Napoleon. "The King appears to have received you well on your return from Russia?"
Rapp. "Quite so, Sire."
Napoleon. "Without doubt. Cajoled first, then sent about your business. This is what would have befallen you all;—for, after all, you were not their men; you could not suit them: other titles, other rights were necessary to please them."
Rapp. "The King delivered France from the Allies."
Napoleon. "Very true; but at what price! and his engagements, has he kept them? Why did he not hang Ferrand for his speech on the national domains? It is that, it is the insolence of the nobles and priests which made me leave the island of Elba. I might have come with three millions of peasants who ran to me to tell their grievances, and offer their services. But I was certain of not finding resistance in my way to Paris. The Bourbons are very fortunate that I have returned: without me they would at last have had a dreadful revolution.
"Have you read Chateaubriand's pamphlet, which does not even allow me courage on the field of battle? Have you not sometimes seen me stand fire? Am I a coward?"
Rapp. "I have felt, in common with all honourable men, indignation at an accusation as unjust as it is mean."
Napoleon. "Did you sometimes see the Duke d'Orleans?"
Rapp. "I only saw him once."