When he heard these words and saw the expression of firm resolution in the Emperor’s eyes, Michaud⁠— quoique étranger, russe de coeur et d’âme, ⁠—at that solemn moment felt himself enraptured by all that he had heard (as he used afterwards to say), and gave expression to his own feelings and those of the Russian people whose representative he considered himself to be, in the following words:

“Sire!” said he, “Your Majesty is at this moment signing the glory of the nation and the salvation of Europe!”

With an inclination of the head the Emperor dismissed him.