Desiree's Diary(Book Two) 精彩片段：
Chapter 50 Jun 29, 1815: The Emperor's Sword
Tonight Napoleons sword lies on the table beside my bed. Everyone else is wildly happy. They say that I have brought peace to France. But I myself am terribly sad.
Last night I lay awake for hours. The last heavy guns of Napoleons army were rolling past my house. They were supposed to defend Paris against the enemy. The plan was hopeless, of course. Half the city would have been destroyed, and half its people would have been killed.
The sun had only just risen when Marie came into my room. "Count Rosen wants to speak to you at once," she said.
Rosen brought a curious message: "The government and the people of France are waiting downstairs. They beg you to see them as soon as possible."
"The government and the people of France! Who are they? And what do they want?" I asked.
"Talleyrand and Fouche will speak for the government," he replied. "general Lafayette will speak for the people of France."
General Lafayette! Ive always wanted to meet him, but Ive never had the chance. He hasnt lived in Paris since the King was guillotined.
When I went down, there he was. A small thin man, with an old and tired face. But his eyes were bright and his smile was very sweet.
"General Lafayette," I said. "a copy of the Rights of Man was my fathers greatest treasure. Im proud to meet the man who wrote that document." Then I turned to the others. "What can I do for you, gentlemen?"
"Your Highness," said Talleyrand, "long ago I told you that one day I would bring you an important request. That day has come. France begs the Crown Princess of Sweden to save Paris and its people."
Before I could reply, Fouche added: "Let me explain. Our government sent a message to Wellington and Blucher. We are ready to surrender. If we dont theyll destroy our city."
"Did they agree?" I asked.
"They agreed," said Talleyrand, "but they made one special demand. If we surrender, General Bonapatre must leave France at once."
"And General Bonaparte refuses!" Fouche cried. "Most of his army were killed at Waterloo. He wants to defend Paris with the rest. He wants them all to die---and the people of Paris too---for the sake of his honour!"