[127] These extracts were doubtless translated by the Emperor himself, for not one of those who were with him at Wilhelmshöhe could speak a word or read a line of German! Napoleon III. had an almost better acquaintance with German than with French, and he spoke French as many Germans speak it, the result of his early education in Germany and Switzerland.
[128] A Bonapartist intransigeant who greatly influenced the Empress.
[129] Strictly speaking, it was exactly five weeks later.
[130] July, 1870.
[131] “Les Causes et les Responsabilités de la Guerre de 1870.” Par H. Welschinger. Paris: Plon. 1910.
[132] To similar assertions the Empress Eugénie, in her Reply to her Accusers, gives an emphatic denial.
[133] Part of the chorus of one of Nadaud’s popular songs.
[134] Revue des Deux Mondes (January 1, 1911). “La Guerre de 1870: Notre Première Défaite.”
[135] Ibid.
[136] The Baron de Mackau (previously referred to in this chapter).