Loud Thinking

What is a throne? — a bit of wood gilded and covered in velvet. I am the state— I alone am here the representative of the people. Even if I had done wrong you should not have reproached me in public — people wash their dirty linen at home. France has more need of me than I of France.

Statement to the Senate (1814)[specific citation needed] He echoes here the remark attributed to Louis XIV L’état c’est moi ( “The State is I” or more commonly: “I am the State.”)

Variant translation: A throne is only a bench covered with velvet…

France is invaded; I am leaving to take command of my troops, and, with God’s help and their valor, I hope soon to drive the enemy beyond the frontier.

Statement at Paris (23 January 1814) [specific citation needed]

The bullet that will kill me is not yet cast.

Statement at Montereau (17 February 1814) [specific citation needed]

The Allied Powers having proclaimed that the Emperor Napoleon is the sole obstacle to the re-establishment of peace in Europe, he, faithful to his oath, declares that he is ready to descend from the throne, to quit France, and even to relinquish life, for the good of his country.

Act of Abdication (4 April 1814)

Unite for the public safety, if you would remain an independent nation.

Proclamation to the French People (22 June 1815)