Far different was Napoleon's view: "Here is a great planet taking a wrong direction.

I do not understand its course at all."[248] Such were his first words on reading the text of the new ukase.

A fatalistic tone now haunts his references to Russia's policy.
On April 2nd he writes: "If Alexander does not quickly stop the impetus which has been given, he will be carried away by it next year; and thus war will take place in spite of him, _in spite of me_, in spite of the interests of France and Russia....

It is an operatic scene, of which the English are the shifters." What madness! As if Russia's craving for colonial wares and solvency were a device of the diabolical islanders.[249] As if his planetary simile were anything more than a claim that he was the centre of the universe and his will its guiding and controlling power.
Nevertheless, Russia held on her way.

In vain did Alexander explain to his ally the economic needs of his realm, protest his fidelity to the Continental System, and beg some consideration for the Duke of Oldenburg.