The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1845-06-06
REFUSING A CROWN.

We take this narrative of one ofLucien
Bonaparte's throne-refusing encounters with
his brother from the Memoirs of Madame
d'Abrantes," who said she heard correspond
ing statements of it from two quarters, both
in perfect accordance. That such passages,
some time or other, must have taken place
between the brothers is clear enough; and
the core ofthe romance remains unquestion-
able, viz. that Lucien did prefer his indepen-
dence and his poetry to crown-with what
judgment we have all seen by the event:
his romance turned out to be the highest
proof of his good sense. His world of fbooks
contained, after all, larger and nobler
world than Napoleon could hope 10 conquer;
and there, among his treasures, he was found
still ruling his magical domain of fancy and
domestic peace, while the soldier was in his
narrow grave.
WE were informed one morning that the en-
peror had set out at four o'clock on a jour
ney, the object and destination of which
were alike impenetrable. Yet Italy was the
only direction which he could have taken {;
and in fact the principal, though latent, mo-
tive of this journey was reconciliation with
Lucien. The emperor was at length con-
vinced, or rather he had never doubted, that
of all his brothers Lucien alone could un-
derstand and act in concert with him.; but
Lucien was far from eondescendng, and the
emperor, who knew his character, was re-
solved himself to see and converse with him
the brothers consequently gave each other
the meeting at Mantua
Lucien arrived about nine at night in a
travelling carriage with M. Boyer, cousin
german Of his first wife, and the Count de
Chatillon, friend who resided with him.
"Do not put up, shall probably return TO-
night" said Lucien, as he alighted TO join
his brother
have heard the particulars of this extra
ordinary interview from two quarters, beth in
perfect accordance.
Napoleon was walking in long gallery
with Prince Eugene, Murat, and Marshal
Duroc. He advanced TO meet his brother,
and held out his hand with every appearance
Of cordially. Lucien was affected; he had
not seen the emperor since the day of Aus
terlitz, and far from being jealous of the res
plsndent blaze of his brothers. glory, as it
now passed before his mental vision, his
noble heart heaved with tumultuous JOY
For some moments he was incapable of
speaking: at length having expressed 10 Ma
poleon his pleasure in this meeting, the en-
peror made a signal, and the rest OF thepar-
ty withdrew ~.
well, Lucien," said Napoleon, "what
are your projectsg Will you at last 60 hand
in hand with me?"
Lucien regarded him with astonishment,
for inquiries about his projects, addressed
to him who never indulged in any, appeared
most strange.
81 form no projects" replied he, at length
Gas for going hand in hand with your ma
iesty, what am to understand by it?"
An immense map of Europe lay rolled up
on table before them; the emperor seized
ii by one hand, and throwing it open with
graceful action, said to Lucen--
Choose any kingdom you please, and |
pledge you my word as brother and an
emperor to give it you, and to maintain you
in it.. for / now ride over the head of
every king in Europe. Do you understand
me?''
He stopped, and looked expressively at
Lucien
1Lucen, you may share with me that
sway which exercise over inferior minds
You have only to pursue the course that !
shall open to you for the establishment and
maintenance Of my system, the happiest and
most magnificent ever conceived by man