in his youth. The recollection was agreeable to him, and he thought he
could amuse himself at it for any length of time, but was soon
undeceived. His aim was always to make the 'reversis', that is, to win
every trick. Character is displayed in the smallest incidents.

Napoleon read a libel on himself, and contrasted the compliments which
had passed between him and the Queen of Prussia with the brutal-
behaviour ascribed to him in the English newspapers. On the other hand,
two common sailors had at different times, while he was at Longwood and
at the Briars, in spite of orders and at all risks, made their way
through the sentinels to gain a sight of Napoleon. On seeing the
interest they took in him he exclaimed, "This is fanaticism! Yes,
imagination rules the world!"

The instructions of the English Ministers with regard to the treatment of
Napoleon at St. Helena had been prepared with the view completely to
secure his person. An English officer was to be constantly at his table.
This order, however, was not carried into effect. An officer was also to
accompany Napoleon in all his rides; this order was dispensed with within
certain prescribed limits, because Napoleon had refused to ride at all on
such conditions. Almost everyday brought with it some new cause of
uneasiness and complaint. Sentinels were posted beneath Napoleon's
windows and before his doors. This order was, however, doubtless given
to prevent his being annoyed by impertinent curiosity. The French were
certainly precluded from all free communication with the inhabitants of
the island; but this precaution was of unquestionable necessity for the
security of the Emperor's person. Las Cases complains that the passwords
were perpetually changed, so that they lived in constant perplexity and
apprehension of being subjected to some unforeseen insult. "Napoleon,"
he continues, "addressed a complaint to the Admiral, which obtained for