JOSEPHINE, WIFE OF NAPOLEON I. 375 recompense and benefits of every kind, and declaring that he would devote himself to his mother, even if he had to go back with her to Martinique, her native island. Bona- parte appeared struck with this generous devotion, and listened to the young man in " ferocious silence." A few days passed. Josephine acted upon the advice of her lady, and played the part of the contrite and submissive wife. Napoleon, who had really loved her after his fash- ion, was soon mollified, and he then endeavored to per- suade her to spare him the pain of sending her away by going away herself. " I have not the courage," said he to her, " to take the last resolution, and if you exhibit too much sorrow, and if you only obey me, I feel that I shall never be firm enough to compel you to leave me ; but, I confess, I greatly desire that you should resign yourself to the interest of my policy, and tha^ you yourself should relieve me of the embarrassment of this painful separa- tion." To all sucn words as these, Josephine only replied by the penetrating eloquence of tears. These might not have succeeded if the other Bonapartes had not urged the divorce with the vehemence of personal jealously and dislike. They thought they had succeeded, and boasted of their triumph a little too openly and confidently. Napoleon perceived this, and suddenly determined to disappoint them. He told her one evening that the Pope was about to arrive, who would crown them both in the cathedral of Notre Dame. The preparations now went forward with great rapidity. There were private rehearsals of the coronation, attended by the artist David, who directed the positions of each performer, and arranged all the details of the scene. It was on one of these occasions that Napoleon announced his intention of putting the crown upon his own head ; for, said he :
