Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Memoirs of the Public and Private Life of Napoleon Bonaparte, Vol. 1 of 2: With Copious Historical Illustrations, and Original Anecdotes, From the Ms. Of Count Labédoyère, Interspersed With Extracts From M. V. Arnault, Counts Rapp, Montholon, Las Cases, Gourgaud, Segur, &C
Among the many writers, those at least whose opinions possess any degree of merit, not one has had the temerity to refuse Napoleon a just claim to the title of a Great Man; a name which was even accorded to him by that prince who stood forward his competitor for the throne. This sterling title, however, does not conceal those faults which sullied its possessor, more particularly when we call to mind, that he was not satisfied with such an enviable name, but aspired to become the occupant of that throne, which he empha tically denominated a block of gilt wood; after acquiring the laurel Of fame, for ever blooming and unperishable, the recompence of brilliant genius. If, therefore, Napoleon raised the glory of France to its loftiest pinnacle, he was no less the oppressor of her liberties; and in justification for such conduct, it was by no means su?icient to oppose, by way of an equivalent, the most stupendous works of art, and those prodigies of military glory, which are uniformly attached to the deeds of an illustrious and despotic con queror. It cannot be denied that Scipio, when accused of having placed to his own account wealth belonging to the state, was satisfied by answering, On such a day I van quished the enemies of Rome, - let us repair to the Capitol, and offer thanks to the Gods! Scipio was a very bad ac comptant!
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