Thus it was that habit attracted some, disgust at camp service others; novelty prompted the greater part, and especially the thirst of glory:  but all were stimulated by emulation.  In fine, confidence in a chief who had been always fortunate, and hope of an early victory, which would terminate the war at a blow, and restore us to our firesides; for a war, to the entire army of Napoleon (as it was to some volunteers of the court of Louis XIV.) was often no more than a single battle, or a short and brilliant journey.

We were now about to reach the extremity of Europe, where never European army had been before!  We were about to erect new columns of Hercules.  The grandeur of the enterprise; the agitation of co-operating Europe; the imposing spectacle of an army of 400,000 foot and 80,000 horse:  so many warlike reports and martial clamours, kindled the minds of veterans themselves.  It was impossible for the coldest to remain unmoved amid the general impulse; to escape from the universal attraction.

In conclusion;—­independent of all these motives for animation, the composition of the army was good, and every good army is desirous of war.

BOOK IV.

CHAPTER I.

Napoleon, satisfied with his preparations, at length declared himself.  “Soldiers,” said he, “the second Polish war is commenced.  The first was concluded at Friedland and at Tilsit.  At Tilsit, Russia swore eternal alliance with France, and war with England.  She now violates her oaths.  She will give no explanation of her capricious conduct, until the French eagles have repassed the Rhine; by that means leaving our allies at her mercy.  Russia is hurried away by fatality; her destiny must be accomplished.  Does she then believe us to be degenerated?  Are we not still the soldiers of Austerlitz?  She places us between war and dishonour; the choice cannot be doubtful.  Let us advance, then; let us pass the Niemen, and carry the war into her territory!  The second Polish war will be as glorious for the French arms as the first; but the peace we shall this time conclude will carry with it its own guarantee; it will put an end to the fatal influence which Russia for the last fifty years has exercised over the affairs of Europe.”

This tone, which was at that time deemed prophetic, befitted an expedition of an almost fabulous character.  It was quite necessary to invoke Destiny, and give credit to its empire, when the fate of so many human beings, and so much glory, were about to be consigned to its mercy.

The Emperor Alexander also harangued his army, but in a very different manner.  The difference between the two nations, the two sovereigns, and their reciprocal position, were remarked in these proclamations.  In fact, the one which was defensive was unadorned and moderate; the other, offensive, was replete with audacity and the confidence of victory.  The first sought support in religion, the other in fatality; the one in love of country, the other in love of glory; but neither of them referred to the liberation of Poland, which was the real cause of contention.