The manuscript is an autograph letter featuring a 9-line poem in Latin. The introductory poem, praising Voltaire’s phenomenal literary talent, wishes Voltaire longevity and prolificacy. The body of the letter discusses Pezzana’s translation of L’Orfano della Cina (Parma [1762]), sent to Voltaire from Parma in 1762. The letter also mentions Pezzana’s recent edition of Ariosto’s Opere varie (Parigi 1776), produced in collaboration with Libraio Delalain.

Knebel sends Goethe a copy of de Staël’s Réflexions sur le suicide and notes that he has received from Duchess Luise a copy of M.H. Lichtenstein’s Travel in South Africa. He goes on to mention a variety of literary figures and pieces including: Voltaire, the Marquise Du Deffand, Ariosto’s Orlando furioso and the Pentateuch. He concludes by offering news of their friends.

The writer expresses deep admiration for the recipient’s poetic work, praising its elegance and flexibility, which surpasses the limitations of the French language compared to Italian. Despite the difficulties posed by the French language, the recipient’s poem achieves a level of grace and artistry reminiscent of Ariosto and Tasso. The writer regrets that their own work, constrained by the seriousness of its subject, cannot match this fluidity but appreciates being enhanced by the recipient’s superior craftsmanship. They express a hope to meet the recipient in their retreat, finding solace in their achievement of elevating a French poem into Italian verse.

The writer expresses profound gratitude and honour for the promise of receiving a complete and annotated edition of Ariosto’s works from the recipient. They acknowledge the significant contribution this will make to French literature, particularly in elucidating the lesser-known final canto of Ariosto’s epic, which even scholars in Florence are unfamiliar with. The writer conveys their deep appreciation and respect for the recipient’s efforts and contributions.