This "BIRIBI" Document, I suppose to have been delivered perhaps on
the 7th; and that Friedrich HAD it, but had not yet answered it,
when he wrote the following Letter:--

"POTSDAM, 8th SEPTEMBER, 1743 [Friedrich to Voltaire].--I dare not
speak to a son of Apollo about horses and carriages, relays and
such things; these are details with which the gods do not concern
themselves, and which we mortals take upon us. You will set out on
Monday afternoon, if you like the journey, for Baireuth, and you
will dine with me in passing, if you please [at Potsdam here].

"The rest of my MEMOIRE [Paper before given?] is so blurred and in
so bad a state, I cannot yet send it you.--I am getting Cantos 8
and 9 of LA PUCELLE copied; I at present have Cantos 1, 2, 4, 5, 8
and 9: I keep them under three keys, that the eye of mortal may not
see them.

"I hear you supped yesternight in good company [great gathering in
some high house, gone all asunder now];

"The finest wits of the Canton
All collected in your name,
People all who could not but be pleased with you,
All devout believers in Voltaire,
Unanimously took you
For the god of their Paradise.

"'Paradise,' that you may not be scandalized, is taken here in a
general sense for a place of pleasure and joy. See the 'remark' on