Voltaire begins by saying that he pays his compliments to the Ancient Greek poet Tirtée and says that he flatters himself that Tirtée’s heoric trumpet will ‘animate courage’. He notes that Lebrun has been deceived if he thinks that the annuity Voltaire ‘put on Mademoiselle Corneille’s head’ was for her father, adding that she has many talents and a very kind character. Voltaire continues, saying that he would have liked to see the name of Monsieur le Prince de Conti honouring the list of subscribers for the uncle and niece. He thanks Lebrun for his ode, noting that ‘the votes of the public and the barking of Freron will also contribute to your glory.’