Page:Life of Napoleon Buonaparte.pdf/22

 findeed, he exhibited the highest order of genius- that of invention. He conceived a new mode o warfare; founded on a scientific and rapid movement of vast masses; which, until practised are understood by his opponents, rendered him almos necessarily victorious. He, in fact, altogether changed the modern art of war; and as we have seen, he long profited by the priority of discovery Looking at the moral complexion of his intellectuality, it is evident that the common selfishness of ambition actuated him; and that, like most fortunate soldiers, the glory attendant upon domination and mastery, dazzled him more than the nobler species, which gives such a fine lustre to the names of Washington and Bolivar. His abolition of monkery and fanaticism, wherever he could reach them; his removal of all the remnants of feudal servitude; and his completion of an adequate and estimable code of laws, regulative of justice between man and man; are all compatible with the most selfish ambition, such improvements being the interest of every order of ruler, if the blindness of despotism could be made to think so.

His person, thin in youth, and somewhat corpulent in age, was rather delicate than robust in outward appearance, but east in the mould most capable of enduring privation and fatigue. He rode ungracefully; and without the command of his horse which distinguishes a perfect cavalier; so that he showed to disadvantage when riding beside such a horseman as Murat. But he was fearless, sat firm in his seat, rode with rapidity, and was capable of enduring the exercise for a longer time than most men.

The countenance of Napoleon is familiar to almost every one from description, and the portraits which are found every where. The dark brown