soon as silence was restored, Napoleon briefly | Rome, to place the crown upon a monarch's replied, in the following terms: "Every thing which can contribute to the weal of the country is essentially connected with my happiness. I accept the title, which you believe to be useful to the glory of the nation. I submit to the people the sanction of the law of hereditary succession. I hope that France will never repent of the honors with which she shall invest my family. At all events, my spirit will no longer be with my posterity on that day when it shall cease to merit the love and confidence of the grand nation." Cambaceres then addressed a few words of congratulation to the Empress Josephine, to which she replied only by her tears. Napoleon, desirous of surrounding the newly established throne by all those influences which could give it stability, resolved to have himself crowned by the Pope, in Paris. It will be remembered that Pope Pius VII. was the personal friend of Napoleon. He felt grateful for the favors which the First Consul had conferred upon the Church. Never before had a Pope condescended to leave brow. Pius VII., however, promptly yielded to the wishes of his illustrious friend. It was now the month of May. Napoleon wished, before the coronation, to accomplish his projected attack upon England. The preparations were finally so matured, that even Napoleon became sanguine of success. He immediately visited all the camps upon the coast, and inspected them with the utmost care. He even examined the flotilla, boat by boat, to see if every order had been strictly attended to. Every thing was in accordance with his wishes. A magnificent spectacle was arranged, in the presence of the English squadron, for the distribution of the crosses of the "Legion of Honor." Napoleon was seated upon a throne, constructed on the brink of the ocean, with his magnificent army assembled, in the form of a semi-circular amphitheatre, around him. The shouts of a hundred thousand men filled the air. The explosion of thousands of pieces of artillery, of heaviest calibre, sent their reverberations even to the shores of England. The impressive scene filled all Emperor, seized the rudder, and was about to The hearts. In the midst of the imposing spectacle, | she might annihilate her audacious foe. The a division of the flotilla, from Havre, approaching Minister of Marine, trembling for the fate of the Boulogne, was attacked by the English squadron, in view of the countless multitude surrounding the Emperor. Napoleon, in the midst of the solemnities of the occasion, from time to time turned his telescope, to watch the progress of the fight. The gun-boats entered the harbor in safety, thus crowning the festivities of the day. A short time afterward Napoleon had another opportunity of witnessing a battle between the flotilla and the English ships. It was the 26th of August, at two o'clock in the afternoon, Napoleon was in the roadstead, inspecting the line of gun-boats. The English squadron, consisting of twenty ships, was moored at some distance from the shore. A ship detaching herself from the main body approached the French line, to reconnoitre and to discharge some broadsides. A few gun-boats immediately weighed anchor, and bore down upon the ship. Seeing this, the English sent a reinforcement of one frigate and several brigs, to attack the gun-boats. The Emperor was in his barge with Admiral Bruis. He ordered his barge to be steered into the midst of the boats that were fighting, and to advance full sail for the frigate. He was aware that the sailors and soldiers, who admired his fearless- England was now thoroughly alarmed. It ness upon the shore, sometimes asked them- was evident to all, that Herculean as was the selves if he would be equally daring upon the enterprise of invading England, Napoleon had sea. He wished to enlighten them upon that accumulated materials commensurate with the point. The imperial barge, brilliantly decorated undertaking. All France was in a state of the with banners, rapidly approached the frigate. highest enthusiasm. The most magnificent prepShe, suspecting the precious freight it bore, re-arations were being made for the coronation. served her fire, that with one crushing broadside | The rumor had spread abroad that the Pope was Napoleon, delighted with the result of the battle, wrote to Marshal Soult: "The little battle at which I was present, has produced an immense effect in England. It has created a real alarm there. The howitzers, which are on board the gun-boats, tell admirably. The private information that I have received makes the loss of the enemy, sixty wounded, and from twelve to fifteen killed. The frigate was much damaged." The loss of the French was but two killed, and seven wounded. coming to Paris to crown the Emperor. The devout population heard the news with wonder and admiration. Opposition, however, arose in the Council of State. Many arguments were urged against receiving the crown from the Sovereign Pontiff, which was in reality conferred by the will of the nation and the exploits of the army. Napoleon was as powerful in the cabinet as on the field of battle. His arguments were as decisive as his bomb-shells. He terminated the discussion by this pointed question: “Gentlemen, you are deliberating at Paris, at the Tuileries. Suppose that you were in London, in the British Cabinet-that you were the Ministers of the King of England, and that you were informed that at this moment, the Pope crosses the Alps to crown the Emperor of the French. Would you look upon that as a triumph for England or for France?" This settled the question beyond reply. icy of entering into a new nuptial alliance. A scene occurred at this time between them, when Napoleon was so much overcome by the fearful apprehensions, the love, and the grief of his wife, that, in a sudden outburst of affection, he threw his arms around her, pressed her to his heart, and assured her, that whatever policy might require, he never could gain strength to separate from one whom he loved so dearly. He declared that she should be crowned with him, and that she should receive, at his side, and from the hands of the Pope, the divine consecration. It was now the last of November. Every thing was in readiness at Notre Dame. Pius VII. commenced his journey from Rome to Paris. He was every where received in France with the highest marks of respect and attention. As the pontifical cortège arrived at the Palace of Fontainebleau, Napoleon, on horseback, with a magnificent retinue, met the Pope. Alighting, the Emperor embraced the Holy Father, and the two sovereigns entered the carriage together, the Em Napoleon justly considered that the benediction of the Pope, would, in the eyes of Catholic Europe, be a seal of his legitimacy as a sove-peror courteously assigning the right side to the reign, which nothing else could supply. His Head of the Church. At the rural Palace of letter to the Pope was thus expressed: "Most Fontainebleau, he was received with a degree Holy Father-The happy effect produced upon of splendor which both delighted and amazed the character and the morality of my people by him. The mild and benevolent countenance, the re-establishment of religion, induces me to and the dignified manners of Pius VII. won all beg your Holiness to give me a new proof of hearts. After three days of repose, the Emperor your interest in my destiny, and in that of this and the Pope, entering the same carriage, progreat nation, in one of the most important con- ceeded to Paris. The Pope was lodged in the junctures presented in the annals of the world. Pavilion of Flora, in the Palace of the Tuileries, I beg you to come and give, to the highest de- which had been sumptuously prepared for his gree, a religious character to the anointing and reception. With a delicacy characteristic of coronation of the first Emperor of the French. Napoleon, the Pope found his apartments furThat ceremony will acquire a new lustre by be- nished, in every respect, precisely like those he ing performed by your Holiness in person. It had left in the Vatican. Thus the aged prelate will bring down upon yourself and our people truly found himself at home. the blessing of God, whose decrees rule the destiny of empires and families. Your Holiness is aware of the affectionate sentiments I have long borne toward you, and can thence judge of the pleasure that this occurrence will afford me, of testifying them anew. We pray God that he may preserve you, most Holy Father, for many years, to rule and govern our mother, the Holy Church-Your dutiful son, Napoleon." The Pope was not insensible to ridicule. The nickname his enemies gave him, of Chaplain to Napoleon, wounded him deeply. And though the Pope for a little time hesitated, he at length yielded himself entirely to the wishes of the Emperor. Josephine trembled in view of the height to which her husband had attained. Rumors still filled the air that state necessity required that Napoleon should be the founder of a new dynasty, that he should transmit his crown to his descendants, and that divorce was essential, that he might be blest with an heir. She ardently desired that she might be crowned with her husband, for it would be a new tie to bind Napoleon to her, and a new guarantee against that divorce which ever haunted her with the most fearful forebodings. Napoleon loved her tenderly, and yet was deeply impressed with the apparent pol The populace of Paris daily crowded beneath the windows of the Tuileries, soliciting his appearance. The fame of his benignity had spread through the capital. Pius VII. frequently presented himself at the balcony of the Tuileries, always accompanied by Napoleon, and was saluted with most enthusiastic acclamations. The vast throng threw themselves upon their knees before him, and implored the pontifical benediction. Strange inconsistency! before, the populace of Paris had hunted the priests of Rome through the streets, and had shot them down without mercy. But ten years It will be remembered that at the time of the marriage of Napoleon and Josephine, all religious ceremonies had been abolished, and they were only united by a civil bond. Napoleon had endeavored to reform this state of things, and upon the marriage of his sister to Murat, he insisted upon their receiving the nuptial benediction of the church. Josephine immediately interceded with the Pope, to secure for herself the blessing of a religious sanction upon her union. With deep emotion, and heartfelt delight, on the very night preceding the coronation, the marriage between Napoleon and Josephine was secretly celebrated in the chapel of the Tuileries. Upon this occa THE POPE AT THE TUILERIES. took it in his own hand, and placed it himself upon his head. This characteristic act produced an indescribable effect upon the assembly. Napoleon then took the crown prepared for the Empress, and approaching Josephine, as she knelt before him, with visible tenderness and affection placed it upon her head. Josephine for a moment gazed earnestly, with swimming eyes, into the face of her illustrious and idolized husband. Napoleon with a recognizing glance of love returned the gaze. Josephine, entirely overcome, bowed her head and burst into tears. An enthusiastic shout of "Live the Emperor," burst from every lip, and resounded through the arches of Nôtre Dame. The thunders of innumerable cannon reverberating through the streets of Paris, announced to all the inhabitants of the metropolis, that Napoleon was the consecrated Emperor of France. The shades of evening had fallen over the thronged city; and the Palace and the Garden of the Tuileries were blazing with illuminations, sion Josephine was perfectly overcome with emo- | when the Emperor and the Empress returned tion. On the following morning, her reddened eyes still testified to the tears she had shed. Sunday, the 2d of December, was a clear, cold winter's day. All Paris was in a state of the highest enthusiasm to witness the coronation of the Emperor. The Church of Nôtre Dame was decorated with surpassing magnificence. The most gorgeous drapery of silken velvet ornamented the walls, descending from the roof to the pavement. An immense throne was erected for Napoleon and Josephine, at the west end of the church, raised upon twenty-four steps. The Emperor left the Tuileries in a carriage completely surrounded with glass. His costume was designed by the most distinguished painter of the day. The acclamations of immense crowds followed him, and all were delighted to see the idol of the people become the Emperor of France. With a golden laurel upon that noble brow, which attracted the attention of every observer, Napoleon entered the church, while five hundred musicians pealed forth a solemn chant. The Pope anointed the Emperor, blessed the sword, and the sceptre, and as he approached to take up the crown, Napoleon firmly and with dignity | to their imperial abode. Josephine, overwhelmed with the intensest emotions which the scenes of the day had excited, retired to her chamber, and, falling upon her knees, implored the guidance of the King of kings. Napoleon, who personally disliked all pomp and parade, and who arranged these scenes of grandeur only to impress the minds of the multitude, hastened to his room, and exclaimed, impatiently, to an attendant as he entered, "Off! off with these confounded trappings!" He threw the mantle into one corner of the room, the gorgeous robe into another; and thus violently disencumbering himself, declared that hours of such mortal tediousness he had never passed before. The court of France had for ages exhibited to the nation the spectacle of the most voluptuous and unblushing vice. Manners the most dissolute had been rendered attractive by the grace in which they had been robed. Napoleon had resolved that his court should present a model of moral purity. He resolved to give no one an appointment among the royal retinue, whose character was not above reproach. The Duchess D'Aiguillon, during the license of those times, in which all the restraints of Christian morality | the palace where he reigns. Desirous of strengthhad been swept away, had availed herself of the facile liberty of divorce from her husband, and had formed other unions. Josephine, in her days of adversity, had received favors from the Duchess, and wished to testify her gratitude, by receiving her at court. Napoleon peremptorily refused. Josephine thus wrote to her friend. "I am deeply afflicted. My former friends, supposing that I am able to obtain the fulfillment of all my wishes, must suppose that I have forgotten the past. Alas! it is not so. The Emperor, indignant at the total disregard of morality, and alarmed at the progress it might still make, is resolved that the example of a life of regularity and of religion shall be presented at ening more and more the church re-established by himself, and unable to change the laws appointed by her observances, his intention is, at least, to keep at a distance from his court all who may have availed themselves of an opportunity for a divorce. Hence the cause of his refusing the favor I asked, of having you with me. The refusal has occasioned me unspeakable regret, but he is too absolute to leave even the hope of seeing him retract." The season was now so inclement that the Pope could not immediately repass the Alps. Napoleon, by his frankness, courtesy, and kindliness gained the most sincere affection of the Holy Pontiff. The Pope became one of the most |