He determined that his eldest boy, Joseph, should enter the Church, and that Napoleon should be a soldier.

His perception of the characters of his boys was correct.

An anecdote, for which the elder brother is responsible, throws a flood of light on their temperaments.

The master of their school arranged a mimic combat for his pupils--Romans against Carthaginians.

Joseph, as the elder was ranged under the banner of Rome, while Napoleon was told off among the Carthaginians; but, piqued at being chosen for the losing side, the child fretted, begged, and stormed until the less bellicose Joseph agreed to change places with his exacting junior.