In the midst of the pomp and splendour of a court, in whose antechambers kings jostled each other, Napoleon himself preserved the soldier-like simplicity of his original dress and manners.

The great Emperor continued throughout to labour more diligently than any subaltern in office.

He devoted himself wholly to the ambition to which he compelled all others to contribute.
Napoleon, as Emperor, had little time for social pleasures.

His personal friends were few; his days were given to labour, and his nights to study.

If he was not with his army in the field, he traversed the provinces, examining with his own eyes into the minutest details of local arrangement; and even from the centre of his camp he was continually issuing edicts which showed the accuracy of his observation during these journeys, and his anxiety to promote by any means, consistent with his great purpose, the welfare of some French district, town, or even village.
The manners of the Court were at least decent.