Napoleon and the Queen of Prussia

by L. Mühlbach

  CHAPTER XXXIX.

  FRENCH ERFURT.

  Erfurt had undergone a great transformation in the course of a singleweek. The quiet German fortress, and the gloomy streets and desertedpublic places, had become a gay capital. There were constantly seencrowds of French footmen in rich liveries, high-born gentlemen withtheir stars on their breasts, and gaping idlers looking wonderingly atthe change. But what feverish activity and toil had been required toeffect this! Paris--nay, all France, had to contribute their treasures.Long lines of wagons had conveyed to Erfurt costly furniture, coveredwith velvet and gilt ornaments, from the imperial _garde-meubles_ ofParis, magnificent porcelain from Sevres, precious gobelins and silksfrom Lyons and Rouen, rare wines from Bordeaux, tropic fruits fromMarseilles, and truffles from Perigord. Not only the castle, but alsothe prominent private residences, had been decorated in the mostsumptuous style. An army of cooks and kitchen-boys had garrisoned thebasements and kitchens filled with the delicacies brought from theprincipal cities of Europe.

  France had adorned Erfurt as a bride ready to receive her lord, and theGerman princes had come as bridesmen. Nearly every German state had sentits sovereign or crown prince. There were the Kings of Saxony,Wuertemberg, Bavaria, and Westphalia; the Dukes of Hesse-Darmstadt,Baden, Weimar, Gotha, Oldenburg, Schwerin, and Strelitz, and more thantwenty of the petty sovereigns in which Germany abounded. For the firsttime all seemed to be united, and to have one purpose. This was, to dohomage to the Emperor Napoleon.

  He intended to come to Erfurt to meet again the friend he had gained atTilsit, the Emperor Alexander. Nearly eighteen months had passed sincethe first meeting of the two monarchs. Since that time the morning skyof their friendship had been overcast. The meeting at Erfurt was torenew their former relations. Both emperors felt that they could not dowithout each other, and they sought this meeting with equal eagerness.Alexander desired to continue his war against Sweden for the possessionof Finland. Napoleon had not yet been able to bring the great strugglein Spain to a successful end, and had, therefore, to remain at peacewith the only sovereign whose power and enmity he had still to fear.Besides, the two emperors loved each other; they had exchanged at Tilsitardent vows. The world was aware of this, and could not but regard it asa matter of course that the imperial friends longed to meet again. Theauspicious period was fixed for the 27th of September, 1808. Theappointed hour had struck; the cannon and the pealing of bells announcedthe advent of Napoleon.--All the thoroughfares and public places werecrowded. The people were hastening with wild impetuosity to the streetsthrough which he was to pass; the members of the municipality, dressedin their official robes, proceeded to the gate where they were towelcome him; the windows of all the houses were open; and there appearedbeautiful women, adorned with flowers and gems, awaiting his approach.The imperial guard formed in line to the soul-stirring notes of theirband, and the Kings of Saxony and Wuertemberg, and the whole host ofGerman princes, had assembled in the large hall of the government palaceto salute the emperor.

  A noise as of distant thunder seemed to shake the air; it drew nearerand nearer. It was the cheering of the people and the soldiers, for theemperor had now entered the city. The procession moved on, greeted bythe bright eyes of the ladies, and the shouts of the multitude.Napoleon, wearily leaning back in the open barouche, drawn by sixrichly-caparisoned horses, thanked the people with an indifferent waveof his hand, and saluted the ladies with a scarcely perceptible nod. Hiscountenance was immovable, and the public excitement was unable tobetray him into the faintest sign of gratification. The noisy welcomeseemed as stale to him as some old song which he had heard too often. Ashis carriage made but slow headway through the surging mass, the emperorstarted with a movement of impatience. "Forward!" he shouted in a loudvoice, and the adjutants, riding on both sides, repeated to theoutriders, "Forward! forward!" The carriage rolled on at a full gallop,regardless of the populace, followed by a cavalcade of marshals andgenerals, and the coaches of Champagny, Maret, and Talleyrand. Havingarrived in front of the palace, the emperor quickly entered. At thelanding of the staircase he was received by the German princes, headedby the King of Saxony. Napoleon embraced the old gentleman with anexpression of genuine tenderness. "Sire," said the king, "you see youhave made my heart young again--you have restored the elasticity ofyouth to my old body. I hastened hither with courier-horses in order togreet you first, and in the impatience of my heart I have been at thewindow for several hours to have the happiness of seeing your majesty."

  "Oh," exclaimed Napoleon, bending a sinister glance on the otherprinces, "I would my love could succeed in rendering you as young asyour heart; it would greatly promote the welfare of Germany. You wouldregenerate the ancient German empire, and transform it into a real andlasting union." He cordially shook hands with the king, saluted theother foreigners with an impatient nod, and walked to his rooms, wherehis _valets de chambre_ were awaiting him.

  Half an hour afterward Minister Champagny was called into the emperor'scabinet. When the minister entered, Napoleon was pacing the room; hishands folded, as usual, behind him. A map, covered with colored pins,and on which he cast a long, dark look, lay on the table. Champagnyremained in respectful silence at the door, waiting the moment when itwould please the emperor to notice his presence. At length Napoleonstood facing him. "Champagny," he asked, "do you know why we are here,and what is the object of this meeting?"

  "Your majesty has not done me the honor of making a confidant of me,"said the minister, respectfully; "hence, I do not know, but merelyventure to surmise, what may be the object."

  "And what do you surmise?"

  "I suppose that your majesty intends to give a fresh impetus to thefriendship of the Emperor Alexander, and to conclude a firm alliancewith him in order to be sure of him, and to be able to carry on the warin Spain without hinderance, and, if need be, if--"

  "Well, why do you hesitate?" said Napoleon, impatiently.

  "If need be," added Champagny, "to declare war against Austria."

  "Then you really believe in the possibility of such a war?" he said."Yes, you are right; we must not suffer ourselves to be deceived byapparent humility and equivocal friends; they have a smile on theirlips, but at heart they are as hostile as ever, and while with theirright hand they greet us, they are arming with their left. But woe tothose scoundrels if I catch them at their tricks! I will so punish themas to shatter their thrones and crush their power. Those men who stylethemselves 'princes by the grace of God' have never learned any thingand never will. They close their ears with arrogance against the eventsthat unerringly speak to them, and they are still lulled to sleep by thenursery-song of 'unapproachable majesty.' But I will arouse them by mycannon, and my armies shall sing them a song of the new majesty thatHeaven has sent into the world. It has overtoppled the thrones of Naplesand Spain; so it will that of Austria, if such be my desire! Austriamust not persist in her insolence, and dare to menace me!"

  Frowning, he commenced again rapidly walking the apartment. "Champagny,"he said, stopping in the middle of the room, "come here close to me,that even the walls will not hear what I tell you. You shall learn theobject of our journey to Erfurt, and I will inform you what you are todo. I have hitherto treated you in the same manner as the admirals towhom I give dispatches to be opened only on the high seas. You have nowreached them, Champagny, and shall, therefore, learn your orders. I havetaken you with me because you are to assist in accomplishing animportant object. I have selected you, and you alone, for I know that Imay confide in your discretion, and that you will not betray any secretintrusted to you. Not a word of what you hear now must ever pass yourlips--not a hint even to Talleyrand. Talleyrand is a sneak and atraitor, who would like to be on good terms with all parties, so as tobe sure of their support whatever may happen. Oh, I know him; I havefathomed him, and can read the thoughts which he takes the greatestpains to conceal. I know that I ought to distrust him--that he isintriguing with Austria; and that, if I suffered him to share in ourscheme, he would
betray the secrets of my cabinet to the Austrianambassador. I profit by his services whenever he is useful by hisintrigue and diplomatic jugglery; but, I repeat it, I do not trust him."

  "Sire, I swear that I should deem myself dishonored if my lips everbetray a syllable of the secret projects of my emperor!" exclaimed theminister, solemnly.

  "Well, well, I trust you," said Napoleon, nodding to him. "Now, listen!"He took the minister by one of the golden buttons of his velvet coat anddrew him closer to his side. "I have brought about this meeting becauseI desire to dupe the Emperor Alexander."

  Champagny started and looked surprised. Napoleon smiled. "I shallaccomplish my purpose so far as Alexander himself is concerned," hesaid; "but you must do the same with regard to the Russian minister,hard-headed old Romanzoff. And let me tell you why. You know what Ipromised Alexander at Tilsit, and by what means I succeeded inwinning his heart. He is an idealist; the plans of his grandmotherCatharine are constantly haunting him, and his thoughts are fixed onTurkey--particularly on Constantinople. He is ambitious, fickle, andvisionary. I promised to realize his visions, and thereby gained hisconfidence. I promised when the time came, not only not to oppose hisplans against Turkey, but to support them to the best of my power. Inconsideration of this promise, he approved my ideas with regard toSpain, and solemnly pledged me his word that he would raise no objectionif I hurl the Bourbons from the Spanish throne, and place one of mybrothers on it. He has kept his word, for, although the crown is stilluneasy on the head of my brother Joseph, yet he is a king, and Alexanderwill believe that it is time for me to keep my word. His envoys, and hisconfidential minister, old Romanzoff, have already urged the demands oftheir master. Joseph having made his entry into Madrid, Alexanderdesires to enter Constantinople. His impatience has risen to the highestpoint, and to calm and conciliate him, I consented to his desire for ameeting. He will renew his demands concerning Constantinople, and Ishall once more promise."

  "Will your majesty promise him Constantinople?" asked Champagny.

  "Yes," said Napoleon, smiling, "promise! But I do not intend to perform.Never will I consent to give Constantinople to the Emperor of Russia,for I would thereby surrender the key of a universal monarchy into hishands--he would be at once master of Europe and Asia. He ofteninstructed Caulaincourt to assure me he did not want the whole ofTurkey; he did not claim any territory south of the Balkan, nor any partof Roumelia--not even Adrianople--only Constantinople with itsneighborhood. He calls it the 'Cat's Tongue,' from its shape, and ismore anxious to obtain it than the ancient Romans ever were to indulgein the delicacy of the tongues of nightingales. But if Russia possessedthis cat's tongue, it would be transformed into a wolf's, armed withformidable teeth against all commerce and national intercourse. Nevershall I permit Russia to annex Constantinople, for that would bedestroying the equilibrium of Europe."

  "But, sire, you yourself said just now that the Emperor Alexander wasmost anxious to seize that city, and that the object of his journey toErfurt was principally to obtain the consent of your majesty to itsconquest."

  "And I told you also that my object was to dupe and intoxicate himgradually by delusive friendship and promises, by festivities and falsehomage, until it is indifferent to him whether, as a compensation forthe acquisition of Spain by my brother, I give him Constantinople andthe Balkan, or something else, provided it is palatable. He has an awfulappetite for territory, and it is important to satisfy it in one way oranother. It is easy to persuade a hungry man that a very common dish isgood roast meat. It is our business, therefore, to suggest to theemperor and his minister another conquest instead of Constantinople, andso to dress up the idea that they may relish it, and ask for nothingelse."

  "Ah, sire," exclaimed Champagny, sighing, "it will be easy for yourmajesty to fascinate the emperor. But my efforts with his old ministerRomanzoff are likely to be utterly unavailing. I am not well versed inthat art of which you are a master, and he is too old and shrewd to befascinated by any one. He is not easily deluded, and his eyes aresteadfastly fixed on Constantinople. It is his most fervent hope to behailed in heaven by Peter the Great, after assisting Alexander inaccomplishing the will of his illustrious ancestor."

  "And yet we must succeed," exclaimed Napoleon, stamping on the floor. "Itell you, Champagny, I will and must succeed! No objections! I told youthat I have made up my mind, and nothing can shake my determination. Youwill commence by encouraging Romanzoff in his hopes, and throw out only,now and then, a vague hint that there are countries, the annexation ofwhich would be more important and advantageous to Russia. After havingprepared his mind in this manner for our plan, you will gradually, andas soon as I have gained over the emperor, point out to him the conquestwhich Russia ought previously to make, and prove to him that Moldaviaand Wallachia would be the very best territorial aggrandizement which hecould desire."

  "Your majesty intends, then, to permit the Emperor of Russia to annexMoldavia and Wallachia?" asked the minister.

  "Yes. I must satisfy him with some compensation for Constantinople. And,it seems to me, the fertile provinces of the Danube, if I grant them tohim immediately and unreservedly, are an acquisition which ought tocontent any ambition. I cannot do without the friendship of Alexander atthis moment. Spain is in a state of insurrection, and, owing toJoseph's timidity, will not be soon reduced to submission. Austria istrying to get up a quarrel with us; she is secretly and perfidiouslypreparing for an attack, and is only waiting for fresh defeats of myarmy in Spain to declare war against me. Prussia, it is true, is notable to injure me, for I am keeping her under my heel; but if I werecompelled to withdraw my foot for an instant, she would slip away andunite with my enemies. Nor do I trust my other allies in Germany. Theyare faithful and devoted only so long as they are afraid of me; theywould forsake me as soon as they see my position endangered. Theysubmitted reluctantly to my orders to furnish me with auxiliaries for myarmy in Spain. If I were to insist on another levy, all these pettyprinces of the Confederation of the Rhine would flatly refuse, providedthere was a prospect of their succeeding in their opposition. I mustkeep them down by the terror with which I inspire them. I must prove toall those revolutionary elements fermenting in Germany--to insurgents,from the throne to the cottage--to all those miserable conspirators anddemagogues--that I stand as firm as a rock, from which their fury willrecoil. United with Russia, I will make all Europe tremble. The echoesof the festivities of Erfurt shall penetrate everywhere, from London toConstantinople; the whole world looks upon us and sees the Emperors ofRussia and France side by side. Amid these enchantments I believe Ishall succeed in persuading my friend Alexander to accept temporarilyMoldavia and Wallachia as a sufficient indemnity for Constantinople. Youknow your duty now, Champagny; lay your mines skilfully, and you willsucceed in blowing up the old granite fortress of Romanzoff."

  "Sire, I assure you I will assist you to the best of my ability," saidthe minister. "Your majesty, however, will permit me to ask a question.The promise of the annexation of Moldavia and Wallachia is not to be amere sham, and your majesty will really permit Russia to seize these twoprovinces?"

  Napoleon smiled, and, violently pulling the minister's ear in his usualjocular way, said, "What a rash and indiscreet question! Of course, weshall promise the annexation. When it is to be fulfilled we must delayit as long as possible, and the rest will depend on events. In orderthat I may know exactly how far you have progressed with Romanzoff, youwill write down your conversations with him every day, and also yourplans, hopes, and fears; I desire to have every night a letter from youon the table at my bedside. Adieu!" He nodded pleasantly, and whileChampagny withdrew, the emperor called in a loud voice for Constant, his_valet de chambre_.

  "Did you send for Talma?" he asked Constant.

  "Sire, Talma is waiting for your majesty's orders in the anteroom."

  "Very well, let him come in. Have the horses brought to the door. Allthe marshals and my whole suite must be ready. We set out immediately tomeet the Emperor Alexander, but
I will previously put on my decorationof St. Andrew's order; then my toilet will be complete.--Talma!"

  Constant hastened into the anteroom to inform Talma that the emperorwished to see him, and a moment afterward the great actor made hisappearance. "Ah, you have arrived, then, Talma," exclaimed Napoleon,gayly, "and I hope you have brought with you the most select company ofactors, the finest costumes, and the best pieces?"

  "I have brought hither, sire, the actors and the theatre of theconqueror of the world," said Talma, "and that says every thing. Theeyes of your majesty will be on us; that is all that is needed toinspire us."

  "But you will also play before an audience such as perhaps will neveragain assemble," said Napoleon, smiling. "You will have it occupied bykings and sovereign princes."

  "Sire," said Talma, bowing deeply, "where your majesty is, there is butone king and master."

  "No; there is another king, and his name is Talma," exclaimed Napoleon,smiling. "These German princes may take a lesson from Talma as to themanner in which a king should bear himself in prosperity as well as inadversity. You will, therefore, perform Oedipus, Cinna, Mohammed, andAndromache, that kings may see how true monarchs ought to behave. Icould have wished, however, that you had prepared not only the tragediesof Racine, Corneille, and Voltaire, but also some of the comedies ofMoliere. You know how highly I esteem them. But the Germans would notunderstand them. We must show them the beauty and sublimity of ourtragic theatre; they will appreciate it better than the profound wit ofMoliere. Make it indispensable for the actors, and very particularly theactresses, to speak as distinctly and loudly as possible, that theEmperor Alexander, who is somewhat hard of hearing, may understand. Youare the representatives of the honor of French literature; just say soto the artists in my name, and order the ladies especially to refrainfrom their wonted ogling and coquetry. Handsome Mademoiselle Bourgoinlikes also to make conquests, not only on the stage, but among thespectators; and, while she is playing tragic _amoureuses_, she casts onthe audience glances that are more suitable to a beauty of the PalaisRoyal than to a heroine, and which contrast strangely with the chastecharacters she represents. Tell her that I desire her to abstain fromsuch follies; she must not desecrate the buskin by the _minauderies_ ofa _soubrette_.[1] For the rest, I rely entirely on you, Talma. The eyesof Europe are fixed on Erfurt at this moment, and your immortality issure."

  [Foonote: Alexander fell in love with this actress at Erfurt. Napoleontried to prevent Mademoiselle Bourgoin from continuing this _liaison_,but the actress was bold enough to defy the wrath of the emperor.]

  "Sire, it was so on the day when, after the representation of Cinna,your majesty told me that you were satisfied with me."

  "And perform Cinna to-night. I enjoy the pleasure already inanticipation. I ask another question. Did you bring the parts forVoltaire's 'Death of Caesar?'"

  "For the 'Death of Caesar?'" asked Talma, in surprise. "Your majesty--"

  "Ah, you want to tell me that the piece is prohibited in Paris,"exclaimed Napoleon, smiling. "But Paris is a Vesuvius--what isinflammatory in France is perfectly harmless in phlegmatic Germany. Letthe actors prepare for performing the 'Death of Caesar;' I will order itto be played in a few days. Tell them so.--Well, Constant, what is thematter?"

  "Sire, your majesty desired to put on the large Russian decoration."

  "Ah, it is true," said Napoleon; "come, put it on." And while Constantput the broad _cordon_ with the diamond star over the emperor'sshoulders, and arranged it on his breast, Napoleon turned once more toTalma. "You see," he said, "we monarchs pursue the same course you do.We put on different costumes according to the part we play. I wore a fezin Egypt, and to-day I put on the imperial star of Russia."

  "But, sire, everywhere you play your part with masterly skill, and theworld, which is your audience, applauds your majesty," exclaimed Talma.

  "Oh, it would not be safe to hiss me," said Napoleon, putting on hisgloves, and taking the riding-whip which Constant handed to him.

  Accompanied by a brilliant suite, the emperor left Erfurt, and took theroad to Weimar, whence the Emperor Alexander was to come. French troopslined the way, and behind them was a vast and motley crowd of peasants,who had come from all parts to witness the cavalcade. Napoleon did nothear the enthusiastic shouts of the soldiers, but he noticed the silenceof the people, who stared at him with the curiosity with which theywould have stared at any other unusual spectacle. He bent his head androde on, absorbed in reflection; the bridle hung loose in his hand, buthis white charger was accustomed to this carelessness, and gallopedforward, proud of his melancholy rider.

  Duroc rode up. "Sire," he said, "I believe that is the EmperorAlexander."

  Napoleon quickly raised his head, and turned his keen eyes in thedirection the grand marshal had pointed out. An open barouche, in whicha single person sat, was approaching, accompanied by a few horsemen.Napoleon waited. The carriage drew nearer, and the person seated in itwas recognized by his uniform and the _grand cordon_ of the Legion ofHonor.

  "It is he--the Emperor Alexander!" exclaimed Napoleon, and rode forwardat a gallop, followed by his marshals and generals. The carriage of theRussian emperor also moved more rapidly, and when both were near eachother they suddenly halted. Napoleon dismounted; and Alexander, notwaiting for the carriage door to be opened, jumped over it. The twomonarchs rushed toward each other with open arms, and the soldiers madethe welkin ring with "Long live Napoleon! Long live Alexander!"

  Napoleon, disengaging himself from the arms of his friend, saluted theGrand-duke Constantine. A horse was brought to the Emperor Alexander,and as he was about to mount he looked in surprise at the splendidanimal, as well as at its equipment. "Why," he said, "this looks exactlyas though I were going to take a ride on my favorite charger in St.Petersburg. It is precisely of similar color and trappings."

  "That proves that the drawings which Caulaincourt sent me were prettycorrect," said Napoleon, smiling.

  "Ah, then it is another attention of yours," exclaimed Alexander,affectionately pressing the hand of his friend. "Your majesty is bent oninfatuating me. I feel perfectly at home on this horse."

  "Ah, that is exactly what I wished," said Napoleon; "I sincerely desiredthat your majesty should feel at home while with me. Well, if it pleaseyou, let us ride to Erfurt."

  "Very well," said Alexander, vaulting gracefully into the saddle, andoffering his hand to Napoleon, on whose right he was riding. Theemperors, chatting gayly, rode on to Erfurt. Behind them was theGrand-duke Constantine, between King Jerome of Westphalia, and Murat,Grand-duke of Berg. Then followed the suite of the marshals andgenerals, and the procession was closed by the carriage of oldRomanzoff, Alexander's minister of state. Enthusiastic cheers resoundedalong the whole road, and now Napoleon, with a serene bow, saluted themultitude. Amid the peals of bells, the booming of cannon, and thecheers of the soldiers and the populace, the two emperors made theirentry, halting in front of the hotel. Napoleon alighted first to welcomehis guest, and conduct him to the rooms prepared for his reception.

  Late on the same day Napoleon received a letter from his MinisterChampagny. It contained only the following words: "Sire, I have held thefirst conference with Romanzoff. It will be very difficult to persuadethis stubborn man that a piece of meat on the Danube is as good as thecat's tongue, for which the old gentleman is as clamorous as a hungrychild for its dinner."

  Napoleon took a pen and affixed the following words: "I have also heldthe first conference with the Emperor Alexander. There will be no changein my plans. Moldavia and Wallachia as an indemnity for the 'cat'stongue!' We must succeed!" He then folded and sealed the letter, whichhe immediately sent back to his minister.