Marshal Murat, dressed in splendid attire, was easily recognised by Prussian artillery, who began firing upon him.
Napoleon, in close proximity, was advised:
‘They are firing at you, sire.’
‘Nay,’ replied Napoleon, ‘they are trying to wing Murat, my bird of paradise!’
‘Without me, he was nothing. With me, he was my right arm.
Order Murat to attack and destroy five thousand men in such a direction, it was done in a moment.
But leave him to himself, he was an imbecile without judgement.’
- Napoleon on Murat