Recollections of Caulincourt, Duke of Vicenza-- Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1838 edition. Excerpt: ...been loaded with benefits from him. ' Look at these men,' said he, with a smile of pity; ' one must laugh at them to avoid feelings of indignation and regret.' " Independently of official correspondence, a great quantity of letters arrived, some filled with advice and warnings, others disclosing plots against the Emperor's life, others containing declarations of love. The first were, without pity, consigned to the waste paper baskets; Napoleon did not often attend to advice which he did not ask for. He took no heed of the denunciations of attempts against him. ' Whoever stakes his own life against mine will make no confidants,' said he, shrugging up his shoulders; ' the hour of my death is written above.' " But when he was in good humour he would amuse himself with the billets doux. On one occasion, a little perfumed letter, elegantly written, with large armorial bearings on the seal, attracted his attention, and, ii.afoi! it had the honour to be read all through to the signature. In reading 148 A BILLET DOUX. it, the physiognomy of Napoleon assumed an air of irony, which excited my curiosity. I avow my indiscretion, and over the shoulder of my honoured master I read also. I will not tell you the name of the fair writer, and that is generous on my part, for afterwards her beautiful mouth uttered, in resentment, a shocking piece of blasphemy. I am assured, that on learning the death of the Emperor, Madame de said, drily, ' Morte la bete, mort le venin.' This old proverb, by its forced application to circumstance, gained the lady great honour in certain saloons. If I had had the letter of 1815 in my hands, I will not say whether I might not have been tempted to have inserted it in the journals, in form of a corollary to the lady's witty jeu...