Thrilling adventures.

General Paoli.

erable Paoli, the general-in-chief of the Corsicans, whose fortunes the father of Napoleon had followed, was accustomed often to visit the family, and our young hero was never tired of hearing from the lips of him who had been a chief actor in the scene, the accounts of those thrilling adventures with which that fierce struggle abounded. In these early years his spirit was fired with enthusiasm for deeds of noble daring, and often his feelings became so much excited that he would break forth in those short, impassioned sentences, for which in after years his addresses to his soldiers were remarkable. Such was the depth and penetration which was sometimes evinced by his remarks, that Paoli was filled with admiration at the sagacity which he displayed, and treated him more as a companion than as a child. He soon became familiar with all the history of the island, the claims of the contending parties, and the character of the leading men. Later in life, when he was about closing his studies at the military school at Paris, he prepared a history of Corsica, which he was on the point of publishing, when the opening scenes of the French Revolution called on him to lay aside the pen and take the sword. Thus perhaps fortune made him a warrior, rather than an author.

Akin to the stories which he heard of the Corsican

Taste for reading.

How acquired.

Count Marboeuf.

revolution, were the accounts of the fortunes of other nations which he found in history and biography. His passion for hearing stories from the lips of his friends, was transferred to searching for stories in the records of the past; and thus early in life was established a taste for reading which was the foundation of his future fortunate career. His appetite was fed by his daily acquisitions. He devoured books, such was his eagerness to know their contents. The surprising amount of knowledge which he had early in life obtained, and the habits of reflection and studiousness which he thereby acquired, were the means, as we shall soon see, of his promotion.

After the island had come into the hands of the French, governors were sent from France to preside over its political affairs. Among them was Count Marboeuf, who became intimate in the family of the Bonapartes. The thoughtful and studious air of Napoleon attracted his attention. His conversation seemed to be that of a person much beyond his years. He was surprised at the extent of his acquirements. He became convinced of the strong natural abilities and studious habits of this strange boy. He accordingly recommended him for promotion to one of the national schools.

There were at this time twelve provincial military schools in France, which were annually supplied by

School at Brienne. Striking lesson from his promotion. Golden chances.

the most promising youth to be found in the kingdom. Through the recommendation of the governor, Napoleon was sent to the school at Brienne, near Paris. In this promotion of the Corsican boy, is found one of the most striking lessons that can be impressed upon the minds of the young. He was promoted because he deserved to be promoted; because by his own efforts and zeal he had prepared himself to be promoted; because he had convinced his superiors about him whose attention he attracted, that he desired to know more, and that he had the resolution and the will to distinguish himself. The idea too often obtains, that some meet with eminent success because fortune favors them. But fortune generally favors those who work hardest and most merit success. The youth waits for some grand opportunity, when, by one long stride, he will acquire knowledge and correct habits of thought. He lets the little golden chances for improvement which each day brings with it, pass by unimproved, until sluggishness and imbecility of mind, and careless habits utterly preclude the possibility of his ad

vancement.

Not so with the youthful Napoleon. He commenced a brilliant career for himself. He did not wait for a rare opportunity, when some one should commence it for him. He was studious, he was at

Tears on leaving his mother.

Splendors of Paris.

1779.

tentive, he was thoughtful. He began early to make acquirements in knowledge, and persevered with zeal and energy in the course upon which he had entered; and when the time came he was not obliged to seek for the situation, but he was sought to fill it. Had his time been spent as most children spend theirs, in play, and sports, and frivolous amusements, with no thought, no aim, and no effort for improvement; had he not displayed the knowledge and qualifications necessary for the place, he would not have been recommended to the military school at

Brienne.

The world is full of opportunities, but the trouble is we are not ready to embrace them. He was prepared for this which now presented itself, and entered at once upon the fulfillment of his destiny. Had the preparation been wanting, he might have lived and died in the island of Corsica, an obscure follower of some trade or profession, and the world never known of Napoleon Bonaparte.

It was at the age of ten, in 1779, that Napoleon was transferred to the military school. He shed bitter tears on leaving his mother whom he tenderly loved, and separating from his brothers and sisters, and the home of his childhood. On his way he passed through Paris, and saw the splendors with which that city abounded the monuments, the tem

British arms.

American colonies.

Lafayette.

ples, the palaces, the parks and fountains, and the throngs of people. Little did the poor boy then dream of the destiny which awaited him; that the proud city would one day resound with his name; that all that grandeur and magnificence would ere long be his; that kings and emperors, the proudest in Europe, would eventually be suppliants at his feet.

It was about the middle of our Revolution that this event transpired. From the part which the French people took in the contest, and the lively interest which they ever felt in the defeat of the British arms, it is probable that Napoleon now began to acquaint himself with the events transpiring among the American colonies. The new position in which he was placed would naturally favor the acquisition of such general knowledge of events, as would best fit him for that career which Providence had marked out for him. About this time Lafayette returned from America, to arouse the Funch people and the French king in behalf of the feeble colonies in their almost hopeless struggle. This gallant young Frenchman everywhere inspired the liveliest interest. His youth, his devotion, his manly attainments, the romantic project of aiding the weak and feeble in the wilderness, in a far off land, excited the warmest sympathies of his countrymen, and