The odious distinction of castes was at an end.

Political liberty existed, perhaps, no longer; but civil liberty--the equality of all Frenchmen in the eye of the law--was, or seemed to be, established.

All men henceforth must contribute to the state in the proportion of their means: all men appeal to the same tribunals; and no man, however meanly born, had it to say, that there was one post of power or dignity in France to which talent and labour never could elevate him.

Shortly after Napoleon took possession of the Tuileries, _Murat_, who had long been the lover of his sister Caroline, demanded her hand in marriage.

The gallantry and military talents of this handsome officer had already raised him to a distinguished rank in the army, and Josephine warmly espoused his interests: but Buonaparte was with difficulty persuaded to give his consent to the match.