthenextmorningverybusy.TheEmperorhadwrittenmanylettersthepreviouseveningtothePolishlady,whohadmadenoreply.Hispridewaswoundedbyaresistancetowhichhehadnotbeenaccustomedsincehehadbecomegreat.Atlast,however,hehadwrittensomany,andsuchardentandtouchingletters,thatsheconsentedtovisithimoneeveningbetweentenandeleven.Thegrandpersonagewhohadtriedtomakethe
eveningbetweentenandeleven.Thegrandpersonagewhohadtriedtomakethenegotiations,wasorderedtogotoaremotespotandreceivetheladyinacarriage.Napoleonpacedtheroomwhileawaitingher,betrayingemotionandimpatience."AtlastMadameV.
arrived,"saysConstant,whosemasterkeptaskinghimwhattimeitwas.
"Shewasinamostpitiablecondition,pale,silent,hereyesfulloftears.Assoonassheappeared,IledhertotheEmperor'sroom.Shecouldscarcelystandandshewastremblingassheleanedonmyarm.ThenIwithdrewwiththegreatpersonagewhohadbroughther.DuringherinterviewwiththeEmperor,MadameV.weptandsobbedsothatIcouldoverhearherevenatagreatdistance.Atabouttwointhemorning,theEmperorcalledme.IwenttohimandsawMadameV.goingaway,withherhandkerchiefathereyes,weepingfreely.Thesamepersonagecarriedheraway.Ithoughtshewouldnevercomeback."But,contrarytohisexpectations,MadameV.camebacktwoorthreedayslaterataboutthesamehour;sheseemedcalmer,hereyeswerelessred,herfacenotsopale,andshecontinuedhervisitsduringtheEmperor'sstay.EvidentlyJosephinehadgoodgroundsforjealousy.
NapoleoninterruptedthesedistractionsbygoingforthtofightthebattleofEylau,oneofthebloodiestandmostobstinatecombatsknowntohistory.HedescribeditintwoletterstotheEmpress,writteninthesameday.Thisisthefirst:—"Eylau,February9,1803,3A.M.MYDEAR:Wehadagreatbattleyesterday.
Iwasvictorious,butourlosswasheavy;thatoftheenemy,whichwasevengreater,isnoconsolationforme.Iwriteyouthesefewlinesmyself,thoughIamverytired,totellyouthatIamwellandloveyou.
Everyours."
Thisisthesecond:—
"Eylau,February9,6P.M.Iwriteawordlestyoushouldbeanxious.Theeveninglostthebattle;fortycannon,tenflags,twelvethousandprisoners,sufferinghorribly.Ilostsixteenhundredkilledandthreetofourthousandwounded.Yourcousin,Tascher,isunhurt.Ihaveplacedhimonmystaffasartilleryofficer.Corbineauwaskilledbyashell.Iwasexceedinglyattachedtohim;hewasanexcellentofficer,andIamdeeplydistressed.MyHorseGuardcovereditselfwithglory.D'Allemagneisdangerouslywounded.Goodby,my
covereditselfwithglory.D'Allemagneisdangerouslywounded.Goodby,mydear."
TheEmperordidnottelleverythingtoJosephine;hesaidnothingabouttheterriblevicissitudesofthebattle,avictoryscarcelytobedistinguishedfromadefeat;hekeptsilenceaboutthecruelsufferingsofhisarmywhich,withouthavingeaten,hadfoughtamidblindingsnowbeneathaleadensky;hesaidnowordabouttheregimentsdestroyed,oneinparticular,fromcoloneltodrummers,allkilledorwounded;hedidnotmentionhisowndangerinthecemeteryonthehill,wherehehadstoodsurroundedbyhisGuard,hislastresource,anxiouslywatchingthefightfromitsbeginning,slashingthesnowwithhiswhip,andexclaimingattheapproachoftheRussianGrenadiersastheyadvancedtowardshim,"Whataudacity!"Hedidnotsaythataftertheterribleandfruitlessbloodshed,whichbotharmiesclaimedasavictory,hehadbeenobligedtowithdraw,andthatBennigsenhadtakenpossessionofthehotlydisputedbattle-field.Hedidnotsaywhathewasabouttosayinhisbulletins:"Imagine,onaspacealeaguesquare,nineortenthousandcorpses;fourorfivethousanddeadhorses;linesofRussianknapsacks;fragmentsofgunsandsabres:theearthcoveredwithbullets,shells,supplies;twenty-fourcannon,surroundedbytheirartillerymen,slainjustastheyweretryingtotaketheirgunsaway;andallthatinplainestreliefonthestretchofsnow."Hedidnotquotethewordsheutteredinthebitingfrost,infaceofthousandsofdeadanddying,whenthegloomydaywassinkingintoanightofanguish:"Thissightisonetofillrulerswithaloveofpeaceandahorrorofwar."No;theEmperordidnottellhereverything.
Inanotherletter,datedEylau,February11,8A.M.,theEmperortriedtoreassuretheEmpress:"Isendyoualine:youmusthavebeenveryanxious,Ifoughttheenemyonamemorabledaywhichcostmemanybravemen.Thebadweatherdrovemeintowinterquarters.Donotdistressyourself,Ibegofyou;itwillallbeoversoon,andmydelightatseeingyouoncemorewillsoonmakemeforgetmyfatigue.Besides,Ihaveneverbeenbetter.
LittleTascher,ofthefourthoftheline,didwell;andhehadahardexperience.Ihavegivenhimaplacenearme,intheartillery;sohistroublesareover.Theyoungmaninterestsme.Goodby,mydear;athousandkisses."
FromthismomenttheEmperor'sletterstohiswifebecamecold,short,dull,andutterlyinsignificant;speakingofnothingbuttherain,orthegoodweather,andperpetuallybiddinghertobecheerful.Aclear-wittedpersonoughttoseereadilythatNapoleon,whowasotherwiseoccupied,wrotetotheEmpressonlyfroma
thatNapoleon,whowasotherwiseoccupied,wrotetotheEmpressonlyfromasenseofduty.Herearefourletters;thefirstfromLandsberg,theotherthreefromLiebstadt.February18:"Iwritealine.Iamwell.Iambusyputtingthearmyintowinterquarters.
ItisrainingandthawinglikeApril.Wehavenotyethadacoldday.Goodby,mydear.Yoursever."February20:"Iwritealinethatyoumaynotbeanxious.Myhealthisgood,andeverythingisingoodcondition.Ihaveputthearmyintowinterquarters.Itisacuriousseason,freezingandthawing,dampandchangeable.Goodby,mydear."February21:"IhaveyoursofFebruary4,andamgladtohearthatyouarewell.Pariswillgiveyoucheerfulnessandrest;thereturntoyourusualhabitswillrestoreyourhealth.Iamwonderfullywell.Theweatherandthecountryarewretched.Everythingisingoodcondition;itfreezesandthawseveryday;itisamostsingularwinter.Goodby,mydear.Ithinkofyou,andamanxioustohearthatyouarecontented,cheerful,andhappy.Everyours."February22:"Ihaveyourletterofthe8th.IamgladtohearthatyouhavebeentotheOpera,andthatyoumeantoreceiveeveryweek.
Gotothetheatreoccasionally,andalwayssitinthegrandbox.Iampleasedwiththefestivitiesgiventoyou.Iamverywell.Theweathercontinuesunsettled,freezingandthawing.Ihaveputthearmyintowinterquarterstorestit.Don'tbesad,andbelievethatIloveyou."
TowardstheendofFebruaryNapoleonhadestablishedhisheadquartersatOsterode,wherehelivedinasortofbarn,fromwhichhegovernedhisEmpireandcontrolledEurope.HewrotetohisbrotherJoseph,March1,aboutthesufferingsofthisseverecampaigninPoland."Thestaff-officershavenottakenofftheirclothesfortwomonths,andsomenotforfour,Ihavemyselfbeenafortnightwithouttakingoffmyboots….Wearedeepinthesnowandmud,withoutwine,brandy,orbread,livingonmeatandpotatoes,makinglongmarchesandcounter-marches,withoutanycomforts,andgenerallyfightingwiththebayonetsundergrape-shot;thewoundedhavetobecarriedinopensleighsforfiftyleagues….Wearemakingwarinallitsexcitementandhorror."ItiseasytoseethatJosephine,whoknewallthis,hadgoodgroundsforanxiety.Pariswasemptyandgloomy;everyfacewassad.Franceiseasilytiredofeverything,evenofglory.TheauditorsoftheCouncilofState,whoweresenttoOsterodetocarrytotheEmperorthereportsofthedifferentministers,returnedtoParisindeepdistressatthesightstheyhadseen,andspreadalarminofficialcircles.Napoleonconsequentlydecidedthatthosereportsshouldbebroughttohimbystaff-officers,whoweremoreinuredtoscenesofdistress.
FromheadquartersatOsterodetheEmperorsentelevenletterstotheEmpressbetweenFebruary23andApril1,1807,buthesaidnothingofimportanceinthem.Thus:"Trytopassyourtimeagreeably;don'tbeanxious.IaminawretchedvillagewhereIshallbesometime;it'snotsopleasantasalargecity.Itellyouagain,Ihaveneverbeensowell;youwillfindmemuchstouter….IhaveorderedwhatyouwantforMalmaison;behappyandcheerful;that'swhatIdesire.Iamwaitingforgoodweather,whichmustcomesoon.Iloveyou,andwanttohearthatyouarecontentedandcheerful.YouwillhearagooddealofnonsenseaboutthebattleofEylau;thebulletintellseverything;itsreportofthelossesisratherexaggeratedthancutdown."Atthesametimehesomewhatreprovedhiswife:"Iamsorrytohearthatthereisarenewalofthemischievoustalksuchastherewasinyourdrawing-roomatMayence;putastoptoit.Ishallbemuchannoyedifyoudon'tfindsomeclue.Youletyourselfbedistressedbythetalkofpeoplewhooughttocheeryouup.Irecommendtoyoualittlefirmness,andtolearnhowtoputeverybodyinhisplace.Mydear,youmustnotgotothesmalltheatresinprivateboxes;itdoesnotsuityourrank;yououghttogoonlytothefourlargetheatresandalwayssitintheImperialbox.Ifyouwanttopleaseme,youmustliveasyoudidwhenIwasinParis.Thenyoudidnotgotothesmalltheatresorsuchplaces.YououghtalwaystogototheImperialbox.Foryourlifeathome,youmusthaveregularreceptions;thatistheonlywayofwinningmyapproval.Greatnesshasitsinconveniences.AnEmpresscan'tgoabouteverywherelikeacommoner."
ThegreatnesswhichtheEmperorspokeaboutwasnoconsolationtoJosephine.ShewasunhappierbeneaththegildedceilingsoftheTuileriesthanapeasantwomaninahovel.ShebesoughtherhusbandtoletherjoinhiminPoland,andwrotetohimdespairingletters.
NapoleonansweredfromOsterode,March27:"Mydear,Iammuchpainedbyyourletters.Youmustnotdie:youarewellandhavenorealcauseofgrief.IthinkyououghttogotoSaintCloudinMay.butyououghttospendAprilinParis….Youmustnotthinkoftravellingthissummer;allthatisimpossible.Youcouldn'tberacingthroughinnsandcamps.Iamasanxiousasyoucanbetoseeyouandbequiet.Iunderstandotherthingsthanwar;butdutyisbeforeeverything.AllmylifeIhavesacrificedeverything—peace,interest,happiness—tomydestiny."ThesephrasesinnowayconsoledJosephinewhoknewverywellthatherhusband,inspiteofhisassumptionofSpartanausterity;occasionallyindulgedindistractions.
InthemonthofMarchsomethingoccurredwhichsomewhatmoderatedthe
InthemonthofMarchsomethingoccurredwhichsomewhatmoderatedtheEmpress'ssufferings.Herdaughter-in-law,theVice-QueenofItaly,gavebirthatMilan,onthe17th,toadaughterwhowasnamedJosephineMaximilienneAugusta.Sheitwaswhowastomarry,in1827,Oscar,CrownPrinceandlaterKingofSweden."Youwillhearwithpleasure,"theEmpresswroteQueenHortense,"ofthePrincessAugusta'shappydelivery.
Eugeneisdelightedwithhisdaughter;hisonlycomplaintisthatshesleepstoomuch,sothathecan'tseeherasmuchashewouldlike."
JosephinewouldgladlyhavegonetoMilantocongratulatehersonandtokisshergranddaughter,buthergrandeurkeptherinParis,wheretheprolongationofherhusband'sabsenceandthetormentsoftoowelljustifiedjealousyplungedherintothedeepestgloom.
NapoleonbecametiredofthemonotonousandexcessivelydisagreeablestayatOsterode,wherehecouldnotreceivethePolishladytowhomhebecamecontinuallymoreandmoreattached.EarlyinAprilheinstalledhimselfatFinkenstein,inaprettycastlebelongingtoaPrussiancrownofficial,andtherehewasverycomfortablyquarteredwithhisstaffandmilitaryhousehold.Itwasfromthencethathewrote,April2,thefollowingshortlettertoJosephine:"Mydear,Isendyoualine.Ihavejustmovedmyheadquarterstoaveryprettycastle,likethatofBessières,whereIhaveanumberofopenfireplaces,whichisverypleasantforme,asIgetupofteninthenight;Iliketoseethefire.Myhealthisperfect,theweatherisfine,butstillcold.Thethermometerisbutafewdegreesfromfreezing.Goodby,mydear.Everyours."AssoonasNapoleonwassettledinthiscastlehisfirstthoughtwastosendforthePolishlady,forwhomhehadfittedupanapartmentnearhisown.SheleftatWarsawheroldhusband,whoneverconsentedtoseeheragain,andspentthreeweekswiththeEmperor."Theytookalltheirmealstogether,"saysConstant."Iwastheonlyoneinattendance,soIwasabletooverheartheirtalkwhichwasalwaysamiable,lively,andeageronthepartoftheEmperor,alwaystender,affectionateandmelancholyonthepartofMadameV.WhenHisMajestywasawayMadameV.spentallhertimeinreadingorlookingthroughtheblindsoftheEmperor'sroomattheparadesanddrillsgoingoninthecourtyardofthecastle,whichheoftendirectedinperson."
Constant,whofeltboundtoadmirehismaster'schoice,addswithsomefeeling:"TheEmperorappeared,toappreciateperfectlytheinterestingqualitiesofthisangelicwoman,whosegentle,unselfishcharacterleftonmeanimpressionthatcanneverfade…Herlife,likehernature,wascalmanduniform.Hercharacter
canneverfade…Herlife,likehernature,wascalmanduniform.HercharacterfascinatedtheEmperorandboundhimdowntoher."Thislovingidyl,asortofinterludeinthetragedyofwar,mayhavesuitedConstant'staste,butitwashardlyofanaturetopleaseJosephine,who,likemostjealouspeople,knewalmostalwayswhatshewantedtoknow,andfromtheTuileriesfoundmeanstowatchwhatwasgoingoninthisdistantcastle.
Napoleon'sletterstoJosephineduringthereignofMadameV.wereshorterandmorestupidthanusual.Theyweremerelyafewlinesontheweather,theEmperor'shealth,orhisdesiretohearthathiswifewas"cheerfulandhappy."But,alas!cheerfulnessandhappinesswerenotforher!Tooastutetobehoodwinked,sheunderstoodthatherhusbandstillhadafriendlyfeelingforherbutthathislovewasdead.Intheeyesofajealouswoman,friendshipisaslightthing.Whatdoesshecarefortheesteemandattentionsofafriendwhowasonceherlover?Toallthegoodservicesoffriendshipshewouldathousandtimesprefertheanger,fury,violence,oflove.
XXII.
THEDEATHOFTHEYOUNGNAPOLEON.
QueenHortensewasnohappierinherHollandpalacesthanwastheEmpressintheTuileries.Shehadtoendureallthegrief,deception,andmiseryofanill-assortedmarriage.Theincompatibilityofdispositionwhichexistedbetweenherhusbandandherselffromthefirstdaysoftheirmarriedlife,madeitselfcontinuallymorefelt.KingLouisblamedhiswifenotmerelyforherfaults,butalsoforhergoodqualities.Hewassometimesannoyedbecauseshewasgracious,amiable,charming;andthegeneralsympathyshearousedinHolland,asinFrance,excitedthefearsofthisirritableandsullenhusband.Hortenselookeduponherselfasavictim.Shehadalivelyimagination,andexaggeratedhergrieftoherself,sufferingmorekeenlyonaccountofherexcitement,whichwasoftenverygreat.OnedayshesaidtoMadamedeRémusat,herintimateandadmiringfriend,thatherlifewassopainfulandapparentlysohopelessthatwhenshewasatoneofhervillasnearthesea,andlookedoutontheoceanwhereweretheEnglishfleetsblockadingherports,shewishedthatchancemightbringashiptowhereshewas,andshemightbecarriedoffaprisoner.
TheconjugalinfelicitiesofLouisandhiswifeattractedtheattentionoftheEmperor,whokeptasstrictaguardoverhisfamilyasoverhisEmpire,andwasasprompttoexercisecontrolinprivate,asinpoliticalmatters.Hewantedhisbrothertoobeyhim,bothasKingandhusband,andinhisdiscontentatseeinghisordersdisobeyed,hewrotetohim,fromthedepthsofPoland,April4,1807,thisreproachfulletter,whichisarealreprimand:"YourquarrelswiththeQueenhavebecomepublic.Show,then,inprivatelifesomeofthatpaternalandeffeminatecharacterwhichyoudisplayinmattersofgovernment,andinbusinessthesamerigoryouexerciseinyourhousehold.Youtreatayoungwomanaswetreataregiment….Youhaveanexcellentandmostvirtuouswifeandyoumakeherunhappy.Letherdanceasmuchasshepleases;sheisyoung.Mywifeisforty;Iwrotetoherfromthebattle-fieldtogotoaball.Andyou
wantayoungwomanoftwenty,whoseesherlifeflitting,andhaseveryillusion,toliveinacloister,ortobealwayswashingherbabylikeanurse.Youaretoomuchyouinyourhousehold,andnotenoughinyouradministration.IshouldnotsayallthistoyouexceptfortheinterestIhaveforyou.Makethemotherofyourchildrenhappy;youhaveonewaytodothis:thatis,byshowingheresteemandconfidence.Unfortunatelyyourwifeistoovirtuous;ifyouhadmarriedacoquetteshewouldleadyoubytheendofyournose.Butyouhaveaproudwifewhoisafflictedanddistressedbythemerethoughtthatyoumayhaveabadopinionofher.YououghttohavemarriedanyoneofanumberofwomenwhomIknowinParis;shewouldhavehadnodifficultyingettingaheadofyouandwouldhavekeptyouatherfeet.Itisnotmyfault,Ihaveoftentoldyourwifeso."
ThustheEmperor,bytakingpartinbehalfofhisdaughter-in-lawandagainsthisbrother,tookapositionasarbiterintheirdomesticquarrels.ThisinterferencewasallthemoregallingtoLouis,—whowouldhavelikedtobemasterinbothhisownkingdomandinhisownhouse,—thatcalumny,ashewellknew,persistedinrepresentingtheEmperorashisrivalinHortense'slove,andasthefatheroftheCrownPrince.
ThischildwasnamedNapoleonCharles.HewasborninParis,October10,1802.Hisgrandmother,Josephine,nourishedthehopethatsomedayhemightbeheirtotheEmpire,andsheregardedhisbirthasapledgeoffinalreconciliationbetweentheBonapartesandtheBeauharnaises.Shebelievedthathiscradlesavedherfromdivorce.TheEmperor,whoalwayslikedchildren,wasespeciallyfondofhisnephew.Hewatchedhisgrowthwiththekeenestinterest,admiringhisamiability,hisprecocity,hisexcellentdisposition,Theboywasreallyremarkableforintelligenceandbeauty.Hislargeblueeyesreflectedeverymoodofhismind.Good,loving,frank,andmerry,heneededonlytoappearandallsadnesswasbanished.HismotherhadbroughthimuptoreveretheEmperor.Hisfather,theKing,gavehimnewtoyseveryday,choosingthosehethoughtmostattractive.Theboypreferredthosehereceivedfromhisuncle,andwhenhisfathersaid,"Butjustsee,Napoleon,thoseareugly;mineareprettier.""No,"saidtheyoungPrince,"thoseareverypretty,myunclegavethemtome."OnemorningonhiswaytoseetheEmperor,hepassedthroughadrawing-roomwherehappenedtobeamongothers,Murat,thenGrandDukeofBerg.TheyoungNapoleonwalkedstraightaheadwithoutpayingattentiontoanyone,andwhenMuratstoppedhimandsaid,"Don'tyoumeantosaygood-morningtome?"thechildreplied,"No;notbeforemyuncletheEmperor."Whoknows?ifthislittlePrincehadlivedtheEmperormighthavedesirednootherheir,and
thislittlePrincehadlivedtheEmperormighthavedesirednootherheir,andperhapsthedivorcewouldneverhavetakenplace.
Thisboywashismother'shopeandpride,herjoyandconsolation.Hisfather,too,lovedhimmuch.Hewasalightinthedarkness,arainbowafterthestorm.Sometimeswhenhisparentswerequarrellinghesucceededinreconcilingthem.Heusedtotakehisfatherbythehand,whogladlylethimselfbeledbythislittleangel,andthenhewouldsayinacaressingtone:"Kissher,papa,Ibegofyou";thenhewasperfectlyhappywhenhisfatherandmotherexchangedakissofpeace.
ThelittlePrincehadasuddenattackofcroupinthenightofMay4,1807.Hewasthoughttobelost,butintheeveninghewasalittlebetter,andthephysicianshadsomehopeofsavinghim.Theimprovementlastedbutafewminutes.InthecourseofthedayhewasgivensomeEnglishpowders,whichlenthimafeverishstrength,sothatatsixintheeveningheaskedforsomecardsandpicturestoplaywith,butthefeveronlygavewaytohisdeathagony.Towardstenintheeveningthechilddrewhislastbreath.
NowordscandescribetheunhappyQueen'sdespair;shebecamestonywithgrief,andfearswerefeltforherreason.Josephine'sgriefwasboundless.ShedidnotdaretoleavetheEmpirewithouttheEmperor'sauthorization,andsodidnotgotoTheHague,butwentinallhastetotheCastleofLaeken,nearBrussels,whenceshewrotetoHortenseintheeveningofMay14:"IhavejustreadiedtheCastleofLaeken,mydeardaughter,andawaityouhere.Comeandgivemelife;yourpresenceisnecessaryforme,andyoumusthaveneedofseeingmeandofweepingwithyourmother.Ishouldhavelikedtogofurther,butIwastooweak,andbesidesIhadnottimetosendwordtotheEmperor.Ihavesummonedcouragetocomethusfar;Ihopethatyouwillhaveenoughtocometoyourmother.Goodby,mydeardaughter,Iamwornoutwithfatigueandespeciallywithgrief."IntheeveningofMay15,HortensearrivedattheCastleofLaeken,accompaniedbyherhusbandandhersolesurvivingson.
Shewasmotionless,apathetic,thefigureofdespair.M.deRémusat,whowaswiththeEmpress,wrotethenextdaytohiswife:"TheQueenhasbutonethought,thelossshehassuffered;shespeaksofonlyonething,ofhim.Notatear,butacoldcalm,analmostabsolutesilenceabouteverything,andwhenshespeaksshewringseveryone'sheart.Ifsheseesanyonewhomshehaseverseenwithherson,shelooksathimwithkindlinessandinterest,andsays,'Youknowheisdead.'Whenshefirstsawhermother,shesaidtoher:'It'snotlongsincehe
washerewithme.
Iheldhimonmykneesthus.'Seeingmeafewminuteslater,shemadeasignformetocomeforward.'DoyourememberMayence?Heactedwithus.'
Sheheardteno'clockstrike;sheturnedtooneoftheladiesandsaid,'Youknowitwasattenthathedied.'Thatistheonlywayshebreaksheralmostcontinualsilence.Withallthat,sheiskind,sensible,perfectlyreasonable;shethoroughlyunderstandshercondition,andevenspeaksofit.Shesayssheisgladthatshehasfallenintothisnumbstate,otherwisehersufferingswouldhavebeentoointense.Someoneaskedherifshewasmuchmovedwhenshesawhermother:'No,'sheanswered;'butIamverygladtohaveseenher.'MentionwasmadeofJosephine'ssurpriseatherlackofemotiononseeingher;'Oh,Heavens!'shesaid,'shemustnotmindit;that'sthewayIam.'Toanythingthatisaskedheronanyothersubject,shesays,'It'sallthesametome;doasyouplease.'"
AmessengerhadbeensenttocarrythenewstotheEmperor,whowasmuchaffectedbyhearingit.HewrotetoJosephine,May14:"IcanwellimaginethegriefwhichNapoleon'sdeath,mustcause.YoucanunderstandwhatIsuffer.Ishouldliketobewithyou,thatyoumightbemoderateanddiscreetinyourgrief.Youwerehappyenoughnevertoloseachild,butthatisoneoftheconditionsandpenaltiesattachedtoourhumanmisery.
Letmehearthatyouarecalmandwell!Doyouwanttoaddtomyregret?
Goodby,mydear."
May17animposingceremonytookplaceinParis—thecarryingoftheswordofFredericktheGreattotheTuileries.Atriumphalchariot,richlydecorated,carriedtheonehundredandeightyflagscapturedinthelastcampaign.MarshalMoncey,onhorseback,heldthehero'ssword.ThechariotproceededtotheirongateoftheInvalides,whichitwastooloftytopassunder.Thentheveteranscametotaketheflagsandtocarrythemintothechurch.Theceremonybeganwithasongoftriumph.MarshalSérurier,GovernoroftheInvalides,spoke:"Wearehere,"hesaid,"tothenumberofmorethanninehundredofthosewhofoughtagainstthegreatkingwhosewarlikespoilsourchildrenhavejustwon.Atthattimefortunedidnotalwayssmileuponourvalor.Thefatherswerenolessbravethantheirsons,buttheyhadnotthesameleader.Yetwecanonlyrecallwithpridethewordsofthatgreatman:'IfIwereattheheadoftheFrenchpeople,notacannonwouldbefiredinEuropewithoutmypermission'—honorableproofof
acannonwouldbefiredinEuropewithoutmypermission'—honorableproofofhisesteemforthesoldierswhowerefightinghim.Butitwasinthereignofasovereignevengreaterbyhisgenius,hisfeats,hismoderation,thattheFrenchpeoplewastorisetosuchaheightofpowerandglory.WeswearfaithfullytoguardthetreasurewhichhisImperialandRoyalMajestyhasentrustedtous."Thentheoldchurchechoedwithcriesof"Weswearit!"
Atthisceremony,theeloquentPresidentoftheLegislativeBody,M.deFontanes,madeafinespeechfullofenthusiasmforNapoleon,butrespectfultothememoryofthegreatFrederickandtothemisfortunesofhissuccessor.HeclosedwithafewwordsonthegriefthatthedeathoftheCrownPrincemusthavecausedtheEmperor:"Perhaps,atthismoment,"
hesaid,"theherowhohassavedusisweepinginhistentattheheadofthreehundredthousandvictoriousFrench,andofalltheconfederatekingsandprinceswhomarchunderhisbanner.Heweeps,andneitherthetrophiesheapedabouthim,northegloryofthetwentysceptresheholdssofirmly,whichevenCharlemagnefailedtograsp,candistracthisthoughtsfromthecoffinofthatboy,whosefirststepsheaidedwithhistriumphanthands,whosepromisingintelligencehehopedonedaytoguide.Lethimnotforgetthathisdomesticwoeshavebeenfeltlikeapubliccalamity,andmayatenderexpressionofthenationalinterestbringhimsomeslightconsolation.Allouralarmforthefutureisamoreardentexpressionofourhomage.Mayfortunebesatisfiedwiththisonevictim,andwhileshealwaysfavorstheplansofthegreatestofmonarchs,mayshenotmakehimpayforhisglorybysimilarmisfortunes!"
Doubtlessthedeathofthisyoungchildalteredthefaceofthings.Ifhehadlived,itwouldhavebeenforhim,andnothisbrother,tobearthenameofNapoleonIII.,orpossiblyevenofNapoleonII.,andapparentlythedestinyoftheworldwouldhavebeenverydifferent.Kingdomsandempires,onwhatdoestheirfatedepend!May5wastobeafataldate;theyoungPrincediedMay5,1807,andfourteenyearslatertoadayhisunclewastodieontherockofSaintHelena.
XXIII.
THEENDOFTHEWAR.
TheEmpressbroughtherdaughterHortenseandhergrandsonNapoleonLouis,aboyalittleovertwo,backtoPariswithher,butshehadnotlongtheconsolationoftheirpresence;beforetheendofMayHortensewasobligedtoleaveforCauteretstorepairhershatteredhealth.HermotherwrotetoherfromSaintCloud,May27:"Ihaveweptmuchsinceyourdeparture;thisseparationisverypainfulforme,andtheonlythingthatcouldenablemetobearitwouldbethecertaintythatyouaregettingsomegoodfromyourtrip.IhaveheardofyoufromMadamedeBroc.Ibegofyoutothankherforthisattentionandtoaskhertowritetomewhenyouareunable.Iheardnews,too,ofyourson;heisatLaeken,verywell,andawaitstheKing'sarrival.TheEmperorhaswrittentomeagain;hesharesoursorrow.
Ineededthisconsolation,theonlyoneIhavereceivedsinceyourdeparture.Iamalwaysalone,everymomentrecallsourloss,mytearsneverceaseflowing.Goodby,mydeardaughter,takecareofyourselfforyourmother'ssake,wholovesyoumosttenderly."
Napoleon,whoforbadehiswifeanddaughter-in-lawtobegloomy,—anordermoreeasilygiventhanobeyed,—thoughttheirmourningexcessive.Hisexpressionsofsympathywereverysingular.HewrotefromFinkensteintoQueenHortense,May20,1807:—"MYDAUGHTER:EverythingIhearfromTheHaguetellsmeyouarenotreasonable.Howeverlegitimateyourgrief,itshouldhavesomebounds.Donotruinyourhealth;seeksomedistractions,andrememberthatlifeissofullofdangersandevilsthatdeathisnottheworstthingthatcanbefallone."InhisletterofMay24totheEmpress,theEmperorspokeoftheunhappyQueenwithaseveritythatamountedtobrutality:"Hortenseisunreasonableanddoesnotdeservetobelovedsinceshedoesnotloveanyonebutherchildren.Trytocalmheranddonotmaketroubleforme.Foreveryhopelessevil,consolationmustbefound."Hewrotetoheragain,May26:"I
hopelessevil,consolationmustbefound."Hewrotetoheragain,May26:"Ihaveyourletterofthe16th.IamgladHortensehasgonetoLaeken.Iamsorrytohearwhatyousayaboutthesortofstuporsheisin.Shemightshowcourageandself-control.Ican'tunderstandwhysheshouldbesenttothebaths;shecouldfindmoredistractionsinParis.
Controlyourself;becheerful,andkeepwell.Myhealthisexcellent.Goodby.Istareyoursufferings,andamsorrynottobewithyou."
InherbittergriefHortenselackedcouragetowritetotheEmperor,whowasannoyedbyhersilence."Mydear,"hewrotetoJosephine,June2,"IhearthatyouhavearrivedatMalmaison.Ihavenolettersfromyou.IamvexedwithHortense;shehasnotwrittenmeaword.Allyoutellmeaboutherdistressesme.Whycouldyounotdistractheralittle?Youarealwaysintears!Ihopeyouwillshowsomeself-control,thatImaynotfindyousad.IhavebeenfortwodaysatDantzic;theweatherisfine;Iamwell.
Ithinkofyoumorethanyouthinkofanabsentman.Goodby;muchlove.
ForwardtoHortensethisletter."ThisisthesevereepistlewhichJosephinewasbiddentosendtoHortense:—"June2.MYDAUGHTER:Youhavenotwrittenmeawordinyourgreatandnaturalgrief.Youhaveforgotteneverything,asifyouhadnotstilllossestoendure.Ihearthatyoulovenothing,areindifferenttoeverything;thisisplainfromyoursilence.Thatisnotright,Hortense.
Itisnotwhatyoupromisedus.Yoursonwaseverythingforyou?AreyourmotherandInothing?HadIbeenatMalmaisonIshouldhavesharedyoursorrow,butIshouldhavewantedyoutolistentoyourbestfriends.Goodby,mydaughter;becheerful;youmustberesigned.Mywifeismuchdistressedatyourcondition;donotgiveherfurtherpain.Youraffectionatefather."
Itiseasilyseenthatsuchletterswereilladaptedtoallaytheanguishofaninconsolablemothermourningforherchild.
Josephine'sletterstoherdaughtershowedverydifferentfeelings.ThekindEmpressdidherbesttopersuadeherthattheEmperorsympathizedwithhergrief.ShewrotefromSaintCloud,June4:"Yourletter,mydearHortense,givesmemuchconsolation,andwhatIhearfromyourladiesaboutyourhealthmakesmeeasier.TheEmperorwasmuchdistressed,ineveryletterhetriestogivemecourage,butIknowthatthisunhappyeventwasagreatblowtohim.TheKingarrivedatSaintLenlastevening;hehassentmewordthathemeanttocallon
arrivedatSaintLenlastevening;hehassentmewordthathemeanttocallonmeto-day,andhemustleavetheboyhereduringhisabsence.YouknowhowmuchIlovethechild,andhowcarefulIshallbeofhim.IwanttheKingtotakethesamerouteasyou;itwillbeaconsolationforyoubothtomeet.Allhisletterssinceyouleftarefullofloveforyou.Hehastootenderaheartnottobetouched.Goodby,mydeardaughter;takecareofyourhealth;minewillimproveonlywhenIdon'thavetosufferforthoseIlove."ThislettershowsallthekindnessandgentlenessofJosephine'scharacter.Shewasconciliatingandbenevolent,anddidherbesttosmoothoverNapoleon'sblameandtoreconcileHortensewithherhusband.ShewroteagainfromSaintCloud,June11:"Yourboyisverywell,andamusesmeagreatdeal;heissogentle;Ithinkhehasallthewaysofthepoorboywemourn."
JosephineunderstoodconsolationbetterthantheEmperor.
Whatcouldbemoretouching,morematernal,thanthisletterfromtheEmpress?"Yourlettermovedmedeeply;IseeyourgriefiseverfreshandIperceivethisbetterbymyownsufferings.Wehavelostwhatwasmostworthytobeloved;mytearsflowastheydidthefirstday.Thoseregretsaretoonaturaltoberepressedbyreason,althoughitshouldmoderatethem.Youarenotaloneintheworld.Youhaveleftahusband,aninterestingchild,andyouaretootenderforthattobestrangeandindifferenttoyou.Thinkofus,mydeardaughter,andletthiscalmyournaturalsorrow.Irelyonyourloveformeandonyourreasonableness.Ihopethatthetripandthewaterswilldoyougood.Yoursonisverywell,andischarming.Myhealthisalittlebetter,butyouknowitdependsonyours.Goodby.Manykisses."
Thecharacterofthislovingmotherandgrandmothermanifestsitselfineveryoneofherletters.Herstylewassimpleandaffectionate,likeherself.Herletters,fullofthegentlest,best,andmosttouchingfeeling,mightmakeonesay,"Thestyleisthewoman."
WhileJosephineandHortensewereweeping,Napoleonwasbringingaterriblecampaigntoabrilliantend.June15hethusannouncedtohiswifethegreatvictoryofFriedland:"Mydear:Iwritebutaword,forIamverytired;Ihavebeenbivouackingforseveraldays.MychildrenhavebeenworthilycelebratingthebattleofMarengo.ThebattleofFriedlandwillbequiteasfamousandgloriousformypeople.ThewholeRussianarmyrouted;eightycannon;thirtythousandmencapturedorkilled;twenty-fiveRussiangeneralskilled,wounded,orcaptured;theRussianGuardwipedout;itisaworthysisterofMarengo,
orcaptured;theRussianGuardwipedout;itisaworthysisterofMarengo,Austerlitz,Jena.Thebulletinwilltellyoutherest.Mylossesarenotserious;Isucceededinoutmanoeuvringtheenemy.Becalmandcontented.Goodby,mydear,myhorseiswaiting."ThenextdayhewroteanotherlettertoJosephine:"Mydear,yesterdayIsentMoustachetoyouwithnewsofthebattleofFriedland.Sincethen,Ihavecontinuedtopursuetheenemy,Königsberg,acityofeightythousandinhabitants,Isinmypower,Ihavefoundtheremanycannon,stores,andfinallysixtythousandmusketsjustcomefromEngland.Goodby,mydear,myhealthisperfect,althoughIhaveacoldfromtherainandcoldofthebivouac.Becheerfulandcontented.Everyours."FromTilsittNapoleonwrotetohiswife,June19:"IhavesentTaschertoyoutoallayyouranxiety.Everythinggoesonadmirablyhere.
ThebattleofFriedlanddecidedeverything.Theenemyisconfounded,castdown,andextremelyenfeebled.Myhealthisexcellent,myarmysuperb.
Goodby;becheerfulandcontented."Becheerfulandcontented—hewasalwayssayingit.
June25,atoneintheafternoon,agreatsightwastobeseeninthemiddleoftheNiemen.Arafthadbeenplacedmidstreaminplainviewfrombothbanksoftheriver.AlltherichstuffsthatcouldbefoundinthelittletownofTilsitthadbeentakentomakeapaviliononapartofthisraftforthereceptionoftheEmperorsofFranceandRussia.FromonebankNapoleonembarkedwithMurat,Berthier,Bessières,Duroc,andCaulaincourt;andfromtheother,Alexander,withtheGrandDukeConstantine,GeneralsBennigsenandOuvaroff,thePrinceofLabanoff,andtheCountofLieven.Thetwoarmiesweredrawnuponthetwobanks,andthecountrypeopleoftheneighborhoodwerepresenttowatchoneofthemostmemorableinterviewsknowntohistory.Whentheyreachedtheraft,thetwosovereigns,whohadjustbeenfightingsobitterly,andhadsentsomanythousandmentodeath,fellintoeachother'sarmswithemotion.
ThesamedayNapoleonwrotetoJosephine:"IhavejustseentheEmperorAlexander,andammuchpleasedwithhim;heisaveryfine-looking,goodyoungEmperor;hehasmoreintelligencethanisgenerallysupposed.HeisgoingtomoveintoTilsitttomorrow.Goodby;keepwellandbecontented.
Myhealthisexcellent."Thetwomonarchsbecameveryintimate."Mydear,"
NapoleonwrotetohiswifeJuly3,"M.deTurennewillgiveyouallthedetailsaboutwhatisgoingonhere;everythingismovingsmoothly.IthinkItoldyou
aboutwhatisgoingonhere;everythingismovingsmoothly.IthinkItoldyouthattheEmperorofRussiadranktoyourhealthwithgreatkindness.HeandtheKingofPrussiadinewithmeeveryday.Iwantyoutobecontented.Goodby;muchlove."AndJuly6:"IhaveyoursofJune25.Iamsorryyouaresoegoistic,andthatmysuccessgivesyounopleasure.ThebeautifulQueenofPrussiaistodinewithmeto-day.Iamwellandanxioustoseeyouagainwhenfatepermits.Stillitwillprobablybesoon."
TheQueenofPrussiawasoneofthemostbeautifulandmostbrilliantwomenofhertime.AnhourafterherarrivalatTilsitt,Napoleoncalledonher,andthatevening,whenshecametodinewithhim,hewenttothedoorofthehouseinwhichhelivedtoreceiveherwithallrespect.ButinspiteofallhereffortstomodifytheconditionsofthepeaceimposedonPrussia,hergraciousandobstinateendeavorswerefruitless.Napoleon,July7,thusdescribedtoJosephinethedinneroftheeveningbeforetothecharmingQueen:"Mydear,theQueenofPrussiadinedwithmeyesterday.Iwasobligedtorefusehersomeconcessionsshewantedmetomaketoherhusband;butIwaspolite,andalsokepttomyplan.Sheisveryamiable.WhenIseeyouIwillgiveyouallthedetailswhichwouldbetoolongtowritenow.Whenyoureadthisletter,peacewillhavebeenconcludedwithRussiaandPrussia,andJeromewillhavebeenrecognizedasKingofWestphaliawithapopulationofthreemillions.Thispieceofnewsisforyoualone.Goodby,mydear;Iwanttohearthatyouarecontentedandcheerful."ThestoryrunsthattheQueenofPrussia,whoheldabeautifulroseinherhand,offeredittoNapoleon,sayingwithagracioussmile:"Takeit,Sire,butinexchangeforMagdeburg."TheheroofJenamadeamistakenottomaketheexchange.HedidtoomuchortoolittleforthePrussianmonarchy.Sincehecouldnotorwouldnotwipeitout,heoughttohaveletitlive,andbecomeafriendlypower.Whocantell?
Perhapshisacceptanceoftherosewouldhavewardedoffmanyactsofvengeance,manydisasters.Onsuchslightthingsdoestheworld'sdestinydepend!
JosephinewrotetoherdaughterfromSaintCloud,July10:"IoftenhearfromtheEmperor,whospeaksagreatdealabouttheEmperorAlexander,withwhomheseemswellsatisfied.HesentM.deMonacoandM.deMontesquioutogivemedetailsofalltheyhadseen.Theysaythefirstviewwasamagnificentsight.ThetwoarmieswereonthetwobanksoftheNiemen.TheEmperorwasthefirsttoarriveataraftbuiltinthemiddleoftheriver;theEmperorAlexander'sboatfoundsomedifficultyinapproaching,whichgavehimachancetospeakofhiseagernessthwartedbythestream.TheytellmethatwhenthetwoEmperors
eagernessthwartedbythestream.TheytellmethatwhenthetwoEmperorskissed,wide-spreadapplausearosefrombothbanks.WhatmostinterestsmeinallthisgoodnewsismyhopeofsoonseeingtheEmperoragain.Whyisthishappinesstroubledbysadmemoriesthatcanneverbedestroyed?Yourboyisperfectly-well;hiscomplexionhasentirelychanged.IhopethewaterswilldobothyouandtheKinggood;remembermetohim,andbelieveinmyconstantlove."
BeforeleavingTilsitt,wherehehadsignedagloriouspeace,NapoleonhadthebravestsoldieroftheRussianGuardpresentedtohim,andhegavehimtheeagleoftheLegionofHonor.HegavehisportraittoPlatou,thehetmanoftheCossacks,andsomeBaschirsgavehimaconcertafterthecustomoftheircountry.July9,ateleveninthemorning,wearingthegrandcordonofSaintAndrew,hecalledontheEmperorAlexander,whoworethebroadribbonoftheLegionofHonor,Thetwosovereignspassedthreehourstogether,thenmountedtheirhorses,androdetowardstheNiemen.
Thentheygotdownandembracedforthelasttime.TheCzarthenembarked,andNapoleonwaitedontheriver-bankuntilhisnewfriendhadlandedontheothershore.HereturnedtoKönigsbergandfromtheretoDresden,whencehewrotetoJosephine,July,18:"Mydear,Ireachedhereyesterdayafternoonatfive,verywell,thoughIhadbeenpostingonehundredhourswithoutstopping.IamstayingwiththeKingofSaxony,whomIlikeverymuch.Ihavemorethanhalfmyjourneytoyoubehindme.IwarnyouthatImayburstinonyouatSaintCloudoneofthesenights,likeajealoushusband.Goodby,mydear;Ishallbeverygladtoseeyouagain.Everyours."Napoleonspokeofjealousy.ThedaysofthefirstItaliancampaignwereverydistant.Everythinghadchanged.ItwasnolongerhewhohadtobejealousofJosephine:itwasJosephinewhowasjealousofhim,andwithgoodreason.Afteranabsenceofnearlyayear,theEmperorreachedSaintCloud,July27,1807,atsixo'clockinthemorning.
XXIV.
THEEMPEROR'SRETURN.
July28,1807,theEmperor,whohadarrivedatSaintCloudthedaybefore,receivedthegreatbodiesoftheState.Itwouldbehardtoformanexactideaoftheflatteriesaddressedtohim.Letusquoteafewtakenatrandom.M.Séguier,FirstPresidentoftheCourtofAppeal,saidtotheheroofFriedland:"Napoleonisaboveadmiration;onlylovecanrisetohim."TheCardinalArchbishopofParis,speakinginthenameofhisclergy,wasperhapsevenmoreenthusiastic:"TheGodofarmies,"hesaid,"hasdictatedanddirectedallyourplans;nothingcouldresisttheswiftnessofsomanywonders….Haveconfidence,Sire,inourzeal,andinstructthepeopleinthesubmissionandobediencetheyowetoallofYourMajesty'sdecreesandorders."ButitwasCouncillorofStateTrochot,PrefectoftheSeine,whodeservestheprizeinthiscompetitionofadulation.Hereisafragmentofhisspeech:"Sire,nowthatatlastParisreceivesyouoncemoreaftersolonganabsenceandsuchprodigiousfeats,itwouldgladlyexpresstoyouallitsintenseadmiration,andyetitcanonlyspeaktoyouofitslove.And,indeed,ifittriedtocontemplateinyoutheconquerorofsomanykings,thelaw-makerofsomanypeoples,thecontrollerofsomanyevents,thearbiterofsomanydestinies,howcoulditdaretoapproachYourMajesty,andinwhatlanguagecoulditaddressyou?Shoulditspeaktoyouoftriumphs?ButcananyonebutaCaesarhimselfspeakofwhatCaesarhasdone?Ofglory?butfortenyearsithasbeenimpossibletospeakofallyouhavewon.Ofgenius?butwhocanspeakofallthemarvelsyourshaswrought,beforewhichwearedumbandconfounded.Sire,allthesethingsarebeyondus,andsincetheycommandadmiration,evensilence,thesilenceofastonishmentwhichadmirationimposesseemstobeoursolemannerofexpressingit."Morehadnotbeensaid,toLouisXIV.,theSunKing.
InallusiontotheilluminationsinParistheeveningbefore,thePrefect,oftheSeineadded:"Whycouldnotyou,Sire,havebeenaneye-witnessofthejoywhichtheannouncementofYourMajesty'sreturnspreadyesterdaythroughout
whichtheannouncementofYourMajesty'sreturnspreadyesterdaythroughoutthecapitalofyourEmpire!Whycouldnotyouhaveheardtheapplausewithwhichyourfaithfulsubjectsrentthewelkindaringthefestivitywhichtheygaveonthisoccasionuntilwellintothenight!"ThePrefectclosedbyaprophecy,alas!nottooaccurate:"TheaugustEmperorNapoleonwillrenderwarbetweennationsimpossible,andtheworld'shappinesswilldatefromhisreign."
TheheroofAusterlitz,ofJena,ofFriedland,thenthoughtnothingimpossible.HisdirectorindirectswayextendedfromtheStraitsofGibraltartotheVistula,fromthemountainsofBohemiatotheNorthSea.
Charlemagnewasoutstripped.Josephinesawherhusbandagainwithjoy,butalsowithanxietyandterror.Hereturnedsoinfatuatedbyhiswonderfulfortune,hewassoflatteredanddeifiedbyhiscourtiers,inhiswholeImperialandroyalpersontherewassomethingsoformidableandmajestic,thathisgentleandtimidwifewas,asitwere,dazzledbytheraysofasun,toobrilliantforhertolookat.
Josephinehadnowbecomeafraidtoaddresshimasthou,andtocallhimsimplyBonaparteasshehaddonebefore.Whenshespoketohim,sheoftencalledhimSire.ShedidnotdaretoreproachhimwithhisinfidelitiesatWarsawortheCastleofFinkenstein,ortoshowthatshenoticedhisattentionstomanyladiesofthecourt,notablytoabeautifulItalianwoman,afriendofTalleyrand's,whowasoneofherreadersandaprominentobjectofNapoleon'sattentions.Shesawrisingbeforeherthevisionofdivorce,thephantomwhichhadhauntedherimaginationsincetheexpeditiontoEgypt.Fearfulofgivingherhusbandtheslightestpretextfordiscontentorannoyance,shewashumbler,moresubmissive,moreobedientthanever.
SolongastheoldestsonofLouisandHortensehadlived,Josephinefeltcomparativelysecure,becausesheknewthatthisboy,aspecialfavoriteofNapoleon's,wasintendedbyhisuncletobetheheirofhisEmpire.Buthissurvivingbrother,thelittleNapoleonLouis,bornOctober11,1804,didnotgivetheEmpressthesameconfidence.TheEmperorwaslessintimatewiththischild;hehadnotplayedwithhimashehaddonewiththeother;hehadnotbecomeattachedtohim.ThelittleNapoleonLouiswasstayingwithJosephinewhentheEmperorreturned.Shedidallshecouldtomakehimlovehim.
Moreover,itwasnotaneasythingtoholdtheaffectionsofamanlikeNapoleon.Sixyearsyoungerthanhiswife,hewasbutthirty-eight,andinalltheflowerandprimeofhisCaesar-likebeauty.Helikedtomakeaconquestofbeautiesaswell
primeofhisCaesar-likebeauty.Helikedtomakeaconquestofbeautiesaswellasofprovinces.Thethoughtofresistanceexasperatedhim.Ineverythinghedemandedsuccess,triumph,dominion.Thecelebrationofhisbirthday,August15,1807,whichwasaccompaniedwithunusualpompandsplendor,wasofthenatureofadeification.HemadeJosephinesharehistriumph,andheldherbythehandwhenheappearedonabalconyoftheTuileries,intheenclosure,amidtheapplauseofthemultitudeassembledinthegardens.
KingJerome'smarriagewiththeyoungPrincessCatherineofWürtembergaddedtotheanimationofthealreadybrilliantcourt.TheannulmentoftheyoungPrince'smarriagewithMissPatersonhadcausedNapoleonmuchdifficulty.WhenthismarriagehadbeencontractedatBaltimore,December8,1803,hehadbeenonlyFirstConsul,andJerome,asimplenavalofficer,wasinnowayunderthecontrolofthedecreeoftheSenate,whichwaslatertodeterminethecivilconditionsofthenewImperialfamily.ButinhishastetomarrytheyoungandbeautifulAmericangirl,Jerome,whowasbutnineteenyearsold,hadneglected,inspiteoftheadviceoftheFrenchConsul,todemandthepermissionofhismother,MadameLetitiaBonaparte.ThisomissionhadnotpreventedtheBishopofBaltimorefromcelebratingthemarriage.Napoleon,however,regardeditasnullandvoid.ItwasnottillFebruary22,1805,thatheobtainedhismother'sprotest,andthe21stofthenextMarch,byanImperialdecree,heannulledthemarriagewhichdispleasedhim,byhisownauthority.Yet,intheeyesofreligion,thisunionstillexisted.TheEmperoraskedthePopetopronounceitnull,butPiusVII.gavetherequestaformalrefusal,writinginJune,1805:"Itisbeyondourpowerinthepresentstateofthings,topronounceitnull.Ifweshouldusurpanauthoritywedonotpossess,weshouldrenderourselvesguiltyofanabuseabominablebeforethethroneofGod;andYourMajestyhimself,inhisjustice,wouldblameusforpronouncingasentencecontrarytothetestimonyofourconscience,andtotheinvariableprinciplesofthechurch….ThatiswhyweearnestlyhopethatYourMajestywillbeconvincedthatthedesirewithwhichwearealwaysanimatedtosecondhisdesigns,sofarasdependsonus,particularlyinamattersocloselyconcerninghisaugustperson,hasbeenrenderedidlebytheabsoluteabsenceofpower,andweentreathimtoreceivethissinceredeclarationastestimonyofourreallypaternalaffection."ThiswasthebeginningofthequarrelbetweenthePopeandtheEmperor.PiusVII.wouldnotyield;butNapoleonfoundgreaterservilityinthemetropolitanofficialtyofParis;andOctober6,1806,hesecuredasentencepronouncingthenullityofhisbrotherJerome'smarriagewithMissPaterson.
TheKingofWürtemberg,inthehopethataclosealliancewiththeImperialfamilywouldstrengthenhisthrone,andprocurehimaccessionoflandand
familywouldstrengthenhisthrone,andprocurehimaccessionoflandandpower,hadpreparedtogivetotheEmperor'syoungbrotherthehandofhisdaughter,PrincessCatherine.AssoonastheKinghadformedthisdecision,hewouldnotlistentoawordofcriticismfromhisfamily,whowerealreadyaccustomednevertodiscusshisideas.TheKingofWürtembergwasarealgiant.Hewassostoutthatabroad,deephollowhadtobecutoutofhisdining-table;forotherwisehewouldnothavebeenabletoreachhisplate.Hewasfondofriding,butitwasnoteasytofindahorsestrongenoughtocarryhisenormousweight.Thehorsehadtobegraduallyaccustomedtoit,andtoaccomplishthis,theequerrywhohadtopreparetheroyalsteedusedtowearabandfulloflead,towhichhewouldaddnewpieceseveryday,untilhewasasheavyastheKing.Thismonarch,whowashighlyrespected,thoughgreatlyfeared,byidssubjects,hadsomeeccentricities.Thushedemandedthathiswifeshouldbeupandfullydressedbyseveninthemorning;andinsistedthatatwhateverhourofthedayoreveningitshouldpleasehimtoenterherapartment,heshouldfindherreadytoaccompanyhimwhereverhemightwanttogo.TheQueen,whowashissecondwife,—PrincessCatherinewasachildbyhisfirstmarriage,—wasadaughteroftheKingofEngland,andconsequentlyshewasaversetoseeingherstep-daughtermarrythebrotherofEngland'sgreatestenemy;butshetookgoodcarenottomakeanyobjections.TheKingofWürtembergwasseveretohisfamilyandtohissubjects,buthewaswelleducated,intelligent,andenergetic.Napoleonsetgreatstorebyhim,andregardedhimasaloyalandfaithfulally.
Jerome,whohadbeenmadeKingofWestphaliabythetreatyofTilsitt,wastheyoungestoftheEmperor'sbrothers.HewasbornatAjaccio,November15,1784,andwasnotyettwenty-threewhenhemarriedPrincessCatherineofWürtemberg,whowasnearlytwoyearsolderthanhe,havingbeenbornFebruary2,1783.ThisPrincesshadmuchcharm;shewastall,handsome,herexpressionwasnobleandkindly;sheinspiredeveryonewithsympathyandrespect.Shewasawomanremarkableforintelligence,virtue,andaffection.Shewastobeamodelwifeandmother.Sheitwaswho,in1814,refusedtogetadivorceandtoabandonanunfortunatehusband,adethronedking.Sheitwaswhowrotetoherfatherthisadmirableletter,withoutfearofhisanger:"Havingbeenforced,byreasonsofstatetomarrytheKing,myhusband,ithasbeengrantedmebyfatetobethehappiestwomanintheworld.Ifeelformyhusbandlove,tenderness,esteem,combined;atthispainfulmomentwouldthebestofdesiretodestroymydomestichappiness,theonlysortlefttome?Iventuretotellyou,myclearfather,youand,allthefamily,thatyoudonotknowtheKing,myhusband.Atimewillcome,Ihope,whenyouwillbeconvincedthatyouhavemisjudgedhimandthenyouwillalwaysfindhimandmethemost
havemisjudgedhimandthenyouwillalwaysfindhimandmethemostrespectfulandmostlovingchildren."Shewasthecourageouswoman,thefaithfulwife,thedevotedmother,ofwhomNapoleonsaidatSaintHelena:"PrincessCatherineofWürtemberghaswithherownhandswrittenhernameinhistory."
Jerome'smarriagewasaneventofgreatceremony.Itwasfirstcelebrated,byproxy,atStuttgart,thePrincess'sbrotherrepresentingthebridegroom.TheEmperorsentpresentstohisfuturesister-in-law,amongotherthingsasetofdiamondsworththreehundredthousandfrancs.AdetachmentfromtheEmperor'shouseholdandmanyoftheEmpress'sladiesofthebedchamberwenttothefrontierstomeetthePrincess.ShereachedtheCastleofRaincy,August20,1807,andtheresawherbetrothedforthefirsttime,andthe21st,NapoleonreceivedherattheTuileriesonthefirststepofthegreatstaircase.Asshebowedbeforehim,hefoldedherinhisarms,thenhepresentedhertotheEmpress,beforethewholecourtandthedeputiesofthenewkingdomofWestphalia,whohadbeensummonedtoParistobepresentatthemarriageoftheiryoungsovereignwithaPrincessbelongingtooneoftheoldestandmostillustriousfamiliesofGermany.
Saturday,August22,thesignatureofthemarriagecontractandthecivilweddingtookplaceattheTuileries,intheGalleryofDiana,inpresenceoftheEmperor,theEmpress,theladiesandofficersoftheirhouseholdsandthegreatpersonagesoftheEmpire.M.RegnaultdeSaint-Jeand'Angély,SecretaryofStateoftheImperialfamily,readthemarriage-contract,whichwasthensignedbytheEmperor,theEmpress,theyoungcouple,thePrincesandPrincesses,thePrincePrimateoftheConfederationoftheRhine,thePrince'shighdignitariesoftheEmpire,andthewitnessesofthemarriage.Thewitnesseswere,forthecourtofFrance:PrinceBorghese,PrinceMurat,GrandDukeofBerg,andMarshalBerthier,PrinceofNeufchâtel;forthecourtofWürtemberg:thePrinceofBaden;thePrinceofNassau;andtheCountofWinzingerode,theMinisterofWürtemberg.PrinceCambacérès,Arch-chancelloroftheEmpire,thenreceivedtheconsentofthecoupleandpronouncedtheformulaofthecivilmarriage.
Thenextday,Sunday,August23,1807,ateightintheevening,thereligiousmarriagewascelebratedinthechapeloftheTuileries,thegalleriesbeingfilledwiththediplomaticbodies,theforeignprincesandnoblemenandinvitedguests.Theprocessionwasbrilliant.Onenteringthechapel,NapoleongavehishandtothePrincessCatherine,andJeromehistotheEmpress.ThePrincePrimateoftheConfederationoftheRhines,ArchbishopofRegensburg,SovereignPrinceofthatcity,ofAschaftenburg,ofFrankfort,etc.,surroundedbyhisclergyandhis
thatcity,ofAschaftenburg,ofFrankfort,etc.,surroundedbyhisclergyandhiscourt,stoodatthechapeldoor.HegaveholywatertotheEmperorandtheEmpress,whoatoncewenttotheirpraying-chairs;thenhegavethenuptialblessingtotheyoungcouple,whilethecanopywasheldbytheBishopofGhentandtheAbbéofBoulogne,theEmperor'sAlmoners.Aftertheceremony,theyallwentbackfromthechapeltothegrandapartments,wherefollowedaconcert,aballet,andareceptionintheHalloftheMarshals.TwiceNapoleonappearedonthebalcony,showingthenewlymarriedpairthevastthrongfillingthegardenoftheTuileries.Unfortunately,asuddenstormpreventedthedisplayoffireworks.
Whilethethunderwasroaringandtherainpouringdown,theEmpress,atheryoungbrother-in-law'smarriage,wasthepreytosadreflections.ShethoughtofthedesertedAmericanwife,who,faraway,wasweeping,whileherhusband,thefatherofherchildrenwasjoyfullyleadinganotherwifetothealtar.JosephinedoubtlessthoughtthatsoonperhapsherlotwouldhethesameasthatoftheunhappyMissPaterson;thatshewouldhesacrificed,abandoned,repudiatedintheverysameway.
TheEmpresshadanothercauseofgrief.AtthePyreneesherdaughterHortensehadbecomereconciledwithLouis,andwassoontobethemotherofthechildafterwardsknownasNapoleonIII.Butinafewweekstheincongenialityoftheirdispositions,foramomentforgottenintheircommongrief,asserteditselfanew.OntheirreturntoParis,attheendofAugust,thediscordbetweentheKingandtheQueenofHollandwasasviolentasever.TheKing,moreuneasyandsuspiciousthaneverbefore,wantedtocarryhiswifetoHolland,buttheQueenhadanaversiontothecountrywhereshehadsufferedsomuch,andtoitsfatalclimate.Shefearedthatifsheshouldreturnthereshemightlosehersecondsonlikethefirst.Herhealthwaswretched;shefearedthatherlungswereaffected.InFranceshefeltthattheEmperorprotectedherfromherhusband'sanger.Hollandseemedtoheragloomy,damp,melancholyprison,ofwhichtheKing,herhusband,wouldbethejailor.LouisBonapartewasfuriousathiswife'sresistance,allthemorethathewasobligedtohidehisfeelings.Napoleon,whoheldhisfamily,likehisEmpire,inabsolutecontrol,gaveLouis,aswellashisotherbrothers,orderswhichtheyhadtoobeywithoutawordoramurmur.TheKingofHollandreturnedtohiskingdomalone,hiswifestayedinFrance,butinthegloomiestspirits,withmindandbodydisordered,disenchantedaboutallhumanthings."Fromthattime,"shesaidlater,"Iunderstoodthatmymisfortuneswerebeyondcure;Ilookeduponmylifeasdestroyed;Iconceivedahorrorofgrandeur,ofathrone;Ioftencursedwhatsomanycalledmygood
horrorofgrandeur,ofathrone;Ioftencursedwhatsomanycalledmygoodfortune;Ifeltlosttoallenjoymentoflife,shornofallIllusions,nearlydeadtoeverythinggoingonaboutme."Underotherconditions,theEmpresswouldhavebeendelightedtohaveherdaughterwithher,butshefoundhersodejected,somorose,andsounhappy,thatherpresencewasquiteasmuchagriefasacomfortforher.ThesewerethefeelingsoftheEmpressoftheFrenchandoftheQueen,ofHollandwhentheywenttoFontainebleauwiththecourtattheendofSeptember,1807.TheretheEmperorlivedmoresplendidlythanever,surroundinghimselfwithallthepompandmajestyofmonarchy.
XXV.
THECOURTATFONTAINEBLEAU.
ThecourtarrivedatthePalaceofFontainebleauSeptember21,1807,andstayedthereuntilNovember15.Napoleonfelttheneedofdisplayingunprecedentedluxury.HewantedtohavetheDiplomaticCorpssendtoforeignpowerstheaccountofmagnificentfestivities.Thissplendidpalace,withitsproudmemoriesoftheoldFrenchmonarchy,wasaresidencethatpleasedhim.Helikedtobesurroundedbygreatpersons,whetherforeignersorFrenchmen,whorivalledoneanotherinflattery,zeal,andhomagetowardshim.Inhisopinion,festivitiesandbattlesaddedtothegloryofthethrone.Desiringtobeineverythingfirst,hewasveryanxiousforhiscourttobeesteemedthemostbrilliantinEurope.
TherewerevarioustypesamongtheguestsatFontainebleau.TherewasNapoleon'smother,ratherItalianthanFrenchbybirth,andinfaceandaccent.Sherecalledthecharactersofantiquity,unspoiledbyprosperity,austereinherlife,simpleinhertaste,rigidlyeconomical,lessfromavaricethanadistrustofthecontinuanceofherson'sgoodfortune.TherewasthebeautifulPrincessBorghese,DuchessofGuastalla,moreelegant,morefashionable,moreattractivethanever;thenMadameMurat,richinfreshnessandbrilliancy,notsatisfiedwithbeingaFrenchPrincessandGrandDuchessofBerg,butyearningtobeaQueen;theQueenofHolland,ontheotherhand,indespairathavingascendedthethrone,andplungedinadeepmelancholyinmarkedcontrastwiththesplendorssurroundingherinspiteofherself.ThenJosephBonaparte'swife,theQueenofNaples,whosetastesweremodest,andwhopreferredParistoherItaliankingdom.ThereweremanyPrincesandgreatlordsinthecrowdofcourtiers,thesatellitesoftheImperialsun.IntheGalleryofHenryII.weretobedistinguishedaclusterofGermanPrinces:theGrandDukeofWürzburg,—whodidnotseemtosighforhisGrandDuchyofTuscany,findingampleconsolationinsingingItalianpieces,formusicwashispassion;thePrincePrimateoftheConfederationoftheRhine,ArchbishopofRegensburg,SovereignPrinceofthatcityandofFrankfort,who,inspiteofhispositioninthechurch,joinedthe
cityandofFrankfort,who,inspiteofhispositioninthechurch,joinedtheEmperor'shunt;PrinceWilliamofPrussia,whohopedbyhisdevotiontoalleviatethetroublesofhiscountry,andtomodifythedemandsoftheheroofJena;thePrinceofMecklenburg-Schwerin,conspicuousforhisformalGermanpoliteness;theyoungPrinceofMecklenburg-Strelitz.brotheroftheQueenofPrussia,lessinterestedinthepatrioticgrievancesofhissister,thaninhisassiduouscourttotheEmpressJosephine,whoserespectfulplatonicloverhewas;thePrinceofBaden,who,althoughthebrother-in-lawoftheEmperorofRussia,theKingofBavaria,andtheKingofSweden,wasproudtohavemarriedaMademoiselledeBeauharnais,daughterofasimpleSenatoroftheEmpire,withbutoneregret—thathiswifedidnotlovehimenough;Jerome,theyoungandbrilliantKingofWestphalia,apparentlyforgetfulofElisabethPaterson,andfullofmadloveforhisnewwife,PrincessCatherineofWürtemberg.
IntheGalleryofHenryII.wasalsotobeseenMurat,who,afterhistriumphalentryintoWarsaw,thoughtofnothingbutcrowns,anxiouslywonderingwhetherhewastobeKingofPoland,orofPortugal,ofSpain,orofNaples.TherewerethehighdignitariesoftheEmpire,theforeignambassadors,themarshals,theministers;M.deTalleyrandwithhisenormoussalary,hishighpositionasGrandChamberlainandVice-Elector,histitleofPrinceofBenevento,alwayssparklingwiththecold,sceptical,politelycontemptuouswitthatdistinguishedthosewhobelongedtotheoldrégime—Talleyrand,who,intheEmperor'sclosetpossiblyspoketohimwithacertainfreedom,butintheGalleryofHenryII.resembledtheothercourtiersandkeptaprofoundsilenceashismasterdrewnear.ThentheCountofSégur,GrandMasterofCeremonies,asattractiveinthecourtofNapoleonashehadbeeninthatofCatherineII.asambassadorofLouisXVI.;MarshalBerthier,GrandMasteroftheHorse,Vice-Constable,SovereignPrinceofNeufchâtel,asdevotedtoMadameViscontiasifhewereayouthoftwenty;CountTolstoi,thebrilliantambassadoroftheEmperorAlexander;M.deMetternich,thefascinatingandskilfulAustrianAmbassador,conspicuousbyMsadmirationforPrincessMurat.
WhentheEmperorentered,alleyeswereturnedtowardshimalone;abouthimcentredallinterest,allintrigues,allambitions.Heappearedasthedispenseroffortune,thearbiterofdestiny,theexceptionalbeingonwhomdependedindividuals,kingdoms,empires.Hefilleditallwithhispresence;everyoneseemedtoliveonlyforandbytheEmperor.Asmile,aword,theslightestmarkofattentiononhispart,seemedapreciousreward,amarkedhonor,Assoonasheentered,aquiverofadmirationandofterrorseemedtorunthroughtheair.Everyonebowedlikeahorsewhosniffstheapproachofhismaster;theyalmost
Everyonebowedlikeahorsewhosniffstheapproachofhismaster;theyalmostprostratedthemselvesbeforehim.Anyonetowhomhespoke,stammered,fearedtoreply,turnedpaleandred;andhe,rejoicingintheirembarrassment,gloriedinthewidegulfhehadsetbetweenhimselfandallotherhumanbeings.Evenforeignersseemedtobehissubjects.Whatevertheirposition,whatevertheircoat-of-arms,byhissidetheywerevulgarsupernumeraries.Hispowerappearedtobelimitless,likehisgenius;andbelievingeverythingpossible,lookinguponhimselfasaprodigy,alivingmiracle,heexultedproudlyandmajesticallyinhisglory.
UnderthesecondEmpire,whatwerecalledtheseriesofCompiègneandofFontainebleauweremuchlessceremoniousthanunderthefirst.AlltheguestsofNapoleonIII.breakfastedanddinedathistable,—inthemorninginfrock-coat,intheeveninginblackcoatandkneebreeches;nouniformsweretobeseen.Womenappearedatbreakfastinmorningdress;theyworenoespecialdressatthehunt.BeforedinnertheEmpressusedtoreceiveafewspeciallyinvitedgueststodrinktea.AlldaytheEmperorleftthecompanyperfectlyfree.Intheeveningtherewasdancingtothemusicofapianolikeahand-organ,ofwhichachamberlainturnedthehandle.TheEmperorwastreatedwithgreatdeference,butnoonefearedhim,becausehiswordswerealwaysmarkedbygreataffability.NapoleonI.,ontheotherhand,wasperhapsmorefearedthanadmired.Thosewhowerechargedwithorganizinghisentertainmentswereperfectlyhappyifhewassilent;forhealmostnevergaveawordofpraiseandoftencriticised.Itwasaconspicuousandrarehonor,evenforPrinces,todinewithhim.TherewerebesidesatFontainebleau,in1807,severaldistincttables:thoseofthePrincesandPrincessesoftheImperialfamily,whooftengavegranddinners;thatoftheGrandMarshalofthePalace,withtwenty-fiveplaces;thatoftheEmpress'sMaidofHonor,withthesamenumber;and,finally,alasttableforallthosewhohadreceivednospecialinvitation.ThePrincessespaidthecost—ofinstallingthemselvesthereoutoftheirownpurses,whileunderNapoleonIII.,atFontainebleau,oratCompiègne,alltheexpensesweredefrayedbytheEmperor.UnderthefirstEmpireonlythoseholdinghighofficialpositionwereinvitedtotheImperial,residences;underthesecond,manywereinvitedwhowerefamousonlyfortheirelegance.UnderNapoleonI.,whereeverythingwasformal,scarcelyanythingbuttragedywasplayedatthecourt;underNapoleonIII.,lighterplayswereoftengiven.ThehuntswereverysimpleunderthesecondEmperorandverymagnificentunderthefirst,In1807Napoleonhadorderedthatwomenwhowenttothecoursingshouldwearaspecialcostume;thatoftheEmpressandofalltheladiesofherhouseholdwasofamaranthinevelvet,
embroideredwithgold,andacapwithwhitefeathers;thatofthePrincesses,bluefortheQueenofHolland,pinkforthePrincessMurat,lilacforthePrincessBorghese,alladornedwithsilverembroidery.TheEmperorandallhisguestsworethesamehunting-dressforcoursing:agreencoatwithgold,buttonsandlace,breechesofwhitecassimere,Hessianbootswithouttops;forshooting,agreencoat,withnootherornamentthanwhitebuttons,onwhichwerecarvedhuntingemblems.UnderthefirstEmpire,etiquettewasmostrigid;underthesecond,ithardlyexisted.Ateverymomentofdayandevening,NapoleonI.woreatwofoldairascommander-in-chiefandsovereign;NapoleonIII.waslikeamanoftheworldreceivinghisfriendsinhisowncastle.
FromSeptember21toNovember15,1807,thegreatgeneralhadcommandedthatthereshouldbeamusementinthePalaceofFontainebleau.Pleasurewasordered,butitdoesnotcomeatcall.TheEmperor,accustomedtohavehiseverywishobeyed,wassurprisedtoseethatnoteveryfacewasradiant."Strange,"hesaid,"IhavegatheredagoodmanypeoplehereatFontainebleau;Iwantthemtoamusethemselves,Ihavearrangedtheirpleasures,yeteveryoneseemstiredandsad."TheItaliansongs,evenwhensungbythebestsingers,incostumeandwithallthescenery,producedbutafeebleimpression.Thetragediesseemedtoinduceslumber.Thelittleballs,or,moreexactly,thelittlehopsintheapartmentoftheMaidofHonor,MadamedelaRochefoucauld,wereverydull.Sometimeslittlegameswereplayedthere;theygaveaflashofgaiety,butassoonastheEmperorappeared,everyoneassumedaserious,composedair.MightonenotsayoncemorewhatLaBruyèresaidwhenspeakingofthecourtofLouisXIV.:"Whowouldbelievethatthiseagernessforshows,thatmeals,hunts,ballets,tilting-matches,crownedsomanyanxieties,pains,anddiverseinterests,somanyfearsandhopes,somanylivelypassions,andseriousaffairs?"Apalaceisnotbuiltforease.Allitsformalitieshangheavyoneveryguest;thewholeofeverydayisspentinplayingapart.
Amidalltheseemptypleasuresandhollowjoystherewasnolackofsorrow.ItwastherethatthewretchedQueenHortense,spittingblood,mourningthepastanddreadingthefuture,saidtoNapoleon:"Myreputationistainted,myhealthruined,Iexpectnomorehappinessinlife;banishmefromyourcourt;ifyouwish,lockmeupinaconvent,Idesireneitherthronenorfortune.Givepeacetomymother,glorytoEugene,whodeservesit,butletmeliveacalmandsolitarylife."ShehadbeenhappierasanunknownschoolgirlatMadameCampan's,justashermother,theEmpressoftheFrenchandtheQueenofItaly,musthaveoftensighedfortheislandofMartinique,whereshewouldhavepreferredthesplashofthewavestothecourtiers'murmurofobsequiousflattery.Napoleon,
splashofthewavestothecourtiers'murmurofobsequiousflattery.Napoleon,himself,attheheightofhumanglory,hadlostthepeaceofheartwhichheenjoyedinhisboyhood,andneverfoundagain.
TheEmpressJosephinenaturallyheldthehighestplaceinthisbrilliantcourtofFontainebleau,andwastheobjectofuntiringhomage;few,however,suspectedtheanxietiesthattormentedher,socalmhappydidsheappear,withakindwordandagracioussmileforeveryone.
M.deMetternich,theAustrianAmbassadorwhowasthenatFontainebleau,tookpainstoascertainthecausesofhersecretsorrow,andsentthedetailstohisgovernment.HewrotetovonStadion:"InmanyofmypreviousreportsIhavehadthehonorofspeakingtoYourExcellencyaboutthelongcurrentrumorsregardingtheapproachingdivorceoftheEmperor.Aftercirculatingvaguelyinthelasttwomonths,theyhavebecomethesubjectofgeneralandpublicdiscussion.Itistrueoftheserumors,asofallnotstampedoutattheirbirth,thattheyrestonsomefoundationoftruth,ortheywouldbepromptlysilenced,iftheywerenotdirectlytolerated."Thentheclear-sightedambassadorreportedinthesamedespatchwhathehadlearned,thankstohisrelationswithpersonstowhomtheEmpresshadmaderevelations:"Sincehisreturnfromthearmy,theEmperor'sbearingtowardshiswifehasbeencoldandembarrassed.Henolongerlivesinthesameapartmentwithher,andmanyofhisdailyhabitshaveundergoneachange.RumorsoftheEmpress'sdivorcebeganatthatmomenttoassumeamoreseriousform;whentheyreachedherearsshesimplywaitedforsomedirectinformation,withoutlettingtheEmperorseetheslightestanxiety."
Josephinewassorelystricken,andhersufferingswereallthemoreintensebecauseshehadtohidethemfromeveryone,especiallyfromherhusband,andtheymadeamarkedcontrast,bytheironyoffate,withthepleasuresandamusementsthatsurroundedher.Shewastooclear-sightedandintelligenttoproceedtoquestiontheEmperor.Shefearedlightanddreadedthetruth.Shehesitatedbeforetheabyssthatawaitedher,andshudderedbeforetheEmperor'sglance.Shesufferedonthethrone,asifitwereaninstrumentoftorture.ItwasthenthatFouchétooksomestepswhichdoubledheranguish.Theincidentisthusrecounted,byPrinceMetternichinthedespatchalreadycited:"OnedaytheMinisterofPolicevisitedheratFontainebleau.andafterashortpreamble,toldherthatthepublicgood,and,aboveall,thestrengtheningoftheexistingdynastyrequiringthattheEmperorshouldhavechildren,sheoughttoasktheSenatetojoinwithherindemandingoftheEmperorasacrificemostpainfultohisheart.TheEmpress,whowaspreparedforthequestion,askedFouché,withgreat
TheEmpress,whowaspreparedforthequestion,askedFouché,withgreatcoolness,ifhetookthisstepbytheEmperorsorders.'No,'hereplied:'IspeaktoYourMajestyasaministerchargedwithageneralsupervision,asaprivatecitizen,asasubjectdevotedtohiscountry'sglory,''InthatcaseIhavenothingtosaytoyou,'interruptedtheEmpress;'IregardmyunionwiththeEmperoraswritteninthebookofFate,Ishallneverdiscussthematterwithanyonebuthim,andneverwilldoanythingbutwhatheorders,'"Josephine,whenshementionedthisconversationtoherconfidant,M.deLavalette,whohadmarriedaMademoiselledeBeauharnais,saidtohimingreatperplexity;"IsitnotclearthatFouchéwassentbytheEmperorandthatmyfateissettled?Alas!Toleavethethroneisnothingtome.WhoknowsbetterthanIdohowmanytearsIhaveshedthere?ButtoloseatthesametimethemantowhomIhavegivenmybestlove,thatsacrificeisbeyondmystrength."
ButtoreturntoPrinceMetternich'sdespatch:"Manydayspassedwithoutincident,whensuddenlytheEmperorbegantoshareagaintheEmpress'sapartmentandtookafavorablemomenttoaskwhyshehadbeensosadforsomedays.TheEmpressthentoldhimofherinterviewwithFouché.TheEmperorconfirmedhisstatementthathehadnevergivenhimanysuchorders.Headdedthatsheoughttoknowhimwellenoughtobesurethathehadnoneedofanygo-betweentomanagematterswithher,andmadeherpromisetoreporttohimanythingfurthershemighthearaboutthematter."Josephinewasnotatallcomforted.Napoleon'sexplanationwasveryembarrassed,andwhocouldthinkthatsocraftyandambitiousamanasFouchécouldassumetheresponsibilityofsuchanegotiationifhesupposedthattherebyheexposedhimselftohismaster'swrath?
TheMinisterofPolicedidnotconfinehimselftomerespokenwords.AfewdaysafterhisinterviewwiththeEmpress,hewrotetoheralongletteronlargepaper,inwhichhesetforthalltheargumentshehadalreadybroughtforward,tourgeuponherthespontaneoussacrificewhichwouldbethemoremeritorious,themorepainfulitwas.Josephine,whoreceivedthisletterintheevening,summonedM.deRémusatatmidnighttoshowittohim."WhatshallIdo,"sheasked,"towardoffthisstorm?""Madame,"repliedtheFirstChamberlain,"myadviceistogothisverymomenttotheEmperor,ifhehasnotgonetobed,orelsetheveryfirstthingto-morrowmorning.Remember,youmustseemtohaveconsultednoone.Makehimreadthisletter;watchhimascloselyasyoucan;but,whateverhappens,showthatyouhatetheseroundaboutmethods,andtellhimagainthatyouwillneverlistentoanythingbutadirectorderfromhim."
TheEmpressdidashesaid,Napoleon,touseacommonexpression,was
TheEmpressdidashesaid,Napoleon,touseacommonexpression,was"cornered."Hepretendedtobemuchsurprised,andveryangry;promised"tocombFouché'shead,"andevenaddedthatifshedesiredhewouldtakeawayhisportfolio;andtocalmherhewentsofarastowritetotheMinisterofPolicethisletter,datedFontainebleau,November5,1807:—
"MONSIEURFOUCHÉ:InthelastfortnightIhaveheardofyourfoolishactions;itistimeforyoutoputanendtothem,andtostopinterfering,directlyorindirectly,inamatterwhichinnowayconcernsyou;thatismywish."
Fouchéwasnotatalldisturbedbyhismaster'sreproach.Hewasatheartconvincedthathehadnotdispleasedhim;hekepthisportfolio,andwassurethatthedivorce,thoughpostponed,wasirrevocablydecidedonbytheEmperor.Josephinehadnomoreillusions.ItwasinvainthatNapoleonspoketoherkindly,andtriedtoconsoleherwithkissesandeventears,—forNapoleonusedtocrysometimes,—afterFouchéhadmadehisoverturesshehadnomorepeaceofmind.TheendofthestayatFontainebleauwasverygloomy.Allbecametiredofthislifeofemptyshow,oftheperpetualconstraint,ofthepleasureswhichbydintofrepetitionbecamedullandmonotonous.Everyonelongedforhome,toescapefromthismaster'sglances;forhispresenceinspiredanadmirationtemperedwithdread.Thewomenhadspentvastsumsintheirdress.Themenhadindulgedinambitiousplansalmostalwaysfutile.TheGermanprincelingshadsufferedintheirlordlyprideandGermanpatriotismbyhavingtobowtheirheadsbeforetheformidablemanwhosehumblevassalstheywere,andthesemen,vainoftheircoat-of-arms,hadnotseenwithoutasecretspitethecrushingsuperiorityofapoorCorsicangentleman.Thisgreatconquerorhimselfwasnothappyinallhissplendor.Althoughhewasnolongerinlovewithhiswife,itwasnotwithoutsadnessthathehadseenheruneasinessandgrief.AnxietyabouttheconditionofSpain,whichwassofataltohim,castacloudonhisbrow.Whenhuntingintheforest,hewasoftenseentolosehimselfinthoughtandtolethishorsewanderashepleased.Atthetheatricalperformancesitwasnoticedthat,absorbedanddistracted,heappearedtothinklessoftheplaythanofhisvastplans.
NotlongsinceIvisitedthepalaceandtheforestofFontainebleau,inoneofthosecoldbutbrightautumndayswhenthehalfbaretreeshaveastrangeappearance,whensomeleavesareasredasblood,othersasyellowasgold,andnaturewearsallthecountlesshueswhichdefytheartist'sbrush.Theforestiswonderfullybeautifulwithitsmarvellouscombinationoftreesandrocks.AllthekingsofFrancesinceLouisVII.haveinhabitedthispalace.Theholyheadof
kingsofFrancesinceLouisVII.haveinhabitedthispalace.TheholyheadofLouisIX.appearstherewithhisaureolaonhishead,InthegalleryofFrancisI.,withitsnymphsandfauns,amidgarlands,fruits,andemblems,onerecallsthatKingandCharlesV.whoenteredthepalacebytheglideddoor,andwhotookpartinthegreatfestivalintheforest,whennymphs,fauns,andgodsseemedtoissuefromthetrunksofoakstothesoundoftambourines,andabandofmaidensflungflowersbeforethefeetoftheSpanishcourt.Onerecalls,too,Catharinede'Mediciwithhersquadron,ofyoungandbrilliantamazons—Catharinede'MediciwhoInthispalacebroughtforthhertwosons,FrancisII,andHenryIII.Attheendoftheovalcourtisadomeofrichandpicturesqueconstruction,calledthebaptisteryofLouisXIII,becausethatkingwasbaptizedthere.Thentherearetheapartmentsofthequeenmothers;Catharinede'Medici,Mariade'Medici,AnneofAustria,andthoseofPiusVII.,acaptiveatFontainebleau,InthebedroomofthequeenmothersanaltarwasraisedwheretheVicarofChristsaidmass.Thehangingsofembroideredsatininthisroomwereawedding-giftfromthecityofLyonstoMarieAntoinette.Theroomisamodelofluxuryandelegance,andiscalledtheChamberoftheFiveMariesbecauseithasbeeninhabitedbyfivesovereignsbearingthatname,Mariade'Medici,MariaTheresa,MarieAntoinette,MarieLouise,andMarieAmélie.ItwasalsotheEmpressEugénie'schamber.
ThismarvellouslypicturesquepalaceofFontainebleauisfullofinterestingreminiscences,butofallthefiguresitrecalls,nofigureismoreimpressivethanthatofNapoleon.Thereismuchgorgeousfurnitureinthepalaceofvarioussorts,inthestyleoftherenaissance,ofLouisXIV.,LouisXV.,andLouisXVI.;butnopieceattractsmoreattentionthantheplainmahoganytableonwhichNapoleonsignedhisabdication.Thenhowimpressiveisthebedroomwherehespentterriblenights,unabletosleep,andatlastseekinginsuicideacureforhisdespair!Considerthecontrastbetween1807and1814!Meanwhiletherehadbeenchangesofface,manyapostasies."Ah!Caulaincourt,mankind,mankind!"exclaimedthedesertedEmperor.Everyonelefthim,promisinghimaspeedyreturn,butnoonethoughtofit.Fontainebleaubecameadesert.Ifthesoundofwheelswasheard,itwasneverofcarriagesarriving,butonlyofcarriagesgoingaway.ItwasatFontainebleauthatNapoleon'spridetriumphed,andtherethathispridesuffereditscruelesthumiliations.Whatanguishheendured,thismanofdestiny,inthatroomwherehewrote:"TofinishmycareerbysigningatreatyinwhichIhavenotbeenabletostipulateasinglegeneralinterest,norevenonemoralinterest,suchasthepreservationofourcolonies,orthemaintenanceoftheLegionofHonor!Tosignatreatybywhichmoneyisgiventome!"Whatanguishtorehismindandbodywhen,havingtakentoosmalladoseofpoison,hesaidbetweenhisspasms:"Howharditistodie,anditissoeasyonthebattle-
hesaidbetweenhisspasms:"Howharditistodie,anditissoeasyonthebattle-field!Whydidn'tIdieatArcis-sur-Aube!"DidhethenrecallthesplendorofhisreturnfromJena,fromFriedland,fromTilsitt?DidherememberthecrowdofcourtierswhoresembledpriestswhoseGodhewas?Theonlycourtiersleftwerethosetowhomhehadgivenneithermoneynorhonors,theoldsoldiersofhisguard,with,theirgraymustaches,whocouldnotrestraintheirsobsandtearswhen,intheCourtoftheWhiteHorse,hebadethemfarewell,saying,"Ishouldliketoembraceyouinmyarms,butletmeembracethisflagwhichrepresentsyou."
XXVI.
THEENDOFTHEYEAR,1807.
WhilethecourtwasstillatFontainebleau,theEmpressreceivedapieceofnews,whichhadbeenkeptbackfromherforsomedays,andwhichaddedmateriallytohersorrows.Herwidowedmother,MadameTascherdelaPagerie,whomshehadnotseensinceSeptember,1790,haddiedJune2,1807,attheageofseventy,inherhomeatMartinique.Josephine,whowasmuchattachedtohermother,haddoneherbesttopersuadehertocometoFrance,whereshewouldhavebeensureofthewarmestwelcome.ButthatvenerableladyhadperhapschosenmorewiselyinpreferringhermodestandquiethometoallthesplendorandexcitementofanImperialpalace.Fromafarshethoughtofherdaughteratthesummitofhumanhappiness;nearher,shewouldoftenhaveseenhersadanddowncast.Bynotapproachingthethronewhich,atadistance,appearslikeamagicseat,but,tousetheEmperor'sexpression,isinfactonlyanarmchaircoveredwithvelvet,Napoleon'smother-in-lawwassparedthesightofmuchmisery,andshedied,asshehadlived,inpeace.
TheEmperorleftforItalyNovember16.1807,andthisdeparturewasforJosephine,alreadysoafflicted,anothersourceofanxietyandsadness,Shewouldgladlyhavegonewithhim,andhaveseenoncemoreEugeneandhergranddaughter,whowasnamedafterher;butNapoleonhaddecidedotherwise.Hewasnolongerunabletolivewithouthiswife,andhenolongerthoughtwithLaFontainethatabsencewasthegreatestofevils.Heallegedasreason,theinclemencyofthewinter,saidthatheshouldbebackearlyinDecember—infact,hedidnotreturntotheTuileriestillJanuary1—andtotheEmpress'sgreatdespairsetoffwithouther,leavingherthepreyoftheliveliestanxiety,thecruelestfears.
InItalyNapoleonreceivedthesameardentflatteryasinFrance.HereachedMilanNovember22,beforePrinceEugenehadhadtimetorideouttomeethim.
Afterovations,reviews,religiousceremoniesattheCathedral,grandperformancesattheScala,hewenttoVenice.HerehewasreceivedwithalltheluxurythatusedtobedisplayedatthemajesticmarriageofthedogeandtheAdriatic.WhenhereachedFusina,heenteredagondolarowedbymeninsatincoatsembroideredwithgold.Heenteredthegrandcanalbeneathanarchoftriumphbetweenadoublelineofboatsadornedwithfestoonsandgarlands.AttheVenicetheatrehesawagrandperformancerepresentingOlympus,andthenwasplayed,amidapplause,thepopularair,Napoleoneitgrande.HehadwithhiminVenicehisbrotherJoseph,KingofNaples;hissister,ElisaBacciochi,PrincessofLucca;hisstep-son,PrinceEugene,ViceroyofItaly;theKingandQueenofBavaria,thefather-in-lawandmother-in-lawofthisPrince;Murat,GrandDukeofBerg,andBerthier,PrinceofNeufchâtel.HeleftVeniceDecember8,diningatTreviso.The11thhewasatUdine,andthe14thatMantua.
ItwasinthiscitythathehadasecretinterviewwithhisbrotherLucien,withwhomhewishedtobereconciled,butononeabsolutecondition,sinequanon.ItwillberememberedthatLucien,againsttheFirstConsul'swishes,hadmarriedAlexandrinedeBleschamps,widowofM.Jouberthon;who,afterbeingabrokerinParis,haddiedinSaintDomingo,whitherhehadfollowedtheFrenchexpedition.Napoleon,whowasanxioustomarryLucienwithQueenMarieLouise,daughterofCharlesIV.ofSpain,andwidowofLouisI.,KingofEtruria,wishedtoannulthismarriage.Butthisbrilliantofferhadbeenperemptorilydeclinedbythemanwhopreferredawoman'slovetoacrown.Inthespringof1804LucienhadvoluntarilyleftFrancetoseekinRomeanasylumfromhisbrother'sincessantreproachesanddemands.Hismother,MadameLetitia,whothoroughlyapprovedofhim,hadfollowedhimtoRome,andtheEmperorhadmetwithsomedifficultyinpersuadinghertoreturntoParis,whichsheonlydidafterthecoronation.M.deMénevalwentbynighttofetchLucienfromtheinnwherehewasstaying,andledhimmysteriouslytothepalacewhichtheEmperoroccupied.Laden,insteadoffallinginhisbrother'sarms,greetedhimcoldly,withdignifiedreserve.
StanislasdeGirardia,inhisinteresting"Journal,"hasrecountedtheinterviewofthetwobrothers,ashehearditfromLucienhimself.Theysaidverymuchwhatfollows:—
"Well,sir,doyoustilltoldtoMadameJouberthonandherson?"
"MadameJouberthonismywife,andhersonismyson."
"MadameJouberthonismywife,andhersonismyson."
"No,no,sinceitisamarriagewhichIdonotrecognize,andconsequentlynull."
"Icontracteditlawfully,ascitizenandasChristian."
"Thecivilactwasillegal,anditisknownthatyougaveapriesttwenty-fivelouis-d'ortopersuadehimtomarryyou."
"DoubtlessYourMajesty,whenheinvitedmehere,didnotdosoforthepurposeofpainingme;ifthatishisintention,Iwithdraw,"
"IhaveconqueredEurope,andcertainlyIshouldnotflinchbeforeyou.YouoweyourpeacefullifeinRometomykindness;butyouareacquiringthereaconsiderationwhichdispleasesme,andintimeyouwillannoyme;Iwillorderyoutogoaway,andIwillmakeyouleaveEurope."
"AndifIshouldnotobey?""Iwillhaveyouarrested."
"Andthen?"
"IshallhaveyousenttoBicêtreandthenif—"
"Ishoulddefyyoutocommitacrime!"
"Don'tspeaktomeinthatway;don'timagineyoucanimposeonme,Irepeat,IhavenotconqueredEuropetoflinchbeforeyou.Leavetheroom."
Luciendidnotleave,andNapoleon,afterafewviolentwords,becamealittlecalmer.Lucienthenrenewedthestormydiscussion,tryingtopacifyhisbrother.
"IhadnointentionofdispleasingYourMajestybysayingwhatshouldshowthehighopinionIhaveofthegreatnessofhissoul."
"Nevermindthat;castyoureyesonthemapoftheworldthen.Joinus,Lucien,andtakeyourshare;itwillbeafineone,Ipromiseyou.ThethroneofPortugalisempty;IhavedeclaredthattheKingshallceasetoreign.Iwillgiveittoyou;takecommandofthearmydestinedtomakeaneasyconquestofit,andIwillmakeyouaFrenchPrinceandmylieutenant.Thedaughtersofyourfirstwifeshallbemynieces;Iwillestablishtheminlife.IwillmarrytheeldesttothePrinceoftheAsturias;theKingofSpainasksitofmeasafavor;Icanproveitbythisletter."
bythisletter."
"Myeldestdaughter,Sire,isnotyetthirteen;sheisnotoldenoughtobemarried."
"Ithoughtshewasolder."
"Inayearortwo,Iwillgladlyletyoudisposeofher."
"Thentherearenodifficultiesaboutthechildrenofyourfirstwife.Youhavedaughtersbyyoursecondwife,Iwilladoptthem;youhaveaboytoo;Ishallnotrecognizehim;hismotherwillhaveanimportantduchy,andhecanbeherheir.Asforyou,gotoLisbon,leaveyourwifeandyoursoninRome;Iwilllookafterthem.Yourtiesarebroken.Iwillfindaway."
"Thatcanonlybebydivorce."
"Andwhynot?Thatisafrankandpositivewaywhichperfectlysuitsme.Iwanttobereconciledwithyou,andyouknowthepriceattachedtothePortuguesecrown."
"IseethattogetitIshouldhavetoconsenttomakemywifeaconcubine,mysonabastard.YourMajestyknowsmeillifhehasbeenabletobelievethattheofferofacrowncouldtemptmetoadishonorableaction."
"Hewhoisnotforme,isagainstme;ifyoudon'tenterintomysystem,youaremyenemy;andtherebyIhavetherightofpersecutingyouandIshallpersecuteyou."
"Idonotwanttobeyourenemy,Sire;Icannotbecomeonebypreservingmyhonorandmyvirtue,byrefusingtogiveupmyreputationforathrone:andthatthisdisagreementmaybeunknown,letYourMajestygivemesomeconspicuousproofofhiskindness;givemethebroadribbonoftheLegionofHonor,Ibegofyou!"
"No;bytakingmycolorsyouwouldruinyourreputation;itisagreatthingtobeopposedtome,anditisafineparttoplay;youcancontinueitfortwoyearswithoutinconvenience,butthenyouwillhavetoleaveEurope."
"Muchsooner,andIshallpreparetoleaveforAmerica.OnlytheentreatiesofmymotherandJosephinehavekeptmeheresolong."
"Idon'taskthatofyou;mypropositionsarenottoounreasonabletobethoughtover;ponderthem,withyourwife,andletmeknowyouranswerwithineighteendays."
Attheendoftheinterviewthetwobrotherspartedwithemotion.Lucienflunghimselfintohisbrother'sarms,sayingthatdoubtlesshewasembracinghimforthelasttime,andleftforRomewithhisheadhigh.Hewasobligedtoyieldonlyononepoint,bysendingtoParishisoldestdaughter,CharlotteMarie,theissueofhisfirstmarriagewithChristineBoyer.(ShewasbornatSaintMaximiniinFebruary,1795,andin1815marriedPrinceMariusGabrielli.)Buttheyounggirlhadallherfather'sindependentspirit.InParisshewasentrustedtothecareofhergrandmother,MadameLetitia,andshespokesoseverelyabouttheImperialfamilyinherletters,whichwereopened,thatshewassentbacktoherfatherinRomealmostassoonasshehadarrivedinFrance.Asfortheideaofanannulmentofthemarriageoradivorce,Lucienabsolutelyrejectedit.Hepreferredhiswifetoallthewealth,allthehonors,allthekingdomsoftheworld.Jeromehadyielded.Luciendidnotyield.
NapoleonleftMantuaafterhisinterviewwithhisbrother,andreturnedtoMilan,where,December17,hewitnessedsomenavalsportsinthearenaofthecircus,whichwasturnedintoalake.Theretoo,December20,inthegrand,hallofthepalace,headoptedPrinceEugeneashissonanddeclaredhimhisheirtothecrownofItaly.Atthesametimeheissuedthesetwodecrees:"WishingtogiveespecialproofofoursatisfactionwithourgoodcityofVenice,wehaveconferred,andbytheseletters-patentherepresentdoconfer,uponourdearlylovedson,PrinceEugeneNapoleon,ourheirpresumptivetothecrownofItaly,thetitleofPrinceofVenice.""WishingtogiveespecialproofofoursatisfactionwithourgoodcityofBologna,wehaveconferred,andbytheseletters-patentherepresentdoconfer,thetitleofPrincessofBolognauponourdearlylovedgranddaughter,thePrincessJosephine."NapoleonleftMilan,December24,toreturntoParisbywayofTurin.
TheletterswhichtheEmperorwrotetohiswifeduringthistripwereveryemptyandunimportant,whollyunlikethosehehadwrittenin1798.Onlyafewneedbequoted."Milan,November,25,1807.Ihavebeenhere,mydear,twodays.IamgladIdidnotbringyou.YouwouldhavesufferedterriblycrossingMountCeniswhereastormdetainedmetwenty-fourhours.IfoundEugeneverywell;Iammuchpleasedwithhim.ThePrincessisill;IwenttoseeheratMonza:shehashadamiscarriage,butisimproving.Goodby,mydear.""Venice,November30,1807.Ihaveyourletterofthe22d.IhavebeenfortwodaysinVenice.The
1807.Ihaveyourletterofthe22d.IhavebeenfortwodaysinVenice.Theweatherisverybad,whichhasnotpreventedmygoingthroughthelagoonstoseethedifferentforts.IamgladtoseethatyouareamusingyourselfinParis.TheKingofBavariaandhisfamilyandthePrincessElisaarealsohere.AfterDecember2,whichIshallspendhere,Ishallbeonmywayback,andgladtoseeyou.Goodby,mydear.""Udine,December11,1807.Ihaveyourletterofthe3d,andIseeyouaremuchpleasedwiththeJardindesPlantes.Iamatthefurthestlimitofmyjourney;itispossiblethatIshallbesooninPariswhereIshallbegladtoseeyouagain.Theweatherhasnotbeenverycoldhere,butverywet.Ihavetakenadvantageofthelastfineweatheroftheseason,forIsupposethatatChristmasthewinterwillbehere.Goodby,mydear.EverYours."
DuringtheEmperor'sabsencethetriumphalreturnoftheGuardbroughtaslightdiversiontotheEmpress'sanxietyanddistressofmind.Thoughunhappyasawife,shewasatleasthappyasaFrenchwoman.She,alas!hadapresentimentofdivorce,butnotoftheinvasionanddismembermentofFrance.Atnoon,November25,thetwelvethousandoldsoldiersoftheGuard,bronzed,coveredwithgloriouswounds,somealreadygray,madetheirsolemnentryintoParis.Anarchoftriumph,broaderandhigherthanthePorteSaintMartin,hadbeenbuiltatthegateofLaVillette.ThePrefectoftheSeineandthemunicipalauthoritiesthereawaitedtheveterans.
Theprefectwelcomedthebravesoldiers:"HeroesofJena,ofEylan,ofFriediand,"hesaid,"conquerorsofpeace,immortalthanksaredueyou,forthecountryyouhaveconquered!Yourowncountrywilleverrememberyourtriumphs;yournameswillbehandeddowntotheremotestposterityonbronzeandmarble,andthestoryofyourexploits,firingthecourageofourlatestdescendants,willberecalled,andyou,bytheexampleyouhaveset,willstillprotectthisvastEmpirewhich,youhavesogloriouslydefendedwithyourvalor…Hail!warlikeeagles,symbolsofthepowerofourmagnanimousEmperor;carryoveralltheearth,withhisgreatname,thegloryoftheFrenchname,andmaythecrownswithwhichthecityofParishasbeenallowedtodecorateyoubeeverywhereaproofatonceaugustandformidableoftheunionofmonarch,people,andarmy!"
MarshalBessières,whowasin,command,replied:"ThemostperfectharmonywillalwaysexistbetweenthepopulaceofthisgreatcityandthesoldiersoftheImperialguard,andiftheireaglesshouldmarchagain,recallingtheiroathtodefend,themtothedeath,theywouldrememberthatthewreathsadorningthemredoubletheobligation."Afterthesetwospeechesthestandardbearerlefttheranksandbentdowntheflagsonwhichthemagistratesplacedgoldencrowns
ranksandbentdowntheflagsonwhichthemagistratesplacedgoldencrownsbearingthisinscription:"ThecityofParistotheGrandArmy."Thenthetroopsmarchedpastinthefollowingorder:thefusiliers,theriflemen,grenadiers,thelightcavalry,theMamelukes,dragoons,thehorsegrenadiers,andthepickedbodyofgensdesarmes.Whiletheypassedbeneaththearchoftriumph,alargebandandchorusperformedacantata,withwordsbyArnaultandmusicbyMéhul.Passingthroughthedensecrowdsthatlinedtheway,theguardcametotheTuileries,passingbeneaththearchoftheCarrousel,wheretheeaglesweresetdown.Thenitenteredthepalacegarden,leavingitsarmsthere,andproceededtotheChampsElysées,whereabanquetfortwelvethousandmenwaslaid.ThetableswerearrangedundertentsoneachsideoftheChampsElysées,alongtheirwholeextent,fromthePlacedelaConcordetothegatedel'Etoile.Thetentofthestaffwasinthemiddle,half-wayup.MarshalBessièresproposedatoasttothecityofParis,andthePrefectoftheSeineonetotheEmperorandKing,andanothertotheGrandArmy.
Thenextdaytherewerethreeperformancesineverytheatre.Thepit,theorchestra,andprincipalrowsofboxesandgallerieswerereservedfortheImperialGuard.TheoperagaveTheTriumphofTrajan.TheFrançaisgaveGastonandBayard."Thathistoricalplay,"saidtheMoniteur,"whichpresentssonobleandtrueapictureofFrenchhonor,ofwarlikevictories,ofchivalricenthusiasm,—neverdidthistragedyhavespectatorsbetterfittedtoappreciateit."Intheminortheatresvariousplaysontheeventsofthedayweregiven.Theperformanceattheoperawasmagnificent;theMoniteurdescribeditwithitsusuallyricalenthusiasm:"Thispickedbandofbraves,who,intheirswiftconquests,intheirdistantmarches,haveseensuch,diverseclimates,visitedsomanyshores,andinsofewmonthshaveseenthespringsandthemouthsofsomanyrivers,knowalsothebanksoftheTiber;henceinthescenerytheyatonesrecognizedRome;inthetriumphalmarch,intheeagerthrong,inthevastpopulace,burstingthroughtheranksoftheRomansoldiers,andflingingthemselvesbeneaththehoofsoftheirhorses,theysawthetouchingpictureofthereceptiontheyhadmetthedaybefore.Theiremotionbafflesdescription.TheImperialGuardgazingatTrajan'striumphwasitselfanadmirablespectacle."TheoperawasbutaseriesofingeniousallusionstoNapoleon'sglory.Trajanwasrepresentedasburning,withhisownhand,paperscontainingthesecretofaconspiracy,recallingNapoleon'sthrowingintothefirethelettersbywhich,hecouldhaverainedM.Hatzfeld;andwhentheRomanEmperorappearedinhischariot,drawnbyfourwhitehorses,itwasnotTrajanwhowasapplauded,butNapoleon.
December14,attheMilitarySchool,MarshalBessières,tocelebratethevictoriesoftheGrandArmy,andtothankthecityofParisforitsreceptionoftheImperialGuard,gaveagrandentertainmentwhichtheEmpresshonoredwithherpresence.TheInvalideswasbrilliantlyilluminatedandconnectedwiththeMilitarySchoolbyalongrowoflights.InthemiddleoftheChampdeMarswasavasthemisphere,onwhichwasapedestalholdingacolossalstatueoftheEmperor,surroundedbyallegoricfigures.ThetrophiessetasideforeachoneoftheGrandArmyweremarkedwiththecorpsnumber.TheImperialGuardwasunderarms,andformedaninterestingpartofthespectators,andofthespectacleaswell.Bengalfireslitupthewarlikescene.TheheightsacrosstheSeinewerealsoablazewithlights.TheEmpressarrivedattheMilitarySchoolatabouteightintheevening.Theentertainmentbeganwithaballetperformedbydancersfromtheopera.Thentherewerefireworks.TheChampdeMarswasoneseaofflame,andtheImperialGuardfiredblankcartridgesforhalfanhour.Thentherewasagrandballwithafinesupper;afterwhichthedancescontinuedtillmorning.
Thisworldlyandmilitaryentertainment,atwhichtheEmpressqueenappearedinallherglory,mayberegardedasthecrowningpointofhersplendors.Andhere,attheendof1807,weclosethisstudy.WehavelefttonarrateinafinalvolumeonlythelastsevenyearsofJosephine'slife.Wehavealreadyrecountednearlythewholecareerofthisattractivewoman,ofthisjustlyfamoussovereign.WehavedescribedherinfancyinMartinique,inhermodest,patriarchalhome,whereshewasborn,June23,1763.Wehaveadmiredherasayounggirl,lovingflowers,music,andnature,beneaththeclearskyoftheAntilles,amidbananaandorangetrees,tropicalflowers,andbirdsofparadise,wherethefortune-tellingnegresssaidtoher:"Youwillbeaqueen."WehaveseenherinFrance,marrying,December13,1779,theyoungandbrilliantViscountAlexandredeBeauharnais,bywhomshehadoneson,thefutureViceroyofItaly,andonedaughter,thefutureQueenofHolland.Wehaveseenhergoingthroughthatperiodofillusions,sowellcalledtheGoldenAgeoftheRevolution,receivinginherdrawing-roomintheruedel'UniversitéthefloweroftheliberalnobilityandleadersoftheConstituentAssembly,thensuddenlypassingfromtheGoldentotheIronAge,shudderingatthedangerstowhichwar,andabovealltheTerrorexposedherhusband,thegeneralinchiefoftheArmyoftheRhine,theleaderofthedemocracy,rewardedforhispatriotismandhisdevotiontotheRepublicbythescaffold.Sheherself,duringherhusband'scaptivity,wasimprisonedintheCarmesApril,1794;foronehundredandeightdaysofinexpressibleanguishandtorment,sheoccupiedinthisdungeontheRoomoftheSwordsasitwascalled,becausethewallsstillboretracesofthethreeswordswhichthemenof
Septemberhadleanedagainstthemafterthemassacreoftheonehundredandtwentypriestswhowereintheprison.Beauharnais,themanoftheoldrégime,whohadembracedthenewideaswithsomuchardor,thisgrandlordwhogothimselftreatedlikeasans-culottewasguillotinedfourdaysbeforeRobespierre,whosedeathwouldhavesavedhim.Hisyoungwidowleftprison,reducedtoextremewant,andtookrefugewithherfather-in-law,atFontainebleau;thenshemadeherappearanceinthemotleysocietywhich,firstshoweditselfinthedrawing-roomofMadameTallien,thenattheLuxembourgunderBarras.RivallingMadameTallienandMadameRécamierinpopularity,shesmiledthroughhertears,likeAndromacheinHomer.Hermeansbecominggreater,thankstothesupportofmeninauthority,sheboughtintherueChantereine,afterwardsruedelaVictoire,alittlehousebelongingtoTalma,thetragedian.ThereshereceivedwithhercustomarycourtesythefewsurvivorsofFrencharistocracywhosaidbehindwell-closeddoors:"Letustalkabouttheoldcourt;letustakeaturnatVersailles."
Bonaparte,commanderoftheArmyoftheInterior,afterthe13thVendémiaire,whenhesavedtheexpiringConvention,hadjustorderedthedisarmamentofthesectionsandthedeliveryofallarmsfoundinprivatehouses,whenaboyoffourteencalleduponhimtoasktohavebacktheswordofhisfather,whohadcommandedthearmiesoftheRepublic.ThisboywasEugenedeBeauharnais,afterwardsViceroyofItaly.Bonaparte,touchedbythisaction,receivedhimgraciously.ThenextdayMadamedeBeauharnaiscalleduponhimtothankhim.Hewasmuchstruckbyhercharmsandproposedtoher;sheacceptedhimandtheyweremarriedMarch9,1796.TheViscountessofBeauharnaisbecameCitizenessBonaparte.Nosoonermarried,thantheyounghusband,whowasonlytwenty-six,torehimselffromherarmsandstartedforthearmyofItaly.ThenNapoleon'sloveforJosephinewasmuchgreaterthanhersforhim.Itwashewhowasjealous,hewhowroteburningletters;heitwaswhowasallenthusiasm,ardor,andablazewithpassion.ItwasonlywithreluctancethatJosephinedecidedtoleaveParis,whereshewashappy,butinItalyshefoundarealroyalty.AtMilanshetookpossessionoftheSerbelloniPalace,whereshedidthehonorsmostadmirablyandreceivedthehomageoftheproudaristocracyofMilan.Shefollowedherhusbandtothewar,forhecouldnotbeartobeseparatedfromher,andonedaywhen,besetwithdangers,shewascrying,heexclaimed:"Wurmsershallpaydearlyforthetearshecausesyou."AfterArcole,MadameBonaparteresembledasovereign.Shesingularlyaidedherhusbandtoplaythedoublepartwhichwassoontocarryhimtothehighestrank.Whenitwasaquestionofrepellingroyalism,theyoungconquerorreliedonmenlikeAugereau;whenitwasnecessarytoattractmenoftheoldrégime,Josephinewas
Augereau;whenitwasnecessarytoattractmenoftheoldrégime,JosephinewasthebondofunionbetweenhimandtheFrenchorItalianaristocracy.OnherreturntoParis,June2,1798,shesharedherhusband'sglories.ThelittlehouseintherueChantereinebecamemorefamousthanthegrandestpalaces.
BonaparteleftforEgypt,embarkingatToulon,May19,1798,aftertakingtenderleaveofJosephine.Duringherhusband'sabsence,sheboughttheestateofMalmaison,anunknownspotwhichsoonbecamefamous.SheskilfullydefendedBonaparte'sinterestswiththeDirectory,andinherdrawing-roommetcelebritiesofeverykind.ButmaliciouspersonssoonsenttoEgypthostilerumors,andherimpetuoushusband,wildwithjealouswrath,spokeofnothingbutseparationanddivorce.HereachedParisunexpectedly,October16,1799,andnotfindinghiswifethere,startedofftomeetheronadifferentroadfromhers,wildwithjealousy.Hisbrothers,Josephine'senemies,deceivedhim,andatfirstherefusedtoseeheragain;but,softenedbythesupplicationsofEugeneandHortensedeBeauharnais,hepardonedhiswifeandopenedhisdoortoher;shedefendedherself,andhelethimselfbeconvinced,sothat,insteadofadivorce,therewasacompletereconciliation.Josephinewasofusetoherhusbandinthepreparationsforthe18thBrumaire;shehelpedhimtolullthevigilanceoftheRepublicansandtorisetothehighestrank.
CitizenessBonapartehadbecomethewifeoftheFirstConsul.Liketheladiesoftheoldrégime,shewasaddressedasMadameuntilsheshouldbecalledEmpress,orYourMajesty.ShewasattheheadoftheConsularCourt,richinyouth,glory,andhope.AttheTuileriesshetookpossessionoftheapartmentsofMarieAntoinette.AtMalmaisonsheenjoyedthepleasuresofthecountry.TheheroofMarengolookeduponherashisgoodangel,hisgoodgenius.Theirhappinesswasinterruptedbytheinfernalmachine,butthisgloomyincidentwassoonforgotten.UnderJosephine'sguidanceParisiansocietysoonresumeditsformerbrilliancy.Monarchicalcustomsreappeared.TheConcordateffectedareconciliationofthechurchwiththegovernment,andthewifeoftheFirstConsul,surroundedbyarealcourt,heardaTeDeumintherood-loftofNotreDame.AtheartshewasaRoyalistbyhermemoriesandherfeelings,althoughshewasmadebyfateanEmpress.Thecrown,sofarfromtemptingher,filledherwithfear.Sheyearnedtodescendasherhusbandyearnedtorise.TheproclamationoftheConsulateforlife,thepreludeoftheEmpire,filledherwithgloomandapprehension,NeitherthepompofSaintCloud,northetriumphaltripinBelgium.robbedherofherwiseandmodestideas.ShemuchpreferredMalmaisontoanysplendidpalace,andlookedbackwithregretatthetimewhen
shewassimplyCitizenessBonaparte.Grandeur,sofarfromturningherhead,onlymadeherlessambitious,Shegaveherhusbandexcellentadvice,which,unfortunately,hedidnotfollow.Hadhelistenedtoher,hewouldnothavehadtheDukeofEnghienkilled,hewouldhavebeenmodestingoodfortune,andwouldhaveremainedthefirstcitizenofagreatRepublic.
CrownedatNotreDamebythehandsofNapoleon,Josephineplayedasovereign'spartwithasmucheaseasifshehadbeenbornonthestepsofthethrone.Thegreatestnamesoftheoldrégimefiguredinherhouse.Sheadornedmagnificentfestivitiesbyherpresence.InItaly,whithersheaccompaniedherhusband,shereceivedasQueenthesamehomageshehadreceivedasEmpress.Yet,amidallthissplendor,shewasnothappy.TheterriblewarsinwhichNapoleonengagedfilledherwithanxiety.AtStrassburg,duringtheAusterlitzcampaign,atMayenceduringthatofJenaandthatofPoland,shewasavictimofthegreatestdistressofmindandnervousterror.Then,too,herhusband'sinfidelitiesfilledherwithdespair.Towardstheendof1807thespectreofdivorcearosebeforeher.Thelossofacrownwouldbeatriflingmatter,butthesightofanotherwomanreigningaslawfulwifeoverNapoleon'sheartwasathoughttowhichshecouldnotreconcileherself.Fromthatmomentsheknewnopeaceorhappiness.Shewaslikeaconvictedcriminalawaitingsentenceatanymoment,andshehadtohideherterriblegrieffromeveryone.Shealwaysimaginedthatinthehomagepaidherbyforceofhabit,therewassomethingfalseandironical.Shethoughtofherselfonlyasdisgraced,betrayed,repudiated.Allthatwasleftofhercrownwasitsmarkonherbrow.Fewpeasantwomenintheirhutswereeverasthoroughlyunhappyaswasthissovereigninherpalace.
WehaveseenJosephineinherspringtime,inhersummer;itremainsforustodescribeonlytheautumnofthiswonderfulandmelancholycareer.Thislaststudywillbeprofoundlysad."Intheseasonwhichdespoilsnature,"saidMadameSwetchine,"thereisnobreeze,nopuffofairsolightthatitfailstodetachtheleaffromthetreethatboreit.Intheautumnoftheheartthereisnomovementthatdoesnotcarryawayahappinessorahope."ThegreatafflictionsofJosephine'slateryearswerethedivorce,theinvasion,andthelongagony.DrivenfromtheTuileriesforever,shetookrefugeatMalmaisononerainy,cold,Decembernight,recalling,doubtless,thestarliteveningswhentheconquerorofItalysoughtcalmandhappinessinthatfavoritespot.Andafterdrainingthecupofbitterness,thedesertedwifeexclaimed:"ItsometimesseemstomeasifIweredeadandtherewasnothingleftofmeexceptasortofvaguepoweroffeelingthatInolongerexist."ShecouldtrulysaywithQueenMargaretofNavarre:"Ihavebornemorethanmyshareofthewearinesswhichisthe
Navarre:"Ihavebornemorethanmyshareofthewearinesswhichisthecommonlotofman."Astillhardertrialawaitedher.Napoleonwasunhappy,andshewasforbiddentocomforthim!Hewasexiled,andshewasforbiddentofollowhim!TheEmpireshehadseensomagnificentshewastoseeconquered,invaded,dismembered.Noonewastomournthewoesofhercountrymorethanshe.Shewastodieofgrief,andwhen,May29,1814,shehadbreathedherlastafterutteringinherdeathagonythesethreewordswhichsumuptheanguishofhersoul:"Napoleon!Elba!MarieLouise!"MademoiselleAvrillon,theFirstLadyofherBedchamber,wastosay,"IhaveseentheEmpressJosephine'ssleeplessnessandherterribledreams.Ihaveknownhertopasswholedaysburiedinthegloomiestthought.IknowwhatIhaveseenandheard,andIamsurethatgriefkilledher!"Wasthereeveralifeofgreatervicissitudes?Itwasacareerfullofsmilesandtears,presentingeverycontrastoflightandshade,ofjoyandgrief,reproducingallthesplendorandallthemiserythatcanbecrowdedintohumanexistence!Itwasacareer,asfascinatingasitwasstrange,whichcouldonlyhavebeenseeninthosepatheticanddisturbedepochs,whenonesurprisefollowsanother,andtheactorsareperhapsevenmoreastonishedthanthespectatorsattheshiftingscenesandtheincidentsofthedrama,inwhicheventsalwaystakeanunexpectedturn,whenmenandthingssuffershocksunknowntopreviousgenerations,andwhenhistoryreadslikethewildestromance.
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