de
Richelieu, that he was sorry that he could not come and prostrate
himself at my feet."
"Ah," said the king, remembering the letter to the duc d'Aiguillon,
"he persists in his coquetries towards you: that is better than
being lampooned by him. But do not place too much confidence in
this gentleman of the chamber: he weighs every thing in two scales;
and I doubt much whether he will spare you when he evinces but
little consideration for me."
Certainly Richelieu had a good opportunity of undertaking the
defence of his illustrious friend. He did no such thing; and I
have always thought that Voltaire was the person whom the duke
detested more heartily than any other person in the world. He did,
in fact, dread him too much to esteem him as a real friend.
"M. d'Argental," said the king, "unites then at my court the double
function of minister of Parma and steward of Ferney.* Are these
two offices compatible?"
*The name of Voltaire's residence- TRANS
"Yes, sire," replied the duke, laughing, "since he has not
presented officially to your majesty the letters of his creation as
comte de Tournay."
The king began to laugh. This was the name of an estate which
Voltaire had, and which he sometimes assumed.
CHAPTER XVI
Unpublished letter of Voltaire to madame du Barry--Reply of the
countess--The marechale de Mirepoix--Her first interview with
madame du Barry--Anecdote of the diamonds of madame de Mirepoix--
The king pays for them--Singular gratitude of the marechale--The
portfolio, and an unpublished letter of the marquise de Pompadour
By the way in which the king continued to speak to me of M.
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