The poems of Ossian were then new to Europe, and generally received as authentic remains of another age and style of heroism.

The dark and lofty genius which they display, their indistinct but solemn pictures of heroic passions, love, battle, victory, and death, were appropriate food for Napoleon's young imagination; and, his taste being little scrupulous as to minor particulars, Ossian continued to be through life his favourite poet.

While at Paris, he attracted much notice among those who had access to compare him with his fellows; his acquirements, among other advantages, introduced him to the familiar society of the celebrated Abbe Raynal.

Napoleon, shortly after entering the school at Paris, drew up a memorial, which he in person presented to the superintendents of the establishment.

He complained that the mode of life was too expensive and delicate for "poor gentlemen," and could not prepare them either for returning to their "modest homes," or for the hardships of the camp.