gallantry and
determination, but, in the days of repose, they resembled well-behaved
children, who could amuse themselves with a flower or a bird. The most
daring warrior was then often converted into the most diligent and
submissive scholar.

"For the breakfast which Marshal Davoust gave me in his tent, the
grenadiers had been preparing to entertain us with several songs, and
came forward to sing them with the bashfulness of young girls. In the
most embarrassed and timid manner, they sang a song full of the fiercest
and most daring threats against England.

"From the emperor's parlor we often saw the soldiers of his guard
assemble on the grass-plot before the castle; one of them would play the
violin and instruct his comrades in dancing. The beginners would study
the '_jetes_' and '_assembles_' with the closest attention; the more
advanced ones would execute a whole contredance. From behind the
window-blinds we watched them with the greatest pleasure. The emperor,
who often surprised us at this occupation, would laugh with us and
rejoice at the innocent amusements of his soldiers.

"Was this project of a landing in England really intended? Or was it
the emperor's purpose by these enormous preparations to divert attention
from other points, and fix it on this one only? Even to-day this is a
question which I cannot venture to decide; here, as elsewhere, I only
report what I have seen.

"Madame Ney also gave me a brilliant festival at Montreuil, where her
husband the marshal was in command. During the forenoon the troops were
manoeuvred before me, in the evening a ball took place. But this was
suddenly interrupted by the intelligence that the emperor had
just embarked.

"A number of young officers, who had been present at the ball, rushed
out on the road to Boulogne; I followed them with the rapidity of
lightning, escorted as usual by General Defrance, who burned with
impatience to be again at the emperor's side. I myself felt unutterable
emotion at the prospect of witnessing so great an occurrence. I imagined
myself observing the battle from the summit of the tower that stood near
the emperor's tent; beholding our fleet advance and sink down into the
waves, I shuddered in anticipation.

"At last I arrived. I inquired after the emperor, and learned that he
had actually attended the embarkation of all his troops during the
night, but that he had just returned to his villa.

"I did not see him until dinner, at whi