The writer critiques the juxtaposition of sacred texts with trivial farces by a sovereign, which he views as a serious oversight. He laments the futility of punishing ecclesiastical figures like Ganganelli, wishing instead that the King would address broader issues of ecclesiastical absurdity. Despite his former high hopes, the writer acknowledges the King’s practical heroism and wisdom, while expressing a preference for classical over contemporary prejudices. He concludes by requesting the King’s indulgence towards his own old biases and reflecting on his desire to have lived and died in the King’s presence. MS1 first reading 7 or 4; Wagnière endorsed MS1 ‘au Roi de Prusse’, and a later hand added 1777 (not 1771, as stated by Koser-Droysen iii.178, who thought that the year was in Voltaire’s hand) to the date, and this was transcribed by MS2–3; Caussy, p. 31, altered the year to 1778.