Trotter describes the actual presentation thus: ‘Buonaparte, of a small, and by no means commanding figure, dressed plainly, though richly, in the embroidered consular coat, without powder in his hair, looked like a private gentleman, indifferent as to dress, and devoid of all haughtiness in his air.... The moment the circle was formed, Buonaparte began with the Spanish Ambassador, then went to the American, with whom he spoke some time, and so on, performing his part with ease, and very agreeably; until he came to the English Ambassador, who, after the presentation of some English Noblemen, announced to him Mr. Fox! He was a good deal flurried, and after indicating considerable emotion, very rapidly said, “Ah! Mr. Fox! I have heard with pleasure of your arrival--I have desired much to see you--I have long admired in you the orator, and friend of his country, who in constantly raising his voice for peace, consulted that country’s best interests--those of Europe--and of the human race. The two great nations of Europe require peace;--they have nothing to fear; they ought to understand and value one another. In you, Mr. Fox, I see, with much satisfaction, that great statesman who recommended Peace, because there was no just object of war; who saw Europe desolated to no purpose, and who struggled for its relief.” ‘Mr. Fox said little, or rather, nothing, in reply,--to a complimentary address to himself, he always found invincible repugnance to answer; nor did he bestow one word of admiration or applause upon the extraordinary and elevated character who addressed him. A few questions and answers relative to Mr. Fox’s tour terminated the interview.’ Other caricaturists took the matter up, for Fox’s visit to Paris was naturally commented on; and there is an engraving by Ansell (November 8, 1802), ‘English Patriots bowing at the Shrine of Despotism.’ These ‘Patriots’ are Fox, Erskine, and Combe, the brewer, who was Lord Mayor. They are represented as bowing in the most lowly fashion--so low, indeed, that Fox has burst his trousers behind; and with one voice they assure Napoleon that they ‘are, with the highest consideration, your Super Royal Consulship’s most Devoted, most Obsequious, and most honored Servants.’ Bonaparte, seated in almost regal state, criticises them: ‘Oh, from the World! O’Connor’s friends--Fox, ha! how old are you? A Brewer; Lord Mayor, ha! great pomp. Mr. Brief, ha! a great Lawyer can talk well. There, you may go.’ Thus we see they did not quite get hold of the right version of this interview, as ‘Taking leave’ was satirised by a nameless artist (November 12, 1802), and represents Fox bowing very humbly to the First Consul, who is crowned with death’s-head and cross-bones, daggers, pistols, and swords, and regards him in an extremely haughty manner. CHAPTER XXIV. LORD WHITWORTH AS PLENIPOTENTIARY--HIS EQUIPAGE--ENGLISH VISIT PARIS--UNSETTLED FEELING--NAPOLEON BEHAVES RUDELY TO LORD WHITWORTH.