Some time after his alliance with the house of Austria, Napoleon, with
the view perhaps of making the new Empress known and popular accompanied
her on several journeys. One day while walking on the banks of the
Rhine, he took a fancy to dine on one of its islands. They sat down at a
table which overlooked a little farm. Napoleon desired to see the
farmer, and despatched a messenger to summon him. Full of surprise, and
doubt, the poor peasant hesitated to approach the Emperor; he advanced
awkwardly, and his countenance fully expressed the embarrassment he
suffered, and was unable to overcome.
Napoleon questioned him respecting his farm, his family, and his
necessities. The poor fellow could scarce find words to reply. The
Emperor kindly encouraged him, and offered him something to drink, when
the farmer, abashed at so much honor, hardly dared carry the glass to
his lips; he attempted several times, and as often failed. At length he
overcame his fear, and not only did he give all the information that was
required of him, but ventured to point out changes which he would be
glad to see.--1810.
[Illustration: THE PEASANT OF THE RHINE.]