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the last。〃〃I am fully aware of that; but surely you have earned glory
enough!〃〃Yet our French susceptibility would have made us look upon
that glory as tarnished if Paris had been occupied without defence 。。。
But under present circumstances I am well pleased that you were satisfied
with my conduct in Hamburg; for it induces me to hope that you will
observe the same moderation in Paris that I exercised there。  The days
are past when it could be said; Woe to the conquered。〃〃 You are right;
yet;〃 added he; smiling; 〃you know we are called the northern
barbarians。〃〃 Then; General;〃 returned I; 〃you have a fair opportunity
of showing that that designation is a libel。〃

Some days after Blucher's visit I had the honour of being admitted to a
private audience of the King of Prussia。  Clarke and Berthier were also
received in this audience; which took place at the hote1 of Prince
Eugene; where the King of Prussia resided in Paris。  We waited for some
minutes in the salon; and when Frederick William entered from his cabinet
I remarked on his countenance an air of embarrassment and austerity which
convinced me that he had been studying his part; as great personages are
in the habit of doing on similar occasions。  The King on entering the
salon first noticed Berthier; whom he addressed with much kindness;
bestowing praises on the French troops; and complimenting the Marshal on
his conduct during the war in Germany。  Berthier returned thanks for
these well…merited praises; for though he was not remarkable for strength
of understanding or energy of mind; yet he was not a bad man; and I have
known many proofs of his good conduct in conquered countries。

After saluting Berthier the King of Prussia turned towards Clarke; and
his countenance immediately assumed an expression of dissatisfaction。
He had evidently not forgotten Clarke's conduct in Berlin。  He reminded
him that he had rendered the Continental system more odious than it was
in itself; and that he had shown no moderation in the execution of his
orders。  〃In short;〃 said his Majesty; 〃if I have any advice to give you;
it is that you never again return to Prussia。〃  The King pronounced these
words in so loud and decided a tone that Clarke was perfectly confounded。
He uttered some unintelligible observations; which; however; Frederick
William did not notice; for suddenly turning towards me he said; with an
air of affability; 〃Ah!  M。 de Bourrienne; I am glad to see you; and I
take this opportunity of repeating what I wrote to you from Gonigsberg。
You always extended protection to the Germans; and did all you could to
alleviate their condition。  I learned with great satisfaction what you
did for the Prussians whom the fate of war drove into Hamburg; and I feel
pleasure in telling you; in the presence of these two gentlemen; that if
all the French agents had acted as you did we should not; probably; be
here。〃  I expressed; by a profound bow; how much I was gratified by this
complimentary address; and the king; after saluting us; retired。

About the middle of April Bernadotte arrived in Paris。  His situation had
become equivocal; since circumstances had banished the hopes he might
have conceived in his interview with the Emperor Alexander at Abo。
Besides; he had been represented in some official pamphlets as a traitor
to France; and among certain worshippers of our injured glory there
prevailed a feeling of irritation; and which was unjustly directed
towards Bernadotte。

I even remember that Napoleon; before he had fallen from his power; had a
sort of national protest made by the police against the Prince Royal of
Sweden。  This Prince had reserved an hotel in the Rue d'Anjou; and the
words; 〃Down with the traitor!  down with the perjurer;〃 were shouted
there; but this had no result; as it was only considered an outrage
caused by a spirit of petty vengeance。

While Bernadotte was in Paris I saw him every day。  He but faintly
disguised from me the hope he had entertained of ruling France; and in
the numerous conversations to which our respective occupations led I
ascertained; though Bernadotte did not formally tell me so; that he once
had strong expectations of succeeding Napoleon。

Pressed at last into his final intrenchments he broke through all reserve
and confirmed all I knew of the interview of Abo。

I asked Bernadotte what he thought of the projects which were attributed
to Moreau; whether it was true that he had in him a competitor; and
whether Moreau had aspired to the dangerous honour of governing France:
〃Those reports;〃 replied the Prince Royal of Sweden; 〃are devoid of
foundation: at least I can assure you that in the conversations I have
had with the Emperor Alexander; that sovereign never said anything which
could warrant such a supposition。  I know that the Emperor of Russia
wished to avail himself of the military talents of Moreau in the great
struggle that had commenced; and to enable the exiled general to return
to his country; in the hope that; should the war prove fortunate; he
would enjoy the honours and privileges due to his past services。〃

Bernadotte expressed to me astonishment at the recall of the Bourbons;
and assured me that he had not expected the French people would so
readily have consented to the Restoration。  I confess I was surprised
that Bernadotte; with the intelligence I knew him to possess; should
imagine that the will of subjects has any influence in changes of
government!

During his stay in Paris Bernadotte evinced for me the same sentiments of
friendship which he had shown me at Hamburg。  One day I received from him
a letter; dated Paris; with which he transmitted to me one of the crosses
of the Polar Star; which the King of Sweden had left at his disposal。
Bernadotte was not very well satisfied with his residence in Paris; in
spite of the friendship which the Emperor Alexander constantly manifested
towards him。  After a few days he set out for Sweden; having first taken
leave of the Comte d'Artois。  I did not see him after his farewell visit
to the Count; so that I know not what was the nature of the conversation
which passed between the two Princes。








End of the Memoirs of Napoleon; V12; 1814




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