The enemy having been repulsed at Saint-Dizier, the Emperor learned that the army of Silesia was being concentrated on Brienne, and immediately set out on the march through the forest of Deo, the brave soldiers who followed him appearing as indefatigable as he.  He halted at the village of Eclaron, where his Majesty paid a certain sum to the inhabitants to repair their church, which the enemy had destroyed.  The surgeon of this town advanced to thank the Emperor; and his Majesty examining him attentively said to him, “You have served in the army, Monsieur?”—­“Yes, Sire; I was in the army of Egypt.”—­“Why have you no cross?”—­“Sire, because I have never asked for it.”—­“Monsieur, you are only the more worthy of it.  I hope you will wear the one I shall give you.”  And in a few moments his certificate was signed by the Emperor, and handed to the new chevalier, whom the Emperor recommended to give the most careful attention to the sick and wounded of our army who might be committed to his care.

[It is known that the Emperor was not lavish in the distribution of the Cross of Honor.  Of this fact I here give an additional proof.  He was much pleased with the services of M. Veyrat, inspector general of police, and he desired the Cross.  I presented petitions to this effect to his Majesty, who said to me one day, “I am well satisfied with Veyrat.  He serves me well, and I will give him as much money as he wishes; but the Cross, never!” —­Constant.]

On entering Mezieres his Majesty was received by the authorities of the city, the clergy, and the National Guard.  “Messieurs,” said the Emperor to the National Guard who pressed around him, “we fight to day for our firesides; let us defend them in such a manner that the Cossacks may not come to warm themselves beside them.  They are bad guests, who will leave no place for you.  Let us show them that every Frenchman is born a soldier, and a brave one!” His Majesty on receiving the homage of the curate, perceiving that this ecclesiastic regarded him with extreme interest and agitation, consequently considered the good priest more attentively, and soon recognized in him one of the former regents of the college of Brienne.  “What! is it you, my dear master?” cried the Emperor.  “You have, then, never left your retirement!  So much the better, since for that reason you will be only the better able to serve the cause of your native land.  I need not ask if you know the country around here.”—­“Sire,” replied the curate, “I could find my way with my eyes shut.”—­“Come with us, then; you will be our guide, and we will converse.”  The worthy priest immediately saddled his well-broken horse, and placed himself in the center of the Imperial staff.