Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-09-10
one Of Napoleon, rncumorauee..


have in mind an instance which o.
Cured under the Second Empire. lt
was when the Emperor Napoleon III.
was writing his Life of CgSar' and
WAS casting ambitious glauccs at char
IN the academy. 4 poet whose name
shall be- unknown 20 fame wrote a few
verses on tho Empcror's work. referring
10 him as the greatest Cesar Of these
ater wears Il was ahsurlly sycO-
phantlc in spirit. but II WAS 50 exqulsitely
phrased that 1t attracted vide attention.
The writer sent copy of 1t. cngrossed
on parchment. totte Emperor. In return
the Emperor hima splendid diamond
ring and an invitation 20 call at the
ruileucs. When the poet came the En-
peror received him eilectouatoly. AMI
after some conversation asked hln II he
was married "No, sire. and why
don't YOU get married See here. Would
you marry lady, youny, beautiful IT
ardent disposition. AMI with a handsome
dowry II Won met such a one who was
willing to have you YES, sire |
should be only too happy Well,
then. come here tomorrow uight NJ I'D,
will present you 10 be-. It Tho APP.
pointed time the poet again presented
himself at the palace and WAS admitted
| 10 the Emperors presence. Tho
Emperor was 10 street dr,ss aud at once
put on a large cloak and Bot that con-
cealed his identity amt led the poet 10 a
side door. There they cuterei u coach
/ and were driven 10 hijDu villa that
stood in the midst Of spacious grounds
IN "a retired part of the city. They en-
! tered aud the Emperor said, "Nalt hero
! till prepare her for your coming 80
saying he assembled the stairs, leaving
the poet in a small reception-room. In
few minutes hc roappeared and
beckoned the poet 10 follow bim.
They went up-stalrs, and IN a
luxurious boud0r found the lady. She
WAS all that the Emperor lad f0ii-
young, beautiful, charming. My dear
Maria, said the Emperor, "allOw me to
present VI. ---, who comes rs suitor
for your hand" Then be abruptly left
the room. The poet did not repent hls
bargain. lie found the lady ready to
accept his wooing, and knowing that tho
imperial favor depended upon his dis
erection, he did not seek To learn her past
history. They were quietly married
few weeks later, the brides dowry being
$500, 600.
The poet WAS never again invited 10
the Tuileries, however, nor did lac ever
again have "A personal interview with tho
Emperor, but he soon received, 10 hls
surprise, an appointment Ia the diplo-
matte service III distant part OF the
world. This be accepted, aud went there
10 live, his wife, of course. accompany
ing him. Ills career there was a
prosperous one, and he remained there
until his death, which occurred six or
seven years ago. His widow then re-
turned 70 Paris and became the wife Of
! Russian nobemaD On the occasion of
the pOet-diplonats death remark was
made by General Fleury, the cOntiden-
tial friend and business agent Of the late
Emperor. He was a lucky chap" said
Fleury, to get such wife, and 1t was
a hard bit OF luck for the Emperor to
have 10 pay such a price to get nd Of 80
charming an incumbrance. b." Had
she" was asked, 80 encumbored
His Majesty long ;" No." sald
E!eury, 1.-THE Emperor had not
known her a month. But the Empress
had got on her track, and you know Eu-
genie was regular Tartar when she was
| Jealous" I'm this case, think. was PAID
| the highest price on record for poem.
Louis Napoleon had various other zen
cumbrances of the sort, which lie got
rid of in one way or another. But
don't think he ever paid 50 high a price
to any one else 10 take a fair burden oil
his hands.