约瑟芬早年过得十分动荡，她嫁的丈夫博阿尔内子爵是个花花公子，一事无成只会花天酒地，后来在法国大革命中被推上了断头台。约瑟芬受他的牵连下狱和死囚关在一起，本来也是要送命的，却因为美貌而得到赦免。同年，拿破仑结识约瑟芬，1796两人结为夫妻。拿破仑对约瑟芬的感情热烈而真挚，从情书中可见一斑。
I have your letter, my adorable love. It has filled my heart with joy since I left you I have been sad all the time. My only happiness is near you. I go over endlessly in my thought of your kisses, your tears, your delicious jealousy. The charm of my wonderful Josephine kindles a living, blazing fire in-my heart and senses.
我收到了你的信，我祟拜的心上人。你的信使我充满了欢乐……自从与你分手以后，我一直闷闷不乐，愁眉不展。我唯一的幸福就是伴随着你。你的吻给了我无限的思索和回味，还有你的泪水和甜蜜的嫉妒。我迷人的约瑟芬的魅力像一团炽热的火在心里燃烧。
When shall I be able to pass every minute
