to him that the date which was assigned to the Golden Bull was not
correct, and that it was proclaimed in 1336, during the reign of the
Emperor Charles IV. 'That is true, Sire,' replied the Prince
Primate I was mistaken; but how does it happen that your Majesty is
so well acquainted with these matters?'--'When I was a mere sub-
lieutenant in the artillery, said Napoleon,--at this beginning,
there was on the part of the guests a marked movement of interest,
and he continued, smiling,--when I had the honor to be simply sub-
lieutenant in the artillery I remained three years in the garrison
at Valence, and, as I cared little for society, led a very retired
life. By fortunate chance I had lodgings with a kind and
intelligent bookseller. I read and re-read his library during the
three years I remained in the garrison and have forgotten nothing,
even matters which have had no connection with my position. Nature,
besides, has given me a good memory for figures, and it often
happens with my ministers that I can give them details and the sum
total of accounts they presented long since.'"

A few days before his departure from Erfurt, the Emperor bestowed the
cross of the Legion of Honor on M. de Bigi, commandant of arms at this
place; M. Vegel, burgomaster of Jena; Messrs. Weiland and Goethe; M.
Starlk, senior physician at Jena. He gave to General Count Tolstoi,
ambassador from Russia, who had been recalled from this post by his
sovereign to take a command in the army, the grand decoration of the
Legion of Honor; to M. the dean Meimung, who had said mass twice at the
palace, a ring of brilliants, with the cipher N surmounted by a crown;
and a hundred napoleons to the two priests who had assisted him; finally,
to the grand marshal of the palace, Count Tolstoi, the beautiful Gobelin
tapestry, Savonnerie carpets, and Sevres porcelain, which had been
brought from Paris to furnish the palace of Erfurt. The minister's grand