“Buonaparte was a brave man, no doubt, for he seemed to delight in war. He must have seen the death of many in his time.”
“That will hardly bear thinking of. It is said, that during his wars, four millions of men, must have fallen.”
“Four millions of men! It is very well there are not many Buonapartes in the world.”
“He was too fond of fighting; and after all his victories he got no good by them. If half the world had been his, he would never have been contented till he had obtained the other half. Ambition was the ruin of him:—
“He saw, though visible to him alone,
Ambition, seated on a shining throne:—
‘Cut through yon glittering host,’ she loudly cries.
‘Behold me here, ordained the victor’s prize!’”
“There was never a braver man than Buonaparte in the world. He cared no more for cannon-shot than we do for snow-balls.”
“Napoleon showed a daring and invincible spirit in crossing the Alps, and in numberless battles, but, perhaps, never did he manifest more true courage than in throwing himself fearlessly into the arms, as it were, of the French army, on his return from Elba, where, after his abdication, he had been a prisoner. A battalion was sent against him. He dismounted from his horse, and advanced alone, opening his surtout so as to show the star of the legion of honour; and crying out, ‘If there be among you a soldier who desires to kill his general—his Emperor—let him do it now! Here I am!’ The whole battalion shouted ‘Vive l’Empereur!’ and instantly joined him.”