The devotion shown to the memory of Napoleon, by the spirited painter of the original picture from which this is copied, has been profitable to that talented artist. Few of his contemporaries have succeeded better than M. BellangÉ, in depicting subjects which illustrate the “Imperial Epoch.”

This picture is well conceived, free and natural. It is a scene which occurred repeatedly on the battle-field in Napoleon’s campaigns. “Vive l’Empereur,” let the wound be slight or mortal; “Vive l’Empereur!” was the wounded soldier’s cry, though scarcely able to see his Captain as he passed. With such devotion as this, what had not the ‘Grand Homme’ to hope for! These were not the soldiers to abandon him. Honor, rank, riches, were not able to corrupt them. And if they had not been so patriotic; if they had not been models of military discipline;—what would they not have undertaken for love of their General, for him who had led them to victory and glory. Poor fellows! humble laborers in the vast plain of a great architect, you assisted in raising the great monument; your task should not have been without recompense.