Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-08-06
From Graham's Magazine.
THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE.

"Ndlen, my IOfd--
never wished 10 see YOU sorry; now


was proceeding along she felt touch upon
her arm, and, looking round, discovered the
form of man beside her. He made his
obesancc, and she Immediately recognized
the Counsellor Fouche.
'What would Monsieur Fouche ! she de-
handed.
"A few moments private converse with
you, if it please your majesty and, at the
same time, pointing to the embrasure Of a
window near by.
Josephine understood the motion, and
made sign that she should follow. lie led
the way; and when they arrived she again
demanded what he wanted.
Il crave your majcsty's pardon for the Ii
bcrty l have taken said the minister ofpo-
lice respectfully yet boldly, but wish to
make communication, which, though it
may not be of the most pleasing nature, yet
demands your majesty's most serious atten-
ton
'And what may it be ! speak, said the
Empress.
you are aware began the Minister, that
am with the emperor and have ample OPP
porlunlty for learning his secret wishes and
desires, have become acquainted with one
Of late that has much occupied his mind, and
which he would fain crafty but for the love
he bears your majesty. 1t is this; he wishes
for an heir to inherit his title and power
Every man you know, feels an inherent
pride in transmitting his name to posterty
and it is but natural that the Emperor should
feel such desire. | would, therefore, suggest
to your majesty the necessity of sacrifice,
which will add to the interest France, make
his ma csty happy, and which would be as
equally sublime as it would be inevitable.
Beg him to obtain DIVORCE
During this disclosure, the Empress be-
trayed excessive emotion. Her mild eyes
were sullused with tears-hcr lips swclcd-
her bosom hcaved-her face became deadly
palc-and the tremor that took possession of
her frame, told how deeply her feelings were
agitdted. But 1t was momcntary cloud that
obscurcs the noon-day in moment it was
passed, and with a slightly tremulous voice,
she asked:
'And what authority has the Duke of
Otanto for holding such languagc!'
None he replied, ut is ony from con-
viction of what must certainly come to pass,
and desire to turn your attention to what
so nearly concerns your maicsty's glory and
happiness, that have dared to speak on the
subject. Nevertheless, if nave offended,
| beg your maJesty's torgivness. Permit me
now to depart
He stood silent for few minutes, as if
waiting for her assent. She waved her hand
and the political intriguer of his time depart
cd, conscious Of having done that which none
other in France would have presumed.
Josephine turned away with a beating
heart-she reached her apartments, and
throwing herself on a sofa, gave vent to her
overburdcncd soul in flood of tears. 1t
was not long before dinner was announced
but she refused to appear a, table on plea of
indisposition, and retired to her chamber.
1t was a short time afterwards that the
door Of the chamber opened, and the En-
peror entered. He ar proachcd Josephine.
Her eyes were red with weeping, and the
tears yet moisiencd those bright orbs, in de-
tiance of her efforts to appear calm. lie
seated himself cside her, and put his arms
around her waist.
Josephine SAID he, in an a1cctonate
tone, what is the cause of this emotion!'
4NOtuiIe, SIG dIIsWcltti, III lullCTlUT
voice, and scarcely audible.
Something has occurred to bring forth
those tears. Tell me, what is it r and he
looked tcndcrly in her face.
Il cannot she said, bitterly whilst she
leaned her head on his shoulder, and gave
vent to another flood of tears. NO, cannot
speak those fearful words!
what words, Josephine speak, what
words?'
She hcsitatcd, and then faltcred out,
'That-tllat you-you do not love me as
you used to-
'This false = he exclaimed.
Then why wish to be separated? Oh,
Napoleon, is it my fault that we have no
children to bless our union! God has so
willed it, and her bosom heaved convul-
sivcly.
He started as she uttered the two first sem
fences, and compressed his lips as if to sup
press the pangof conviction that shot lhroug III
| his heart.
Josephine said the Emperor tenderly,
some one has been poisoning your mind with
idle tales. Who has it been 2
| She then related her interview with Fou-
cue, anu dshcl MN u ulSilllSS mai minister
as a penalty for his audacity in playing with
her feelings. He strenuously denied the
communication; but refused to dismiss him.
No, said he, circumstances compel me 10
retain him though he well deserves my dis
pleasure. But why give credit to such silly
assertions, Josephine 7 Have ever treated
You but with affection! Have you discover
ed aught in my behaviour to warrant susp-
cion3 No: believe me, you are still dear
TO me. Danish those foolish fears from your
breast then, and weep no more. SO saying,
he imprinted kiss upon her lips, and then
left the chamber to attend the affairs of State.
1t was touching to hear such expressions
of tenderness issue from the greatest mon.
arch of his time, and to witness that act OF
dcvo,lon-to see that proud spirit unbent
but il was those tears oC anguish, and the
whisperings of that still small voice OF con.
science that had humblcd themselves, anc
whose mighty mind aspired to the conquest
of the world.
Tho cettinn sun throu tic M rim r,vc nyo,