IntheStates-GeneralhesidedwiththeRevolution。DuringtheReignofTerrorhevisitedEnglandandtheUnitedStates。Recalledin1796，hebecameministerofforeignaffairsundertheDirectory，whichpostheretainedundertheConsulate。In1806hewasmadePrinceofBenevento。Hesoonfellintodisgrace。SidedwiththeBourbonsin1814，andwasministeratthecongressofVienna，presidentofthecouncil，andministerundertheking。Died1838——

TRANS。]——

givinghishandtoMadameBonaparte，hadthehonorofpresentingtoher，oneafteranother，themembersoftheDiplomaticCorps，notaccordingtotheirnames，butthatofthecourtstheyrepresented。Hethenmadewithherthetourofthetwosaloons，andthecircuitofthesecondwasonlyhalffinishedwhentheFirstConsulenteredwithoutbeingannounced。Hewasdressedinaveryplainuniform，withatricoloredsilkscarf，withfringesofthesamearoundhiswaist。Heworeclose-fittingpantaloonsofwhitecassimere，andtop-boots，andheldhishatinhishand。Thisplaindress，inthemidstoftheembroideredcoatsloadedwithcordonsandorderswornbytheambassadorsandforeigndignitaries，presentedacontrastasstrikingasthetoiletteofMadameBonapartecomparedwiththatoftheotherladiespresent。

BeforerelatinghowIexchangedtheserviceofMadameBonaparteforthatofthechiefofstate，andasojournatMalmaisonforthesecondcampaignofItaly，IthinkIshouldpausetorecalloneortwoincidentswhichbelongtothetimespentintheserviceofMadameBonaparte。Shelovedtosituplate，and，whenalmosteverybodyelsehadretired，toplayagameofbilliards，ormoreoftenofbackgammon。Ithappenedononeoccasionthat，havingdismissedeveryoneelse，andnotyetbeingsleepy，sheaskedifIknewhowtoplaybilliards，anduponmyreplyingintheaffirmative，requestedmewithcharminggracetoplaywithher；andIhadoftenafterwardsthehonorofdoingso。AlthoughIhadsomeskill，I

alwaysmanagedtoletherbeatme，whichpleasedherexceedingly。Ifthiswasflattery，Imustadmitit；butIwouldhavedonethesametowardsanyotherwoman，whateverherrankandherrelationtome，hadshebeenevenhalfaslovelyaswasMadameBonaparte。

TheconciergeofMalmaison，whopossessedtheentireconfidenceofhisemployers，amongothermeansofprecautionandwatchfulnessconceivedbyhiminordertoprotecttheresidenceandpersonoftheFirstConsulfromanysuddenattack，hadtrainedforthechateauseverallargedogs，amongwhichweretwoveryhandsomeNewfoundlands。WorkontheimprovementsofMalmaisonwentonincessantly，andalargenumberofworkmenlodgedthereatnight，whowerecarefullywarnednottoventureoutalone；butonenightassomeofthewatchdogswerewiththeworkmenintheirlodgings，andallowedthemselvestobecaressed，theirapparentdocilityencouragedoneofthesementoattempttheimprudenceofventuringout。Believingthatthesurestwaytoavoiddangerwastoputhimselfundertheprotectionofoneofthosepowerfulanimals，hetookoneofthemwithhim，andinaveryfriendlymannertheypassedoutofthedoortogether；

butnosoonerhadtheyreachedtheoutside，thanthedogspranguponhisunfortunatecompanionandthrewhimdown。Thecriesofthepoorworkmanbroughtsomeoftheguard，whorantohisaid。Justintime；forthedogwasholdinghimfasttotheground，andhadseizedhimbythethroat。Hewasrescued，badlywounded。MadameBonaparte，whenshewasinformedofthisaccident，hadhimnursedtillperfectlycured，andgavehimahandsomegratuity，butrecommendedhimtobemoreprudentinthefuture。

EverymomentthattheFirstConsulcouldsnatchfromaffairsofstatehepassedatMalmaison。Theeveningofeachdecadii——[UndertheRepublic，Sundaywasabolished。Adecadeoftendayswassubstitutedfortheweek；andthedecadi，ortenthday，tooktheplaceoftheSabbath——TRANS。]——

wasatimeofexpectationandjoyatthechateau。MadameBonapartesentdomesticsonhorsebackandonfoottomeetherhusband，andoftenwentherself，accompaniedbyherdaughterandherMalmaisonfriends。Whennotonduty，Iwentmyselfandalone:foreverybodyfeltfortheFirstConsulthesameaffection，andexperiencedinregardtohimthesameanxiety；andsuchwasthebitternessandboldnessofhisenemiesthattheroad，thoughshort，betweenParisandMalmaisonwasfullofdangersandsnares。Weknewthatmanyplanshadbeenlaidtokidnaphimonthisroad，andthattheseattemptsmightberenewed。ThemostdangerousspotwasthequarriesofNanterre，ofwhichIhavealreadyspoken；sotheywerecarefullyexamined，andguardedbyhisfollowerseachdayonwhichtheFirstConsulwastopass，andfinallythedepressionsnearesttheroadwerefilledup。TheFirstConsulwasgratifiedbyourdevotiontohim，andgaveusproofsofhissatisfaction，thoughhehimselfseemedalwaysfreefromfearoruneasiness。Veryoften，indeed，hemildlyridiculedouranxiety，andwouldrelateveryseriouslytothegoodJosephinewhatanarrowescapehehadontheroad；howmenofasinisterappearancehadshownthemselvesmanytimesonhisway；howoneofthemhadhadtheboldnesstoaimathim，etc。Andwhenhesawherwellfrightened，hewouldburstoutlaughing，givehersometapsorkissesonhercheekandneck，sayingtoher，“Havenofear，littlegoose；theywouldnotdare。“Onthese“daysoffurlough，“ashecalledthem，hewasoccupiedmorewithhisprivateaffairsthanwiththoseofstate；butnevercouldheremainidle。Hewouldmakethempulldown，putupagain，build，enlarge，setout，prune，incessantly，bothinthechateauandinthepark，whileheexaminedthebillsofexpenses，estimatedreceipts，andorderedeconomies。Timepassedquicklyinalltheseoccupations；andthemomentsooncamewhenitwasnecessarytoreturn，and，asheexpressedit，putonagaintheyokeofmisery。

CHAPTERIV。

TowardstheendofMarch，1800，fiveorsixmonthsaftermyentranceintotheserviceofMadame。Bonaparte，theFirstConsulwhileatdinneronedayregardedmeintently；andhavingcarefullyscrutinizedandmeasuredmefromheadtofoot，“Youngman，“saidhe，“wouldyouliketogowithmeonthecampaign？“Ireplied，withmuchemotion，thatIwouldasknothingbetter。“Verywell，then，youshallgowithme！“andonrisingfromthetable，heorderedPfister，thesteward，toplacemynameonthelistofthepersonsofhishouseholdwhowouldaccompanyhim。Mypreparationsdidnotrequiremuchtime；forIwasdelightedwiththeideaofbeingattachedtothepersonalserviceofsogreataman，andinimaginationsawmyselfalreadybeyondtheAlps。ButtheFirstConsulsetoutwithoutme。Pfister，byadefectofmemory，perhapsintentional，hadforgottentoplacemynameonthelist。Iwasindespair，andwenttorelate，withtears，mymisfortunetomyexcellentmistress，whowasgoodenoughtoendeavortoconsoleme，saying，“Well，Constant，everythingisnotlost；

youwillstaywithme。Youcanhuntintheparktopassthetime；andperhapstheFirstConsulmayyetsendforyou。“However，MadameBonapartedidnotreallybelievethis；forshethought，asIdid，althoughoutofkindnessshedidnotwishtosaythistome，thattheFirstConsulhavingchangedhismind，andnolongerwishingmyservicesonthecampaign，hadhimselfgiventhecounterorders。However，Isoonhadprooftothecontrary。InpassingthroughDijon，onhiswaytoMt。

St。Bernard，theFirstConsulaskedforme，andlearningthattheyhadforgottenme，expressedhisdissatisfaction，anddirectedBourriennetowriteimmediatelytoMadameBonaparte，requestinghertosendmeonwithoutdelay。

Onemorning，whenmychagrinwasmoreacutethanever，MadameBonapartesentforme，andsaid，holdingBourrienne'sletterinherhand，“Constant，sinceyouhavedeterminedtoquitustomakethecampaign，youmayrejoice，foryouarenowabouttoleave。TheFirstConsulhassentforyou。GototheofficeofMaret，andascertainifhewillnotsoonsendacourier。Youwillaccompanyhim。“Iwasinexpressiblydelightedatthisgoodnews，anddidnottrytoconcealmypleasure。“Youareverywellsatisfiedtoleaveus，“saidMadameBonapartewithakindsmile。

“ItisnotleavingMadame，butjoiningtheFirstConsul，whichdelightsme。“——“Ihopeso，“repliedshe。“Go，Constant；andtakegoodcareofhim。“Ifanyincentivehadbeenneeded，thisinjunctionofmynoblemistresswouldhaveaddedtothezealandfidelitywithwhichIhaddeterminedtodischargemynewduties。IhurriedwithoutdelaytotheofficeofMaret，secretaryofstate，whoalreadyknewme，andhadshownhisgood-willforme。“Getreadyatonce，“saidhe；“acourierwillsetoutthiseveningorto-morrowmorning。“IreturnedinallhastetoMalmaison，andannouncedtoMadameBonapartemyimmediatedeparture。Sheimmediatelyhadagoodpost-chaisemadereadyforme，andThibaut(forthatwasthenameofthecourierIwastoaccompany)wasdirectedtoobtainhorsesformealongtheroute。Maretgavemeeighthundredfrancsfortheexpensesofmytrip，whichsum，entirelyunexpectedbyme，filledmewithwonder，forIhadneverbeensorich。Atfouro'clockinthemorning，havingheardfromThibautthateverythingwasready，Iwenttohishouse，wherethepost-chaiseawaitedme，andwesetout。

Itraveledverycomfortably，sometimesinthepostchaise，sometimesonhorseback；ItakingThibaut'splace，andhemine。IexpectedtoovertaketheFirstConsulatMartigny；buthistravelinghadbeensorapid，thatI

caughtupwithhimonlyattheconventofMt。St。Bernard。Uponourrouteweconstantlypassedregimentsonthemarch，composedofofficersandsoldierswhowerehasteningtorejointheirdifferentcorps。Theirenthusiasmwasirrepressible，——thosewhohadmadethecampaignofItalyrejoicedatreturningtosofineacountry；thosewhohadnotyetdonesowereburningwithimpatiencetoseethebattlefieldsimmortalizedbyFrenchvalor，andbythegeniusoftheherowhostillmarchedattheirhead。Allwentasiftoafestival，andsingingsongstheyclimbedthemountainsofValais。Itwaseighto'clockinthemorningwhenIarrivedatheadquarters。Pfisterannouncedme；andIfoundthegeneral-in-chiefinthegreathall，inthebasementoftheHospice。Hewastakingbreakfast，standing，withhisstaff。Assoonashesawme，hesaid，“Hereyouare，youqueerfellow！whydidn'tyoucomewithme？“IexcusedmyselfbysayingthattomygreatregretIhadreceivedacounterorder，or，atleast，theyhadleftmebehindatthemomentofdeparture。“Losenotime，myfriend；eatquickly；weareabouttostart。“FromthismomentIwasattachedtothepersonalserviceoftheFirstConsul，inthequalityofordinaryvalet；thatistosay，inmyturn。Thisdutygavemelittletodo；Hambard，theheadvaletoftheFirstConsul，beinginthehabitofdressinghimfromheadtofoot。

Immediatelyafterbreakfastwebegantodescendthemountain，manyslidingdownonthesnow，verymuchastheycoastatthegardenBeaujon，fromtoptobottomoftheMontagnesRusses，andIfollowedtheirexample。

Thistheycalled“sledding。“Thegeneral-in-chiefalsodescendedinthismanneranalmostperpendicularglacier。Hisguidewasayoungcountryman，activeandcourageous，towhomtheFirstConsulpromisedasufficiencyfortherestofhisdays。Someyoungsoldierswhohadwanderedoffintothesnowwerefound，almostdeadwithcold，bythedogssentoutbythemonks，andcarriedtotheHospice，wheretheyreceivedeverypossibleattention，andtheirlivesweresaved。TheFirstConsulgavesubstantialproofofhisgratitudetothegoodfathersforacharitysousefulandgenerous。BeforeleavingtheHospice，wherehehadfoundtablesloadedwithfoodalreadypreparedawaitingthesoldiersassoonastheyreachedthesummitofthemountain，hegavetothegoodmonksaconsiderablesumofmoney，inrewardforthehospitalityheandhiscompanionsinarmshadreceived，andanorderonthetreasuryforanannuityinsupportoftheconvent。

ThesamedayweclimbedMountAlbaredo；butasthispassagewasimpracticableforcavalryandartillery，heorderedthemtopassoutsidethetownofBard，underthebatteriesofthefort。TheFirstConsulhadorderedthattheyshouldpassitatnight，andonagallop；andhehadstrawtiedaroundthewheelsofthecaissonsandonthefeetofthehorses，buteventheseprecautionswerenotaltogethersufficienttopreventtheAustrianshearingourtroops。Thecannonofthefortrainedgrape-shotincessantly；butfortunatelythehousesofthetownshelteredoursoldiersfromtheenemy'sguns，andmorethanhalfthearmypassedwithoutmuchloss。IwaswiththehouseholdoftheFirstConsul，whichunderthecareofGeneralGardanneflankedthefort。

The23dofMaywefordedatorrentwhichflowedbetweenthetownandthefort，withtheFirstConsulatourhead，andthen，followedbyGeneralBerthierandsomeotherofficers，tookthepathovertheAlbaredo，whichoverlookedthefortandthetownofBard。Directinghisfield-glasstowardsthehostilebatteries，fromthefireofwhichhewasprotectedonlybyafewbushes，hecriticisedthedispositionswhichhadbeenmadebytheofficerinchargeofthesiegeofthefort，andorderedchanges，whichhesaidwouldcausetheplacetofallintoourhandsinashorttime。Freednowfromtheanxietywhichthisforthadcausedhim，andwhichhesaidhadpreventedhissleepingthetwodayshehadpassedintheconventofMaurice，hestretchedhimselfatthefootofafir-treeandtookarefreshingnap，whilethearmywasmakinggooditspassage。

Risingfromthisbriefintervalofrepose，hedescendedthemountainandcontinuedhismarchtoIvree，wherewepassedthenight。

ThebraveGeneralLannes，whocommandedtheadvanceguard，actedsomewhatinthecapacityofquartermaster，takingpossessionofalltheplaceswhichbarredtheroad。OnlyafewhoursbeforeweenteredhehadforcedthepassageofIvree。

SuchwasthismiraculouspassageofSt。Bernard。Horses，cannon，caissons，andanimmensequantityofarmystoresofallkinds，everything，infact，wasdrawnorcarriedoverglacierswhichappearedinaccessible，andbypathswhichseemedimpracticableevenforasingleman。TheAustriancannonwerenotmoresuccessfulthanthesnowinstoppingtheFrencharmy。SotrueisitthatthegeniusandperseveranceoftheFirstConsulwerecommunicated，sotospeak，tothehumblestofhissoldiers，andinspiredthemwithacourageandastrength，theresultsofwhichwillappearfabuloustoposterity。

Onthe2dofJune，whichwasthedayafterthepassageoftheTicino，andthedayofourentranceintoMilan，theFirstConsullearnedthatthefortofBardhadbeentakentheeveningbefore，showingthathisdispositionshadledtoaquickresult，andtheroadofcommunicationbytheSt。Bernardwasnowfreefromallobstructions。TheFirstConsulenteredMilanwithouthavingmetmuchresistance，thewholepopulationturnedoutonhisentrance，andhewasreceivedwithathousandacclamations。TheconfidenceoftheMilaneseredoubledwhentheylearnedthathehadpromisedthemembersoftheassembledclergytomaintainthecatholicworshipandclergyasalreadyestablished，andhadcompelledthemtotaketheoathoffidelitytothecisalpinerepublic。

TheFirstConsulremainedseveraldaysinthiscapital；andIhadtimetoformamoreintimateacquaintancewithmycolleagues，whowere，asIhavesaid，Hambard，Roustan，andHebert。Werelievedeachothereverytwenty-

fourhours，atnoonprecisely。Ashasalwaysbeenmyrulewhenthrownintoassociationwithstrangers，Iobserved，ascloselyascircumstancespermitted，thecharacterandtemperofmycomrades，sothatIcouldregulatemyconductinregardtothem，andknowinadvancewhatImighthavetofearorhopefromassociationwiththem。

HambardhadanunboundeddevotionfortheFirstConsul，whomhehadfollowedtoEgypt，butunfortunatelyhistemperwasgloomyandmisanthropic，whichmadehimextremelysullenanddisagreeable；andthefavorwhichRoustanenjoyedperhapscontributedtoincreasethisgloomydisposition。Inakindofmaniaheimaginedhimselftobetheobjectofaspecialespionage；andwhenhishoursofservicewereover，hewouldshuthimselfupinhisroom，andpassinmournfulsolitudethewholetimehewasnotonduty。TheFirstConsul，wheningoodhumor，wouldjokewithhimuponthissavagedisposition，callinghimMademoiselleHambard。

“Ah，well，whatwereyoudoingthereinyourroomallbyyourself？

Doubtlessyouwerereadingsomepoorromances，orsomeoldbooksaboutprincessescarriedoffandkeptunderguardbyabarbarousgiant。“TowhichHambardwouldsullenlyreply，“General，younodoubtknowbetterthanIwhatIwasdoing，“referringinthiswaytothespiesbywhichhebelievedhimselftobealwayssurrounded。Notwithstandingthisunfortunatedisposition，theFirstConsulfeltverykindlytohim。WhentheEmperorwenttocampatBoulogne，Hambardrefusedtoaccompanyhim；

andtheEmperorgavehim，asaplaceofretreat，thechargeofthepalaceofMeudon。Thereheshowedunmistakablesymptomsofinsanity，andhisendwaslamentable。DuringtheHundredDays，afteraconversationwiththeEmperor，hethrewhimselfagainstacarving-knifewithsuchviolencethatthebladecameouttwoinchesbehindhisback。AsitwasbelievedatthistimethatIhadincurredtheangeroftheEmperor，therumorwentabroadthatitwasIwhohadcommittedsuicide，andthistragicdeathwasannouncedinseveralpapersasmine。

Hebert，ordinaryvalet，wasaveryagreeableyoungfellow，butverytimid，andwas，likealltherestofthehousehold，devotedlyattachedtotheFirstConsul。IthappenedonedayinEgyptthatthelatter，whohadneverbeenabletoshavehimself(itwasIwhotaughthimhowtoshavehimself，asIshallrelateelsewhereatlength)，calledHeberttoshavehim，intheabsenceofHambard，whoordinarilydischargedthatduty。AsithadsometimeshappenedthatHebert，onaccountofhisgreattimidity，hadcuthismaster'schin，onthatdaythelatter，whoheldapairofscissorsinhishand，whenHebertapproachedhim，holdinghisrazor，said，“Takecare，youscamp；ifyoucutme，Iwillstickmyscissorsintoyourstomach。“Thisthreat，madewithanairofpretendedseriousness，butwhichwasinfactonlyajest，suchasIhaveseentheEmperorindulgeinahundredtimes，producedsuchanimpressiononHebert，thatitwasimpossibleforhimtofinishhiswork。Hewasseizedwithaconvulsivetrembling，therazorfellfromhishand，andthegeneral-in-

chiefinvainbenthisneck，andsaidtohimmanytimes，laughing“Come，finish，youscamp。“NotonlywasHebertunabletocompletehistaskthatday，butfromthattimehehadtorenouncethedutyofbarber。TheEmperordidnotlikethisexcessivetimidityintheservantsofhishousehold；butthisdidnotpreventhim，whenherestoredthecastleofRambouillet，fromgivingtoHeberttheplaceofconciergewhichherequested。

Roustan，sowellknownunderthenameofMameluke，belongedtoagoodfamilyofGeorgia；carriedoffattheageofsixorseven，andtakentoCairo，hewastherebroughtupamongtheyoungslaveswhoattendeduponthemamelukes，untilheshouldbeofsufficientagetoenterthiswarlikemilitia。TheSheikofCairo，inmakingapresenttoGeneralBonaparteofamagnificentArabhorse，hadgivenhimatthesametimeRoustanandIbrahim，anothermameluke，whowasafterwardsattachedtotheserviceofMadameBonaparte，underthenameofAli。ItiswellknownthatRoustanbecameanindispensableaccompanimentonalloccasionswhentheEmperorappearedinpublic。Hewaswithhiminallhisexpeditions，inallprocessions，and，whichwasespeciallytohishonor，inallhisbattles。

InthebrilliantstaffwhichfollowedtheEmperorheshonemorethanallothersbytherichnessofhisOrientalcostume；andhisappearancemadeadecidedimpression，especiallyuponthecommonpeopleandintheprovinces。HewasbelievedtohavegreatinfluencewiththeEmperor；

because，ascredulouspeoplesaid，Roustanhadsavedhismaster'slifebythrowinghimselfbetweenhimandthesaberofanenemywhowasabouttostrikehim。Ithinkthatthisbeliefwasunfounded，andthattheespecialfavorheenjoyedwasduetothehabitualkindnessofhisMajestytowardseveryoneinhisservice。Besides，thisfavoraffectedinnowisehisdomesticrelations；forwhenRoustan，whohadmarriedayoungandprettyFrenchgirl，acertainMademoiselleDouville，whosefatherwasvalettotheEmpressJosephine，wasreproachedbycertainjournalsin1814and1815withnothavingfollowedtotheendofhisfortunesthemanforwhomhehadalwaysexpressedsuchintensedevotion，RoustanrepliedthatthefamilytieswhichhehadformedpreventedhisleavingFrance，andthathecouldnotdestroythehappinessofhisownhousehold。

IbrahimtookthenameofAliwhenhepassedintotheserviceofMadameBonaparte。HewasofmorethanArabicugliness，andhadawickedlook。

IrecallinthisconnectionalittleincidentwhichtookplaceatMalmaison，whichwillgiveanideaofhischaracter。Oneday，whileplayingonthelawnofthechateau，Iunintentionallythrewhimdownwhilerunning；andfuriousathisfall，heroseup，drewhisponiard，whichhealwayswore，anddashedaftermetostrikeme。Ilaughedatfirst，likeeveryoneelse，attheaccident，andamusedmyselfbymakinghimrun；butwarnedbythecriesofmycomrades，andlookingbacktoseehowclosehewas，Iperceivedatthesametimehisdaggerandhisrage。

Istoppedatonce，andplantedmyfoot，withmyeyefixeduponhisponiard，andwasfortunateenoughtoavoidhisblow，which，however，grazedmybreast。Furiousinmyturn，asmaybeimagined，Iseizedhimbyhisflowingpantaloons，andpitchedhimtenfeetintothestreamofMalmaison，whichwasbarelytwofeetdeep。Theplungebroughthimatoncetohissenses；andbesides，hisponiardhadgonetothebottom，whichmadehimmuchlessdangerous。ButinhisdisappointmentheyelledsoloudlythatMadameBonaparteheardhim；andasshehadquiteafancyforhermameluke，Iwassharplyscolded。However，thispoorAliwasofsuchanunsocialtemperamentthathegotintodifficultieswithalmosteveryoneinthehousehold，andatlastwassentawaytoFontainebleau，totaketheplaceofmanservantthere。

Inowreturntoourcampaign。Onthe13thofJunetheFirstConsulspentthenightatTorre-di-Galifolo，whereheestablishedhisheadquarters。

FromthedayofourentryintoMilantheadvanceofthearmyhadnotslackened；GeneralMurathadpassedthePo，andtakenpossessionofPiacenza；andGeneralLannes，stillpushingforwardwithhisbraveadvanceguard，hadfoughtabloodybattleatMontebello，anamewhichheafterwardsrenderedillustriousbybearingit。TherecentarrivalofGeneralDesaix，whohadjustreturnedfromEgypt，completedthejoyofthegeneral-in-chief，andalsoaddedmuchtotheconfidenceofthesoldiers，bywhomthegoodandmodestDesaixwasadored。TheFirstConsulreceivedhimwiththefrankestandmostcordialfriendship，andtheyremainedtogetherthreeconsecutivehoursinprivateconversation。

Attheendofthisconference，anorderofthedayannouncedtothearmythatGeneralDesaixwouldtakecommandofthedivisionBoudet。IheardsomepersonsinthesuiteofGeneralDesaixsaythathispatienceandevennessoftemperwererudelytriedduringhisvoyage，bycontrarywinds，forceddelays，theennuiofquarantine，andaboveallbythebadconductoftheEnglish，whohadkepthimforsometimeaprisonerintheirfleet，insightoftheshoresofFrance，althoughheboreapassport，signedbytheEnglishauthoritiesinEgypt，inconsequenceofthecapitulationwhichhadbeenmutuallyagreedupon。Consequentlyhisresentmentagainstthemwasveryardent；andheregrettedmuch，hesaid，thattheenemyhewasabouttofightwasnottheEnglish。

Inspiteofthesimplicityofhistastesandhabits，noonewasmoreambitiousofglorythanthisbravegeneral。AllhisrageagainsttheEnglishwascausedbythefearthathemightnotarriveintimetogathernewlaurels。Hedidindeedarriveintime，butonlytofindagloriousdeath，alas，sopremature！

ItwasonthefourteenththatthecelebratedbattleofMarengotookplace，whichbeganearlyinthemorning，andlastedthroughouttheday。

IremainedatheadquarterswithallthehouseholdoftheFirstConsul，wherewewerealmostwithinrangeofthecannononthebattlefield。

Contradictorynewsconstantlycame，onereportdeclaringthebattlecompletelylost，thenextgivingusthevictory。Atonetimetheincreaseinthenumberofourwounded，andtheredoubledfiringoftheAustriancannon，madeusbelievethatallwaslost；andthensuddenlycamethenewsthatthisapparentfallingbackwasonlyaboldmaneuveroftheFirstConsul，andthatachargeofGeneralDesaixhadgainedthebattle。ButthevictorywasboughtatapricedeartoFranceandtotheheartoftheFirstConsul。Desaix，struckbyabullet，felldeadonthefield；andthegriefofhissoldiersservingonlytoexasperatetheircourage，theyrouted，byabayonetcharge，theenemy，whowerealreadyshakenbythebrilliantcavalrychargeofGeneralKellermann。TheFirstConsulsleptuponthefieldofbattle，andnotwithstandingthedecisivevictorythathehadgained，wasverysad，andsaidthatevening，inthepresenceofHambardandmyself，manythingswhichshowedtheprofoundgriefheexperiencedinthedeathofGeneralDesaix。Hesaid，“Francehaslostoneofherbravestdefenders，andIoneofmybestfriends；nooneknewhowmuchcouragetherewasintheheartofDesaix，norhowmuchgeniusinhishead。“Hethussolacedhisgriefbymakingtoeachandallaeulogyontheherowhohaddiedonthefieldofhonor。

“MybraveDesaix，“hefurthersaid，“alwayswishedtodiethus；“andthenadded，almostwithtearsinhiseyes，“butoughtdeathtohavebeensoprompttogranthiswish？“

Therewasnotasoldierinourvictoriousarmywhodidnotsharesojustasorrow。RappandSavary，theaides-de-campofDesaix，remainedplungedinthemostdespairinggriefbesidethebodyoftheirchief，whomtheycalledtheirfather，rathertoexpresshisunfailingkindnesstothemthanthedignityofhischaracter。Outofrespecttothememoryofhisfriend，thegeneral-in-chief，althoughhisstaffwasfull，addedthesetwoyoungofficersinthequalityofaides-de-camp。

CommandantRapp(forsuchonlywashisrankatthattime)wasthen，ashehaseverbeen，good，fullofcourage，anduniversallybeloved。Hisfrankness，whichsometimesborderedonbrusqueness，pleasedtheEmperor；

andIhavemanytimesheardhimspeakinpraiseofhisaide-de-camp，whomhealwaysstyled，“MybraveRapp。“Rappwasnotluckyinbattle，forherarelyescapedwithoutawound。Whilethusanticipatingevents，IwillmentionthatinRussia，ontheeveofthebattleofLaMoskwa，theEmperorsaid，inmypresence，toGeneralRapp，whohadjustarrivedfromDantzic，“Seehere，mybravefellow，wewillbeatthemto-morrow，buttakegreatcareofyourself。Youarenotafavoriteoffortune。“——“Thatis，“saidthegeneral，“thepremiumtobepaidonthebusiness，butI

shallnonethelessonthataccountdomybest。“

SavarymanifestedfortheFirstConsulthesamefervidzealandunboundeddevotionwhichhadattachedhimtoGeneralDesaix；andifhelackedanyofthequalitiesofGeneralRapp，itwascertainlynotbravery。OfallthemenwhosurroundedtheEmperor，noonewasmoreabsolutelydevotedtohisslightestwishes。Inthecourseofthesememoirs，Ishalldoubtlesshaveoccasiontorecallinstancesofthisunparalleledenthusiasm，forwhichtheDukedeRovigoIwasmagnificentlyrewarded；butitisjusttosaythathedidnotbitethehandwhichrewardedhim，andthathegavetotheend，andevenaftertheend，ofhisoldmaster(forthushelovedtostyletheEmperor)anexampleofgratitudewhichhasbeenimitatedbyfew。

Agovernmentdecree，inthemonthofJunefollowing，determinedthatthebodyofDesaixshouldbecarriedtotheHospiceofSt。Bernard，andthatatombshouldbeerectedonthatspot，inthecountrywherehehadcoveredhimselfwithimmortalglory，asatestimonialtothegriefofFrance，andespeciallythatoftheFirstConsul。

CHAPTERV。

ThevictoryofMarengohadrenderedtheconquestofItalycertain。

ThereforetheFirstConsul，thinkinghispresencemorenecessaryatParisthanattheheadofhisarmy，gavethecommandinchieftoGeneralMassena，andmadepreparationstorepassthemountains。OnourreturntoMilan，theFirstConsulwasreceivedwithevenmoreenthusiasmthanonhisfirstvisit。

TheestablishmentofarepublicwasinaccordancewiththewishesofalargenumberoftheMilanese；andtheycalledtheFirstConsultheirSavior，sincehehaddeliveredthemfromtheyokeoftheAustrians。

Therewas，however，apartywhodetestedequallythesechanges，theFrencharmywhichwastheinstrumentofthem，andtheyoungchiefwhowastheauthor。Inthispartyfiguredacelebratedartist，thesingerMarchesi。

Duringourformervisit，theFirstConsulhadsentforhim；andthemusicianhadwaitedtobeentreated，actingasifheweremuchinconvenienced，andatlastpresentedhimselfwithalltheimportanceofamanwhosedignityhadbeenoffended。TheverysimplecostumeoftheFirstConsul，hisshortstature，thinvisage，andpoorfigurewerenotcalculatedtomakemuchofanimpressionontheheroofthetheater；andafterthegeneral-in-chiefhadwelcomedhimcordially，andverypolitelyaskedhimtosinganair，herepliedbythispoorpun，utteredinatonetheimpertinenceofwhichwasaggravatedbyhisItalianaccent:“SignorGeneral，ifitisagoodairwhichyoudesire，youwillfindanexcellentoneinmakingalittletourofthegarden。“TheSignorMarchesiwasforthisfinespeechimmediatelyputoutofthedoor，andthesameeveninganorderwassentcommittingthesingertoprison。OnourreturntheFirstConsul，whoseresentmentagainstMarchesithecannonofMarengohaddoubtlessassuaged，andwhothoughtbesidesthatthepenanceofthemusicianforapoorjokehadbeensufficientlylong，sentforhimagain，andaskedhimoncemoretosing；Marchesithistimewasmodestandpolite，andsanginacharmingmanner。AftertheconcerttheFirstConsulapproachedhim，pressedhishandwarmly，andcomplimentedhiminthemostaffectionatemanner；andfromthatmomentpeacewasconcludedbetweenthetwopowers，andMarchesisangonlypraisesoftheFirstConsul。

AtthissameconcerttheFirstConsulwasstruckwiththebeautyofafamoussinger，MadameGrassini。Hefoundherbynomeanscruel，andattheendofafewhourstheconquerorofItalycountedoneconquestmore。

ThefollowingdayshebreakfastedwiththeFirstConsulandGeneralBerthierinthechamberoftheFirstConsul。GeneralBerthierwasorderedtoprovideforthejourneyofMadameGrassini，whowascarriedtoParis，andattachedtotheconcert-roomofthecourt。

TheFirstConsulleftMilanonthe24th；andwereturnedtoFrancebytherouteofMontCenis，travelingasrapidlyaspossible。EverywheretheConsulwasreceivedwithanenthusiasmdifficulttodescribe。Archesoftriumphhadbeenerectedattheentranceofeachtown，andineachcantonadeputationofleadingcitizenscametomakeaddressestoandcomplimenthim。Longranksofyounggirls，dressedinwhite，crownedwithflowers，bearingflowersintheirhands，andthrowingflowersintothecarriageoftheFirstConsul，madethemselveshisonlyescort，surroundedhim，followedhim，andprecededhim，untilhehadpassed，orassoonashesetfootonthegroundwhereverhestopped。

Thejourneywasthus，throughoutthewholeroute，aperpetualfete；andatLyonsitamountedtoanovation，inwhichthewholetownturnedouttomeethim。Heentered，surroundedbyanimmensecrowd，amidthemostnoisydemonstrations，andalightedatthehoteloftheCelestins。IntheReignofTerrortheJacobinshadspenttheirfuryonthetownofLyons，thedestructionofwhichtheyhadsworn；andthehandsomebuildingswhichornamentedthePlaceBelcourhadbeenleveledtotheground，thehideouscrippleCouthon，attheheadofthevilestmoboftheclubs，strikingthefirstblowwiththehammer。TheFirstConsuldetestedtheJacobins，who，ontheirside，hatedandfearedhim；andhisconstantcarewastodestroytheirwork，or，inotherwords，torestoretheruinswithwhichtheyhadcoveredFrance。Hethoughtthen，andjustlytoo，thathecouldnotbetterrespondtotheaffectionofthepeopleofLyons，thanbypromotingwithallhispowertherebuildingofthehousesofthePlaceBelcour；andbeforehisdeparturehehimselflaidthefirststone。ThetownofDijongavetheFirstConsulareceptionequallyasbrilliant。

BetweenVilleneuve-le-RoiandSens，atthedescenttothebridgeofMontereau，whiletheeighthorses，lashedtoagallop，werebearingthecarriagerapidlyalong(theFirstConsulalreadytraveledlikeaking)，thetapofoneofthefrontwheelscameoff。Theinhabitantswholinedtheroute，witnessingthisaccident，andforeseeingwhatwouldbetheresult，usedeveryefforttostopthepostilions，butdidnotsucceed，andthecarriagewasviolentlyupset。TheFirstConsulreceivednoinjury；GeneralBerthierhadhisfaceslightlyscratchedbythewindows，whichwerebroken；andthetwofootmen，whowereonthesteps，werethrown，violentlytoadistance，andbadlywounded。TheFirstConsulgotout，orratherwaspulledout，throughoneofthedoors。Thisoccurrencemadenodelayinhisjourney；hetookhisseatinanothercarriageimmediately，andreachedPariswithnootheraccident。Thenightofthe2dofJuly，healightedattheTuileries；andthenextday，assoonasthenewsofhisreturnhadbeencirculatedinParis，theentirepopulationfilledthecourtsandthegarden。TheypressedaroundthewindowsofthepavilionofFlora，inthehopeofcatchingaglimpseofthesaviorofFrance，theliberatorofItaly。

Thateveningtherewasnoone，eitherrichorpoor，whodidnottakedelightinilluminatinghishouseorhisgarret。ItwasonlyashorttimeafterhisarrivalatParisthattheFirstConsullearnedofthedeathofGeneralKleber。TheponiardofSuleymanhadslainthisgreatcaptainthesamedaythatthecannonofMarengolaidlowanotherheroofthearmyofEgypt。ThisassassinationcausedtheFirstConsulthemostpoignantgrief，ofwhichIwasaneyewitness，andtowhichIcantestify；

and，nevertheless，hiscalumniatorshavedaredtosaythatherejoicedatanevent，which，evenconsideredapartfromitspoliticalrelations，causedhimtoloseaconquestwhichhadcosthimsomuch，andFrancesomuchbloodandexpense。Othermiserablewretches，stillmorestupidandmoreinfamous，haveevengonesofarastofabricateandspreadabroadthereportthattheFirstConsulhadhimselforderedtheassassinationofhiscompanioninarms，whomhehadplacedinhisownpositionattheheadofthearmyinEgypt。TotheseIhaveonlyoneanswertomake，ifitisnecessarytoanswerthematall；itisthis，theyneverknewtheEmperor。

Afterhisreturn，theFirstConsulwentoftenwithhiswifetoMalmaison，whereheremainedsometimesforseveraldays。Atthistimeitwasthedutyofthevaletdechambretofollowthecarriageonhorseback。OnedaytheFirstConsul，whilereturningtoParis，ascertainedashortdistancefromthechateauthathehadforgottenhissnuff-box，andsentmeforit。Iturnedmybridle，setoffatagallop，and，havingfoundthesnuff-boxonhisdesk，retracedmystepstoovertakehim，butdidnotsucceedindoingsotillhehadreachedRuelle。JustasIdrewnearthecarriagemyhorseslippedonastone，fell，andthrewmesomedistanceintoaditch。Thefallwasverysevere；andIremainedstretchedontheground，withoneshoulderdislocated，andanarmbadlybruised。TheFirstConsulorderedthehorsesstopped，himselfgaveorderstohavemetakenup，andcautionedthemtobeverycarefulinmovingme；andIwasborne，attendedby-him，tothebarracksofRuelle，wherehetookpainsbeforecontinuinghisjourneytosatisfyhimselfthatIwasinnodanger。

ThephysicianofhishouseholdwassenttoRuelle，myshoulderset，andmyarmdressed；andfromthereIwascarriedasgentlyaspossibletoMalmaison，where，goodMadame，Bonapartehadthekindnesstocometoseeme，andlavishedonmeeveryattention。

ThedayIreturnedtoservice，aftermyrecovery，IwasintheantechamberoftheFirstConsulashecameoutofhiscabinet。Hedrewnearme，andinquiredwithgreatinteresthowIwas。Irepliedthat，thankstothecaretakenofme，accordingtotheordersofmyexcellentmasterandmistress，Iwasquitewellagain。“Somuchthebetter，“saidtheFirstConsul。“Constant，makehaste，andgetyourstrengthback。

Continuetoservemewell，andIwilltakecareofyou。Here，“addedhe，placinginmyhandthreelittlecrumpledpapers，“thesearetoreplenishyourwardrobe；“andhepassedon，withoutlisteningtotheprofusethankswhich，withgreatemotion，Iwasattemptingtoexpress，muchmorefortheconsiderationandinterestinmeshownbyhimthanforhispresent，forI

didnotthenknowofwhatitconsisted。AfterhepassedonIunrolledmypapers:theywerethreebank-bills，eachforathousandfrancs！Iwasmovedtotearsbysogreatakindness。WemustrememberthatatthisperiodtheFirstConsulwasnotrich，althoughhewasthefirstmagistrateoftherepublic。Howdeeplytheremembranceofthisgenerousdeedtouchesme，evento-day。Idonotknowifdetailssopersonaltomewillbefoundinteresting；buttheyseemtomeproperasevidenceofthetruecharacteroftheEmperor，whichhasbeensooutrageouslymisrepresented，andalsoasaninstanceofhisordinaryconducttowardstheservantsofhishouse；itshowstoo，atthesametime，whetherthesevereeconomythatherequiredinhisdomesticmanagement，andofwhichIwillspeakelsewhere，wastheresult，ashasbeenstated，ofsordidavarice，orwhetheritwasnotratheraruleofprudence，fromwhichhedepartedwillinglywheneverhiskindnessofheartorhishumanityurgedhimthereto。

IamnotcertainthatmymemorydoesnotdeceivemeinleadingmetoputinthisplaceacircumstancewhichshowstheesteeminwhichtheFirstConsulheldthebravesoldiersofhisarmy，andhowhelovedtomanifestitonalloccasions。Iwasonedayinhissleeping-room，attheusualhourforhistoilet，andwasperformingthatdaythedutiesofchiefvalet，Hambardbeingtemporarilyabsentorindisposed，therebeingintheroom，besidesthebodyservants，onlythebrave，andmodestColonelGerardLacuee，oneoftheaides-de-campoftheFirstConsul。JeromeBonaparte，thenhardlyseventeenyearsofage，wasintroduced。Thisyoungmangavehisfamilyfrequentcauseofcomplaint，andfearednooneexcepthisbrotherNapoleon，whoreprimanded，lectured，andscoldedhimasifhehadbeenhisownson。Therewasaquestionatthetimeofmakinghimasailor，lesswiththeobjectofgivinghimacareer，thanofremovinghimfromtheseductivetemptationswhichthehighpositionofhisbrothercausedtospringupincessantlyaroundhispath，andwhichhehadlittlestrengthtoresist。Itmaybeimaginedwhatitcosthimtorenouncepleasuressoaccessibleandsodelightfultoayoungman。Hedidnotfailtoprotest，onalloccasions，hisunfitnessforsea-service，goingsofar，itissaid，thatheevencausedhimselftoberejectedbytheexaminingboardofthenavyasincompetent，thoughhecouldeasilyhavepreparedhimselftoanswerthefewquestionsasked。However，thewilloftheFirstConsulmustbeobeyed，andJeromewascompelledtoembark。OnthedayofwhichIhavespoken，aftersomemomentsofconversationandscolding，stillonthesubjectofthenavy，Jeromesaidtohisbrother，“Insteadofsendingmetoperishofennuiatsea，yououghttotakemeforanaide-de-camp。“——“What，takeyou，greenhorn，“

warmlyrepliedtheFirstConsul；“waittillaballhasfurrowedyourfaceandthenIwillseeaboutit，“atthesametimecallinghisattentiontoColonelLacuee，whoblushed，anddroppedhiseyestothefloorlikeayounggirl，for，asiswellknown，heboreonhisfacethescarmadebyabullet。Thisgallantcolonelwaskilledin1805beforeGuntzbourg；andtheEmperordeeplyregrettedhisloss，forhewaysoneofthebravestandmostskillfulofficersofthearmy。

Itwas，Ibelieve，aboutthistimethattheFirstConsulconceivedastrongpassionforaveryintelligentandhandsomeyoungwoman，MadameD。

MadameBonaparte，suspectingthisintrigue，showedjealousy；andherhusbanddidallhecouldtoallayherwifelysuspicions。Beforegoingtothechamberofhismistresshewouldwaituntileveryonewasasleepinthechateau；andheevencarriedhisprecautionssofarastogofromhisroomtohersinhisnight-dress，withoutshoesorslippers。OnceIfoundthatdaywasabouttobreakbeforehisreturn；andfearingscandal，I

went，astheFirstConsulhadorderedmetodoinsuchacase，tonotifythechambermaidofMadameD。togotohermistressandtellherthehour。

Itwashardlyfiveminutesafterthistimelynoticehadbeengiven，whenIsawtheFirstConsulreturning，ingreatexcitement，ofwhichIsoonlearnedthecause。Hehaddiscovered，onhisreturn，oneofMadameBonaparte'swomen，lyinginwait，andwhohadseenhimthroughthewindowofaclosetopeninguponthecorridor。TheFirstConsul，afteravigorousoutburstagainstthecuriosityofthefairsex，sentmetotheyoungscoutfromtheenemy'scamptointimatetoherhisorderstoholdhertongue，unlessshewishedtobedischargedwithouthopeofreturn。

IdonotknowwhetherIaddedamilderargumenttothesethreatstobuyhersilence；but，whetherfromfearorforcompensation，shehadthegoodsensenottotalk。Nevertheless，thesuccessfullover，fearinganothersurprise，directedmetorentintheAlleedesIreuvesalittlehousewhereheandMadameD。metfromtimetotime。Suchwere，andcontinuedtobe，theprecautionsoftheFirstConsultowardshiswife。Hehadthehighestregardforher，andtookallimaginablecaretopreventhisinfidelitiescomingtoherknowledge。Besides，thesepassingfanciesdidnotlessenthetendernesshefeltforher；andalthoughotherwomeninspiredhimwithlove，nootherwomanhadhisconfidenceandfriendshiptothesameextentasMadameBonaparte。TherehavebeenathousandandonecalumniesrepeatedoftheharshnessandbrutalityoftheFirstConsultowardswomen。Hewasnotalwaysgallant，butIhaveneverseenhimrude；and，howeversingularitmayseemafterwhatIhavejustrelated，heprofessedthegreatestvenerationforawifeofexemplaryconduct，speakinginadmiringtermsofhappyhouseholds；andhedidnotadmirecynicism，eitherinmoralsorinlanguage。Whenhehadanyliaisonshekeptthemsecret，andconcealedthemwithgreatcare。

CHAPTERVI。

The3dNivose，yearIX。(Dec。21，1800)，——[UndertheRepublicanregimetheyearswerecountedfromtheproclamationoftheRepublic，Sept。22，1792。Theyearwasdividedintotwelvemonthsofthirtydayseach，re-namedfromsomepeculiarity，asBrumaire(foggy)；Nivose(snowy)；Thermidor(hot)；

Fructidor(fruit)，etc。；besidesfivesupplementarydaysoffestivals，called'sans-culottides'。Themonthsweredividedintothreedecadesoftendaysinsteadofweeks，thetenthday(decadi)

beinginlieuofSunday。TheRepublicancalendarlastedtillJan。

1，1806，astotheyearsandmonthsatleast，thoughtheConcordathadrestoredtheweeksandSabbaths——TRANS。

theOperapresented，byorder，TheCreationofHaydn；andtheFirstConsulhadannouncedthathewouldbepresent，withallhishousehold，atthismagnificentoratorio。HedinedonthatdaywithMadameBonaparte，herdaughter，andGeneralsRapp，Lauriston，Lannes，andBerthier。Iwasonduty；butastheFirstConsulwasgoingtotheOpera，IknewthatI

shouldnotbeneededatthechateau，andresolved，formypart，togototheFeydeau，occupyingtheboxwhichMadameBonaparteallowedus，andwhichwassituatedunderhers。Afterdinner，whichtheFirstConsulboltedwithhisusualrapidity，herosefromthetable，followedbyhisofficers，withtheexceptionofGeneralRapp，whoremainedwithMadameJosephineandHortense。Aboutseveno'clocktheFirstConsulenteredhiscarriagewithLannes，Berthier，andLauriston，togototheOpera。WhentheyarrivedinthemiddleofRueSainte-Nicaise，theescortwhoprecededthecarriagefoundtheroadobstructedbyacart，whichseemedtobeabandoned，andonwhichacaskwasfoundfastenedstronglywithropes。

Thechiefoftheescorthadthiscartremovedtothesideofthestreet；

andtheFirstConsul'scoachman，whomthisdelayhadmadeimpatient，urgedonhishorsesvigorously，andtheyshotofflikelightning。

Scarcelytwosecondshadpassedwhenthebarrelwhichwasonthecartburstwithafrightfulexplosion。NooneoftheescortorofthecompanionsoftheFirstConsulwasslain，butseveralwerewounded；andthelossamongtheresidentsinthestreetandthepassers-bynearthehorriblemachinewasmuchgreater。Morethantwentyofthesewerekilled，andmorethansixtyseriouslywounded。Trepsat，thearchitect，hadhisthighbroken。TheFirstConsulafterwardsdecoratedhim，andmadehimthearchitectoftheInvalides，sayingthathehadlongenoughbeenthemostinvalidofarchitects。AllthepanesofglassattheTuilerieswerebroken，andmanyhousesthrowndown。AllthoseoftheRueSainte-Nicaise，andevensomeintheadjacentstreets，werebadlydamaged，somefragmentsbeingblownintothehouseoftheConsulCambaceres。TheglassoftheFirstConsul'scarriagewasshiveredtofragments。Byafortunatechance，thecarriagesofthesuite，whichshouldhavebeenimmediatelybehindthatoftheFirstConsul，weresomedistanceintherear，whichhappenedinthisway:MadameBonaparte，afterdinner，hadashawlbroughttoweartotheopera；andwhenitcame，GeneralRappjestinglycriticisedthecolor，andbeggedhertochooseanother。MadameBonapartedefendedhershawl，andsaidtothegeneralthatheknewasmuchaboutcriticisingatoiletasshedidaboutattackingafort。Thisfriendlybantercontinuedforsomemoments；andintheinterval，theFirstConsul，whoneverwaited，setoutinadvance，andthemiserableassassinsandauthorsoftheconspiracysetfiretotheinfernalmachine。HadthecoachmanoftheFirstConsuldrivenlessrapidly，andtherebybeentwosecondslater，itwouldhavebeenalloverwithhismaster；while，ontheotherhand，ifMadameBonapartehadfollowedherhusbandpromptly，itwouldhavebeencertaindeathtoherandallhersuite。

Itwas，infact，thedelayofaninstantwhichsavedherlife，aswellasthatofherdaughter，hersister-in-law，MadameMurat，andallwhoweretoaccompanythem，sincethecarriageoftheseladies，insteadofbeingimmediatelybehindthatoftheFirstConsul，wasjustleavingthePlaceCarrousel，whenthemachineexploded。Theglasswasshivered；andthoughMadameBonapartereceivednoinjuryexcepttheterriblefright，Hortensewasslightlywoundedinthefacebyapieceofglass，andMadameCarolineMurat，whowasthenfaradvancedinpregnancy，wassofrightenedthatitwasnecessarytocarryherbacktotheTuileries。Thiscatastrophehaditsinfluence，evenonthehealthofherchild；forIhavebeentoldthatPrinceAchilleMuratzissubject，tothisday，tofrequentattacksofepilepsy。Asiswellknown，theFirstConsulwentontotheopera，wherehewasreceivedwithtumultuousacclamations，theimmobilityofhiscountenancecontrastingstronglywiththepallorandagitationofMadameBonaparte's，whohadfearednotsomuchforherselfasforhim。ThecoachmanwhohaddriventheFirstConsulwithsuchgoodfortunewasnamedGermain。HehadfollowedhiminEgypt，andinaskirmishhadkilledanArab，withhisownhand，undertheeyesofthegeneral-in-chief，who，struckwithhiscourage，hadcriedout，“Diable！that'sabraveman，heisaCaesar。“Thenamehadclungtohim。Ithasbeensaidthatthisbravemanwasdrunkatthetimeofthisexplosion；butthisisamistake，whichhisconductunderthecircumstancescontradictsinthemostpositivemanner。WhentheFirstConsul，afterhebecameEmperor，wentout，incognito，inParis，itwasCaesarwhowashisescort，withoutlivery。ItissaidintheMemorialdeSainteHelenethattheEmperor，inspeakingofCaesar，statedthathewasinacompletestateofintoxication，andtookthenoiseoftheexplosionforanartillerysalute，nordidheknowuntilthenextdaywhathadtakenplace。Thisisentirelyuntrue，andtheEmperorwasincorrectlyinformedinregardtohiscoachman。CaesardrovetheFirstConsulveryrapidlybecausehehadbeenorderedtodoso，andbecauseheconsideredhishonorinterestedinnotallowingtheobstaclewhichtheinfernalmachineplacedinhiswaybeforetheexplosiontodelayhim。TheeveningoftheeventIsawCaesar，whowasperfectlysober，andhehimselfrelatedtomepartofthedetailsthatIhavejustgiven。Afewdaysafter，fourorfivehundredhackney-coachmenclubbedtogethertohonorhim，andgavehimamagnificentdinnerattwenty-fourfrancsperhead。

Whiletheinfernalplotwasbeingexecuted，andcostingtheliesofmanyinnocentcitizens，withoutattainingtheobjecttheassassinsproposed，Iwas，asIhavesaid，attheTheatreFeydeau，whereIhadpreparedmyselftoenjoyatmyleisureanentireeveningoffreedom，amidthepleasuresofthestage，forwhichIhadallmylifeagreatliking。

ScarcelyhadIseatedmyselfcomfortably，however，whenthebox-keeperenteredinthegreatestexcitement，cryingout，“MonsieurConstant，itissaidthattheyhavejustblownuptheFirstConsul；therehasbeenaterribleexplosion，anditisassertedthatheisdead。“Theseterriblewordswerelikeathunderbolt-tome。NotknowingwhatIdid，Iplungeddown-stairs，and，forgettingmyhat，ranlikemadtothechateau。WhilecrossingRueVivienneandthePalaisRoyal，Isawnoextraordinarydisturbance；butinRueSainteHonoretherewasaverygreattumult，andIsaw，borneawayonlitters，manydeadandwounded，whohadbeenatfirstcarriedintotheneighboringhousesofRueSainteNicaise。Manygroupshadformed，andwithonevoiceallwerecursingthestillunknownauthorsofthisdastardlyattempt。SomeaccusedtheJacobinsofthis，becausethreemonthsbeforetheyhadplacedtheponiardinthehandsofCerrachi，ofArena，andofTopinoLebrun；whilstothers，lessnumerousperhaps，thoughtthearistocrats，theRoyalists，couldalonebeguiltyofthisatrocity。Icouldgivenotimetothesevariousaccusations，exceptasIwasdetainedinforcingmywaythroughanimmenseandcloselypackedcrowd，andasrapidlyaspossiblewenton，andintwosecondswasattheCarrousel。Ithrewmyselfagainstthewicket，butthetwosentinelsinstantlycrossedbayonetsbeforemybreast。ItwasuselesstocryoutthatIwasvaletdechambreoftheFirstConsul；formybarehead，mywildmanner，thedisorder，bothofmydressandideas，appearedtothemsuspicious，andtheyrefusedenergeticallyandveryobstinatelytoallowmetoenter。Ithenbeggedthemtosendforthegatekeeperofthechateau；andassoonashecame，Iwasadmitted，orratherrushedintothechateau，whereIlearnedwhathadjusthappened。AshorttimeaftertheFirstConsularrived，andwasimmediatelysurroundedbyhisofficers，andbyallhishousehold，everyonepresentbeinginthegreateststateofanxiety。WhentheFirstConsulalightedfromhiscarriageheappearedcalmandsmiling；heevenworeanairofgayety。Onenteringthevestibulehesaidtohisofficers，rubbing，hishands，“Well，sirs，wemadeafineescape！“Theyshudderedwithindignationandanger。Hethenenteredthegrandsaloononthegroundfloor，wherealargenumberofcounselorsofstateand-dignitarieshadalreadyassembled；buthardlyhadtheybeguntoexpresstheircongratulations，whenheinterruptedthem，andinsovehementamannerthathewasheardoutsidethesaloon。WeweretoldthatafterthiscouncilhehadalivelyaltercationwithFouche，MinisterofPolice，whomhereproachedwithhisignoranceofthisplot，openlyaccusingtheJacobinsofbeingtheauthors。

Thatevening，onretiring，theFirstConsulaskedmelaughinglyifIwasafraid。“Morethanyouwere，mygeneral，“Ireplied；andIrelatedtohimhowIhadheardthefatalnewsattheFeydeau，andhadrunwithoutmyhattotheverywicketoftheCarrousel，wherethesentinelstriedtopreventmyentering。Hewasamusedattheoathsandabusiveepithetswithwhichtheyhadaccompaniedtheirdefenseofthegate，andatlastsaidtome，“Afterall，mydearConstant，youshouldnotbeangrywiththem；theywereonlyobeyingorders。Theyarebravemen，onwhomIcanrely。“Thetruthis，theConsularGuardwasatthisperiodnolessdevotedthanithasbeensinceastheImperialGuard。AtthefirstrumorofthegreatriskwhichtheFirstConsulhadrun，allthesoldiersofthatfaithfulbandhadgatheredspontaneouslyinthecourtoftheTuileries。

Afterthismelancholycatastrophe，whichcarrieddistressintoallFrance，andmourningintosomanyfamilies，theentirepolicewereactivelyengagedinsearchingfortheauthorsoftheplot。ThedwellingoftheFirstConsulwasfirstputundersurveillance，andwewereincessantlywatchedbyspies，withoutsuspectingit。Allourwalks，allourvisits，allourgoingsandcomings，wereknown；andattentionwasespeciallydirectedtoourfriends，andevenourliaisons。ButsuchwasthedevotionofeachandalltothepersonoftheFirstConsul，suchwastheaffectionthathesowellknewhowtoinspireinthosearoundhim，thatnotoneofthepersonsattachedtohisservicewasforaninstantsuspectedofhavingahandinthisinfamousattempt。Neitheratthistime，norinanyotheraffairofthiskind，werethemembersofhishouseholdevercompromised；andneverwasthenameofthelowestofhisservantseverfoundmixedupincriminalplotsagainstalifesovaluedandsoglorious。

TheministerofpolicesuspectedtheRoyalistsofthisattempt；buttheFirstConsulattributedittotheJacobins，becausetheywerealreadyguilty，hesaid，ofcrimesasodious。Onehundredandthirtyofthemostnotedmenofthispartyweretransportedonpuresuspicion，andwithoutanyformoftrial。Itisnowknownthatthediscovery，trial，andexecutionofSaintRegentandCarbon，thetruecriminals，provedthattheconjecturesoftheministerweremorecorrectthanthoseofthechiefofstate。

The4thNivose，atnoon，theFirstConsulheldagrandreviewinthePlaceCarrousel，whereaninnumerablecrowdofcitizenswerecollectedtobehold，andalsototestifytheiraffectionforhisperson，andtheirindignationagainsttheenemieswhodaredattackhimonlybyassassination。HardlyhadheturnedhishorsetowardsthefirstlineofgrenadiersoftheConsularGuard，whentheirinnumerableacclamationsroseonallsides。Herodealongtheranks，atawalk，veryslowly，showinghisappreciation，andreplyingbyafewsimpleandaffectionatewordstothiseffusionofpopularjoy；andcriesof“ViveBonaparte！

VivetheFirstConsul！“didnotceasetillafterhehadre-enteredhisapartments。

Theconspiratorswhoobstinatelypersisted，withsomuchanimosity，inattackingthelifeoftheFirstConsul，couldnothavechosenaperiodinwhichcircumstanceswouldhavebeenmoreadversetotheirplansthanin1800and1801，forthentheConsulwasbelovednotonlyforhismilitarydeeds，butstillmoreforthehopeofpeacethathegavetoFrance，whichhopewassoonrealized。AssoonasthefirstrumorspreadabroadthatpeacehadbeenconcludedwithAustria，thegreaterpartoftheinhabitantsofParisgatheredunderthewindowsofthePavilionofFlora。

Blessingsandcriesofgratitudeandjoywereheardonallsides；thenmusiciansassembledtogiveaserenadetothechiefofstate，andproceededtoformthemselvesintoorchestras；andtherewasdancingthewholenightthrough。Ihaveneverseenasightmorestrikingormorejoyousthanthebird's-eyeviewofthisimprovisedjubilee。

WheninthemonthofOctober，the，peaceofAmienshavingbeenconcludedwithEngland，Francefoundherselfdeliveredfromallthewarsthatshehadmaintainedthroughsomanyyears，andatthecostofsomanysacrifices，itwouldbeimpossibletoformanideaofthejoywhichburstforthonallsides。Thedecreeswhichorderedeitherthedisarmamentofvesselsofwar，ortheplacingofthefortsonapeacefooting，werewelcomedaspledgesofhappinessandsecurity。ThedayofthereceptionofLordCornwallis，AmbassadorofEngland，theFirstConsulorderedthatthegreatestmagnificenceshouldbedisplayed。“Itisnecessary，“hehadsaidtheeveningbefore，“toshowtheseproudBritonsthatwearenotreducedtobeggary。“Thefactis，theEnglish，beforesettingfootontheFrenchcontinent，hadexpectedtofindonlyruins，penury，andmisery。ThewholeofFrancehadbeendescribedtothemasbeinginthemostdistressingcondition，andtheythoughtthemselvesonthepointoflandinginabarbarouscountry。TheirsurprisewasgreatwhentheysawhowmanyevilstheFirstConsulhadalreadyrepairedinsoshortatime，andalltheimprovementsthathestillintendedtocarryout；andtheyspreadthroughtheirowncountrythereportofwhattheythemselvescalledtheprodigiesoftheFirstConsul，bywhichthousandsoftheircompatriotswereinfluencedtocomeandjudgewiththeirowneyes。AtthemomentthatLordCornwallisenteredthegreathalloftheAmbassadorswithhissuite，theeyesofalltheEnglishmusthavebeendazzledbythesightoftheFirstConsul，surroundedbyhistwocolleagues，withallthediplomaticcorps，andwithanalreadybrilliantmilitarycourt。

Inthemidstofalltheserichuniforms，hiswasremarkableforitssimplicity；butthediamondcalledtheRegent，whichhadbeenputinpawnundertheDirectory，andredeemedafewdayssincebytheFirstConsul，sparkledonthehiltofhissword。

EndRECOLLECTIONSOFTHEPRIVATELIFEOFNAPOLEON，V2

BYCONSTANT

PREMIERVALETDECHAMBRE

TRANSLATEDBYWALTERCLARK

CONTENTS:

CHAPTERVII。toCHAPTERXII。

CHAPTERVII。

InthemonthofMay，1801，therecametoParis，onhiswaytotakepossessionofhisnewkingdom，thePrinceofTuscany，DonLouistheFirst，whomtheFirstConsulhadjustmadeKingofEtruria。HetraveledunderthenameoftheCountofLeghorn，withhiswife，whowastheinfantaofSpain，MariaLouisa，thirddaughterofCharlestheFourth；butinspiteoftheincognito，which，fromthemodesttitlehehadassumed，heseemedreallyanxioustopreserve，especially，perhaps，onaccountofthepoorappearanceofhissmallcourt，hewas，notwithstanding，receivedandtreatedattheTuileriesasaking。Thisprincewasinfeeblehealth，anditwassaidhadepilepsy。TheywerelodgedattheresidenceoftheSpanishEmbassy，formerlytheHotelMontessori；andherequestedMadamedeMontessori，wholivedinthenexthouse，toreopenaprivatecommunicationbetweenthehouseswhichhadlongbeenclosed。He，aswellastheQueenofEtruria，greatlyenjoyedthesocietyofthislady，whowasthewidowoftheDukeofOrleans，andspentmanyhourseverydayinherhouse。ABourbonhimself，hedoubtlesslovedtoheareveryparticularrelatingtotheBourbonsofFrance，whichcouldsowellbegivenbyonewhohadlivedattheircourt，andonintimatetermswiththeroyalfamily，withwhichshewasconnectedbytieswhich，thoughnotofficial，werenonethelesswellknownandrecognized。

MadamedeMontessonreceivedatherhouseallwhoweremostdistinguishedinParisiansociety。Shehadreunitedtheremnantsofthemostselectsocietyofformertimes，whichtheRevolutionhaddispersed。AfriendofMadameBonaparte，shewasalsolovedandrespectedbytheFirstConsul，whowasdesirousthattheyshouldspeakandthinkwellofhiminthemostnobleandelegantsaloonofthecapital。Besides，hereliedupontheexperienceandexquisiterefinementofthislady，toestablishinthepalaceanditssociety，outofwhichhealreadydreamedofmakingacourt，theusagesandetiquettecustomarywithsovereigns。

TheKingofEtruriawasnotfondofwork，andinthisrespectdidnotpleasetheFirstConsul，whocouldnotendureidleness。Iheardhimoneday，inconversationwithhiscolleague，Cambaceres，scoreseverelyhisroyalprotege(inhisabsence，ofcourse)。“Hereisaprince，“saidhe，“whodoesnotconcernhimselfmuchwithhisverydearandwell-belovedsubjects，butpasseshistimecacklingwitholdwomen，towhomhedilatesinaloudtoneonmygoodqualities，whilehecomplainsinawhisperofowinghiselevationtothechiefofthiscursedFrenchRepublic。Hisonlybusinessiswalking，hunting，balls，andtheaters。“——“Itisasserted，“remarkedCambaceres，“thatyouwishedtodisgusttheFrenchpeoplewithkings，byshowingthemsuchaspecimen，astheSpartansdisgustedtheirchildrenwithdrunkennessbyexhibitingtothemadrunkenslave。“

“Notso，notso，mydearsir，“repliedtheFirstConsul。Ihavenodesiretodisgustthemwithroyalty；butthesojournoftheKingofEtruriawillannoyanumberofgoodpeoplewhoareworkingincessantlytocreateafeelingfavorabletotheBourbons。“DonLouis，perhaps，didnotmeritsuchseverity，althoughhewas，itmustbeadmitted，endowedwithlittlemind，andfewagreeabletraitsofcharacter。WhenhedinedattheTuileries，hewasmuchembarrassedinreplyingtothesimplestquestionstheFirstConsuladdressedhim。Beyondtherainandtheweather，horses，dogs，andotherlikesubjectsofconversation，hecouldnotgiveanintelligentreplyonanysubject。TheQueen，hiswife，oftenmadesignstoputhimonrightroad，andevenwhisperedtohim，whatheshouldsayordo；butthisrenderedonlythemoreconspicuoushisabsolutewantofpresenceofmind。Peoplemadethemselvesmerryathisexpense；buttheytookgoodcare，however，nottodothisinthepresenceoftheFirstConsul，whowouldnothavesufferedanywantofrespecttoaguesttowhomhehadshownsomuch。Whatgaverisetothegreatestnumberofpleasantries，inregardtotheprince，washisexcessiveeconomy，whichreachedapointtrulyincredible。Innumerableinstanceswerequoted，whichthisisperhapsthemoststriking。TheFirstConsulsenthimfrequentlyduringhisstay，magnificentpresents，suchasSavonneriecarpets，Lyonscloths，andSevresporcelain；andonsuchoccasionshisMajestywouldgivesomesmallgratuitytothebearersofthesepreciousarticles。Onedayavaseofverygreatvalue(itcost，Ibelieve，ahundredthousandcrowns)wasbroughthimwhichitrequiredadozenworkmentoplaceintheapartmentsoftheking。Theirworkbeingfinished，theworkmenwaiteduntilhisMajestyshouldgivethemsometokenofhissatisfaction，andflatteredthemselveshewoulddisplayatrulyroyalliberality。As，notwithstanding，timepassed，andtheexpectedgratuitydidnotarrive，theyfinallyappliedtooneofhischamberlains，andaskedhimtolaytheirpetitionatthefeetoftheKingofEtruria。HisMajesty，whowasstillinecstasyoverthebeautyofthepresent，andthemunificenceoftheFirstConsul，wasastoundedatsucharequest。“Itwasapresent，“saidhe；“andhenceitwasforhimtoreceive，nottogive；“anditwasonlyaftermuchpersistencethatthechamberlainobtainedsixfrancsforeachoftheseworkmen，whichwererefusedbythesegoodpeople。Thepersonsoftheprince'ssuiteassertedthattothisextremeaversiontoexpenseheaddedanexcessiveseveritytowardsthemselves；however，thefirstofthesetraitsprobablydisposedtheservantsoftheKingofEtruriatoexaggeratethesecond。

Masterswhoaretooeconomicalneverfailtobedeemedseverethemselves，andatthesametimeareseverelycriticisedbytheirservants。Forthisreason，perhaps(Iwouldsayinpassing)，thereiscurrentamongsomepeopleacalumnywhichrepresentstheEmperorasoftentakingafancytobeathisservants。TheeconomyoftheEmperorNapoleonwasonlyadesireforthemostperfectorderintheexpensesofhishousehold。OnethingI

canpositivelyassertinregardtohisMajesty，theKingofEtruria，isthathedidnotsincerelyfeeleitheralltheenthusiasmorallthegratitudewhichheexpressedtowardstheFirstConsul，andthelatterhadmorethanoneproofofthisinsincerity。Astotheking'stalentforgoverningandreigning，theFirstConsulsaidtoCambaceresathislevee，inthesameconversationfromwhichIhavealreadyquoted，thattheSpanishAmbassadorhadcomplainedofthehaughtinessofthisprincetowardshim，ofhisextremeignorance，andofthedisgustwithwhichallkindofbusinessinspiredhim。SuchwasthekingwhowenttogovernpartofItaly，andwasinstalledinhiskingdombyGeneralMurat，whoapparentlyhadlittleideathatathronewasinstoreforhimselfafewleaguesdistantfromthatonwhichheseatedDonLuis。

TheQueenofEtruriawas，intheopinionoftheFirstConsul，moresagaciousandprudentthanheraugusthusband。Thisprincesswasremarkableneitherforgracenorelegance；shedressedherselfinthemorningforthewholeday，andwalkedinthegarden，herheadadornedwithflowersoradiadem，andwearingadress，thetrainofwhichsweptupthesandofthewalks；often，also，carryinginherarmsoneofherchildren，stillinlongdresses，fromwhichitcanbereadilyunderstoodthatbynightthetoiletofherMajestywassomewhatdisarranged。Shewasfarfrompretty，andhermannerswerenotsuitedtoherrank。But，whichfullyatonedforallthis，shewasgood-tempered，muchbelovedbythoseinherservice，andfulfilledscrupulouslyallthedutiesofwifeandmother；andinconsequencetheFirstConsul，whomadeagreatpointofdomesticvirtues，professedforherthehighestandmostsincereesteem。

DuringtheentiremonthwhichtheirMajestiesspentinParis，therewasasuccessionoffetes，oneofwhichTalleyrandgaveintheirhonoratNeuilly，ofgreatmagnificenceandsplendor，andtowhichI，beingonduty，accompaniedtheFirstConsul。Thechateauandparkwereilluminatedwithabrilliantprofusionofcoloredlights。Firsttherewasaconcert，atthecloseofwhichtheendofthehallwasmovedaside，likethecurtainofatheater，andwebeheldtheprincipalsquareinFlorence，theducalpalace，afountainplaying，andtheTuscansgivingthemselvesuptothegamesanddancesoftheircountry，andsingingcoupletsinhonoroftheirsovereigns。Talleyrandcameforward，andrequestedtheirMajestiestominglewiththeirsubjects；andhardlyhadtheysetfootinthegardenthantheyfoundthemselvesinfairyland，wherefireworks，rockets，andBengalfiresburstoutineverydirectionandineveryform，colonnades，archesoftriumph，andpalacesoffirearose，disappeared，andsucceededeachotherincessantly。Numeroustableswerearrangedintheapartmentsandinthegarden，atwhichallthespectatorswereinturnseated，andlastofallamagnificentballclosedthiseveningofenchantments。ItwasopenedbytheKingofEtruriaandMadameLeClerc(PaulineBorghese)。

MadamedeMontessonalsogavetotheirMajestiesaball，atwhichthewholefamilyoftheFirstConsulwaspresent。Butofalltheseentertainments，IretainthemostvividrecollectionofthatgivenbyChaptal，MinisteroftheInterior，thedaywhichhechosebeingthefourteenthofJune，theanniversaryofthebattleofMarengo。Aftertheconcert，thetheater，theball，andanotherrepresentationofthecityandinhabitantsofFlorence，asplendidsupperwasservedinthegarden，undermilitarytents，drapedwithflags，andornamentedwithgroupingsofarmsandtrophies，eachladybeingaccompaniedandservedattablebyanofficerinuniform。WhentheKingandQueenofEtruriacameoutoftheirtent，aballoonwasreleasedwhichcarriedintotheheavensthenameofMarengoinlettersoffire。

TheirMajestieswishedtovisit，beforetheirdeparture，thechiefpublicinstitutions，sotheyweretakentotheConservatoryofMusic，toasittingoftheInstitute，ofwhichtheydidnotappeartocomprehendmuch，andtotheMint，whereamedalwasstruckintheirhonor。Chaptallreceivedthethanksofthequeenforthemannerinwhichhehadentertainedandtreatedhisroyalguests，bothasamemberoftheInstitute，asministerathishotel，andinthevisitswhichtheyhadmadetothedifferentinstitutionsofthecapital。OntheeveofhisdeparturethekinghadalongprivateinterviewwiththeFirstConsul；

andthoughIdonotknowwhatpassed，Iobservedthatoncomingoutneitherappearedtobesatisfiedwiththeother。However，theirMajesties，onthewhole，shouldhavecarriedawayamostfavorableimpressionofthemannerinwhichtheyhadbeenreceived。

CHAPTERVIII。

InallthefetesgivenbytheFirstConsulinhonoroftheirMajesties，theKingandQueenofEtruria，MademoiselleHortenseshonewiththatbrilliancyandgracewhichmadehertheprideofhermother，andthemostbeautifulornamentofthegrowingcourtoftheFirstConsul。

Aboutthistimesheinspiredamostviolentpassioninagentlemanofaverygoodfamily，whowas，Ithink，alittlederangedbeforethismadloveaffectedhisbrain。ThispoorunfortunateroamedincessantlyaroundMalmaison；andassoonasMademoiselleHortenseleftthehouse，ranbythesideofhercarriagewiththeliveliestdemonstrationsoftenderness，andthrewthroughthewindowflowers，locksofhishair，andversesofhisowncomposition。WhenhemetMademoiselleHortenseonfoot，hethrewhimselfonhiskneesbeforeherwithathousandpassionategestures，addressingherinmostendearingterms，andfollowedher，inspiteofallopposition，evenintothecourtyardofthechateau，andabandonedhimselftoallkindsoffolly。AtfirstMademoiselleHortense，whowasyoungandgay，wasamusedbytheanticsofheradmirer，readtheverseswhichheaddressedtoher，andshowedthemtotheladieswhoaccompaniedher。Onesuchpoeticaleffusionwasenoughtoprovokelaughter(andcanyoublameher？)；butafterthefirstburstoflaughter，MademoiselleHortense，goodandcharmingashermother，neverfailedtosay，withasympatheticexpressionandtone，“Thepoorman，heismuchtobepitied！“Atlast，however，theimportunitiesofthepoormadmanincreasedtosuchanextentthattheybecameinsupportable。HeplacedhimselfatthedoorofthetheatersinParisatwhichMademoiselleHortensewasexpected，andthrewhimselfatherfeet，supplicating，weeping，laughing，andgesticulatingallatonce。ThisspectacleamusedthecrowdtoomuchtolongamuseMademoiselledeBeauharnais；andCarratwasorderedtoremovethepoorfellow，whowasplaced，Ithink，inaprivateasylumfortheinsane。

MademoiselleHortensewouldhavebeentoohappyifshecouldhaveknownloveonlyfromtheabsurdeffectswhichitproducedonthisdiseasedbrain，asshethussawitonlyinitspleasantandcomicaspect。Butthetimecamewhenshewasforcedtofeelallthatispainfulandbitterintheexperienceofthatpassion。InJanuary，1802，shewasmarriedtoLouisBonaparte，brotheroftheFirstConsul，whichwasamostsuitableallianceasregardsage，Louisbeingtwenty-fouryearsold，andMademoiselledeBeauharnaisnotmorethaneighteen；andneverthelessitwastobothpartiesthebeginningoflongandinterminablesorrows。

Louis，however，waskindandsensible，fullofgoodfeelingandintelligence，studiousandfondofletters，likeallhisbrothers(exceptonealone)；buthewasinfeeblehealth，sufferedalmostincessantly，andwasofamelancholydisposition。AllthebrothersoftheFirstConsulresembledhimmoreorlessintheirpersonalappearance，andLouisstillmorethantheothers，especiallyatthetimeoftheConsulate，andbeforetheEmperorNapoleonhadbecomesostout。ButnoneofthebrothersoftheEmperorpossessedthatimposingandmajesticairandthatrapidandimperiousmannerwhichcametohimatfirstbyinstinct，andafterwardsfromthehabitofcommand。Louishadpeacefulandmodesttastes。Ithasbeenassertedthatatthetimeofhismarriagehewasdeeplyattachedtoapersonwhosenamecouldnotbeascertained，andwho，Ithink，isstillamystery。

MademoiselleHortensewasextremelypretty，withanexpressiveandmobilecountenance，andinadditiontothiswasgraceful，talented，andaffable。

Kindheartedandamiablelikehermother，shehadnotthatexcessivedesiretoobligewhichsometimesdetractedfromMadameBonaparte'scharacter。Thisis，nevertheless，thewomanwhomevilreports，disseminatedbymiserablescandal-mongers，havesooutrageouslyslandered！MyheartisstirredwithdisgustandindignationwhenIhearsuchrevoltingabsurditiesrepeatedandscatteredbroadcast。Accordingtothesehonestfabricators，theFirstConsulmusthaveseducedhiswife'sdaughter，beforegivingherinmarriagetohisownbrother。，Simplytoannouncesuchachargeistocomprehendallthefalsityofit。

IknewbetterthananyonetheamoursoftheEmperor。Intheseclandestineliaisonshefearedscandal，hatedtheostentationsofvice，andIcanaffirmonhonorthattheinfamousdesiresattributedtohimneverenteredhismind。Likeeveryoneelse，whowasnearMademoiselledeBeauharnais，andbecauseheknewhisstep-daughterevenmoreintimately，hefeltforherthetenderestaffection；butthissentimentwasentirelypaternal，andMademoiselleHortensereciprocateditbythatreverencewhichawellbornyounggirlfeelstowardsherfather。Shecouldhaveobtainedfromherstep-fatheranythingthatshewished，ifherextremetimidityhadnotpreventedherasking；but，insteadofaddressingherselfdirectlytohim，shefirsthadrecoursetotheintercessionofthesecretary，andofthosearoundtheEmperor。Isitthusshewouldhaveactediftheevilreportsspreadbyherenemies，andthoseoftheEmperor，hadhadtheleastfoundation？

BeforehermarriageHortensehadanattachmentforGeneralDuroc，whowashardlythirtyyearsofage，hadafinefigure，andwasafavoritewiththechiefofstate，who，knowinghimtobeprudentanddiscreet，confidedtohimimportantdiplomaticmissions。Asaide-de-campoftheFirstConsul，generalofdivision，andgovernoroftheTuileries，helivedlonginfamiliarintimacyatMalmaison，andinthehomelifeoftheEmperor，andduringnecessaryabsencesonduty，correspondedwithMademoiselleHortense；andyettheindifferencewithwhichheallowedthemarriageofthelatterwithLouistoproceed，provesthathereciprocatedbutfeeblytheaffectionwhichhehadinspired。Itiscertainthathecouldhavehad。MademoiselledeBeauharnaisforhiswife，ifhehadbeenwillingtoaccepttheconditionsonwhichtheFirstConsulofferedthehandofhisstep-daughter；buthewasexpectingsomethingbetter，andhisordinaryprudencefailedhimatthetimewhenitshouldhaveshownhimafuturewhichwaseasytoforesee，andcalculatedtosatisfythepromptingsofanambitionevenmoreexaltedthanhis。Hethereforerefusedpositively；

andtheentreatiesofMadameBonaparte，whichhadalreadyinfluencedherhusband，succeeded。

MadameBonaparte，whosawherselftreatedwithsolittlefriendshipbythebrothersoftheFirstConsul，triedtomakehisfamilyadefenseforherselfagainsttheplotswhichweregatheringincessantlyaroundhertodriveherawayfromtheheartofherhusband。Itwaswiththisdesignsheworkedwithallhermighttobringaboutthemarriageofherdaughterwithoneofherbrothers-in-law。

GeneralDurocdoubtlessrepentedimmediatelyofhisprecipitaterefusalwhencrownsbegantorainintheaugustfamilytowhichhehadhaditinhispowertoallyhimself；whenhesawNaples，Spain，Westphalia，UpperItaly，theduchiesofParma，Lucca，etc。，becometheappendagesofthenewimperialdynasty；whenthebeautifulandgracefulHortenseherself，whohadlovedhimsodevotedly，mountedinherturnathronethatshewouldhavebeenonlytoohappytohavesharedwiththeobjectofheryoungaffections。Asforhim，hemarriedMademoiselleHervasd'Almenara，daughterofthebankerofthecourtofSpain。Shewasalittlewomanwithaverydarkcomplexion，verythin，andwithoutgrace；but，ontheotherhand，ofamostpeevish，haughty，exacting，andcapricioustemper。

Asshewastohaveonhermarriageanenormousdowry，theFirstConsulhaddemandedherhandinmarriageforhissenioraide-de-camp。MadameDurocforgotherself，Ihaveheard，sofarastobeatherservants，andtobearherselfinamostsingularmannertowardpeoplewhowereinnowiseherdependants。WhenM。Duboiscametotuneherpiano，unfortunatelyshewasathome，andfindingthenoiserequiredbythisoperationunendurable，drovethetuneroffwiththegreatestviolence。

Inoneofthesesingularattackssheonedaybrokeallthekeysofhisinstrument。AnothertimeMugnier，clockmakeroftheEmperor，andtheheadofhisprofessioninParis，withBreguet，havingbroughtherawatchofverygreatvaluethatmadame，theDuchessofFriulihadherselfordered，butwhichdidnotpleaseher，shebecamesoenraged，that，inthepresenceofMugnier，shedashedthewatchonthefloor，dancedonit，andreducedittoatoms。Sheutterlyrefusedtopayforit，andthemarshalwascompelledtodothishimself。ThusDuroc'swantofforesightinrefusingthehandofHortense，togetherwiththeinterestedcalculationsofMadameBonaparte，causedthemiseryoftwohouseholds。

TheportraitIhavesketched，andIbelievefaithfully，althoughnotaflatteringpicture，ismerelythatofayoungwomanwithalltheimpulsivenessoftheSpanishcharacter，spoiledasanonlydaughter，whohadbeenrearedinindulgence，andwiththeentireneglectwhichhinderstheeducationofalltheyoungladiesofhercountry。Timehascalmedthevivacityofheryouth；andmadame，theDuchessofFriuli，hassincegivenanexampleofmostfaithfuldevotiontoduty，andgreatstrengthofmindintheseveretrialsthatshehasendured。Inthelossofherhusband，howevergrievousitmightbe，gloryhadatleastsomeconsolationtooffertothewidowofthegrandmarshal。Butwhenheryoungdaughter，soleheiressofagreatnameandanillustrioustitle，wassuddenlytakenawaybydeathfromalltheexpectationsandthedevotionofhermother，whocoulddaretoofferherconsolation？Iftherecouldbeany(whichIdonotbelieve)，itwouldbefoundintheremembranceofthecaresandtendernesslavishedonhertothelastbymaternallove。Suchrecollections，inwhichbitternessismingledwithsweetness，werenotwantingtotheduchess。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读