The Allied Powers having proclaimed that the Emperor Napoleon is the sole obstacle to the re-establishment of peace in Europe, he, faithful to his oath, declares that he is ready to descend from the throne, to quit France, and even to relinquish life, for the good of his country.

The bullet that will kill me is not yet cast.

Unite for the public safety, if you would remain an independent nation.

France is invaded; I am leaving to take command of my troops, and, with God's help and their valor, I hope soon to drive the enemy beyond the frontier.

'I said, yes, if you think I will avoid bloodshed by standing aside I will stand aside ... but I will never ever again come back.'

All my games were political games; I was, like Joan of Arc, perpetually being burned at the stake.

'My face and your faces shall not be masked; our hand shall hold neither sword nor sceptre, and our subjects shall love us in peace and shall not be in fear of…