Truly a worthy ambition! Why should I be considered man?
The Republic being established, I am not a great man, I shall not copy Napoleon; but I am an honest man.
I shall imitate Washington.

My name, the name of Bonaparte, will be inscribed on two pages of the history of France: on the first there will be crime and glory, on the second probity and honor.

And the second will perhaps be worth the first.

Why?
Because if Napoleon is the greater, Washington is the better man.

Between the guilty hero and the good citizen I choose the good citizen.