Such was also the impression upon Maria Louisa's mind. All saw what ought to be done; but none dared to issue the requisite orders. Joseph proposed to the Empress that she should take the lead. The Empress referred to the council of regency, saying that the Emperor had appointed it as the guide of her actions; that it behoved its members to trace out the conduct she should pursue; and that on no account could she presume to oppose the Emperor's will. Joseph then Observed, that previously to quitting the capital it was proper at least to ascertain the numerical amount of the forces which threatened it; and he accordingly started at break of day to satisfy himself on the subject. The Empress was desirous to wait his return, as agreed upon between them, previously to adopting any determination. But the most alarming intelligence, the most contradictory reports succeeded each other at every moment. She yielded to the urgent entreaties of the minister of war, and at the hour Of eleven in the morning she stepped into her carriage.