Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-01-20
AN UNPUBLISHED ANECDoTE.

Napoleon in his Youth.
AN UNPUBLISHED ANECDoTE.
Although Bonaparte was not perfect, yet his
faults were those of nature noble and gener-
Gus, and rarely, if ever, merged into vices.
knew him at the age when the passions habit
ually govern the reason with tyrany, and can
well attest that he always overmastered his.
The seriousness of Bonaparte was so remar-
kable, that it called forth moro than once the
gatherings of his young companions; but he
was not of a character either to submit to rude
ness, or become piqued at well intentoned
joke; but if they in their mirth oerstepped the
prescribed bounds, his calm and dignitied look
soon recalled them to order; thus, the young
lieutenant never allowed himself to be made the
butt of their raillery; and those much older than
he was, and of much more elevated station,
would cringe before the cold dignity of his
look.
Bonaparte was fond of literature and science,
and his tavourite authors were those of the most
reflective and philOsophic, and when he wished
to give himself up to dreams and imagination,
he read Ossian. He would have certainly have
read Byron with delight. He particularly dis
liked all species of affectation. He expressed
his opinions briefly and intrepidly; even his love
letters were short, and said great deal in few
words, but these words were SO energetic, that
they contained as many thoughts in one line,
as others would convey in one whole page.
Bonaparte was dreamer, and of very ro-
mantle turn of mind. l have seen him remain
immovable for a considerable portion of time,
with his eyes raised to heaven, at the close of
beauteous and quiet Italian evening" and this
man, so determined, whose mind was occupied
with great daring, and noble projects-this
wonderful man was yet alive to all the most in
tense delicacy of affection; and have seen him
in after years, each night ere he retired TO rest
place the picture of his wife under his pillow,
and even to the last year of his life he preserved
this sentimental disposition; and. when he was
Emperor, have heard him avow that his heart
throbbed with emotion, whenever he saw rush.
ing through the tress, the white folds of fe-
males dress.
Often have seen him stop in some corner
of the park of Malmaison, to listen to the bells
of Rueil; and this man, whom they have dared
to accuse of being hut comedian in religious
matters-this man abominated infdelity or scep-
ticism on any point, and despised woman
thoroughly, who had not intense religious feel
Eings. He used to say that Italian ladies' had at
least this advantage over the French, that they
no sooner erred than they repented; and that
they really felt the remorse which Frenchwo-
man only knows through romances Or theatrical
representations.
"a woman without rer.srse," have heard
him saw. sis but sad and miserable conquest"
Amongst the many, many traits which could
recite in order to prove this great mans exalted
notions of female delicacy. l shall confne my
self to one which came Immediately under my
own observation.
When he was at Toulon he was lieutenant,
and was step below him; we were extreme
ly attached to each other, and he made me his
confident in many matters, but particularly in
his love affairs.
"You," has he often said to me, eff your for
tune was made, would devote yourself exclu-
sively to the fair sex; you would be their slave
they might lead you like an infant; whereas;
although revere and love them, yet know
organization sufficiently well, not to allow my
self to be ruled exclusively by them. "Besides,"
he continued, striking his hand upon his brow,
81 have here something that occupies me above
all things else."
Bonaparte was, however, Of that organization
to feel peculiarly the power of woman: One
evening he stopped before me, and said with pc
culiar gravity of voice,
sLouis, am in love-
Sin love-" repeated.
ayes, and deeply in love, too, with little
girl VINO lives III d Sllldli iOuSC UChiiiu VIC
parts. She has nothing but her beauty, which
is most striking. She possesses, besides, a fine
mind, full of intelligence and | have passed
hours listening to her and looking with intense
admiration at her soft and witching brown eyes,
and her rou nd and graceful form; and above all,
she has tie most exquisite ha DIS and feet ever
saw"
Sand she doubtless loves your
"Yes, she does, as Italians only can love;-
for she is a Florentine; she loves without meas
ure. without reason, and without affectation;
not as high-born women love, for they fist prac-
tise their tender chances in mirror, in order
to assume themselves that they are irresista-
ble."
"She would be charming mistress for you,
said |, laughing.
"No, truly" he replied, "this girl has mo-
Their, who has an immense power over me. Hel
husband was of very high family, and sacrif-
ced all to marry her, the girrsyirtne was stror
ger than his inducements to err. The father i,
sincedead, land the mother is indefatigablei in pre-
serving the girl upright and pure; and truly sh,
taken the best means with me, for she has givel
me her confidence. The other evening, afte
having sent the girl away, she said to me, DO
naparte, you love my daughter, Naddir an
swered not: and she repeated the question, ID
you not love Naddir Then you must not CON
again here, or if you do, you must swear to N,
upon your sword, which has achi eyed great an
noble actions-and shall believe yos,-~.hat va