what extent of pumping there was, learn from the following
Excerpts, which are all dated the morrow after his return:--


THREE LETTERS OF VOLTAIRE, DATED BRUSSELS, 10th SEPT. 1742.

1. TO CIDEVILLE (the Rouen Advocate, who has sometimes troubled
us). ... "I have been to see the King of Prussia since I began this
Letter [beginning of it dates September 1st]. I have courageously
resisted his fine proposals. He offers me a beautiful House in
Berlin, a pretty Estate; but I prefer my second-floor in Madame du
Chatelet's here. He assures me of his favor, of the perfect freedom
I should have;--and I am running to Paris [did not just yet run] to
my slavery and persecution. I could fancy myself a small Athenian,
refusing the bounties of the King of Persia. With this difference,
however, one had liberty [not slavery] at Athens; and I am sure
there were many Cidevilles there, instead of one,"--HELAS,
my Cideville!

2. TO MARQUIS D'ARGENSON (worthy official Gentleman, not War-
Minister now or afterwards; War-Minister's senior brother,--
Voltaire's old school-fellows, both these brothers, in the College
of Louis le Grand). ... "I have just been to see the King of
Prussia in these late days [in fact, quitted him only yesterday;
both of us, after a week together, leaving Aix yesterday]: I have
seen him as one seldom sees Kings,--much at my ease, in my own
room, in the chimney-nook, whither the same man who has gained two
Battles would come and talk familiarly, as Scipio did with Terence.
You will tell me, I am not Terence; true, but neither is he
altogether Scipio.