To the Empress, at Mayence.
Posen, December 3, 1806, 6 p.m.
Yours of November 27th received, from which I see that your little head is quite turned. I am reminded of the verse—
"Désir de femme est un feu qui dévore."
Still you must calm yourself. I wrote you that I was in Poland; that, when we were established in winter quarters, you could come; you will have to wait a few days. The greater one becomes, the less one can consult one's wishes—being dependent on events and circumstances. You can come to Frankfort or Darmstadt. I am hoping to send for you in a few days; that is, if circumstances will permit. The warmth of your letter makes me realise that you, like other pretty women, know no bounds. What you will, must be; but, as for me, I declare that of all men I am the greatest slave; my master has no pity, and this master is the nature of things.
Adieu, dear; keep well. The person that I wished to speak to you about is Madame L——, of whom every one is speaking ill; they assure me that she is more Prussian than French woman. I don't believe it, but I think her an idiot who talks nothing but trash.
Napoleon.
December 6th.—Thorn (on the Vistula) occupied by Ney.
No. 20.