Voltaire thanks Guazzesi for sending him a book [Guazzesi’s translation of Alzire, published together with Racine’s Iphigenie in 1762], adding that he is too ill to thank him in his own hand, the letter instead being written by his secretary. Voltaire goes on to say that Iphigenie was worthy of being translated by Guazzesi, but that the translator does others [Voltaire] too much honour. He then turns to Guazzesi’s poetry, remarking that his compositions are instructive and agreeable, before speaking of the ancient Romans, noting that they had an unrefined sense of humour. He adds that he can see the mountains that were crossed by Hannibal through his windows.

Price comments on and mocks the postal system before recommending that Beaumont read Charles James Fox’s speech on the Duke of Bedford. He goes on to quote lines from Voltaire on Greek philosophy and poetry, before returning to Fox’s speech.

The writer apologises for their delayed response, attributing it to prolonged illness. They express admiration for the recipient’s poem on agriculture, acknowledging its blend of usefulness and pleasure but critique the adoption of certain agricultural methods discussed in the poem. They also address misconceptions about their previous statements on French Georgics and defend the value of poetry, while praising both the recipient’s and Mr De St Lambert’s contributions to literature. The writer asserts that literature should celebrate different forms of excellence and concludes with deep respect.

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 addresses a recent claim made by an Englishman, Mr Muller, that he would bring the ears of the Grand Inquisitor to Rome. The Pope reportedly dismissed the claim, stating that the Grand Inquisitor is no longer in a position to have ears or eyes. The writer clarifies that he did not request such a gesture and uses this occasion to share a witty poem addressing the Grand Inquisitor, expressing his own reflections on age and fame. He concludes with sincere respects, acknowledging the limited impact of his letters due to his advanced age and poor health.

The writer acknowledges previous correspondence with the recipient and expresses regret that his responses have been limited by his health and vision. He recalls sending mediocre verses in 1762 in return for the recipient’s superior poetry. He requests information about Mr. Robinet, who has compiled some of his letters, and inquires about the status of a subscription to a work by Racine, which he hopes to see before his death. The letter concludes with the writer’s respectful and humble regards.

The verse is against Voltaire and discusses his age, anger, and fears. The author, said to be Dorat, concludes that they pity Voltaire. The verse was quoted in a letter from Marie Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand [née de Vichy] to Horace Walpole dated 15 December 1768.

The author of the billet asks rhetorically what can be said of the author of the Epitre d’Uranie. They note that he is aa poet, historian, critic, and on all subjects can showcase his genius.

The works noted largely pertain to Voltaire’s Siècle de Louis XIV and Siècle de Louis XV.

The majority of the letter is a copy of Voltaire’s Epitre. LXXXI A Monsieur le Cardinal Quirini which the author of the letter notes is written by an author that Longchamps has tender respects for.