This poem would later feature in a letter from Voltaire to Cideville (D2512) and was published in the 1745 edition of his works (Tome VI, in Stances à madame du Châtelet) published in Amsterdam by Etienne Ledet. An expanded version was printed in Tome V of the 1746 London edition.

Voltaire thanks the Pope for his kindness in gifting him his portrait. He adds that he would like the Pope to know that he is entirely devoted to his service and that he admires all of his eminent qualities. In thanks for the gift, Voltaire includes two lines of Latin verse in praise of Pope Benedict XIV: Lambertinus hic est Romae decus, et pater orbis / qui mundum scriptus docuit, virtutibus ornat. These would be repeated, with minor variation, in D3193.

The copy of the poem is found within a collection of miscellaneous items belonging to the Dashwood family of West Wycombe. Also included in the collection are notes on the family of George Ogilvy, 3rd Lord Banff, relating to clandestine marriages.

The MS was sent to Michel Lambert for the 1751 edition of the work.

The lines are part of the third Discours and represent ll.99-102.