The response was equally vague and discreet.
Alexander expressed his gratification at the friendship which proffered such a request and his desire for the founding of a Napoleonic House.

Further than this he did not go: and eight days after his return to St.Petersburg his only marriageable sister, Catherine, was affianced to the heir to the Duchy of Oldenburg.

This event, it is true, was decided by the Dowager Empress; but no one, least of all Napoleon, could harbour any doubts as to its significance.
In truth, Napoleon's chief triumphs at Erfurt were social and literary.

His efforts to dazzle German princes and denationalize two of her leading thinkers were partly successful.

Goethe and Wieland bowed before his greatness.