The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-08-02

look that made the words die upon his
lips, and in that authoritative tone which
he so rarely assumed, but which was ir-
resistible. sald 10 him:
"The King of Naples has nothing to
give the Prince of Eckmul, but-or-
ders"
Murat, satisfied, Notwithstanding the
harshness of the accent, that these words
established his right of command, re-
turned to his quarters. The Emperor,
alone with Davoust, spoke 10 him kind
ly; but better seconded in his rapid
march and his desire of giving pitched
battle to the enemy, by the impetuosity
of Murat, than the prudent reserve Of
Davoust, he represented to bin in a
friendly manner, "that all kinds OF merit
could not be united in the same person; !;
that to lead vanguard was not to direct
an army; and that Murat, with his bold
ness might have overtaken Bagra:ion,
whom Davoust had suffered by his dila-
toriness, to escape" Notwithstanding
its mildness, this reproaeh wounded Da-
voust, who retired to bis tent more than
ever enrsged against the King of Naples.
Shortly after, the latter received posi-
tive assurance that whichever pursued
the quarrel further should forthwith be
remanded to France.
The next day Murat and Davoust to-
gether, and by command of the Empe-
.,x ID put. ho dox, of
they were again at varisnce, for Murat,
finding the enemy in front of him, deter
mined to fight and gave the word to at
tack. His cavalry Immediately dashed
upon that OF the Russians and were in
turn pursued by the infantry of the lat
ter. Murst determined to advance his,
or rather Davoust's infantry, and accord
ing placed himself at the head of the
Compans division. At this Juncture the
Prince of Eckmul come up, and re-
preaching Murat for This new and use
less combat, refused to sustain him. He
forbade Compans to stir. Murat renew
ed his orders Dsvoust only the more
resolutely persisted in his. At this in
suit, Murat's rage, before furious, be-
came suddenly tranquil; he appealed to
bis rank, to his right; Dsvoust cared for
neither, and Compans, in an uncertainty,
obeyed the reiterated orders Of his i'm
mediate commander, at which Murat.
with naughty dignity, and a calmness un-
heard of in characters like this, turned
toward Bellisrd, the chief of his staff.
"Tell the Emperor" said he, "to dis
pose of the command of The vanguard !;
tell him that there is general too few
or soldier too many. As for me, go
to extricate my brave men from the en-
barrassment in which l have placed
them."
Then, addressing Davoust, he added,
'sMarshal, we meet again
"Undoubtedly," replied he with as
perity, "if you return pointing at the
same time to the almost routed cavalry.
81 shall return" said Murat, with a
look full OF his most determined resolu-
tion.
Immediately. while the Prince OF Eek
mul retired, Murat few to his cavalry,
and rallying them with his voice. placed
in their front those towering plumes and
glittering orders that were never absent
from the post of danger. His soldiers
gathered around to defend him, and as
be advanced he found himself once more
triumphant.
"Ah!'' cried Murat, ''glorv is still our
own"
So saying, he left the field and retired
10 his tent. Sill breathless from the
bis hand yet tremulous from the
blows that he had dealt, he wrote billet
On ornamented and perfumed paper.
As he finished it Belliard entered, and
without interrogating him as to the re-
suit of bis message, Murat held the note
toward him.
"Belliara. said he, quietly, stake
this billet to Davoust."
"It is a challenge said Belliard,
without taking the paper.
at is challenge Murat cody re.
piled.
81 will not carry il" said Belliard,
resolutely
Murat was electrified at this answer.
He turned toward his officer, even more
astonished than.
Sand you, tool" said be, suffocating
with passion.
sSir, SIR" cried Belliard, "you shall
not make me accessor to your downfall; !;
the Emperor is resolved, and the first
menace will be the signal of your dis
mission"
"Well. let him dismiss me; there are
other places than this to die in!" furi-
ously answered Murat "He forgets his
army ln Spain-let him give ne that; !;
let him give me regiment-.et him
make me simple soldier, il he will; l
owe him my blood, my life, but my
honor is my own. Belliard! do you
hear, Belliard, my honor is my Own,
and / was brave before he was Emper-
or! 60, carry this note, tell you----''
"Sire," said Beliard, quickly, "you
owe him also crown, crown whose
dignity you have no right to comprom-
ise with an officer of the Empire"
"a crownw interrupted Murat, more
and more exasperated." and has this
crown hindcred me from being insulted
to my face-has it caused me to be re-
spectedf Lookl'' said he, seizing his
arms with savage joy, "these have pur
chased me respect all my life, and will
never abandon me, Go, Belliard, go!'
"You are King" answered the
General, "and therefore Dayoust will
refuse"
"Then," cried Murat, she will be q
cowardly-"
oTis false" replied Belliard, fiercely
eyeing the King.
Murat had his sword and pistols in
his hand; at this Fat contradiction he
gazed with stupified air at his General
who stood calm and resolute before
him. Suddenly the expression of his
face changed; rage abandoned it, and
an agonizing grief spread over it;
laugaty majesty. He cast his arms
from him, rent his clothes, tore off his
jewels and trampled them under his
feet-he essayed to speak, he gasped, ht
burst into tears.
"You are right. Belliard he is mot .
coward and will refuse. But | am Q
miserable king without power; kinG
whom the mesnest soldier, may scorn!'