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( 18  ) armed with a pix-ax pushing back into the fire all those who hid burst through his fence: he became enraged in seeing the destruction of his arbour and the blows which he bestowed on the unhappy fugi- tives, increased the number of the wounded. It is needless to say how our comrades were revenged ; Bonaparte himself without doubt, would own now that he justly deserved our ; resentment; but at that time he thought of. nothing but his ruined garden he had no concern in the imprudence of his compani- ons. Exasperated perhaps, by the noisy demonstrations of a joy of which his heart did not partake, it is also very reasonable to suppose that rejoicings in honour of a King might hive excited the ill-humour , of a republican: and Bonaparte had long manifested his sentiments in that respect. However that may be, time seems to have much softened that unfeeling roughness, for he is not less celebrated by his moderation towards his enemies than by his brilliant: exploits.

Bonaparte quitted the school of Brienne at the end of the year 1783. M. le Cheva- lier Renault, then Inspector General, knew how to estimate the merit of that young man, to which he did justice, notwithstanding the bitter complaints of his masters, whom his hard stubborn character had generally ren- dered unfriendly to him.