While we were in the army I slept in the Emperor's tent, either on a
little rug, or on the bearskin which he used in his carriage; or when it
happened that I could not make use of these articles, I tried to procure
a bed-of straw, and remember one evening having rendered a great service
to the King of Naples, by sharing with him the bundle of straw which was
to have served as my bed.

I here give a few details from which the reader can form an idea of the
manner in which I passed the nights on the campaign.

The Emperor slept on his little iron bedstead, and I slept where I could.
Hardly did I fall asleep before the Emperor called me, "Constant."--
"Sire."--"See who is on duty" (it was the aides-de-camp to whom he
referred).--"Sire, it. is M.----"--"Tell him to come to me." I then
went out of the tent to summon the officer, and brought him back with me.
On his entrance the Emperor said to him, "Report to such a corps,
commanded by such a marshal; you will request him to send such a regiment
to such a position; you will ascertain the position of the enemy, then
you will return to report." The aide-de-camp, having left on horseback
to execute these orders, I lay down again, and the Emperor now seemed to
be going to sleep; but, at the end of a few moments, I heard him call
again, "Constant."--"Sire."--"Have the Prince de Neuchatel summoned.
"I sent for the prince, who came at once; and during the conversation I
must remain at the door of the tent, until the prince wrote several
orders and withdrew. These interruptions took place many times during
the night, and at last towards morning his Majesty slept, when I also had
a few moments of repose.

When aides-de-camp arrived, bringing any news to the Emperor, I awoke
him, by shaking him gently.