Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/110

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DRAMATIC MOMENTS

tor of the Clubs. But at the same time take note of this, you and Monsieur Joseph, that I shall do just as I please; that I detest without fearing them—your friends the Jacobins, not one of whom shall remain in France if, as I hope, things continue to rest in my hands—and that, in fine, I snap my fingers at you and your national representation.'"

If this is illuminating in showing the gentle democratic nature of the gentleman we had to deal with, another passage of the same conversation settles definitely why he proposed to relinquish this kingdom:

"'It was certainly worth while,' urged Napoleon, 'first, to sell when you could what you were certain to lose. For the English, who have seen the Colony given back to us with great displeasure, are aching for a chance to capture it, and it will be their first coup de main in case of war. * * * You see our land forces have fought and will fight victoriously against all Europe. But as to the sea, my dear fellow, you must know that there we have