Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife Josephine

I got your letter, my beloved; it has filled my heart with joy. I am grateful to you for
the trouble you have taken to send me news; your health should be better to-day — I am sure you are cured.
I urge your strongly to ride, which cannot fail to do your good.
Ever since I left you, I have been sad. I am only happy when by your side.
Ceaselessly I recall your kisses, your tears, your enchanting jealousy;
and the charms of the incomparable Josephine keep constantly alight a bright and burning flame in my heart and senses.

When, free from every worry, from all business, shall I spend all my moments by your side,
to have nothing to do but to love you, and to prove it to you? I shall send your horse.
I am hoping that you will soon be able to rejoin me.
I thought I loved you some days ago; but, since I saw you, I feel that I love you even a thousand times more.
Ever since I have known you, I worship you more every day; which proves
how false is the maxim of La Bruyère that “Love comes all at once.”
Everything in nature has a regular course, and different degrees of growth.

Ah! pray let me see some of your faults; be less beautiful, less gracious, less tender,
and, especially less kind; above all never be jealous, never weep; your tears madden me, fire my blood.
Be sure that it is no longer possible for me to have a thought except for you,
or an idea of which you shall not be the judge.

My one and only Josephine, apart from you there is no joy.
Away from you the world is a desert where I am alone and cannot open my heart.
You have taken more than my soul; you are the one thought of my life.
When I am tired of the worry of work, when I fear the outcome,
when men annoy me, when I am ready to curse being alive, I put my hand on my heart;
your portrait hangs there, I look at it, and love brings me perfect happiness.
Oh, my adorable wife! I don’t know what fate has in store for me, but if it keeps me apart from you any longer,
it will be unbearable! My courage is not enough for that.

Have a good rest. Come and join me, so that,
at least, before dying, we could say — “We were happy for so many days!!”
Millions of kisses, and even to Fortuné, in spite of his naughtiness.

Bonaparte