Your letter from Lacken just received. I am sorry to see your grief undiminished, and that Hortense has not yet come; she is unreasonable, and does not deserve our love, since she only loves her children.
Try to calm her, and do not make me wretched. For every ill without a remedy consolations must be found.
Adieu, dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon.
No. 73.
To the Empress, at Lacken.
Finckenstein, May 26, 1807.
I have just received your letter of the 16th. I have seen with pleasure that Hortense has arrived at Lacken. I am annoyed at what you tell me of the state of stupor in which she still is. She must have more courage, and force herself to have it. I cannot imagine why they want her to go to take the waters; she will forget her trouble much better at Paris, and find more sources of consolation.
Show force of character, be cheerful, and keep well. My health is excellent.
Adieu, dear. I suffer much from all your griefs; it is a great trouble to me not to be by your side.