Amid the great events which were then being enacted, one—not the least in importance—awaited the Emperor of France in the capital of the Cisalpine Republic, now become the kingdom of Italy. The Italians decided to offer the crown to the conqueror of Arcola and Marengo, and in pursuance of that decision they dispatched a deputation to Paris. Accepting that offer, Napoleon and the Empress Josephine repaired to Milan, where they were crowned on the 26th of May, 1805, with unusual splendor. On this occasion, as at Paris, Napoleon himself placed the crown upon his own head; and, when taking it from the altar, he exclaimed aloud, “God gives it to me; beware who touches it!” On the 8th of June, Prince Eugene, the adopted son of Napoleon, was proclaimed Viceroy of Italy; and the French Emperor returned to his army, to make preparations for the memorable campaign of Austerlitz.