g advantage of the Emperor's good humour I ventured to tell him what
happiness it would give me if it were possible that I could share with
him the revival of all recollections which were mutually dear to us. But
Napoleon, after a moment's pause, said with extreme kindness, "Hark ye,
Bourrienne, in your situation and mine this cannot be. It is more than
two years since we parted. What would be said of so sudden a
reconciliation? I tell you frankly that I have regretted you, and the
circumstances in which I have frequently been placed have often made me
wish to recall you. At Boulogne I was quite resolved upon it. Rapp,
perhaps, has informed you of it. He liked you, and he assured me that he
would be delighted at your return. But if upon reflection I changed my
mind it was because, as I have often told you, I will not have it said
that I stand in need of any one. No. Go to Hamburg. I have formed some
projects respecting Germany in which you can be useful to me. It is
there I will give a mortal blow to England. I will deprive her of the
Continent,--besides, I have some ideas not yet matured which extend much
farther. There is not sufficient unanimity amongst the nations of
Europe. European society must be regenerated--a superior power must
control the other powers, and compel them to live in peace with each
other; and France is well situated for that purpose. For details you
will receive instructions from Talleyrand; but I recommend you, above all
things, to keep a strict watch on the emigrants. Woe to them if they
become too dangerous! I know that there are still agitators,--among them
all the 'Marquis de Versailles', the courtiers of the old school. But
they are moths who will burn themselves in the candle. You have been an
emigrant yourself, Bourrienne; you feel a partiality for them, and you
know that I have allowed upwards of two hundred of them to return upon
your recommendation. But the case is altered. Those who are abroad are
hardened. They do not wish to return home. Watch them closely. That is
the only particular direction I give you. You are to be Minister from
France to Hamburg; but your place will be an independent one; besides
your correspondence with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I authorise
you to write to me personally, whenever you have anything particular
to communicate. You will likewise correspond with Fouche."

Here the Emperor remained silent for a moment, and I was preparing to
retire, but he d