constitution was greatly enfeebled, and her friends and physician advised
her to seek repose at some retired place in the country. But she refused,
and feeble and emaciated as she was, she resolved to proceed immediately to
Olmutz, and to bury herself in prison with her husband, unless she could
possibly procure his liberation. With this purpose in view, she went first
to Vienna, to endeavour to concilitate the favor and influence of the
Emperor. Through the friendly interposition of two noble females,
acquainted at court, she was admitted to an audience with the Emperor.

He received her graciously, and professed a desire that her request might
be fulfilled; but gave no positive orders for the liberation of Lafayette
because his _political_ engagements with other courts prevented it. He,
however, consented that she might visit her husband. She accordingly
repaired to Olmutz, to minister, as an angel of light, to his comfort,
though not clothed with power to give him that liberty, which they ardently
hoped. She and her daughters shared with him the confinement of a dreary
prison, for nearly two years. It was not until 1797, that they were set at
liberty: and this was immediately owing to the influence of General
Bonaparte, on his victories over the Austrians in that year. Lafayette
expressed his gratitude for this generous interference; but he made no
sacrifice of principle, and was never his admirer or supporter.

While confined in the prison of Olmutz, with her husband, Madame Lafayette,
whose health was much impaired by her sorrows and suffering, requested
leave to visit Vienna for a week. She was informed her request would be
granted on condition, that her daughters should be kept in a separate
apartment from their father, and that she herself would never again enter
the prison. She declined the offer, with indignation. Her letter on the
subject, concludes thus-"Whatever may be the state of my own health and the
inconvenience attending the stay of my daughters in this place we will most