I do not know how I came to trouble my head so much about politics today, which has been so very free from them for some years:  I suppose it was because I knew that I was writing to the most consummate politician of this, and his age.  If I err, you will set me right; ’si quid novisti rectius istis, candidus imperti’, etc.

I am excessively impatient for your next letter, which I expect by the first post from Hanover, to remove my anxiety, as I hope it will, not only with regard to your health, but likewise to other things; in the meantime in the language of a pedant, but with the tenderness of a parent, ‘jubeo te bene valere’.

Lady Chesterfield makes you many compliments, and is much concerned at your indisposition.

LETTER CLXXV

To monsieur de Voltaire, now staying at Berlin.

London, August 27, O. S. 1752.

Sir:  As a most convincing proof how infinitely I am interested in everything which concerns Mr. Stanhope, who will have the honor of presenting you this letter, I take the liberty of introducing him to you.  He has read a great deal, he has seen a great deal; whether or not he has made a proper use of that knowledge, is what I do not know:  he is only twenty years of age.  He was at Berlin some years ago, and therefore he returns thither; for at present people are attracted toward the north by the same motives which but lately drew them to the south.

Permit me, Sir, to return you thanks for the pleasure and instruction I have received from your ‘History of Lewis XIV’.  I have as yet read it but four times, because I wish to forget it a little before I read it a fifth; but I find that impossible:  I shall therefore only wait till you give us the augmentation which you promised; let me entreat you not to defer it long.  I thought myself pretty conversant in the history of the reign of Lewis XIV., by means of those innumerable histories, memoirs, anecdotes, etc., which I had read relative to that period of time.  You have convinced me that I was mistaken, and had upon that subject very confused ideas in many respects, and very false ones in others.  Above all, I cannot but acknowledge the obligation we have to you, Sir, for the light which you have thrown upon the follies and outrages of the different sects; the weapons you employ against those madmen, or those impostors, are the only suitable ones; to make use of any others would be imitating them:  they must be attacked by ridicule, and, punished with contempt.  ‘A propos’ of those fanatics; I send you here inclosed a piece upon that subject, written by the late Dean Swift:  I believe you will not dislike it.  You will easily guess why it never was printed:  it is authentic, and I have the original in his own handwriting.  His Jupiter, at the Day of judgment, treats them much as you do, and as they deserve to be treated.