The great error of Napoleon was egregious P.R. In a note to the third canto of his Pilgrimage, Byron records the emperor's laconic expression upon returning to Paris after the disasters of the winter campaign : "This is pleasanter than Moscow." It was a remark destined, in the poet's estimation, "to alienate more favor from his cause than the destruction and reverses which led to the remark." Be forever mild and gracious in aspect. Especially if you desire to crush the world underfoot.