To Josephine at Milan
Forward
Even those who know little about Napoleon know he was a great
general. But without reading further you don't realize that there was
a man behind the monarch. I have read many of Napoleon's letters and
I am continually amazed at the total devotion he felt for Josephine.
A man who was characterized as being so strong seemed so uncertain
and vulnerable in his love. The following is the first in many such
letters. You can judge for yourself.
Marmirolo, July 17, 1796, 9 o'clock, P.M. I have received your
letter, my adorable friend. It has filled my heart with joy. I am
grateful to you for the trouble you have taken to send me the news.
Since I left you, I have been constantly depressed. My happiness
is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your
caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the
incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing
flame in my heart. When, free from all solicitude, all harassing
care, shall I be able to pass all my time with you, having only to
love you, and to think only of the happiness of so saying, and of
proving it to you? I will send you your horse, but I hope you will
soon join me.
I thought that I loved you months ago, but since my separation
from you I feel that I love you a thousand fold more. Each day since
I knew you, have i adored you yet more and more.
Ah! I entreat you to permit me to see some of your faults. Be
less beautiful, less gracious, less affectionate, less good,
especially be not over-anxious, and never weep. Your tears rob me of
reason, and inflame by blood. Believe me it is not in my power to
have a single thought which is not of thee, or a wish which I could
not reveal to thee.
Seek repose. Quickly re-establish your health. Come and join me,
that at least, before death, we may be able to say, "We were many
days happy." A thousand kisses, and one even to Fortuna, not with
standing his spitefulness.
{Fortuna was a lap-dog belonging to Josephine}
