The devotion shown to the memory of Napoleon, by the spirited painter of
the original picture from which this is copied, has been profitable to
that talented artist. Few of his contemporaries have succeeded better
than M. Bellangé, in depicting subjects which illustrate the “Imperial
Epoch.”
This picture is well conceived, free and natural. It is a scene which
occurred repeatedly on the battle-field in Napoleon’s campaigns. “_Vive
l’Empereur_,” let the wound be slight or mortal; “_Vive l’Empereur!_”
was the wounded soldier’s cry, though scarcely able to see his Captain
as he passed. With such devotion as this, what had not the ‘_Grand
Homme_’ to hope for! These were not the soldiers to abandon him. Honor,
rank, riches, were not able to corrupt them. And if they had not been so
patriotic; if they had not been models of military discipline;--what
would they not have undertaken for love of their General, for him who
had led them to victory and glory. Poor fellows! humble laborers in the
vast plain of a great architect, you assisted in raising the great
monument; your task should not have been without recompense.
[Illustration: A FIELD HOSPITAL.]