The Works of Walter Scott, Esq Volume 10

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828 edition. Excerpt: ... At the same time, our commiseration forlallen greatness is lost in our sense of that justice, which makes the associates and tools ofa usurper the readiest implements of his ruin. fVhen Buonaparte returned to Paris, his first interview was with Carnot, of whom he demanded, in his usual tone of authority, an instant supply of treasure, and a levy of 3oo, ooo men. The minister replied, that he could have neither the one or the other. Napoleon then summoned Maret, Duke of Bassano, and other confidential persons of his court. But when his civil councillors talked of defence, the word wrung from him the bitter ejaculation, "Ah, my Old Guard, could they but defend themselves like you!" A nd confession that the military truncheon, his best emblem of command, 'was broken in his gripe. Lucien urged his brother to maintain his authority, and dissolve the Chambers by force; but Napoleon, aware that the National Guard might take the part of the Representatives, declined an action so full of hazard. Davoust was, however, sounded concerning his willingness to not against the Chambers, but he positively refused to do so. Some idea was held out by Fouche to Napoleon, of his being admitted to the powers of a dictator; hut this could be only thrown out as a proposal for the purpose of amusing him. In the meantimearrived the news of the result of the meeting of the Representatives in secret committee. The gauntlet was now thrown down, and it was necessary that Napoleon should resist oryield, declare himself absolute, and dissolve the Chambers by violence, or abdicate the authority he had so lately resumed. Lueien, finding him still undetermined, hesitated not to say, that the smoke of the battle of Mont Saint Jean had turned his brain. In...