of Vienna,
and volunteer corps were formed everywhere and marched upon the
frontier. The gallant peasantry of the Tyrol had already displayed their
zeal; nor did the previous reverses of Alvinzi prevent them from once
more crowding to his standard. Napoleon proclaimed that every Tyrolese
caught in arms should be shot as a brigand. Alvinzi replied, that for
every murdered peasant he would hang a French prisoner of war:
Buonaparte rejoined, that the first execution of this threat would be
instantly followed by the gibbeting of Alvinzi's own nephew, who was in
his hands. These ferocious threats were laid aside, when time had been
given for reflection; and either general prepared to carry on the war
according to the old rules, which are at least sufficiently severe.

Alvinzi sent a peasant across the country to find his way if possible
into the beleaguered city of Mantua, and give Wurmser notice that he was
once more ready to attempt his relief. The veteran was commanded to make
what diversion he could in favour of the approaching army; and if things
came to the worst, to fight his way out of Mantua, retire on Romagna,
and put himself at the head of the Papal forces. The spy who carried
these tidings was intercepted, and dragged into the presence of
Napoleon. The terrified man confessed that he had swallowed the ball of
wax in which the despatch was wrapped. His stomach was compelled to
surrender its contents; and Buonaparte prepared to meet his enemy.
Leaving Serrurier to keep up the blockade of Mantua, he hastened to
resume his central position at Verona, from which he could, according to
circumstances, march with convenience on whatever line the Austrian main
body might choose for their advance.

The Imperialists, as if determined to profit by no lesson, once more
descended from the Tyrol upon two different lines of march; Alvinzi
himself choosing that of the Upper Adige; while Provera headed a second
army, with orders to follow the Brenta, and then, striking across to the
Lower Adige, join the marshal before the walls of Mantua. Could they
have combined their forces there, and delivered Wurmser, there was
hardly a doubt that the French must retreat before so vast an army as
would then have faced them. But Napoleon was destined once more to
dissipate all these victorious dreams. He had posted Joubert at Rivoli,
to dispute that important position, should the campaign open with an
attempt to force it by Alvinzi; while Aug