Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. XXVII, August 1852, Vol. VVarious
History
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. XXVII, August 1852, Vol. V
Various
American literature -- Periodicals; Civilization -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals
into blood and ruin, were now captivated with the reintroduction of
these discarded splendors. Napoleon soon established himself in the
beautiful chateau of St. Cloud, which he had caused to be repaired
with great magnificence. On the Sabbath the First Consul, with
Josephine, invariably attended divine service. Their example was
soon followed by most of the members of the court, and the nation as
a body returned to Christianity, which, even in its most corrupt
form, saves humanity from those abysses of degradation into which
infidelity plunges it. Immediately after divine service he conversed
in the gallery of the chateau with the visitors who were then
waiting for him. The brilliance of his intellect, and his high
renown, caused him to be approached with emotions of awe. His words
were listened to with intensest eagerness. He was the exclusive
object of observation and attention. No earthly potentate had ever
attained such a degree of homage, pure and sincere, as now circled
around the First Consul.
Napoleon was very desirous of having his court a model of decorum
and of morals. Lucien owned a beautiful rural mansion near Neuilly.
Upon one occasion he invited Napoleon, and all the inmates of
Malmaison, to attend some private theatricals at his dwelling.
Lucien and Eliza were the performers in a piece called Alzire. The
ardor of their declamation, the freedom of their gestures, and above
all the indelicacy of the costume which they assumed, displeased
Napoleon exceedingly. As soon as the play was over he exclaimed, "It
is a scandal. I ought not to suffer such indecencies. I will give
Lucien to understand that I will have no more of it." As soon as
Lucien entered the saloon, having resumed his usual dress, Napoleon
addressed him before the whole company, and requested him in future
to desist from all such representations. "What!" said he, "when I am
endeavoring to restore purity of manners, my brother and sister must
needs exhibit themselves upon a platform, almost in a state of
nudity! It is an insult!"
One day at this time Bourrienne, going from Malmaison to Ruel, lost
a beautiful watch. He proclaimed his loss by means of the bellman at
Ruel. An hour after, as he was sitting down to dinner, a peasant boy
brought him the watch, which he had found on the road. Napoleon
heard of the occurrence. Immediately he instituted inquiries
respecting the young man and the family. Hearing a good report of
them, he gave the three brothers employment, and amply rewarded the
honest lad. "Kindness," says Bourrienne, "was a very prominent trait
in the character of Napoleon."
If we now take a brief review of what Napoleon had accomplished
since his return from Egypt, it must be admitted that the records of
the world are to be searched in vain for a similar recital. No
mortal man before ever accomplished so much, or accomplished it so
well, in so short a time.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account