“Have yon, as I did, closely noticed the little commanding tone of your son when he made known to me his wish that he wanted me to be in the Tuileries with him?  And then his little pouting mien when I answered that this could not be?

“‘Why,’ exclaimed he, in his own way, ’why, since papa and I wish it?’

“Yes, this already reveals that he will understand how to command, and I heartily rejoice to discern traits of character which, in a private individual, might be pregnant with evil consequences, but which are becoming to a prince who is destined to rule in a time that is so near a long and terrible revolution.  For after the downfall of all order, such as we have outlived, a sovereign cannot hope to maintain peace in his kingdom merely through mildness and goodness.  The nation over which he rules, and which yet stands on the hot soil of a volcano, must have the assurance that crime no sooner lifts its head than swift punishment will reach it.  As you yourself have told me a thousand times:  ’When once fear has been instilled, one must not by arbitrariness, but through strict impartiality, strive to be loved.’

“You have often used your privilege of granting pardon, but you have more frequently proved that you would not tolerate a violation of the laws enacted by you.  Thus you have subdued and mastered the Jacobins, quieted the royalists, and satisfied the party of moderation.  Your son will now have your example before him, and, happier than you, will be able to go further in manifesting clemency toward the guilty.

“I had with him a conversation which establishes the deep sensitiveness of his heart.

“He was delighted with my charivari, and then he said to me: 

“’Ah, how beautiful that is! but if it were given to a poor man he would be rich, would he not, madame?’

“‘Certainly he would,’ I replied. “‘Well, then,’ said he, ’I have seen in the woods a poor man; allow me to send for him.  I have no money myself, and he needs a good coat.’

“‘The emperor,’ I replied, ’will find a pleasure in gratifying your wishes.  Why does not your imperial highness ask him for his purse?’

“’I have asked him already, madame.  He gave it to me when we left Paris, and we have given all away.  But as you look so good, I thought you would do what was so natural.’

“I promised to be useful to that poor man, and I will certainly keep my word.  I have given orders to my courier to find the unfortunate person, and bring him to-morrow to Malmaison, where we will see what can be done for him.  For it will indeed be sweet for me to perform a good work counselled by a child three years old.  Tell him, I pray you, sire, that this poor man is no longer poor!