on and terrors
which I now experience, I several times said, in my own mind, I have
sought to meet death in many conflicts; I can no longer fear it. To me
death would now be a blessing. But I would once more see Josephine."

Notwithstanding the desperate state of affairs, Josephine still
cherished the hope that his commanding genius would yet enable him to
retrieve his fortunes. All these hopes were, how ever, dispelled on the
receipt of the following letter:

"Fontainebleau, April 16, 1814.

"DEAR JOSEPHINE,--I wrote to you on the eighth of this
month, but perhaps you have not received my letter.
Hostilities still continued, and possibly it may have
been intercepted. At present the communications must be
re-established. I have formed my resolution. I have no
doubt that this billet will reach you. I will not repeat
what I said to you. Then I lamented my situation, now I
congratulate myself upon it. My head and spirit are freed
from an enormous weight. My fall is great, but it may, as
men say, prove useful. In my retreat I shall substitute the
pen for the sword. The history of my reign will be curious.
The world has yet seen me only in profile. I shall show
myself in full. How many things have I to disclose! how many
are the men of whom a false estimate is entertained! I have
heaped benefits upon millions of wretches! What have they
done in the end for me? They have all betrayed me--yes, all.
I except from this number the good Eugene, so worthy of you
and of me. Adieu! my dear Josephine. Be resigned as I am,
and never forget him who never forgot, and never will forget
you. Farewell, Josephine.

"NAPOLEON.

"P.S.--I expect to hear from you at Elba. I am not very well."

Upon reading these tidings of so terrible an overthrow, Josephine was
overwhelmed with grief, and for a time wept bitterly. Soon, however,
recovering her self-possession, she exclaimed, "I must not remain here.
My presence is necessary to the emperor. That duty is, indeed, more
Maria Louisa's than mine, but the emperor is alone--forsaken. Well, I at
least will not abandon him. I might be dispensed with while he was
happy; now, I am sure that he expects me." After a pause of a few
moments, in which she seemed absorbed in her own thoughts, she addressed
her chamberlain, saying, "I may, however, int