Page:Memoirs of Baron Hyde de Neuville; outlaw, exile, ambassador; (IA memoirsofbaronhy01hyde).pdf/163

Rh Buonaparte admitted that he had himself thought of the Bourbons under that blackguardly Directory,'—it was the expression he used,—but he had come to the conclusion that France had rejected them, and that Europe did not wish them back. Then, he allowed himself to speak insultingly of that august family; he reproached Monsieur, and the young Princes with their inaction: "Why have they not come to fight!' he exclaimed. We replied that we could not listen to such remarks; that our Princes were brave, and had only been detained by considerations of great importance, and that he himself must feel that his words placed us in a very painful position. D'Andigné took up his hat, and spoke strongly. Buonaparte calmed down, and a moment later, he said: ’But, to come to the point, what do you want to bring the Civil War to an end?' ’Two things,' I answered, 'Louis XVIII to reign by right over France, and Buonaparte to cover her with glory.’

Far from being annoyed at my words, he seemed pleased, he smiled. The thought of glory made him overlook hereditary monarchy. He protested, however, that he would not restore the Bourbons, and repeated several times that, if the Royalists did not come over to him, they would be exterminated. I shall burn your towns and cottages!' he exclaimed. Still, he continued to speak well of the Royalists, and with great respect of the priests who had been faithful to religion. He said: 'I too desire good priests.' (And M. de Talleyrand was standing by him.) I would have religion honoured and protected, for the sake of the country, and for my own sake; on this point we shall soon come to an understanding.' We parted, without having treated for peace, but the main point was only too clearly decided as the result of this conversation.

The Prince of Benevento has been most unjustly accused of want of good faith towards me; he did not deceive me; he did not try to entangle me. He went