He succeeded, and even induced him to continue his journey to Vittoria.

At that place the citizens sought to cut the traces of the royal carriage, so much did they fear treachery if he proceeded further.

Yet the young King, beguiled by the Emperor's letter of April 16th, which offered the hand of a French princess, prolonged his journey, crossed the frontier, and was received by Napoleon at Bayonne (April 20th).

His arguments, proving that his father's abdication had been voluntary, fell on deaf ears.

The Emperor invited him to dinner, and afterwards sent Savary to inform him that he must hand back the crown to his father.