The senate and the council of state, having taken the places indicated to them in the hall, the Empress, arrived, and entered the reserved gallery, surrounded by her ladies and the officers of her household.  At last the Emperor appeared, a quarter of an hour after the Empress, and was introduced with the accustomed ceremonials.  When the new president, the Duke of Massa, had taken the oath at the hands of the Emperor, his Majesty pronounced the following discourse: 

   “Senators; Councilors of State; Deputies from the Departments to the
   Corps Legislatif: 

Brilliant victories have made the French arms illustrious in this campaign, but unexampled defections have rendered these victories useless.  Everything has turned against us.  Even France would be in danger were it not for the energy and union of the French people.

   Under these momentous circumstances my first thought was to summon
   you.  My heart felt the need of the presence and affection of my
   subjects.

I have never been seduced by prosperity; adversity will find me above the reach of its attacks.  I have many times given peace to nations, even when they had lost all.  On a part of my conquests I have erected thrones for kings who have now abandoned me.

I have conceived and executed great plans for the happiness of the world.  Both as a monarch and a father I feel that peace adds to the security of thrones and of families.  Negotiations have been entered into with the Confederated Powers.  I have adhered to the fundamental principles which they have presented.  I then hoped that, before the opening of this session, the Congress of Mannheim would have assembled; but renewed delays, which cannot be attributed to France, have deferred this moment, which the whole world so eagerly desires.

I have ordered that all the original articles contained in the portfolio of Foreign Affairs should be submitted to you.  You will be informed of them through a committee.  The spokesmen of my Council will inform you of my wishes on this subject.

Nothing has been interposed on my part to the re-establishment of peace; I know and share the sentiments of the French people.  I repeat, of the French people, since there are none among them who desire peace at the expense of honor.  It is with regret that I demand of this generous people new sacrifices, but they are necessary for their noblest and dearest interests.  I have been compelled to re-enforce my armies by numerous levies, for nations treat with security only when they display all their strength.  An increase of receipts has become indispensable.  The propositions which my minister of finance will submit to you are in conformity with the system of finance I have established.  We will meet all demands without borrowing, which uses up the resources of the future, and without paper money, which is the greatest enemy of social order.

   I am well satisfied with the sentiments manifested towards me under
   these circumstances by my people of Italy.