The manuscript is a lettre en vers, opening with an eight-line poem and referring to Les Plaideurs by Jean Racine. The poem is likely attributed to an unnamed Greek author, identified at the close of the letter.

Throughout the text, Voltaire reflects on the literary accomplishments of Alexander the Great, highlighting his reputed skill in poetry and citing verses addressed to Thalestris. He also commends the Prussian monarch’s library at the newly built Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam.