you a letter to the King of Prussia. That monarch, who knows the
resources and intentions of the Allies, would, I am sure, have
authorised you to decide a suspension of arms before the neighbourhood
of Paris became the theatre of the war."--"But," resumed I, "in spite of
the good intentions of the Allies, it would have been very difficult to
prevent resistance. French pride, irritated as it was by reverses,
would have opposed insurmountable obstacles to such a measure."--"But,
good heavens! you would have seen that resistance could be of no avail
against such immense masses."--"You are right, General; but French
honour would have been defended to the last."--"I am fully aware of
that; but surely you have earned glory enough!"--"Yet our French
susceptibility would have made us look upon that glory as tarnished if
Paris had been occupied without defence ... But under present
circumstances I am well pleased that you were satisfied with my conduct
in Hamburg, for it induces me to hope that you will observe the same
moderation in Paris that I exercised there. The days are past when it
could be said, Woe to the conquered."--"You are right; yet," added he,
smiling, "you know we are called the northern barbarians."--"Then,
General," returned I, "you have a fair opportunity of showing that that
designation is a libel."

Some days after Blucher's visit I had the honour of being admitted to a
private audience of the King of Prussia. Clarke and Berthier were also
received in this audience, which took place at the hotel of Prince
Eugene, where the King of Prussia resided in Paris. We waited for some
minutes in the salon, and when Frederick William entered from his cabinet
I remarked on his countenance an air of embarrassment and austerity which
convinced me that he had been studying his part, as great personages are
in the habit of doing on similar occasions. The King on entering the
salon first noticed Berthier, whom he addressed with much kindness,
bestowing praises on the French troops, and complimenting the Marshal on
his conduct during the war in Germany. Berthier returned thanks for
these well-merited praises, for though he was not remarkable for strength
of understanding or energy of mind, yet he was not a bad man, and I have
known many proofs of his good conduct in conquered countries.

After saluting Berthier the King of Prussia turned towards Clarke, and
his countenance immediately assumed an expression of dissatisfaction