Sgre, una delle piu grande Consolazionj che abbia ricevuto in un inferma vecchiezza che mj conduce al sepolcro p una strada assaj disastrosa, à stata La Lettura delle opere, che avete voluto gentilmente donarmj.
Letter signed from Voltaire to Lorenzo Guazzesi, written from Ferney and dated 1763.
Detailed Summary:
Voltaire writes that one of the greatest consolations he has received in his infirm old age is reading the works that Guazzesi wanted to send him. He adds that he is not well enough to thank him personally but, though weak, can feel the full force of his merit. Voltaire goes on to say that Racine’s Iphigénie was worthy of being translated by Guazzesi but that he has done too much honour to others, adding that Guazzesi’s observations are as beautiful, instructive, and learned as his poetry is graceful and loveable. Voltaire then discusses the mountains he can see from his windows, noting that he can’t determine which road Hannibal took through them and that he very much doubts that he cleared his way with vinegar. He concludes by once again praising Guazzesi’s way of writing, noting that it pleases him infinitely.
The pages feature additional horizontal and vertical fold lines, suggesting that the letter had been letterlocked before sending. The leaves have become separated along the central fold line but have been expertly repaired with tissue. There is a large area of damage to the outer edge of f.2. The letter was sealed with wax, and there are ink splats in the left-hand margin of f.1v.