He once helped Napoleon at a critical moment of his career, and the Emperor has never forgotten the debt which the Consul contracted.

That is really the secret of Talleyrand's power.

He lent Napoleon a hundred thousand francs before he set out for Egypt, and now, however much he distrusts him, the Emperor cannot forget that old kindness.

I have never known him to abandon a friend or to forgive an enemy.

If you have once served him well you may do what you like afterwards.