It was not long before Joachim became the object of the deepest suspicion to such authorities as still remained in Corsica, and he removed himself to Vescovado, and thence to Ajaccio, with the enthusiastic assistance of the discontented element in the island. Once more, under the action of the popular support, he began to feel a king, and frequently remarked that if strangers rallied to him in this fashion, the Neapolitans might be expected to rise _en masse_ at his appearance. “I accept it as a happy augury!” he exclaimed. It seems incredible that, after his experience among them, Joachim should have an illusion left about his late subjects. But he evidently had, and he determined to descend upon Salerno, where 3,000 of his former troops were quartered. They were, he was sure, discontented with the Bourbons—being what they were, they were bound to be discontented with any sort of established authority—and with these he expected to march towards Avellino, increasing his following as he went, throwing a panic into the capital before him; in fine, repeating the Napoleonic performance, and seating himself firmly upon the throne before the Austrians could descend upon him. He had completed his arrangements, when he received a letter from Maceroni informing him that the latter was upon his way to Ajaccio, and that he was bringing good news with him. He waited a day for him, and Maceroni, when he appeared, presented Murat with a note written in French. “His Majesty the Emperor of Austria” (it ran) “will grant an asylum to King Joachim on the following conditions: “First. That the King shall assume a private name; and the Queen having taken that of Lipano, the same is proposed to the King. “Second. That the King shall reside in one of the cities of Bohemia, Moravia, or Upper Austria, or, if he should prefer it, in the country; but in one of these provinces. “Third. That he shall pledge his word of honour not to quit the Austrian territory without the express permission of the Emperor, and to live as a private individual subject to the laws of the Austrian monarchy.” It was signed by Metternich, and dated from Paris, on September 1. But Joachim, in spite of his friend’s entreaties, would have none of it. “_Quem Deus vult perdere, prius dementat._” Joachim’s soul was aflame now, and he spoke contemptuously of the offer.