Three times I have replaced the Emperor Francis on his throne.

I have promised always to live at peace with him: I have married his daughter.

At the time I said to myself--you are perpetrating a folly; but it was done, and now I repent of it." Metternich saw his advantage: his adversary had lost his temper and forgotten his dignity.

He calmly reminded Napoleon that peace depended on him; that his power must be reduced within reasonable limits, or he would fall in the ensuing struggle.

No matador fluttered the cloak more dextrously.