We have now seen, for the first time, that the proud emperor is only a mere mortal.

Had the bullet which wounded his foot at Regensburg struck his head, France would probably be, at the present moment, in the midst of civil war, and the Legitimists, the Republicans, and the adherents of Napoleon would dispute the victory with each other.

We must try to avert the most terrible of all misfortunes, civil war; the emperor is not merely mortal; we do not merely have to consider his death, but we must also know what is to happen in case our plan succeeds and he is placed in captivity.

We must have ready the successor, the successor who will at once render the Republic and the return of the Bourbons alike impossible.

Do any of you know a successor thus qualified ?" "I know one," replied General Marmont.
"And I! And I! And I!" "General Marmont," said Oudet, "you spoke first.