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Frederick writes that he is angry that the story of the Tsar and his bad verses took so long to arrive. He notes that the good parts of his verse are merely imitations of Voltaire and confesses that the Parallèle de ma vie et de la cour cost him little, adding that Voltaire gives it more praise than it deserves. Frederick claims that it is more akin to a report of his occupations than a poetic piece, decorated with images that suit it and that he thought about not sending it to Voltaire because of its neglected style. He adds that he eagerly awaits the verses that Émilie du Châtelet is composing before turning to the subjects of gratitude that Voltaire has given him and the many things he has to say about Le Mondain, l’Ode à Émilie, and Mérope, composing his thoughts in 41 lines of verse. He then writes that Voltaire seems satisfied with the ‘mémoires’ of Tsar Peter I that Frederick had sent to him, and Frederick notes that he is happy to have been of use to Voltaire, stating that he will provide Voltaire with information about the Tsarina and the like of the ‘czarowitz’ and warning Voltaire that he will not be happy with how the prince ended his days at the hands of his ferocious and cruel father. Frederick writes that history is partly the archive of the wickedness of men, but that this could be an antidote as most wish to avoid the reputation garnered by such evil individuals.
Frederick writes that he is angry that the story of the Tsar and his bad verses took so long to arrive. He notes that the good parts of his verse are merely imitations of Voltaire and confesses that the Parallèle de ma vie et de la cour cost him little, adding that Voltaire gives it more praise than it deserves. Frederick claims that it is more akin to a report of his occupations than a poetic piece, decorated with images that suit it and that he thought about not sending it to Voltaire because of its neglected style. He adds that he eagerly awaits the verses that Émilie du Châtelet is composing before turning to the subjects of gratitude that Voltaire has given him and the many things he has to say about Le Mondain, l’Ode à Émilie, and Mérope, composing his thoughts in 41 lines of verse. He then writes that Voltaire seems satisfied with the ‘mémoires’ of Tsar Peter I that Frederick had sent to him, and Frederick notes that he is happy to have been of use to Voltaire, stating that he will provide Voltaire with information about the Tsarina and the like of the ‘czarowitz’ and warning Voltaire that he will not be happy with how the prince ended his days at the hands of his ferocious and cruel father. Frederick writes that history is partly the archive of the wickedness of men, but that this could be an antidote as most wish to avoid the reputation garnered by such evil individuals.
Frederick begins by saying that he would like Voltaire’s wandering star to settle because he no longer knows where to find him, adding that he would use all the secrets of astronomy to stop its course, and even draw upon astrology, take up the grimoire, or make invocations to all the gods and devils so that Voltaire could settle close to him. Frederick then compares Voltaire to Ulise, and says that Voltaire is being drawn back to the beautiful Émilie du Châtelet. He then discusses Machiavelli, stating that young people are too old-fashioned in their minds to know everything that has been written about Machiavelli. Frederick then turns to the Henriade, saying that he has not yet had a reply from England but that Voltaire should be assured that this is a resolved matter and that it will be engraved. He adds that he hopes to send further news upon his return from Prussia around 15th August. Frederick states that he does not wish to be an idle prince, and goes on to praise Voltaire’s writing, saying that his writings against Machiavelli have provided him with a lightning bolt with which he can strike down Cesare Borgia. Frederick concludes the letter with a section of verse.
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