Edward Bruce Hamley

“ The eight years succeeding the performance of "Œdipus," though no doubt very profitably employed by Voltaire, were the least productive of his literary life. In 1720 he produced another tragedy—"Artémise;" next year a third—"Mariamne;" and, in 1725, his first and best comedy—"L'Indiscret." But it is remarkable that while his tragedies kept the stage so long, and have been held in so high esteem as works of art, this pre-eminently witty man of the world and skilful writer did not succeed in comedy. ”

“ Believe, Uranie, that the everlasting wisdom of the Most High has graven in the depths of thy heart a natural religion. Know that before His throne, in all times, in all places, the heart of the just man is precious ”

“ The Almighty has no need of our officious care: if it is possible to offend Him, only unjust acts can do it. He will judge us by our virtues, and not by our sacrifices."
At Brussels, on this occasion, he met with a French poet, Jean Baptiste Rousseau, [1] with whom he had had some friendly correspondence; but their personal intercourse was not so happy, and produced a permanent hostility. Rousseau, in the pride of a poet's heart at meeting an appreciative listener, read to him a poem he had just finished, an "Ode to Posterity." Voltaire expressed a doubt "whether it would reach its address." ”