Whenever the existing
polity of a state has been totally subverted, he who first raises the
edifice of society from its ruins, is necessarily accused of
despotism, because apparently he has no other rule except his own
will. Nor must we forget that Napoleon had been accustomed to command
implicit obedience in the camp. He retained his military attitude on
the throne. He usually addressed his courtiers, his connexions, and
his ministers, in the tone which he had formerly adopted when speaking
to his soldiers or their generals[18]. An appearance of despotism was
certainly given to his way of reigning and commanding, by such
language which is seldom heard in civil society. And in almost all
cases, appearance is taken for reality.

[Footnote 18: From his early youth, it may be even
said from his days of boyhood, Napoleon felt an
inward presentiment that he was not destined to
live in mediocrity. This persuasion soon taught him
to treat others with disdain, and to entertain the
highest opinion of himself. Scarcely had he
obtained a subaltern command in the artillery, when
he considered himself as the superior of his
equals, and the equal of his superiors. In his 20th
year he was placed at the head of the army of
Italy. Without appearing to be in the slightest
degree surprised by his elevation, he passed from a
secondary station to the chief command. He
immediately treated the old generals of the
army--they who were so proud of the laurels--with
an air of dignity and authority, which placed them
in a situation which was probably new to them. But
they did not feel humiliated, and their inferiority
seemed to result as a matter of course, for the
ascendancy exercised by Napoleon was irresistible;
and he was thoroughly endued; with that instinct of
authority, that talent of ensuring obedience, with
those faculties which are usually confined to those
who are kings by birth. Napoleon could probably
have attained to supreme authority in any country