The manuscript is of verses in French and English. For details of the book, see PQ 2077 B7 1731d.

Voltaire writes that Prault’s plan to publish a collection of his ‘weak works’ redoubles his determination to correct them, adding that he has retouched the Henriade and will also rework his other tragedies. He asks that Prault sends him three copies of Brutus, three of Oedipus, and the corrected copy of Oedipus that Prault must have as he intends to send them to the actors. Voltaire then writes that he would like all copies of the prodigal son printed by Prault to be burned as he wants to correct them. He notes that he owes Prault money, and discusses financial investments. Voltaire ends by telling Prault that he should answer or else Voltaire would disown him.