On this day in 1814 Napoleon Bonaparte emperor of France and one of the greatest military leaders in history, abdicates the throne, and, in the Treaty of Fontainebleau, is banished to the Mediterranean island of Elba. The link goes to "This Day In History" for the events of this day, and the title is one of my favorite palindromes.
To top it all off, this day gives me an excuse to play one of my favorite Mark Knopfler songs: Done With Bonaparte which I used a while back for a "Take This Tune" theme.
I haven't done a "Take This Tune" since moving it over to my main blog. The rules are simple and are on the right. Just sign in below to let everyone know if you have had an idea sparked by the lyrics to the above song by Mark Knopfler which is both a history lesson and the suffering of all soldiers asked to serve for their country. May all the men and women currently fighting around the world, come home safe to their families.
DONE WITH BONAPARTE
Mark Knopfler
We've paid in hell since Moscow burned
As Cossacks tear us piece by piece
Our dead are strewn a hundred leagues
Though death would be a sweet release
And our grande arm?e is dressed in rags
A frozen starving beggar band
Like rats we steal each other's scraps
Fall to fighting hand to hand
Save my soul from evil, Lord
And heal this soldier's heart
I'll trust in thee to keep me, Lord
I'm done with Bonaparte
What dreams he made for us to dream
Spanish skies, Egyptian sands
The world was ours, we marched upon
Our little Corporal's command
And I lost an eye at Austerlitz
The sabre slash yet gives me pain
My one true love awaits me still
The flower of the aquitaine
Save my soul from evil, Lord
And heal this soldier's heart
I'll trust in thee to keep me, Lord
I'm done with Bonaparte
I pray for her who prays for me
A safe return to my belle France
We prayed these wars would end all wars
In war we know is no romance
And I pray our child will never see
A little Corporal again
Point toward a foreign shore
Captivate the hearts of men
Save my soul from evil, Lord
And heal this soldier's heart
I'll trust in thee to keep me, Lord
I'm done with Bonaparte
