Napoleon had been arrested but escaped from imprisonment. On his way to Paris he encountered an army of his former troops:

"Mankind has become loathsome to me. I need rest and solitude. Greatness bores me to death. The fount of feeling is dried up. At twenty-nine years of age, I find that fame is vanity. I've got to the end of everything. Only one resource is left to me, to become an absolute egoist... I have come into the world too late. There is nothing great left for me to do. I do not deny that I have a fine career, but what a difference between me and the heroes of antiquity. Look at Alexand

"Soldiers, you are half starved and half naked. The Government owes you much, but can do nothing for you. Your patience, your courage, do you honour, but give you no glory, no advantage. I will lead you into the most fertile plains of the world. There you will find flourishing cities, teeming provinces. There you will reap honour, glory, and wealth. Soldiers of the Army of Italy, will you be wanting in courage and firmness?"