The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-06-10


rule his ambition, and chasten his aims; he
was an Emperor he wished to found an
Empire, and by slow degrees he made HIM
self familiar with the Thought of putting her
away.
When the campaign of 1909 was at an
end, hardened and narrowed, the general
came back to his wife; his former kindness
Was gone, his playlulness was checked, he
consulted her but seldom, and seldom stole
upon her private hours, with that familiar
love that had so often made her heart leap.
She saw that her hour drew nigh.
twas the evening of the goth of Novem-
ber; the court were at Paris in honor of the
king Of Saxony. Josephine sat at her win
dow, looking down upon the river, and mu-
sing on the dark fate before her, when she
heard Napoleon's step at the door. She
sprang to open it, using her usual exclama-
ton; 'n1On amir He embraced her so af-
fectionately; that for an instant her fears and
woes seemed vain. She led him to chair,
| placed herself at his feet, and looking up into
his face, smiled through her tears.
you are unhappy, Josephine said the
Emperor.
mot with you, sire
'BahP said he quickly, 'why call me sire!
these shows of state steal all true Joy from
u.s.
Then why seek them7' answered Jose
phine:
The Emperor made no reply.
you are now the first of men, said she,
'why not quit war, turn ambition out of your
counsels, bend your thoughts on the good
of France, and live at home among those
that love your
Josephine said he, turning his face from
her, 't is not |, it is France demands the
sacrifice
'Are you sure of that, my lord!' said his
wife; 'have you probed your heart to the
bottom? is it not ambition that prompts you
to seek reasons for repudiating met for think
not, Napoleon, l misunderstood you; are
you sure it is the love of France?'
Every word she spoke touched him to the
Quick; and rising hastily he replied, MAD
am, have my reasons; good evening"
Stay, sire;' said she, taking hold of his
arm, I'VE must not part in anger. submit.
Since you wish it, submit cheerfully. 1t
is not in my iiature to oppose your will: |
love you too deeply. Nor shall l cease to
love you, Napoleon, because | am to leave
your throne and your side. If you still go
on victorious, Ishall rejoice with you: re-
verse comes, will lay down my life to com
fort you. will pray for you morning and
night; and, in the hope that sometimes you
will think of me-
Hardened as he was, Napoleon had loved
his wife deeply and long; her submission to
his stern resolve-her calm but mournGul
dignity--her mistaken love, moved even
him; and for moment affection struggled
with ambition. He turned to embrace her
again. But in that moment, her face and
form had changed. Her eye and her Who'll
person seemed inspired. He felt himsefin
the presence of a superior being. She led
him to the window and threw it open. A
thin mist rested upon the Seine, and the
gardens ofthe palace; all around was silent
among the stars, then before them, one was
far brighter than the rest: she pointed to it.
"Sire!" she said, 'that star is mine to
that & not to yours, was promised empire /;
through me, and through my destinies, you
have risen: part from me and you fall; the
spirit of her that foresaw my rise to royalty,
even now communes with my spirit, and
tells me that your fate hangs on mine. Be-
lieve me or not, if we henceforth walk asun-
der, you will leave no empire behind you,
and will die yourself in shame, and sorrow,
and with broken spirit.
He turned away sick at heart, and over
aw- by the words of one, whose destiny
had zen so strangely accomplished.-Ten