Therefore, authorize the duke to sign the treaty, and----" "What!" said Napoleon fiercely, sitting up on the bed and facing them.
"You would have me sign a treaty like that?
Trample under foot my coronation oath?
Unheard-of disaster may have snatched from me the promise to renounce my own conquests, but give up those before me, never! Leave France smaller, weaker than I found her! God keep me from such a disgrace.

Reply to Caulaincourt, since you wish it, but tell him I reject this treaty.

We must have better terms.

I prefer to run the uttermost risks of war." Berthier opened his mouth to speak again, but Napoleon silenced him with word and gesture.
"No more," he said.

"Go." The two marshals bowed and left the room with downcast heads and resentful hearts.