Farewell to the Old Guard
Delivered on April 20, 1814, at the Cour des Adieux in Fontainebleau following his abdication, addressing the loyal soldiers of the Imperial Guard before going into exile on Elba.
Full Transcript
Soldiers of my Old Guard: I bid you farewell. For twenty years I have constantly accompanied you on the road to honor and glory.
In these latter times, as in the days of our prosperity, you have never ceased to be models of bravery and fidelity. With men such as you, our cause was not lost; but the war would have been interminable; it would have been civil war, and that would have entailed deeper misfortunes on France.
I have sacrificed all of my interests to those of the country. I go, but you, my friends, will continue to serve France.
Do not lament my fate; if I have consented to survive, it is to serve your glory. I intend to write the history of the great achievements we have performed together.
Farewell, my children! I would press you all to my heart; at least I will kiss your flag!
Defining Key Excerpts
"Soldiers of my Old Guard: I bid you farewell. For twenty years I have constantly accompanied you on the road to honor and glory."
"I cannot embrace you all, but I will embrace your general."
Bring this Speech to your Wall
Get this historic speech professionally typeset, printed on structured canvas, and delivered in a solid wood frame.