Napoleon had captured not alone Italy, but France herself?
What might she not accomplish with such a leader?
The delighted Directory discussed the invasion of England.

Napoleon, knowing this would be premature, dramatically conceived the idea of crippling England by threatening her Asiatic possessions, and led an army into Egypt (1798).

Although Nelson destroyed his fleet, he still maintained the arrogance of a conqueror.
No king, no military leader, had brought as much glory to France.

Du Guesclin, Turenne, Conde, all were eclipsed.

And so were Marlborough and Prince Eugene.