"As to the scraps you ask for, I have not at this moment
any suitable. Only the best viands are served up at the
table of the goddesses. If I had any I would present them
to the person of whom you speak to me. Assure her, that
one day the greatest merit of my verse will be to have them
recited by her lips; and entreat her, until she bestows
immortality on me, to permit me to prostrate myself at
her beautiful feet.
"I will not conclude my letter, monsieur le duc,
without thanking you a thousand times for the advice
you have given me. This proof of your kindness will,
if possible augment the sincere attachment I bear to
you. I salute you with profound respect."
As it is bold to hold the pen after having transcribed anything
of M. de Voltaire's, I leave off here for to-day.
CHAPTER X
When is the presentation to take place?--Conversation on this
subject with the king--M. de Maupeou and M. de la Vauguyon--
Conversation on the same subject with the king and the duc de
Richelieu--M. de la Vrilliere--M. Bertin---Louis XV and the
comtesse--The king's promise--The fire-works, an anecdote--The
marquise de Castellane--M. de Maupeou at the duc de Choiseul's--
The duchesse de Grammont
In spite of the love of the duchesse de Grammont, the king of
Denmark departed at last. Louis XV having resumed his former
habits, I began to meditate seriously on my presentation; and my
friends employed themselves to the utmost in furthering my desires
and insuring my triumph.
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