Recollections of the Private Life of Napoleon - Volume 08

pubOne.info present you this new edition. Towards the end of September the Emperor made a journey to Raab; and, as he was mounting his horse to return to his residence at Schoenbrunn, he saw the bishop a few steps from him. 'Is not that the bishop? ' said he to M. Jardin, who was holding his horse's head. 'No, Sire, it is Soliman. '- 'I asked you if that was not the bishop, ' repeated his Majesty, pointing to the prelate. M. Jardin, intent on business, and thinking only of the Emperor's horse which bore the name of Bishop, again replied, 'Sire, you forget that you rode him on the last relay. ' The Emperor now perceived the mistake, and broke into a laugh. I was witness at Wagram of an act which furnished a fine illustration of the Emperor's kindness of heart and consideration for others, of which I have already given several instances; for, although in the one I shall now relate, he was forced to refuse an act of clemency, his very refusal challenges admiration as an exhibition of the generosity and greatness of his soul.