Note 310 — NAPOLEONIC RULE.

The title of this book is “Machiavel Commenté par Nᵒⁿ Buonaparte,” 1816, published by H. Nicolle, 12, Rue de Seine. I have a copy, but there is none in the British Museum. The Preface and the Introductory Discourse on Macchiavelli are full of ability. The translation of the “Prince” in French occupies the left-hand column of each page, and seems well done; on the right-hand column are given the emperor’s annotations, where they occur, otherwise it stands blank. They are severally initialled G., R. C., or E—General, Republican Consul, Emperor,—according to the period at which Napoleon may be supposed to have written them. Some of the remarks are clever, but perhaps scarcely show the grip of Napoleon; which, whether right or wrong, was always that of an iron vice. I now imagine it to be an ingenious forgery, but it is quite curious enough to merit further inquiry. This footnote, it will be seen, does not correspond with what I have said in the text. I wrote that under the impression that the document was genuine, and it would be just, if the book were true. But I leave it as it is, though it tells slightly against myself, as the contrast, between the first and second thoughts seems to me instructive. It shows that, let a man walk by right faith or by wrong, he must steer by the belief that is present with him.