Voltaire writes that the comte de Tressan must think him an ungrateful and lazy person but suggests that he is neither and is rather a sick man whose mind is quick and whose flesh is very weak. He adds that he has been overwhelmed by a violent illness for a month and references a tragedy he was forced to perform for Madame la Dauphine who died the day he finished the play. Voltaire thanks the comte de Tressan for defending Montaigne from those who claimed he only commented on the ancients. Voltaire praises the comte de Tressan’s defence, claiming that he will cherish the copy that the comte had sent him. He ends by asking forgiveness for the delay in replying to him and offering his tender thanks. He adds that Madame du Châtelet sends her sincere compliments, remarking that she is satisfied with his defence of Montaigne and that that is saying a great deal.