"In a year," answered Napoleon, "I shall be either old or dead." He found the army in numbers about 50,000; but wretchedly deficient in cavalry, in stores of every kind,[8] in clothing and even in food; and watched by an enemy greatly more numerous.

It was under such circumstances that he at once avowed the daring scheme of forcing a passage to Italy, and converting the richest territory of the enemy himself into the theatre of the war.

"Soldiers," said he, "you are hungry and naked; the Republic owes you much, but she has not the means to pay her debts.

I am come to lead you into the most fertile plains that the sun beholds.

Rich provinces, opulent towns, all shall be at your disposal.