“All things consequently admonished them to halt, and with so much the more effect, as they could not calculate on the favourable disposition of the inhabitants beyond Witepsk.  In conformity with his secret orders, they had been sounded, but without effect.  How could men be roused to insurrection, for the sake of a liberty whose very name they did not understand?  What influence could be obtained over a people almost savages, without property, and without wants?  What could be taken from them?  With what could they be tempted?  Their only property was their life, which they carried with them into regions of almost infinite space.”

Berthier added, “That if we were to proceed forward, the Russians would have in their favour our too-much elongated flanks, famine, and especially their formidable winter; while in staying where he was, the emperor would enlist the latter on his side, and render himself master of the war; that he would fix it within his reach, instead of following its deceitful, wandering, and undecided flight.”

Such were the replies of Berthier and Daru.  The emperor mildly listened to their observations, but oftener interrupted them by subtile arguments; begging the question, according to his wishes, or shifting it, when it became too pressing.  But however disagreeable might be the truths which he was obliged to hear, he listened to them patiently, and replied with equal patience.  Throughout this discussion, his conversation and whole deportment were remarkable for affability, simplicity, and good-humour, which, indeed, he almost always preserved in his own family; a circumstance which sufficiently explains why, notwithstanding so many misfortunes, he was so much beloved by those who lived on terms of intimacy with him.

Still dissatisfied, the emperor summoned successively several of the generals of his army; but his questions were such as indicated their answers; and many of these chiefs, born in the capacity of soldiers, and accustomed to obey his voice, were as submissive in these conversations as upon the field of battle.

Others waited the issue, in order to give their opinion; concealing their dread of a reverse, in the presence of a man who had always been fortunate, as well as their opinion, lest success might on some future day reproach them for it.

The greater part signified their approbation, being perfectly convinced that were they even to incur his displeasure by recommending him to stop, he would not be the less certain to advance.  As it was necessary to incur fresh dangers, they preferred meeting them with an appearance of good-will.  They found it more convenient to be wrong with him, than right against him.