Excerpt from The History of Napoleon the First, Vol. 3
Such was the fresh attitude which Bonaparte had just assumed in his last manifestoes, after his brilliant triumphs over the Prussian monarchy. This change which had been prepared for long before, did not at once strike all minds, nor were its consequences immediately felt, but it deserves the more notice because it marks the exact period at which France lost that marvellous power of attraction which she derived from her revolution, and which gave her her temporary influence. Hitherto, in spite of all the acts of violence and treachery which had dispelled their illusions, the nations had continued to regard her as an instrument of deliverance and liberation: they henceforth began to consider her as the fearful personifica tion of conquest, Oppression, and despotism. At the time of our entrance into Poland, we had striking evidence of the existence of these sentiments among a people who by nature, by tradition, and by interest were the'least disposed to share them.
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