than none.--The fit "History" of this man, which might be one of
the shining Epics of his Century, and the lucid summary and soul
of any HISTORY France then had, but which would require almost a
French demi-god to do it, is still a great way off, if on the road
at all! For present purposes, we select what follows from a well-
known hand:--

"YOUTH OF VOLTAIRE (1694-1725).--French Biographers have left the
Arouet Household very dark for us; meanwhile we can perceive, or
guess, that it was moderately well in economic respects;
that Francois was the second of the Two Sons; and that old Arouet,
a steady, practical and perhaps rather sharp-tempered old
gentleman, of official legal habits and position, 'Notary of the
Chatelet' and something else, had destined him for the Law
Profession; as was natural enough to a son of M. Arouet, who had
himself succeeded well in Law, and could there, best of all, open
roads for a clever second son. Francois accordingly sat 'in
chambers,' as we call it; and his fellow-clerks much loved him,--
the most amusing fellow in the world. Sat in chambers, even became
an advocate; but did not in the least take to advocateship;--took
to poetry, and other airy dangerous courses, speculative,
practical; causing family explosions and rebukes, which were
without effect on him. A young fool, bent on sportful pursuits
instead of serious; more and more shuddering at Law. To the
surprise and indignation of M. Arouet Senior. Law, with its wigs
and sheepskins, pointing towards high honors and deep flesh-pots,
had no charms for the young fool; he could not be made to
like Law.

"Whereupon arose explosions, as we hint; family explosions on the