CHAPTER XV

NAPLES UNDER MURAT

Beauty of Naples—Figures of its history—St. Januarius—Murat, King of Naples—Achievements as King—The Carbonari—England’s promises—Napoleonic diplomacy—Rise of the Bourbons—Alliance with Austria—Murat’s indecision—Distrust of the Allies—Murat’s statesmanship—Talleyrand’s diplomacy—Naples the gay—Conspiracy in the palace—The escape from Elba—Ideal government—War against Murat—Advance of the Austrians—Murat driven to Naples—Interview with his wife—Last instructions to his ministers—Escape pp. 276-312