Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1837-08-09

tures If 4 work which is the eve OF appearing ~
PARIS and which, among the many curious chroni-
ces If whar NAV be called the Napoleon sms Of the
eospire promises TO hold a prominent place. IL is
only 10 mention the Duke de Vicenza, as the cnlef
source whence these new revelations nave Deeh Cd
fained TO impress the reader with high opinion OF
their originality, interest, and authenticity. Clrcum-
stances enable us lay before our readers some strl-
kino scenes FROM this great drama Of real life and we
doubt not that they will awaken ana grauiy curl
sity here not less eager than the feeling with which
the French undoubtedly look to the same subject
The sketch with which we open, will serve TO paint
the authors position aad character and to open such
character of the Duke as may prepare the reader fer
the deep searching and various interest Of the pages
that ensiie.
On fine morning in September, 1926, was
seated in one of the shadlest recesses of those lovely
woodlands which skirt Plombieres, on the side near
the Stanisaus Fountain / had book in my hand
but | was not reading my thoughts were dreamlngly
wandering back TO glorious perloi of the past Nu-
merous pedestrians paced along the little pain wnlch
intersected the wood, and near which was SUNNY
bat they did not rouse me from my revere tney MT
ted like shadows before my eyes without IN any way
fixing my attention.
sat with my head resting my hand, ana eyes
cast down. in state of complete abstraction. MY
capricous fancy unfoded before me the magnificent
basin of Antwerp, the port and the spacious dock
wards. Two fine vessels, gaily decked out, were to
be launched that day, the one III the morning, and
the other in the evening.
Napoleon was about to present to the people of the
Netherlands the grand niece OF their celebrated
Christine and series Of truly regal tees were TO take
place in the principal towns OF conquered though not
sublugated, Belgium
The cathedral clock struck four as we alighed from
the carriage at the Tee de Fandre. We got into
small boat, which landed us at the port OF Antwerp,
where all was movement and hustle, though the sun
had scarcely rlsen The sky appeared dull and clou
dy. ACommssalre de Marine in full uniform, who
was issuing orders with busy and important ar,
looked up, and observing that the clouds were beco-
ming more and mere gloomy, his conntenance ex-
pressed great anxiety. Addressing himself 10 an old
soldier, who was occupied in tying some cords, he
said Manngo, the wlndiIs south west am AFRAID
we shall have some rain THAT will be confoundedly
vexing
sPoohr replied the soldier, with indescribable
air of confidence he always carries the Sun OF Aus
terliiz in his pocket. What does ne care for few
clouds?
Monsieur said l, addressing the Commlssaire
fa what hours the first ship to be aunchedP
Their Majestes will be here at o'clock. Time and
tide wait for no one
sIf thew should wait for him. said the soldier in a
sort oe muttering tone, 1T would be nothing more
than their duty
We could not repress our laughter at this strange
remark.
There nv good man. SAID l. presenting to him
five franc piece take this and drink the Emperor's
health
THANK you Madame said he; Il would drink
the Emperor's health with all my heart But the
truth is added he, significantly scratching his ear,
shat Maringo Marriage knows his own falling
Ii begin 70 drink the Emperor's health, shall not
remains; and that will not doespecally after he did
me the honor TO notice me Yesterday: what do you
do here my brave fellow 2 said he Now, if were
10 drink my hundred sous, l should certainly be
turned to the right about and marched TO the Sale de
Police would not for worlds that our beloved EN-
peror should have the least cause TO reproach me.
Napoleon possessed power of fascination which
inspired his brave and devoted soldiers with the SIN
guiar belief that each of them individually an
object of attention and consideration 10 Their sove-
reign.
The places assigned to me and my friends en-
actly facing the imperial tent We saw the emperor
arrive. His youthful consort Maria Louisa was the
object OF his asslduous attention. Naroeons coun-
tenance beamed with love and happiness and ne
seemed TO be proud Of showing the Empress TO his
su0jects The ceremony of the launch commenced
laundering discharge Of artillery from the fort toge
Iher with the guns board the ships IN the rver sa
luted the new vessel as she maJestcaly glded INTO
the Scheldt. AT that moment the Emperor, whose
countenance appeared 10 brighten up with increased
animation at the firing of the guns, passed his arms
rou d the waist of his trembling wife, and drew her
close TO him if 10 protect her from danger which
had no existence Three years after, that wife fol-
sock her husband and accepted the protection OF 9TH
But thought |, Mara Louisa is not French
woman. This reflection soothed my indignant feel
ings.
now awoke from my revere of recoectons
mechanically raised my head, and observed gen.
tleman slowly ascending the soping path near the
spot where was seated and from time to time STOP
ping To rest himself. As he approached was struck
ant and he had air Of youth in spite Of his pre-
mature wrinkles, and his pale and attcnuated couns-
nance.
A thought, as ii were reflection of the past, sud
denly daried across my mind That person, said |,
within myself is like the apparltion of one who is
still fresh in my recollection. But when last saw
hun, he held his head proudly erect. His figure
which now appears bowed by lnfrmity, was then up
right, and rich military uniform accorded with his
graceful and gallant bearing. His whole aspect demo-
ted energy and courage. His look bespoke the con-
fidence Of man occupying of those high posi-
tons TO fall from which must be almost al the expense
OF life.
beheld before me the Grand Equerry Of the EN-
pire, the Duke de Vcenza
As gazed upon him. feeling Of melancholy took
possession Of my mind and tears, which | could net
yepress overlooked my eyes.
Mademoiselle,' said the Duke, addressing my
femme de chambre, who sitting at work near-
does this path lead straight the Stansaus Feun-
tain n
Yes, Monsieur lie Due replied ], rising hastily
from my seat-though was at the time very i'll and
feeble.
He advanced few steps towards me, and with the
grace Of manner for which all will admit he was em-
nently distinguished, he said
Madam have the honor 10 be known TO youT 4
Yes, replied, all the golden dreams of my
youth refer to the glories Of the Empire OF late
years have unremitngly deplored its disasters and
the devoted loyalty Of the Duke de Vicenza is in my
mind inseparaby connected with the name Of Napo-
Ieoni