Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/361

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THE BATAVIAN REPUBLIC
349

kind of emulation, which shall shew him the strongest marks of affection and attachment. I never heard him spoken of by a French officer but in terms of almost idolatrous admiration, and the same sentiments pervade the lowest ranks of the army.

In private life, Bonaparte is represented to be temperate, regular, and abstemious: indulging in no expensive pleasures, and sternly discountenancing all irregularity of manners. I was curious to know what were his religious opinions, if any; and the idea I found which generally prevailed on this subject was, that the existence of a Supreme Being was a belief firmly established on his mind.

Madame Bonaparte is spoken of as a woman of uncommonly vigorous powers of mind, and most amiable manners. Her taste for, and patronage of, the fine arts are equally to be commended, and indigent merit of every kind finds in her a liberal benefactress. She does not want the disposition for intriguing in state affairs, which under the old government distinguished the ladies of