The author praises the King for his remarkable accomplishments and his profound support for both philosophical and literary works, even highlighting his protection of philosophers and writers who face persecution. He reflects on the unexpected and diverse interests of the King, noting his patronage of Deshoulieres’ works and his engagement with philosophical ideas. The author also laments the persecution of a philosopher, drawing a parallel with his own sufferings and the injustices faced by various notable individuals. He concludes by expressing gratitude for the King’s support and requesting its continuation until his final moments. Furthermoe, Wagnière endorsed ‘cette Lettre doit être de 1776’, but all editions have placed it in April 1777, except Koser-Droysen iii.404–406, who prefer May; as this is a reply to Frederick’s letter of 26 March (D20614), and as the king in turn answered it on 1 June, the above date is as near as we can get.

Voltaire calls Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand a big and kind child for not believing that Voltaire thought like she did. He reminds her that he is of a persecuted party which has nevertheless obtained the greatest advantage over his enemies: returning them to the ridiculous and odious. Voltaire asks if the Marquise has seen a letter sent from himself to King Stanislas of Poland thanking him for a book that he co-wrote with Brother Menou. He offers to send a copy if the Marquise does not have one, and promises to look for anything else that will amuse her. He stresses the importance of amusement and frivolity, noting that it is because we are frivolous that most people do not commit suicide. Voltaire concludes his letter by promising to send a copy of l’Empire de touttes les Russies, which he claims has a laughable preface that will console her for the boredom of the book.

Voltaire begins by asking Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand for a topic of conversation, saying that he likes to talk to her but does not have a subject on which to write. He states that he is neither devout nor ungodly, and that he is a lone farmer buried in a barbaric country, likening those in Paris to monkeys and those in Ferney as bears. He notes that he avoids both where possible, but that the teeth and claws of persecution have lengthened until his retirement and wish to poison his last days. Voltaire then claims that the King, who is not jealous of either his verse or prose, will not believe his persecutors and will not use his powers to expatriate a 65-year-old patient who has only done good in the country he lives in. He then turns to Jean-Philippe-René de La Bléterie whom he reports is a Janesnist seeking the protection of the Duc de Choiseul. He speaks of his dislike of La Bléterie because he insulted Voltaire in the notes of his translation of Tacitus. Voltaire questions why anyone seeking the favour of the Duc de Choiseul should insult him in passing. He concludes with a discussion of the ‘innocent and cheerful pieces’ that the Marquise spoke to him about, asking how he should send them to her, and musing on whether sending them to her would result in malicious jokes and slander.