Amid the great events which were then being enacted, one--not the least
in importance--awaited the Emperor of France in the capital of the
Cisalpine Republic, now become the kingdom of Italy. The Italians
decided to offer the crown to the conqueror of Arcola and Marengo, and
in pursuance of that decision they dispatched a deputation to Paris.
Accepting that offer, Napoleon and the Empress Josephine repaired to
Milan, where they were crowned on the 26th of May, 1805, with unusual
splendor. On this occasion, as at Paris, Napoleon himself placed the
crown upon his own head; and, when taking it from the altar, he
exclaimed aloud, “_God gives it to me; beware who touches it!_” On the
8th of June, Prince Eugene, the adopted son of Napoleon, was proclaimed
Viceroy of Italy; and the French Emperor returned to his army, to make
preparations for the memorable campaign of Austerlitz.
[Illustration: NAPOLEON CROWNED KING OF ITALY.]