Part 4 (1/2)
Count Otto wrote to the Duke of Cadore, March 3, 1810: ”My long silence must have surprised Your Excellency, but it was caused by the strangest circ.u.mstances that I have known for many years.... It is only to-day that we are secure from the attack of the ecclesiastical committee, and from its scruples. Seven long days and nights have been spent in ransacking the volumes of the _Moniteur_ and the _Official Bulletin_ in order to prove the nullity of His Majesty the Emperor's first marriage.
Nothing could pacify the alarmed conscience of the Archbishop. At first I refused, and held out for twenty-four hours. After protracted discussion, and insisting on a complete recasting of the paper which I was desired to sign, I to-day consented to hand in the paper, of which I have the honor to enclose a copy, but on the express condition, which I have under the minister's signature, that it is only to be shown to the Archbishop and in no case to be made public.”
This is the text of the paper mentioned by Count Otto: ”I, the undersigned, Amba.s.sador of his Majesty the Emperor of the French, affirm that I have seen and read the originals of the two decisions of the two diocesan official boards, concerning the marriage between their Majesties, the Emperor and the Empress Josephine, and that it follows from these decisions that, in conformity with the Catholic ecclesiastical laws established in the French Empire, the said marriage has been declared null and void, because at the celebration of this marriage the most essential formalities required by the laws of the Church, and always regarded in France as necessary for the validity of a Catholic marriage, had been omitted. I affirm, moreover, that in conformity with the civic laws in existence at the time of the celebration of this marriage, every conjugal union was founded on the principle that it could be dissolved by the consent of the contracting parties. In testimony whereof I have signed the present declaration, and have set my seal to it.”
In his despatch of March 3, 1810, the Amba.s.sador said, in speaking of the doc.u.ment just cited: ”The only thing that persuaded me to adopt this course was the conviction that the Archbishop would not consent to p.r.o.nounce the blessing until he had seen the two decisions; and it appeared to me very dangerous to expose these two doc.u.ments to the whims of an old man who was controlled by two refugee priests. At any rate, this method has proved successful, and the delay in the Prince of Neufchatel's arrival prevents the public from forming any suspicions about this discussion which has given us so much anxiety. The Archbishop is satisfied; all the ceremonies will take place according to the programme, except the interruption due to the heavy roads. The wedding will take place March 11; and to make up the time lost, the Archd.u.c.h.ess will travel a little faster, and can easily reach Paris by the 27th. Now the postponement of the nuptial blessing can be ascribed only to the circ.u.mstances which have prolonged the journey of the Prince of Neufchatel. In Lent Sunday is considered the only proper day for weddings; and since Ash Wednesday is so near, the religious ceremony cannot possibly take place before the 11th.”
The last difficulties had vanished, and the festivities were free to begin.
VI
THE AMBa.s.sADOR EXTRAORDINARY.
In Vienna the animation was very great. The great event which was now in preparation was the sole subject of conversation in all cla.s.ses of society. ”The ceremonies and the festivities,” the French Amba.s.sador wrote, March 2, 1810, ”will be in every respect the same as those that took place at the marriage of the Emperor with the present Empress.
Every inhabitant of Vienna is doing his utmost to testify his joy on this occasion. Painters are at work night and day on transparencies and designs. The festivities will be thoroughly national. Every morning thousands of people station themselves before the palace to see the Archd.u.c.h.ess pa.s.s by on her way to ma.s.s. Her portraits are in constant demand. The Emperor and the archdukes never miss a ball; they are surrounded by a crowd of maskers who say a number of pleasant things to them, and it really appears as if this alliance had added to the Emperor's already great popularity.” The next day, March 3, Count Otto wrote: ”I to-day presented the Count of Narbonne to the Emperor, the Empress, and the Archd.u.c.h.ess, and I profited by the occasion to strengthen my conviction of the joy which the Count feels at this happy alliance. The Empress spoke with the greatest warmth of her step-daughters, conversed with a keen interest about France, Paris, and what she hopes to cultivate in that interesting city.”
It was with impatience that was awaited the arrival of the Amba.s.sador Extraordinary, who had been chosen by the Emperor of the French to make the formal demand for the hand of the Archd.u.c.h.ess, to attend to the celebration of the marriage which was to be celebrated by proxy at the Church of the Augustins in Vienna, and to escort the bride to France.
This Amba.s.sador Extraordinary was Marshal Berthier, sovereign Prince of Neufchatel, the husband of the Princess Marie Elizabeth Amelia Frances of Bavaria, Vice-Constable of France, Master of the Hounds, commander of the first cohort of the Legion of Honor, etc., etc. The most brilliant reception was prepared for him. Count Otto wrote to the Duke of Cadore, February 21, 1810: ”As to the honors which I have considered due to His Most Serene Highness, the Prince of Neufchatel, Count Metternich a.s.sures me that he regarded him not merely as Amba.s.sador Extraordinary, but as a Sovereign Prince, a great dignitary of the Empire, as a friend and fellow-soldier of the Emperor; that there would be no more comparison between him and the Marquis of Durfort than between the future Empress and the Dauphiness; and that consequently Prince Paul Esterhazy had been designated to proceed to the frontier to congratulate His Highness; and that, moreover, an Imperial Commissary would be sent to look after his journey, and to see that proper honor was paid to him on the way; that he would be lodged and entertained by the court, and that pains would be taken to furnish him with everything he might require; for in such a severe season, at so brief a notice, he could not possibly have supplied himself with all the articles ha needed.”
The Prince of Neufchatel's formal entrance into Vienna was accompanied with great pomp. Count Otto thus describes it in his despatch of March 6, 1810: ”The Prince of Neufchatel has just made his entrance. The ceremony was most magnificent. The court had despatched their finest carriages, and the highest n.o.blemen sent their equipages in their grandest array. The Prince lacked only couriers and footmen. I had twelve of my servants accompanying his carriage, all in the Emperor's grand livery. The sovereign himself could not have had a warmer welcome, or one more sumptuous and enthusiastic than did our Amba.s.sador Extraordinary, and the contrast with many fresh memories made the spectacle a very touching one. To shorten the Prince's triumphal march from the summer palace of Schwarzenberg to the Karthnerstra.s.se, many thousand workmen had been busily throwing a bridge over the very fortifications that our soldiers had blown up. Cheers and applause accompanied the Vice-Constable to the door of the Audience Chamber, and from there to his house. The court has given him most sumptuous quarters in the Imperial Chancellor's offices, where he is treated like the Emperor himself.”
Count Otto in the same despatch thus describes the evening of that brilliant 10th of March, 1810; ”That evening there was a grand ball in the Hall of Apollo; the whole city was there. The Prince was greeted as enthusiastically as in the morning. The Emperor himself was present, together with the Archdukes, and received the congratulations and blessings of a populace beside itself with joy. The Prince scarcely left the Emperor, who talked with him most amiably and most cordially. The Emperor and the Vice-Constable attracted the eyes of the whole mult.i.tude that surrounded them, and every one rejoiced to see the friend and fellow-soldier of Napoleon by the side of the ruler of Austria. It was noticed that this was the first appearance of the Archduke Charles in the Hall of Apollo along with the Emperor; he will figure in the marriage ceremony, and shows the liveliest satisfaction in the event.
The Vice-Constable was charmed with the Prince's conversation, and is going to dine with him to-morrow.”
General the Count of Lauriston had just arrived in Vienna, bringing letters from Napoleon to the Emperor and Empress of Austria. We have found the replies in the archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They are as follows:--
The letter of the Emperor of Austria to the Emperor of the French:--
”March 6, 1810. MY BROTHER: General the Count of Lauriston has given to me Your Imperial Majesty's letter of February 23. Entrusting to your hands, my brother, the fate of my beloved daughter, I give to Your Majesty the strongest possible proof that I could give of my confidence and esteem. There are moments when the holiest of the affections outweighs every other consideration which is foreign to it. May Your Imperial Majesty find nothing in this letter but the feelings of a father, attached, by eighteen years of pleasant intercourse, to a daughter whom Providence has endowed with all the qualities that const.i.tute domestic happiness. Though called far away from me, she will continue to be worthy of my most enduring affections only by contributing to the felicity of the husband whose throne she is to share, and to the happiness of his subjects. You will kindly receive the a.s.surance of my sincere friends.h.i.+p, as well as of the high consideration with which I am, my brother, Your Imperial and Royal Majesty's affectionate brother FRANCIS.”
The letter of the Empress of Austria to the Emperor Napoleon:--
”March 6,1810. MY BROTHER: I hasten to thank Your Imperial Majesty for the many proofs of confidence contained in the letter which Your Majesty has kindly sent to me through the Count of Lauriston. The tender attachment of the best of fathers for a beloved child has had no need of counsels. Our wishes are the same. I share his confidence in the happiness of Your Majesty and of our daughter. But it is from me that Your Imperial Majesty must receive the a.s.surance of the many qualities of mind and heart that distinguish the latter. What might seem the exaggerated affection of a father cannot be suspected from the pen of a stepmother. Be sure, my brother, that my happiest days will be those that come to you in consequence of the alliance that is about to unite us. Accept the friends.h.i.+p and high esteem with which I am Your Imperial Majesty's affectionate sister MARIE LOUISE.”
The different provinces of the Empire sent deputations to Vienna to bear their good wishes to the Archd.u.c.h.ess. They were received on the 6th of March, and the ceremony was thus described by Count Otto: ”Yesterday's festival was very brilliant. In the morning, the deputations of the Austrian states drove, in a procession of more than thirty carriages, to the Palace to pay their compliments to the Archd.u.c.h.ess, who received them under a canopy. In spite of the shyness natural to her youth, the Princess replied to them in a speech which amazed and touched her hearers. She is likewise to receive deputations from Hungary, Bohemia, and Moravia. It is thought that to the first she will reply in Latin. At one o'clock we went to the Palace to dine with their Majesties and the Imperial family. The only guests were the Prince Vice-Constable, the Count of Lauriston, and myself. The Empress was in better health, and more affable than I have ever seen her. The two Amba.s.sadors took precedence of the Archd.u.c.h.ess. The Prince Vice-Constable was placed at the Empress's left, and I sat at the Archd.u.c.h.ess's right; the Emperor sat in the middle and took part in the conversation on both sides.
This conversation was very animated. The Archd.u.c.h.ess asked a good many questions which displayed the soundness of her tastes.” According to the Amba.s.sador's despatch, these were the questions which Marie Louise asked: ”Is the Napoleon Museum near enough to the Tuileries for me to go there and study the antiques and monuments it contains?” ”Does the Emperor like music?” ”Shall I be able to have a teacher on the harp?
It is an instrument I am very fond of.” ”The Emperor is so kind to me; doubtless he will let me have a botanical garden. Nothing would please me more.” ”I am told that the country around Fontainebleau is very wild and picturesque. I like nothing better than beautiful scenery.” ”I am very grateful to the Emperor for letting me take Madame Lazansky with me, and for choosing the d.u.c.h.ess of Montebello; they are two excellent women.” ”I hope the Emperor will be considerate; I don't know how to dance quadrilles; but if he desires it, I will take dancing-lessons.”
”Do you think Humboldt will soon finish the account of his travels? I have read all that has appeared with great interest.”
Count Otto adds, in his faithful report: ”I told Her Imperial Highness that the Emperor was anxious to know her tastes and ways. She told me that she was easily pleased; that her tastes were very simple; that she was able to adapt herself to anything, and would do her best to conform to His Majesty's wishes, her only desire being to please him.... I must say, that during the whole hour of my interview with Her Imperial Highness, she did not once speak of the Paris fas.h.i.+ons or theatres.”
That evening there was a ball at which the Emperor was present with his whole family, and the Amba.s.sador thus describes the occasion: ”More than six thousand persons, of all ranks, were invited by the court, and they filled two immense halls which were richly decorated and illuminated. At the end of the first hall there was a most magnificent sideboard, in the shape of a temple lit by a thousand ingeniously hidden lamps. The Genius of Victory, surmounting an altar, was placing a laurel wreath on the escutcheons of the bride and groom. The N and L were displayed in all the decoration of the columns and pediments. To the right, a tent made of French flags covered a sideboard-laden with refreshments; and on the left there was another under a tent made of Austrian flags. There were large tables in the neighboring rooms, covered with food for the citizens who regarded it as an important duty to pledge the health of the Imperial couple in Tokay. The Archd.u.c.h.ess, who had never been to a ball before in her life, pa.s.sed through every room on the Emperor's arm.
She was most warmly cheered, and the crowd followed her with a joyous enthusiasm that can scarcely be described. This ball presented the most perfect combination of grandeur, wealth, and good taste; it was further remarkable for the bond of fraternity which seemed to unite the two nations.” The next day but one, March 8, the formal demand for the hand of the Archd.u.c.h.ess Marie Louise was made at the Palace, with great pomp, by Marshal Berthier, Prince of Neufchatel. As soon as he had delivered his speech, the Archd.u.c.h.ess entered in magnificent attire, accompanied by all the members of the household. Count Anatole de Montesquiou, an orderly officer of the Emperor Napoleon, had just arrived in Vienna, bringing a miniature portrait of his sovereign. This officer was to be present at the wedding, and to take to Paris the first news of its conclusion. As soon as the Archd.u.c.h.ess appeared, the Prince of Neufchatel offered her Napoleon's portrait, which she at once had fastened on the front of her dress by the Mistress of the Robes. The Amba.s.sador Extraordinary then went to the apartments of the Empress of Austria, whence he went to visit the Archduke Charles to tell him that Napoleon wished to be represented by him at the wedding to be celebrated by proxy, March 11, by the Archbishop of Vienna, at the Church of the Augustins. The Prince of Neufchatel continued to be treated with a consideration such as perhaps had never before fallen to the lot of an envoy in Vienna. From morning till night his quarters were surrounded by an inquisitive mult.i.tude who were anxious to see and salute Napoleon's friend and fellow-soldier. On the 9th of March he gave a grand dinner to the most distinguished gentlemen and ladies of the city. ”After the dinner,” Count Otto wrote to the Duke of Cadore, ”other ladies came in to pay the first visit to him, a distinction which probably no foreign prince has ever before enjoyed here. At the grand performance given at the court theatre that same evening, the Prince again had precedence of the Archdukes. He was given a seat by the side of the Empress, who all the evening said the most flattering things to him.... Among the unprecedented honors which have been paid to him, I have always found it easy to distinguish such as were personal attentions. His Highness has had the greatest success here, especially with the Archdukes, who, in order to overcome his objections to take precedence of them, said in the most obliging way, 'We are all soldiers, and you are our senior.' The Archduke Charles has especially displayed a grace and delicacy that have extremely touched the Prince.... The Emperor has presented the Prince with his portrait in a costly medallion, and His Highness has taken care to wear it on various occasions.”
Napoleon, who a few days before had been so hated by the Viennese, appeared to them, as if by sudden endowment, a sort of divine being. On all sides were heard outbursts of praise, allegories, and cantatas, in his honor. The poets of the city rivalled one another in celebrating the union of myrtles and laurels, of grace and strength, of beauty and genius. ”Love,” they sang in their dithyrambs, ”weaves flowery chains to unite forever Austria and Gaul. Peoples shed tears, but tears of enthusiasm and grat.i.tude. Long live Louise and Napoleon!” In every street, in every square, there were transparencies, mottoes, flags, mythological emblems, temples of Hymen, angels of peace and concord, Fame with her trumpet.