The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction - Volume 10, No. 264, July 14, 1827 by Various
page 44 of 47 (93%)
page 44 of 47 (93%)
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was placed beside him, saying he had suffered severely during the night,
but that his complaint had left him. After this crisis, and having ratified the treaty which his mareschals had made for him. Napoleon appeared more at his ease than he had been for some time before, and conversed frankly with his attendants upon the affairs of France. NAPOLEON TAKES LEAVE OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD. Napoleon having now resigned himself entirely to his fate, whether for good or evil, prepared, on the 20th of April, to depart for his place of retreat. But first, he had the painful task of bidding farewell to the body in the universe most attached to him, and to which he was probably most attached,--his celebrated Imperial Guard. Such of them as could be collected were drawn out before him in review. Some natural tears dropped from his eyes, and his features had the marks of strong emotion while reviewing for the last time, as he must then have thought likely, the companions of so many victories. He advanced to them on horseback, dismounted, and took his solemn leave. "All Europe," he said, "had armed against him; France herself had deserted him, and chosen another dynasty. He might," he said, "have maintained with his soldiers a civil war of years, but it would have rendered France unhappy. Be faithful," he continued, (and the words were remarkable,) "to the new sovereign whom France has chosen. Do not lament my fate; I will always be happy while I know you are so. I could have died--nothing was easier--but I will always follow the road of honour. I will record with my pen the deeds we have done together. I cannot embrace you all, but I embrace |
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