ent and a friend, know not _his_ soul. His mind is
too elevated above that of the vulgar to be ever accessible
to unworthy passions. The passion of glory, if you will,
engrosses him too entirely for our repose; but glory, at
least, inspires nothing which is vile. Such is my profession
of faith respecting Napoleon. I make this confession to you
in all sincerity, that I may allay your inquietudes. When I
recommended you to love, or, at least, not to repulse Louis,
I spoke to you in my character of an experienced wife, an
attentive mother, and a tender friend, and in this threefold
relation do I now embrace you."

CHAPTER X.

THE CORONATION.

A.D. 1800-A.D. 1804

Josephine and Napoleon visit Lyons.--Josephine makes new friends.--
Return to Malmaison.--Anecdote of the writing-master.--Tour of the
northern provinces.--Enthusiasm of the people.--Josephine ever
solicitous in behalf of the comfort of others.--Benevolence of
Josephine's heart.--The palace of St. Cloud.--Napoleon's views of
Christianity.--Striking remarks.--Influence of Josephine in the
re-establishment of Christianity.--Religious ceremony at Notre
Dame.--Proclamation of Napoleon.--Christian charity recommended.--
Triumph of Christianity.--Madame Tallien disliked by Napoleon.--
Dissipation in Paris.--Incident at a masked ball.--Josephine and
Madame Tallien.--The stolen interview.--Eugene interrupts it.--
Ouvrard.--Rumors.--Apprehensions of Josephine.--Anecdote.--Introduction
of regal state.--Napoleon and Josephine occupy separate apartments.--
Josephine advocates the cause of the Bourbons.--A present.--Napoleon
takes to the whip.--Accident resulting from his unskillfulness.--
Napoleon's views of death.--Subsequent change of opinion.--Remonstrances
of Josephine.--Titled Englishmen in Paris.--Josephine invites them to
Malmaison.--Their reception.--Dissipation in Paris.--Napoleon declared
emperor.--Josephine's fears.--Grand levee.--Josephine's elevated
position.--Preparations for the coronation.--Dress of Josephine.--Dress
of Napoleon.--The imperial carriage.--A splendid pageant.--The throne.
--Napoleon crowns himself and Josephine.--A touching scene.--Pious
emotions of Josephine.--Impatience of Napoleon.--Josephine's forebodings
fulfilled.--Desires to forget her title.--Josephine's regrets.--
Corruption of the court of France.--Napoleon scrupulous in forming his
court.--The Duchess d'Aiguillon.--Letter f