Napoleon gave a farewell address to his Old Guard soldiers after being defeated by the Allies in 1814. He thanked the soldiers for 20 years of loyalty and service, accompanying him on campaigns of honor and glory. However, he said continuing the war would result in civil war and deeper misfortune for France, so he was sacrificing his own interests for the good of the country. The address celebrated the Old Guard's courage and fidelity while acknowledging the new political realities Napoleon faced.