Voltaire begins by discussing the work of Alexis Clairaut in the context of Leibniz, Émilie du Châtelet, and Sir Isaac Newton. He concludes by mentioning his prior corresponsance with Clairaut [D8455]. The copyist states that the recipient of the letter is ‘Mr. de Varennes, Receveur des Tailles de Montargin’. Besterman, however, instead notes that the recipient is Philibert Charles Marie Varenne de Fénille.

The text was printed for the first time in Oeuvres de M. de Voltaire (Amsterdam, 1740). Vol.v, p.349-350. It is alternately titled ‘Stances à Madame du Châtelet’.

The manuscript is a lettre en vers featuring four poems. The author profusely apologises for his lack of aptitude in accomplishing such an aesthetic feat (i.e. creation of lettre en vers), reflects on the subpar poetry authored by mediocre poets, and mentions his s encounter with Madame du Chatelet in Paris. Additionally, according to Besterman, ‘ED1 proposes tentatively November/December 1738, but the reference to a meeting with mme Du Châtelet in Paris some time since is the only clue.’

Voltaire begins by saying that his greatest pain is to receive no news from Thiériot, adding that several of his friends are talking to the Chancellor and everyone serves him [Voltaire] except for Thiériot. Voltaire adds that he does not even know whether or not Thiériot sent a copy of the libel, which Voltaire claims is more against Thiériot than himself, to the prince.

Voltaire notes that he does not know why Mr. Marquis du Châtelet wanted to write to Thiériot (a reference to D1762) and Mr. de la Popliniere. He adds that such a letter was not necessary, but Monsieur and Madame du Châtelet are such lively and respectable friends, that they prefer to do too much than too little. He also makes reference to a letter from Madame de Berniere (D1759), noting that everyone did their duty. He argues that his friendship with Thiériot assures him that Thiériot’s letter will supersede all of the aforementioned correspondence, but concedes that it is 15 January and he is yet to hear from him.

Voltaire then provides Thiériot with the opening lines of a letter he received from Charles Porée on 4 January 1739 [D1741]. In these lines, Porée remarks that he would not forgive himself if he had been cowardly enough and treacherous enough to ever betray in public or in particular the feelings of respect, esteem and friendship that he has for Voltaire.

Voltaire ends the letter by saying that this is how friends behave, adding that he is sure Thiériot’s heart does not need an example and that he looks forward to hearing from him.

A list of the contents of a folder in Voltaire’s hand. Amongst the items listed are Marquis D’Argenson on the Battle of Fontenoy, a ‘card de fleuri’, ‘St florentin etc.’, letters from Monsieur de Mainevas and Émilie du Châtelet, correspondences from a trip to Prussia, and a letter from the Queen of Sweden.

Anne Antoinette Françoise de Champbonin writes that she takes great interest in the things that Prault wrote about her. She asks that he sends her a copy of Mr Salmon’s approval, and notes that she found in Voltaire a great desire to please Prault and a strong sense of friendship. She contradicts any claims that Voltaire is not a friend to Prault, and discusses the books that Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet had asked Tieriot to acquire. She ends by asking what Voltaire’s recent printed work is about.

The letter is interspersed with poetry. De Missy writes that after reading Voltaire’s last letter four times, he had begun to reply only to realise that Voltaire had left Brussels for three months without telling him where he could write to him. He goes on to discuss devotion and religion, which he notes Voltaire calls less human than nature, arguing that nature is intended to make us know, love, and imitate the humanity of God. He writes that he thought it was superstition that Voltaire contested, and that he was doing what the devotees do by stripping religion of superstition. De Missy goes on to say that he will make a confession of faith that would not scandalise Voltaire, but that may annoy him, and that perhaps there is more sin in annoying one’s neighbour than in scandalising them. He then discusses the books Voltaire had asked him for, saying he had found German editions of the books of Wotton and Pancirolle but not English ones as Voltaire had requested. He then asks for details about Voltaire’s new tragey (likely Mahomet) which he has been told is very beautiful. He asks if the play has been printed and, if so, where it can be found. De Missy then turns to his own health and that of Voltaire, entreating him to work without tiring himself.

Voltaire begins by saying that he read de Missy’s last letter with great pleasure, as did Émilie du Châtelet, about whom de Missy had composed a poem in the said letter (see D2539). Voltaire, in turn, composes a verse in honour of de Missy. He concludes by saying that he will spend two or three months in France before returning to Brussels where Émilie du Châtelet’s great trial will keep him for at least two years. He adds that he will put off until that time any further discussion of literature and an Enligh universal history. He begs de Missy to continue his friendship for Voltaire, adding that he was touchd by his last letter.

De Missy writes that although Voltaire’s last letter was long overdue and that he would have liked to have received it sooner, he does not accuse him of laziness. He then quotes from a poem. He adds that he almost accuses Voltaire of the opposite given his poor health. Again, he quotes from a poem. De Missy then questions whether one still studies after one’s death, concluding that at the very least one would not study for the benefit of one’s fellow citizens of the lower world, and that one could avoid the excesses of study which hasten death. He quotes again from a poem. De Missy then remarks that although he writes with the intention of slowing Voltaire’s ardor for study a litte, it is not up to him or to suppress his desire to devour the books Voltaire had asked him for. He then turns to Émilie du Châtelet and composes a poem in her honour. At the conclusion of the poem, he asks that if Voltaire finds it too frivolous to be presented to a lady then he should remove it. He concludes with a brief remark on the philosophy of Leibnitz.

Voltaire writes that César de Missy will no doubt accuse him of laziness, but he has been unwell and forced to take the water which has interrupted his business for some time. He writes that as a citizen of the world he takes great interest in the maxims of antimachiavellianism, but so few share his interest that he had abandonned his work entirely. He adds that he published it hoping to do some good, but only prduced money for booksellers. Voltaire sends his best to Monsieur de Nency and asks how he can get hold of nova reperta et antiqua deperdita printed recently in London with notes. He discusses his Lettres philosophiques and comments on their flaws, suggesting that they were turned upside down and truncated. He then notes that he lives in a barren country for literature as foreign newspapers are forbidden and only almanacs are printed there, remarking that the Univerdity of Louvain does not yet know of Sir Isaac Newton. He adds that Émilie du Châtelet is the only philosopher in Brabant, and that it is a pity that she prefers Leibnitz to Newton.