Francesco Melzi d’Eril’s Description of Napoleon:
“Bonaparte’s physiognomy seems to me to express irritability, penetration and reflection. His conversation is choppy and jumpy, like that of someone who wants to discover by covering himself; but sometimes he betrays himself by inopportune outbursts. There’s something fine in his smile; in company, he shows pride, and you can sometimes see his features take on a bilious hue. He abstracts easily into himself, but whenever he comes across interesting ideas, we see him quickly take on an air of seriousness, or exalt himself to a state of irritation from which he gradually recovers. With his interlocutors, humility of tone seems to inspire only contempt; a firm tone, on the contrary, makes him attentive and favorable. Perhaps it’s the effect of circumstance, but it’s certain that he lets a great deal of distrust show in his every word.”
Source: Albert Pingaud, Les hommes d'état de la république italienne, 1802-1805
