12127 ([return])
[ "Souvenirs," by Gaudin, duc de Gaëte (3rd vol. of the "Mémoires," p.67).]
12128 ([return])
[ M. de Metternich, II., 120. (Letter to Stadion, July 26, 1807.)]
12129 ([return])
[ Ibid., II., 291. (Letter of April 11, 1809.)]
12130 ([return])
[ Ibid., II., 400. (Letter of Jan.17, 1811.) In lucid moments, Napoleon takes the same view. Cf. Pelet de la Lozère, "Opinions de Napoleon au conseil d'etat," p. 15: "That will last as long as I do. After me, however, my son will deem himself fortunate if he has 40,000 francs a year."—(De Ségur, "Histoire et Mémoires," III., 155.): "How often at this time (1811) was he heard to foretell that the weight of his empire would crush his heir!" "Poor child," said he, regarding the King of Rome, "what an entanglement I shall leave to you!" From the beginning he frequently passed judgment on himself and foresaw the effect of his action in history." On reaching the isle of Poplars, the First Consul stopped at Rousseau's grave, and said: 'It would have, been better for the repose of France, if that man had never existed.' 'And why, citizen Consul?' 'He is the man who made the French revolution.' 'It seems to me that you need not complain of the French revolution!' 'well, the future must decide whether it would not have been better for the repose of the whole world if neither myself nor Rousseau had ever lived.' He then resumed his promenade in a revery."—Stanislas Girardin; "Journal et Mémoires," III., Visit of the French Consul to Ermenonville.]
12131 ([return])
[ Marmont, "Mémoires," III., 337. (On returning from Wagram.)]