Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-09-01
PROVIDENCE.
SCOTS LIFE OF NAPOLEON.

sought after with more avidity than this, and
certainly, none has been found moro interest
ing.
| The author, Sir Walter Scott, commence il
| with the evident intention of following the
plain historical style of Hume and Gibbon
but he soon relapscd into his wonted careless
ness; and too often is far more prolix than
interesting. The cause of this fault may very
Justly be ascribed, to that careless habit, which
Is easily acquired by ga ready writer, and
no man who has written SO much as the au-
thor Of the Waverly's, can we'll avoid it.
Taking the production, " all and in ALL" il
may be PRONOUNCED exceedingly valuable and
interesting; ard though it possess faults, the
thousand important events it illustrates, will
undoubtedly secure it place, in the library of
every literary gentleman.
At the close of the last volume, the author,
in imitation of the manner of Hume, affords his
readers, sketch Of the person, manners and
habits of Napoleon, which in a moment or two
we shall proceed 10 copy. The sketch is full
of interest, and affords concise history and
illustration of man, who, whilst at the zenith
OF his career, was equally tho admiration and
terror of the world. In his ambitious marches
he outstripped the glory that surrounded the
brow of Caesar and an Alexander; and whilst
he achieved deeds of mighty daring, that al
most set credulity at defiance, he conquered
nations, as ifthey were but imbecile commune
ties, and parcolcd out Kingdoms at his pleas
urc. His ambition knew no bounds; and not
content with the acquisition of the first honors
that great nation could afford, he looked
forward for the subjugaion Of the whole world,
and struggled t, compel mankind to bow be-
tore his scertte, and TO knrel 1T his nod. His
insatlable ambition producet his downfall; and,
he. ~lo was the error of the world, at last.
a oapt.vc, in ptison house, bieathcd his lfc
out as slave.
But as we find that VIC are occupying too
much Of the readers time, we WI instantly
copy tho extract of which we before spoke, and
which is q faithful portraiture of the once
mighty, but now PROSTATE Napoleon.
&" Arrived at the conclusion of this momcn-
tous narrative, the reader may be disposed to
pause moment to reflect on the chnra cter Of
that wonderful person, on whom fortune show
cred so many iavoGrs in the beginning and
through the middle of his career, TO overwhe I'm
its close with such deep and unwonted allic-
ton.
The external appearance of Napoleon was
not imposing at the first glance, his stature be-
ing only five feet six inches English. His per-
son, thin in YOUTH and somewhat corpulcnt in
age, was rather delicate than robust in out
ward appearance, but cast in the mould most
capabic Of enduring privation and fatigue. He
rode ungraccfully, and without the command
Of his horse which distinguishes perfect cav
alier; so that he showed to disadvantage when
riding beside such horseman as Murat. But
he was fearless, sat firm in his seat, rode with
rapidity; and was capable of enduring the ex-
ercise for a longer time than most men. We
have already mentioned his indiIc.enc to the
quality Of his food, and his power Of enduring
abstinence, A morsel of food, and flask of
wine hung a. his saddle bow, used in his car
ier campaigns, TO support him for days. In
his latter wars, he used carriage more frc-
quently; not as has been surmised, from any
so constantly in exercises, the premature ef-
fccts Of age.
The countcnance Of Napoleon is familiar to
almost every one from description, and the
portraits which are found every where The
dark-brown hair bore little marks ofthc attcn-
tions of tho toilette. The shape Of the coun-
tenancc approached more than is usual in the
human race TO square. His eyes were grey,
and full of expression, the pupil rather large,
and the eyebrows not very strongly marked.--
The brow and upper 81 Of the countcnance
was rather of Il stern character. His nose and
mouth were beautifully formed. The upper
lp was very short. Tho teeth were mdiilor-
cnt, but were little shown in speaking.* HIS
sinilo possessed w ncommon sweetness, and Is
stated to have been irresistible. Tho complex
ion was a clcur olive, otherwise IN general col
lourlcss. The prevailing character Of his cohn-
tcnance was grave, even TO melancholy, brt
without any signs OF severity ,.r violence. Af-
ter death, tho placidity and dlgnty of express
ion which continued 10 occ',py he features,
rendered them omnon'ly beau'ifl, and the ad- |
miration of oil who looked on them.
Such was Napoleon's exterior. His person.
al and private character were perfectly anna
BILE. excepting in one particular. His temper,
when he received or thought he received prov
ocation, especially if of personal character,
was warm aud vind'ctivc. He was however, |
pla cable in the case even Of his enemies, pro- |
viding that they submitted to his march; but |
he had not that species of generosity which re-
spects 'hc sincerity OF u manly and far oPpo- |
nont. On the other hand, no one was moro |
liberal rewarder of the attachment Of hls |
friends. He was an excellent husband, kind !
relation, and, unless when state policy inter-
vcncd, a most aflcctiona'c brother. Gen.
whose comn,,m lcations were not in
ovcty case to Napoloon's advantage, state
him 10 have been The best Of masters, labour-
ing to assist all his domestics wherever II liy |
in his power, giving them the highest credit
lor s,,ch tat,nts ,Lov ,ptuaIly i,ossnxerl. |