“At the same time I admit that the opposite opinion, even under existing circumstances, has considerable weight. France, whether free or not, is still our country, and there are more germs of liberty in her democratic organization than could enter into the counter-revolution. Her adversaries are the decided enemies of our purest principles, and have taken up arms only to accomplish her utter destruction. If it appears unsuitable that, when Europe is divided into two bands, a young man of nineteen years of age should be found in neither, it is evident that the place of a patriot—of my son—can only be under our national standards. The late reverses have imparted a more defensive character to our wars, and a leader incapable of acts of pillage has just been appointed to the army of Italy; in a word, if it be permitted, or let us even say, if it be a duty to hesitate, there are many reasons at this moment for the adoption of your advice.”
At a later period La Fayette wrote to the same friend to inform him of his son’s departure for Italy:—
“I heartily thank you, my dear Masclet, for your congratulations on the wished-for appointment. The new-made officer is hastening to the field, and hopes to embrace you to-morrow, before his and your departure. Sure it is, the standard of the rights of men is not on the side against which he is going to fight. May they be in France the reward of victory!
“With sanguine expectations I am waiting for news from Italy. Bonaparte will conquer. Our situation in Germany is glorious indeed; a brilliant campaign and an honorable peace are, I think, to be depended upon. Adieu, my dear Masclet.
“La Fayette.”
CHAPTER IX.
La Fayette arrives at Witmold—Return of his Son from America—Madame La Fayette’s Journey to Paris—La Fayette’s Letter to her—His Letter to the Directory—Madame La Fayette appeals to Directeur Sieyès—18th Brumaire—La Fayette returns to France—His Letter to Napoleon announcing his Arrival—The Premier Consul is Displeased—Madame La Fayette’s Visit to Napoleon—Virginie describes her Mother’s Last Sickness and Death—La Fayette’s Love for his Wife—His Tender Letters narrating Touching Scenes at her Death-Bed.
“Give me again my hollow tree,
A crust of bread, and liberty.”—Pope.
REGARDING the few short years remaining in the heroic and unselfish life of Madame La Fayette, her daughter Virginie and her husband are her best biographers. After their release from Olmütz Virginie La Fayette thus writes:—