Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord

[ Of Napoleon’s costly victory at the Battle of Borodino, 1812 :] C’est le commencement de la fin . This is the beginning of the end.

[ Response to the tsar of Russia’s criticism of those who “betrayed the cause of Europe” :] That, Sire, is a question of dates.

You can do anything with bayonets except sit on them.

A married man with a family will do anything for money.

One ought not to be obstinate, except when one ought to be; but when one ought to be, then one ought to be unshakable.

Love is a reality which is born in the fairy region of romance.

That, Sire, is a question of dates.

often quoted as, ‘treason is a matter of dates’; replying to the Tsar’s criticism of those who ‘betrayed the cause of Europe’

Ils n’ont rien appris, ni rien oublié.

They have learnt nothing, and forgotten nothing.

Surtout, Messieurs, point de zèle.

Above all, gentlemen, not the slightest zeal.

This is the beginning of the end.

on the announcement of Napo l eon ’s Pyrrhic victory at Borodino, 1812

Black as the devil, Hot as hell, Pure as an angel, Sweet as love. 1

Recipe for coffee

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord

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