204).  As to how far this scandal was really believed by the brothers of Napoleon, see Iung’s Lucien (tome ii. pp. 268-269), where Lucien describes Louis as coming three times to him for advice as to his marriage with Hortense, both brothers referring to this rumour.  The third time Louis announces he is in love with Hortense.  “You are in love?  Why the devil, then, do you come to me for advice?  If so, forget what has been rumoured, and what I have advised you.  Marry, and may God bless you.”

Thiers (tome iii. p. 308) follows Bourrienne’s account.  Josephine, alluding to Louis Bonaparte, said, “His family have maliciously informed him of the disgraceful stories which have been spread on the conduct of my daughter and on the birth of her son.  Hate assigns this child to Napoleon.” (Remusat, tome i, p. 206).  The child in question was Napoleon Charles (1802-1807).]—­

CHAPTER VIII.

1802-1803.

Bonaparte President of the Cisalpine Republic—­Meeting of the deputation at Lyons—­Malta and the English—­My immortality—­Fete given by Madame Murat—­Erasures from the emigrant list—­Restitution of property—­General Sebastiani—­Lord Whitworth—­Napoleon’s first symptoms of disease—­Corvisart—­Influence of physical suffering on Napoleon’s temper—­Articles for the Moniteur—­General Andreossi—­ M. Talleyrand’s pun—­Jerome Bonaparte—­Extravagance of Bonaparte’s brothers—­M.  Collot and the navy contract.

Bonaparte was anxious to place the Cisalpine Republic on a footing of harmony with the Government of France.  It was necessary to select a President who should perfectly agree with Bonaparte’s views; and in this respect no one could be so suitable as Bonaparte himself.  The two Presidencies united would serve as a transition to the throne.  Not wishing to be long absent from Paris, and anxious to avoid the trouble of the journey to Milan, he arranged to meet the deputation half-way at Lyons.  Before our departure I said to him, “Is it possible that you do not wish to revisit Italy, the first scene of your glory, and the beautiful capital of Lombardy, where you were the object of so much homage?”—­“I certainly should,” replied the First Consul, “but the journey to Milan would occupy too much precious time.  I prefer that the meeting should take place in France.  My influence over the deputies will be more prompt and certain at Lyons than at Milan; and then I should be glad to see the noble wreck of the army of Egypt, which is collected at Lyons.”

On the 8th of January 1802 we set out.  Bonaparte who was now ready to ascend the throne of France, wished to prepare the Italians for one day crowning him King of Italy, in imitation of Charlemagne, of whom in anticipation he considered himself the successor.  He saw that the title of President of the Cisalpine Republic was a great advance towards the sovereignty of Lombardy, as he afterwards found that the Consulate for life was a decisive step towards the throne of France.  He obtained the title of President without much difficulty on the 36th of January 1802.  The journey to Lyons and the conferences were only matters of form; but high sounding words and solemn proceedings were required for the public mind.