Page:Entertaining history of the early years of General Bonaparte (2).pdf/15

( 15  ) antiquity their great actions and virtues became his modles and the glory of sur- passing them the object of his life.

Notwithstanding the constant exercise and amusements of which l have spoken, and in which Bonaparte took so active a part lam fully pursuaded that his constitution suffered much from long inaction during his first years at school. A too close application may perhaps retard more than a long con- tinued repose, for tho’ of a form calcu- lated to resist fatigue and of much natural strength, he had always the appearance of a weak and delicate health. Altho' of a middle stature he is remarkable for the breath of his shoulders his eyes of a deep blue, are small but animated; his hair brown, his forehead large and prominent; his chin sharp his face long, and him com- plexion olive; the general expression of his countenance does not strike at first sight, put in observing him with attention you. readily distinguish the traces of deep think- ing, and the vivacity of his looks indicate energy and activity.

His withdrawing from the society of his comrades, had- given a rudeness, perhaps ferocity to his manner ; and subject to violent passion, his anger against his young companions sometimes amounted even to duty ; the instance I am going to report is most characteristic.