The letter opens with nineteen lines of verse known as ‘Épître à Monsieur le Président Hénault’. The final seven words of the letter have been added in Voltaire’s hand.

The letter opens with nineteen lines of verse known as ‘Épître à Monsieur le Président Hénault’.

The letter features a poem on the death of Emanuel Falckner (1718-1739), the uncle of Bernoulli.

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.