in the world. Nature had formed him for command,
and she never creates such men for the purpose of
leaving them in obscurity. It seems, according to
the remark of a writer whose name I have forgotten,
that she is proud of her own work, and that she
wishes to offer it to admiration, by placing it at
the head of human society.]

At first the imperious tone adopted by Napoleon was blamed, next it
was admired. He soon employed it in his intercourse with foreign
ambassadors, with foreign sovereigns. The wily forms of ancient
diplomacy were discarded. Napoleon did not negociate; he issued his
orders. With one hand he brandished his victorious sword; in the other
he held crowns and sceptres. He bade the sovereigns of Europe make
their choice; he offered his friendship or his hatred, kingdoms or
blows. The monarchs who stood before his throne were taught wisdom by
experience. They knew that Napoleon could reward and punish; they
crowded into the ranks of his allies; and they consoled themselves for
their weakness, by crying out upon his tyranny[19].

[Footnote 19: The continental system induced
Napoleon to exercise a real tyranny over Europe. We
do not pretend to deny the fact; but we only wish
to add, that this exterior despotism always induced
a belief amongst foreigners, that Napoleon, who
tyrannized so violently over nations which did not
belong to him, must necessarily be the tyrant of
his own subjects.]

When these causes were united, they aided in persuading the world
that Napoleon was really a despot. For, as Montesquieu observes, there
are some things which we believe at last, merely because we hear them
continually repeated. But if the government of Napoleon is considered
impartially, we shall feel convinced, that the despotism attributed to
him existed rather in words and forms, than in deeds. Let the acts of
his reign be scrutinized, and none will be found impressed with the
character of real despotism; that is to say, of despotism founded on
the mere arbitrary will and pleasure of the prince. On the contrary,
they all prove that the interest and aggrandizement of France entered
alone into the views of Napoleon, and that instead of being under a
tyra