The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-07-20
THE MOTHER OF EMPEROR WILL
LIAM AND NAPOLEON I.
From Harpers Magazine for July.

Well aware of the queens beauty and
destinations, Alexander thought she
might perhaps have some influence over
the French emperor, and persuaded her
to meet him at Tilsit Though Louise
could never speak of this man, the author
of all her countrys misfortunes, without
3 shudder, still, for Prussia's sake, she
was willing to sacrifice her own personal
feelings and dignity. 1t was A.sore trial
to this refined, sensitive woman to meet
as suppliant the despot who had driven
her husband from the throne, and cast
the foulest aspersions on her honor.
Louise says in her dairy, "What struggles
it has cost me Col only knows; for, ii
do not hate this man, look upon him as
the one who has caused the mStortuncs
Of the king and tue country"
She made two visits to the naughty
conqueror. Napoleon acknowledges that
the Queen of Prussia was the most beau
tiful woman he had ever seen, and he
| declared that whatever topic of CONVERSE
ton he preached, che managed, with the
most admirable tact and deliCacyy to
como back to her one theme-PruSsja.
She implored Napoleon to prove himself
indeed hero by showing mercy to q
fallen foe, and, if he would make no
other concession, at least to restore Mag
deburg. Just before dinner Napoleon
gave her rose; she ut first refused it,
then accepting it with an arch smile she
said, es, but at least with Magieburg
Il must ooserve to your Majesty" said
Napoleon, gruffiy, "that it is I who give,
and you only who must receive"
The king was present, silent and de-
jccted at the sightiof his wife's unavail
ing sacrifice.
b As soon as the queen retired, Napoleon
sent for Talleyrand and the Russian min
lister, and concluded the treaty on the
basis before laid down.
"a ter all" said he ga fine woman and
gallantry are not to be weighed against
affairs of state"
At the earnest request of the Russian
emperor, Louise paid second visit to
Napoleon as the first
As, at the conclusion of this visit, Ma
poleon was conducting her down tae
stairs, the queen paused, and, pressing
the emperor's hand as he babe her fare.
well, said, as it possible that after hav-
ing had the good fortune to be so near
the hero of the age he has not left me
the satisfaction of being able to say that
he has attached me to him for life?"
MADAME" replied the emperor, Il
lament if it is SO it is the effect of my
evil destiny" aa 49, 1s5f
| The royal pair returned to Memel.
their only refuge upon Prussian soil.
'Let US be patient and steady, and wait,
and God will help u.s." said the pious
king, greater even in his humiliation
and weakness than the atheistic Fred.
erick.
i In her retirement at Memel the queen
devoted herself to the education of her
lchildren, six in number. The crown
prince, Frederick William, was then
twelve years of age and boy of much
promise. She sought to animate him
with her own patriotic spirit and love of
lcountry. sYou see me weep" she said to
, him after the battle of Jena. II weep
for the downfall of my house and country.
! Recall these unhappy hours when / am
no more. and weep such tears for me as !
now weep for my country But do not
: be satisfied with tears: act, develop
your strength. Perhaps You may be
! destined to deliver your country. Dc
, not let yourself be carried away by the
} degeneracy Of the age. Be man!
Court the fame Of general, OF hero