done unknowingly, in sending this Francois into the world, to
kindle such universal 'dry dung-heap of a rotten world,' and set
it blazing! Francois, his Father's synonym, came to be
representative of the family, after all; the elder Brother also
having died before long. Except certain confused niece-and-nephew
personages, progeny of the sisters, Francois has no more trouble
or solacement from the paternal household. Francois meanwhile is
his Father's synonym, and signs Arouet Junior, 'Francois Aroue
l. j. (LE JEUNE).'

"'All of us Princes, then, or Poets!' said he, one night at
supper, looking to right and left: the brightest fellow in the
world, well fit to be Phoebus Apollo of such circles; and great
things now ahead of him. Dissolute Regent d'Orleans, politest,
most debauched of men, and very witty, holds the helm; near him
Dubois the Devil's Cardinal, and so many bright spirits. All the
Luciferous Spiritualism there is in France is lifting anchor,
under these auspices, joyfully towards new latitudes and Isles of
the Blest. What may not Francois hope to become? 'Hmph!' answers
M. Arouet Senior, steadily, so long as he lives. Here are one or
two subsequent phases, epochs or turning-points, of the young
gentleman's career.

"PHASIS FIRST (1725-1728).--The accomplished Duc de Sulli (Year
1725, day not recorded), is giving in his hotel a dinner, such as
usual; and a bright witty company is assembled;--the brightest
young fellow in France sure to be there; and with his electric
coruscations illuminating everything, and keeping the table in a
roar. To the delight of most; not to that of a certain splenetic
ill-given Duc de Rohan; grandee of high rank, great haughtiness,