life; and I love to be happy, as much as anybody whatever. But
much as I desire these blessings, I will not purchase them by basenesses
and infamies. Philosophy enjoins us to do our duty; faithfully to serve
our Country, at the price of our blood, of our repose, and of every
sacrifice that can be required of us. The illustrious ZADIG went through
a good many adventures which were not to his taste, CANDIDE the like;
and nevertheless took their misfortune in patience. What finer example
to follow than that of those heroes?

"Take my word, our 'curt jackets,' as you call them [HABITS ECOURTES,
peculiar to the Prussian soldier at that time], are as good as your red
heels, as the Hungarian pelisses, and the green frocks of the Roxelans
[Russians]. We are actually on the heels of the latter [at least
poor Dohna is, and poor Dictator Wedell will be, not with the effect
anticipated!]--who by their stupidities give us fine chance. You will
see I shall get out of the scrape this Year too, and deliver myself
both from the Greens and the Dirty-Whites [Austrian color of coat].
My neighbor of the Sacred Hat,--I think, in spite of Holy Father's
benediction, the Holy Ghost must have inspired him the reverse way; he
seems to have a great deal of lead in his bottom.... F." [_OEuvres de
Frederic,_ xxiii. 53.]

VOLTAIRE IN ANSWER.

"THE DELICES," guessed to be some time in "August, 1759."

"In whatever state you are, it is very certain that you are a great
man. It is not to weary your Majesty that I now write; it is to confess
myself,--on condition you will give me absolution! I have betrayed you;
that is the fact"--(really guilty this time, and HAVE shown something of
your writing; as your Majesty, oh how unjustly, is often suspecting that
I do, and with mischievous intention, instead of good, ah, Sire!)--In
fact, I have received that fine "MARCUS-AURELIUS" Letter (Letter we have
just read); exquisite Piece, though with biting "JUVENAL" qualities in
it too; and have shown it, keeping back the biting parts, to a beautiful
gillflirt of the Court, MINAUDIERE (who seems to be a Mistress of
Choiseul's), who is here attending Tissot for her health: MINAUDIERE
charmed with it; insists on my sending to Choiseul, "He admires the King
of Prussia, as he does all nobleness and genius; send it!" And I did
so;--and look here, what an Answer from Choiseul (Answer lost): and
may it not have a fine effect, and perhaps bring Peace--Oh, forgive me,
Sire